Benny Safdie Swings and Misses in ‘The Smashing Machine’

Benny Safdie Swings and Misses in ‘The Smashing Machine’

By Alex McPherson Plenty of punches are thrown but few connect in Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut “The Smashing Machine,” an awards-hungry drama that sacrifices... Details
June Squibb And Erin Kellyman Excel In Scarlett Johansson’s Shaky Feature Debut ‘Eleanor the Great’

June Squibb And Erin Kellyman Excel In Scarlett Johansson’s Shaky Feature Debut ‘Eleanor the Great’

By Alex McPherson Even a top form June Squibb can’t quite save director Scarlett Johansson’s “Eleanor the Great,” a dramedy that can’t reconcile its disparate... Details
Sports Horror Film ‘Him’ Is a Half-Hearted Tackle

Sports Horror Film ‘Him’ Is a Half-Hearted Tackle

By Alex McPherson Alternately goofy and self-serious, director Justin Tipping’s “HIM” fumbles intriguing ideas and crash lands into a barren field of mediocrity. Executive produced... Details
Critics Choice Announces Honorees for Latino Cinema & Television Celebration on Oct. 24

Critics Choice Announces Honorees for Latino Cinema & Television Celebration on Oct. 24

The Critics Choice Association has announced the full slate of honorees for the 5th annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television, taking place on Oct, 24,  in Beverly... Details
Tea, Tears and Tiaras – ‘Downton Abbey’ Says Farewell With a Luxe Grand Final Bow

Tea, Tears and Tiaras – ‘Downton Abbey’ Says Farewell With a Luxe Grand Final Bow

By Lynn VenhausA bittersweet wrap-up of the classy historical drama, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is a fitting final bow for its legion of fans.... Details
PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Sept. 1 – 7

PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Sept. 1 – 7

Dateline: Sept. 1By Lynn Venhaus, Alex McPherson, C.B. Adams and Carl “The Intern” Middleman Are we ready to cross into the spooky season? And no,... Details
Darren Aronofsky Takes a Detour in Hyperviolent ‘Caught Stealing’

Darren Aronofsky Takes a Detour in Hyperviolent ‘Caught Stealing’

By Alex McPherson As it descends further into chaos, director Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller “Caught Stealing” becomes increasingly muddled; it’s a grimy, mean-spirited film that’s... Details
Austin Butler Drives Dark Comedy Action Thriller ‘Caught Stealing’

Austin Butler Drives Dark Comedy Action Thriller ‘Caught Stealing’

By Lynn Venhaus Two lethal Hasidic Jews, two Russian mobster goons, a Latino gangster and a tough-talking cop walk into a grungy East Village bar... Details
PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Aug. 25 – 31

PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Aug. 25 – 31

Dateline: Aug. 25By Lynn Venhaus, Alex McPherson, C.B. Adams and Carl “The Intern” Middleman Round 2 of our new newsletter endeavor -- our curated weekly... Details
Samara Weaving Only Bright Spot in Action Thrill Ride ‘Eenie Meanie’

Samara Weaving Only Bright Spot in Action Thrill Ride ‘Eenie Meanie’

By Lynn Venhaus “Eenie Meanie” is the latest Quentin Tarantino-Guy Ritchie wannabe that is derivative of “Baby Driver,” “Drive,” “Fast and Furious” franchise and other... Details