Dark Comedy-Thriller ‘How to Make a Killing’ Is Not Quite a Jackpot

Dark Comedy-Thriller ‘How to Make a Killing’ Is Not Quite a Jackpot

By Alex McPherson Far less lively than its premise promises, director John Patton Ford’s “How to Make a Killing” has a sturdy dramatic framework but... Details
‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ Is A Sci-Fi Action Comedy With Big Ideas and a Cynical Heart

‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ Is A Sci-Fi Action Comedy With Big Ideas and a Cynical Heart

By Alex McPherson Furious and scattershot, director Gore Verbinski’s madcap sci-fi parable “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” has numerous incisive ideas about humanity’s dependence... Details
Glossy Cosplay, Icy Heat for a New Generation in ‘Wuthering Heights’

Glossy Cosplay, Icy Heat for a New Generation in ‘Wuthering Heights’

By Lynn Venhaus Visually stunning but emotionally empty, “Wuthering Heights” is an abomination for fans of the classic gothic romance, a disservice to Emily Bronte’s... Details
Sam Rockwell Tries to Save Us in ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’

Sam Rockwell Tries to Save Us in ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’

By Lynn Venhaus A science fiction action-adventure horror comedy are many genres to cram into one anti-artificial intelligence film, but Sam Rockwell’s bonkers’ performance makes... Details
Sharp Technical Elements Boost Suspense in Stray Dog’s ‘Deathtrap’

Sharp Technical Elements Boost Suspense in Stray Dog’s ‘Deathtrap’

By Lynn Venhaus Fans of whodunits who’ve never seen Ira Levin’s clever tale of murder and betrayal should have a good time in the cozy... Details
A Different Version of ‘Dracula’ Adds Romantic Twists to Gothic Legend

A Different Version of ‘Dracula’ Adds Romantic Twists to Gothic Legend

By Lynn VenhausMaybe you think that if you’ve seen one Dracula movie, you’ve seen them all, “Nosferatu” and other spin-offs included? Quite the contrary, with... Details
Mirthful ‘Myth of the Ostrich’ Takes Flight with a Trio of Local Treasures

Mirthful ‘Myth of the Ostrich’ Takes Flight with a Trio of Local Treasures

By Lynn Venhaus A very special comedy, “Myth of the Ostrich,” is an absolute laugh riot, thanks to the triple treat of actresses who deliver... Details
Rachel McAdams Reigns Supreme in Sam Raimi’s Latest Slice of Madness ‘Send Help’

Rachel McAdams Reigns Supreme in Sam Raimi’s Latest Slice of Madness ‘Send Help’

By Alex McPherson At its best when fully leaning into uninhibited mayhem, director Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” is a knowingly loony, if broad, satire elevated... Details
Winter Opera Builds Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” with Discipline and Grace

Winter Opera Builds Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” with Discipline and Grace

By CB AdamsWinter Opera St. Louis’ “Un Ballo in Maschera” succeeds through design. Dianna Higbee approaches Verdi’s tragedy as an architectural problem — how to... Details
‘Mercy’ Mishmash on AI Ethics Loses Momentum as Doomsday Scroll

‘Mercy’ Mishmash on AI Ethics Loses Momentum as Doomsday Scroll

By Lynn Venhaus With a timely yet controversial AI issue to ponder in “Mercy,” this futuristic cyber thriller’s gimmick is that it uses intelligent tools... Details