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
Celebration of Black Cinema to Honor Chadwick Boseman

Celebration of Black Cinema to Honor Chadwick Boseman

 The Critics Choice Association has announced the additional honorees and presenters that will join, virtually, the third annual Celebration of Black Cinema on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.  The ceremony will be hosted... Details
Actors Triumph in Memorable ‘One Night in Miami’

Actors Triumph in Memorable ‘One Night in Miami’

By Lynn VenhausA play-based drama imagines conversations between four black icons during a crucial time in the civil rights fight. Playwright Kemp Powers adapted his... 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
Cinema St. Louis Presents Award Winners in Best of Fest Jan. 22- 31

Cinema St. Louis Presents Award Winners in Best of Fest Jan. 22- 31

The 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) wrapped on Nov. 22, 2020, but Cinema St. Louis is providing cinephiles another opportunity to... Details
Vanessa Kirby Triumphs in Crushing ‘Pieces of a Woman’

Vanessa Kirby Triumphs in Crushing ‘Pieces of a Woman’

By Lynn VenhausA deeply personal story of loss, “Pieces of a Woman” is a young mother’s tough year-long journey of grief. It’s a hard watch,... Details
Powerful ‘Promising Young Woman’ Is Tale for Our Time

Powerful ‘Promising Young Woman’ Is Tale for Our Time

By Lynn VenhausBold and bravura filmmaking, writer-director Emerald Fennell has crafted a  powerful in-your-face rant on toxic masculinity in the #MeToo era. With a wicked... Details
Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Has Whimsy and Warmth

Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Has Whimsy and Warmth

By Lynn VenhausOh, so clever and profound, “Soul” tackles life’s Big Questions with whimsy and warmth. An inspiring ode to mentors and finding our ‘spark,’... Details
Bleak ‘The Midnight Sky’ Never Warms Up

Bleak ‘The Midnight Sky’ Never Warms Up

By Lynn Venhaus Regret and redemption are threads running through this bleak post-apocalyptic tale that wants to have both a human touch and a big... 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