‘Fjord’ is a Darkly Comic, Quietly Unhinged Drama

‘Fjord’ is a Darkly Comic, Quietly Unhinged Drama

By Alex McPherson Laced with cynicism about the human condition, director Cristian Mungui’s Palme d’Or-winning “Fjord” is less a provocative conversation-starter than a slow-motion trainwreck... Details
Aaron Sorkin’s Spiritual Sequel ‘The Social Reckoning’ Misses the Point

Aaron Sorkin’s Spiritual Sequel ‘The Social Reckoning’ Misses the Point

By Alex McPherson Less a riveting call to action against Big Tech companies than a glib, self-congratulatory dramatization of forces dragging us into an apocalypse,... Details
Dull, Slow, Dreary, and Drippy ‘Verity’ Is Unconvincing Absurd Thriller

Dull, Slow, Dreary, and Drippy ‘Verity’ Is Unconvincing Absurd Thriller

By Lynn Venhaus Beware the unreliable narrator(s). Not giving any spoilers away, but “Verity” is turgid trash, and toys with truth, trust and too many... Details
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