Ethan Hawke Anchors Grueling Crime-Action Drama ‘The Weight’

Ethan Hawke Anchors Grueling Crime-Action Drama ‘The Weight’

By Lynn Venhaus A grueling and gritty crime-action drama set during the 1930s, “The Weight” benefits from a superb Ethan Hawke performance – both physically... Details
Mayhem Reigns in Self-Aware, Hyperviolent Zombie Film ‘Colony’

Mayhem Reigns in Self-Aware, Hyperviolent Zombie Film ‘Colony’

By Alex McPherson A zombie actioner that makes up for its narrative weaknesses with bone-contorting gusto and ruthless sensibilities, director Yeon Sang-ho’s “Colony” hits the... Details
Daffy Satire ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is a Bright Looney Triumph and Treat

Daffy Satire ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is a Bright Looney Triumph and Treat

By Lynn VenhausLetting our inner child out for an adult Looney Tunes excursion is a splendid way to cap off summer. When it’s as clever... Details
SATE’s Original Work ‘Confetti Kids’ Is Hard-Hitting Act of Conscience

SATE’s Original Work ‘Confetti Kids’ Is Hard-Hitting Act of Conscience

By Lynn Venhaus Calls to action come in familiar places – neighborhoods, schools, and city halls, which we know produce results because of the recent... Details
Bourdain’s Transformative Summer of ’75 Is Tasty Fare in ‘Tony’

Bourdain’s Transformative Summer of ’75 Is Tasty Fare in ‘Tony’

By Lynn Venhaus Ah, one magical summer when you’re in college and trying to figure out your place in the world. “Tony” takes that relatable premise,... Details
‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

By Alex McPhersonDirector Jane Schoenbrun’s surrealist meta–slasher-satire-character-study “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” is ambitious and wholly unique, even if occasionally muddled by the... Details
Wackiness ensues in Muny’s fresh, funny, frisky ‘Something Rotten!’

Wackiness ensues in Muny’s fresh, funny, frisky ‘Something Rotten!’

By Lynn Venhaus Merry mischief makers mix the Muny’s musical mash-up “Something Rotten!” into a zesty end-of-season treat. Of course it’s special -- it has... Details
Stray Dog Theatre’s Potent Thriller ‘Extremities’ Still Unnerving Today

Stray Dog Theatre’s Potent Thriller ‘Extremities’ Still Unnerving Today

By Lynn Venhaus  “Extremities” starts with a jump scare - a violent home invasion, and the situation is every bit as horrific as it would... Details
Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

By Alex McPherson Director Matt Johnson’s “Tony” is an excellently acted mini-biopic that goes beyond  familiar plot beats to paint a textured portrait of a... Details
The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

By Lynn VenhausIn “The Rivals of Amziah King,” bluegrass, beekeeping and backwoods buddies keep this folksy fable brimming with surprises – with its twisty story,... Details