Small Axe’s ‘Lovers Rock’ an Atmospheric Triumph

Small Axe’s ‘Lovers Rock’ an Atmospheric Triumph

By Alex McPhersonDirector Steve McQueen’s “Lovers Rock,” the second installment of “Small Axe,” is a masterful work of art that enriches both the mind and... Details
Small Axe’s ‘Mangrove’ Is Stirring Call to Action

Small Axe’s ‘Mangrove’ Is Stirring Call to Action

By Alex McPherson “Mangrove,” the first installment of director Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology series, is harrowing, inspirational, and relevant to our modern social climate.... Details
Alex McPherson – Top Ten Films of 2020

Alex McPherson – Top Ten Films of 2020

By Alex McPherson2020 was a good year for movies, despite everything! Here are my top 10 films of the year, with 11 honorable mentions. There’s... Details
‘Driveways’ is a Wise, Beautiful Film

‘Driveways’ is a Wise, Beautiful Film

By Alex McPhersonLike a Christmas miracle, director Andrew Ahn’s new film, “Driveways,” restored my faith in humanity. Cody (Lucas Jaye) is a sensitive boy struggling... Details
‘Beasts Clawing at Straws’ Wild Tale with a Few Noticeable Scratches

‘Beasts Clawing at Straws’ Wild Tale with a Few Noticeable Scratches

By Alex McPhersonWriter-director Yong-hoon Kim’s crime thriller, “Beasts Clawing at Straws,” features memorable characters, an outrageous plot, and a fair amount of blood. A twisty... Details
’18 to Party’ Has Appealing Characters But Fumbles with Their Stories

’18 to Party’ Has Appealing Characters But Fumbles with Their Stories

By Alex McPhersonJeff Roda’s directorial debut, “18 to Party,” is a competent coming-of-age drama that needs more time to mature. The year is 1984 in... Details
‘Red Penguins’: Skating on Thin, Life-Threatening Ice in Russia

‘Red Penguins’: Skating on Thin, Life-Threatening Ice in Russia

By Alex McPherson Director Gabe Polsky’s new documentary, “Red Penguins,” is a memorable tale of cross-cultural friendship, misunderstanding, greed, betrayal, societal unrest, and good, old-fashioned... Details
‘Light Years’ Silly, Sentimental Romp on Drugs, Love and Friendship

‘Light Years’ Silly, Sentimental Romp on Drugs, Love and Friendship

By Alex McPhersonColin Thompson’s coming-of-age tale, "Light Years," is an enjoyable romp down memory lane that can’t quite reach the emotional heights it aspires to.... Details