Oddly enough, as much as this show twists history, I think you will appreciate it even more if you do know the details of the events that are being twisted.
Chris Rock's TOP FIVE
What propels the movie way beyond what might have been just another exploitation of over-privileged middle-aged angst is the movie’s tight focus on the relationship between Rock’s character and a sharp and attractive newspaper interview played by Rosario Dawson.
Angelina Jolie's UNBROKEN
What propels the story along are the twin realities that (a) this story is true and (b) Japanese prison camp conditions really were this horrific. Jolie’s almost documentary approach lets these things speak for themselves. You can’t help but be moved by the results. I certainly was.
Steven Soderbergh's SIDE EFFECTS
This tasty little thriller really packs a punch with frequent and unexpected twists and turns along the way. Jude Law and Rooney Mara star in an expertly crafted cat and mouse game that pits … well, explaining the story too much would spoil things.
Subhash Ghai's "KAANCHI"
Every now and then I find it enjoyable to see things done in bright colors and with well-drawn characters or personalities with motivations (good or bad) that are unmistakable.
Jaman Winan’s INK
Seeing INK reminded me of my guardian angel days as it explores the conflict between good and evil and the shadowy netherworld of dreams, nightmares, and overlapping timelines.
Ryan Coogler's CREED
CREED is easily one of the most enjoyable movies I’ve seen this year.
Matthew Vaughan’s KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
Check it out and prepare to crank up the sound; the bigger the screen the better. Be prepared to be amazed.
Kevin Costner's OPEN RANGE
This is a magnificent movie. It looks great, the acting is terrific, and it presents us with a classic confrontation between good and evil that culminates in a spectacular small—town all-guns-blazing gunfight.
Ron Howard's THE MISSING
If you need a “western” fix (as I do occasionally) this one might do the trick.
Ridley Scott's "THE MARTIAN"
All in all The Martian is enjoyable film that promotes science and exploration but on a human and recognizable scale in a way that any audience can enjoy.
Now Showing: My Personal Favorites from This Year’s Alexandria Film Festival
I was fortunate this year to serve on the Alexandria Film Festival’s volunteer Program Committee chaired by Irwin Singer.
Steven Spielberg's BRIDGE OF SPIES
What Spielberg seems to be saying is that we must not let the very real fears and dangers of the time make us forget who we are and the freedoms we hold dear.
Brad Bird’s TOMORROWLAND
The ending is convoluted and prolonged — does the world really need another giant robot fight? — but Tomorrowland is different and definitely worth reviewing, if only for the amazing sets, visuals, and ideas.
Duvall’s performance in this movie is a pleasure to watch. I can’t say it is a revelation since he has been so good for so long and we have come to expect excellence from him. Somehow he is able to embody a sense of reality, orneriness, and pathos. This is a character who, in lesser hands, would have strayed into overacting.
Isabel Coixet's LEARNING TO DRIVE
Every now and then it is nice to see an adult film about relationships and interesting characters. Learning to Drive scratches that itch.
Kim Farrant's STRANGERLAND
Not since Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout has landscape played such an important role in a film.
David Fincher's GONE GIRL
Let’s also say that what this movie reminded me of was a blended mix of both seasons of True Detective to which is a affixed a fragile but showy veneer of bitter middle-class angst and marital subterfuge, plus a lot of dark humor.
Josh Feldman's “SENN”
Senn transcends its low-budget roots and tackles a mainstream sci-fi premise with elegance, intelligence, original special effects and music, and excellent production values that include extensive alien signage and lettering.
Tomm Moore's SONG OF THE SEA
This charming, lyrical, and exceptional animated film is a reminder of the power of folklore and myth and how the visual arts and music can be combined to tell a powerful and emotional story.