‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Features Next Level Animation, Familiar Storytelling

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Features Next Level Animation, Familiar Storytelling

By Lynn VenhausWith all its sophisticated and dazzling, detailed animation, “Raya and the Last Dragon” demonstrates what computer-generated graphic images can accomplish. The next-level panoramas... Details
‘Coming 2 America’ Is A Passable Reunion

‘Coming 2 America’ Is A Passable Reunion

By Alex McPherson “Coming 2 America” is an enjoyable sequel that fails to match the charm and creativity of the 1988 original.  In the fictional... Details
Andra Day Outshines ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’

Andra Day Outshines ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’

By Lynn Venhaus When the Academy Award nominations are announced on March 15, I will wager that Andra Day will be among the five names... Details
Compelling Performances Mark the Justice-Gone-Haywire Drama ‘The Mauritanian’

Compelling Performances Mark the Justice-Gone-Haywire Drama ‘The Mauritanian’

By Lynn VenhausWhat happened to Mohamedou Ould Slahi at Gitmo is a stunning example of how things went wrong in the aftermath of 9-11, and... Details
Russo Brothers, Tom Holland Switch Gears for Ambitious Misfire ‘Cherry’

Russo Brothers, Tom Holland Switch Gears for Ambitious Misfire ‘Cherry’

By Lynn Venhaus All grown up now, Tom Holland, the current movie action hero Spider-Man, tackles the troubled title character in “Cherry.” It is a... Details
‘I Care a Lot’ Is Worth Caring About

‘I Care a Lot’ Is Worth Caring About

By Alex McPherson Featuring an incredible lead performance from Rosamund Pike, “I Care A Lot” is a darkly comedic roller coaster ride from start to... Details
Despite Flaws, ‘Crisis’ Is an Informative Multi-Faceted Look at America’s Drug Problem

Despite Flaws, ‘Crisis’ Is an Informative Multi-Faceted Look at America’s Drug Problem

By Alex McPhersonWriter-director Nicholas Jarecki’s third feature directorial effort, “Crisis,” provides an ambitious and gritty look at America’s opioid epidemic. Jarecki’s film centers around three... Details
Studio Ghibli’s ‘Earwig and the Witch’ Casts a Generic Spell

Studio Ghibli’s ‘Earwig and the Witch’ Casts a Generic Spell

By Alex McPherson Studio Ghibli’s latest project, “Earwig and the Witch,” is a bland film lacking depth and imagination. The story, based on Diana Wynne... Details
Women in Film: Indie Honors for Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’

Women in Film: Indie Honors for Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’

By Lynn Venhaus During the month of March, PopLifeSTL.com will recognize significant female contributions in filmmaking. Today we spotlight "Test Pattern," a debut feature I... Details
‘Rock Camp: The Movie’ Is Surface-Level Tribute

‘Rock Camp: The Movie’ Is Surface-Level Tribute

By Alex McPherson “Rock Camp: The Movie,” directed by Douglas Blush and Renee Barron, remains charming in-the-moment, but disappoints upon further reflection. The film centers... Details