Brad Pitt’s Brutal Buddy Survival Tale ‘Heart of the Beast’ Melts Hearts

Brad Pitt’s Brutal Buddy Survival Tale ‘Heart of the Beast’ Melts Hearts

By Lynn Venhaus A heart-tugging unbreakable bond between a man and his best friend, a German Shepherd, gives “Heart of the Beast” its sincere emotional... Details
Ethan Hawke Steadies Old-Fashioned Action Adventure ‘The Weight’

Ethan Hawke Steadies Old-Fashioned Action Adventure ‘The Weight’

By Alex McPherson Bringing to mind a range of influences including “The Wages of Fear,” but never fully capitalizing on the intensity of its premise,... Details
‘Chronovisor’ Is A Stunning, Genre-Bending Occult Sci-Fi Mystery

‘Chronovisor’ Is A Stunning, Genre-Bending Occult Sci-Fi Mystery

By Alex McPherson A quietly bananas experience dripping in studious authenticity and a passion for research, directors Kevin Walker and Jack Auen’s “Chronovisor” provides a... Details
Ethan Hawke Anchors Grueling Crime-Action Drama ‘The Weight’

Ethan Hawke Anchors Grueling Crime-Action Drama ‘The Weight’

By Lynn Venhaus A grueling and gritty crime-action drama set during the 1930s, “The Weight” benefits from a superb Ethan Hawke performance – both physically... Details
Mayhem Reigns in Self-Aware, Hyperviolent Zombie Film ‘Colony’

Mayhem Reigns in Self-Aware, Hyperviolent Zombie Film ‘Colony’

By Alex McPherson A zombie actioner that makes up for its narrative weaknesses with bone-contorting gusto and ruthless sensibilities, director Yeon Sang-ho’s “Colony” hits the... Details
Daffy Satire ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is a Bright Looney Triumph and Treat

Daffy Satire ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is a Bright Looney Triumph and Treat

By Lynn VenhausLetting our inner child out for an adult Looney Tunes excursion is a splendid way to cap off summer. When it’s as clever... Details
Bourdain’s Transformative Summer of ’75 Is Tasty Fare in ‘Tony’

Bourdain’s Transformative Summer of ’75 Is Tasty Fare in ‘Tony’

By Lynn Venhaus Ah, one magical summer when you’re in college and trying to figure out your place in the world. “Tony” takes that relatable premise,... Details
‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

By Alex McPhersonDirector Jane Schoenbrun’s surrealist meta–slasher-satire-character-study “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” is ambitious and wholly unique, even if occasionally muddled by the... Details
Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

By Alex McPherson Director Matt Johnson’s “Tony” is an excellently acted mini-biopic that goes beyond  familiar plot beats to paint a textured portrait of a... Details
The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

By Lynn VenhausIn “The Rivals of Amziah King,” bluegrass, beekeeping and backwoods buddies keep this folksy fable brimming with surprises – with its twisty story,... Details