At Her Best, Jennifer Theby-Quinn Has Something to Say in Upstream’s ‘Iphigenia in Splott’

At Her Best, Jennifer Theby-Quinn Has Something to Say in Upstream’s ‘Iphigenia in Splott’

By Lynn VenhausJennifer Theby-Quinn goes there. In a raw, emotionally wrenching performance, Theby-Quinn shows her limitless range as fireball Effie, a rough-around-the-edges working-class heroine, in... Details
Merry Pranksters Back with Gross-Out Hijinks in ‘Jackass Forever’

Merry Pranksters Back with Gross-Out Hijinks in ‘Jackass Forever’

By Lynn VenhausDo not try any of these stunts at home. Seriously. Imitating the now-famous reckless TV show did injure youngsters playing at home, and... Details
All for love and ‘zazz,’ ‘The Prom’ Triumphs at the Fox Theatre

All for love and ‘zazz,’ ‘The Prom’ Triumphs at the Fox Theatre

By Lynn VenhausLet’s hear it for love and ‘Zazz’! An original musical comedy that remains a breath of fresh air, “The Prom” pops with color... Details
Existential Ponderings of the Upper Class in ‘Sundown’

Existential Ponderings of the Upper Class in ‘Sundown’

By Alex McPhersonA brooding drama that leaves much to the imagination, what Michel Franco’s “Sundown” lacks in satisfying resolution it nearly makes up for with... Details
Hokey Long-Delayed ‘The King’s Daughter’ Is Good-Looking Turgid Drivel

Hokey Long-Delayed ‘The King’s Daughter’ Is Good-Looking Turgid Drivel

By Lynn VenhausOnce upon a time, a romantic fantasy based on the 1997 book, “The Moon and the Sun” by Vonda N. McIntyre, sat on... Details
Farhadi’s Shrewd ‘A Hero’ Explores Life’s Messy, Many Shades of Gray

Farhadi’s Shrewd ‘A Hero’ Explores Life’s Messy, Many Shades of Gray

By Lynn VenhausWhile actions usually have consequences, what is it that we can live with – the choices we make that aren’t always so black-and-white. ... Details
Bold ‘Scream’ Requel Playfully Pokes Fun At Horror Fans and Formulas

Bold ‘Scream’ Requel Playfully Pokes Fun At Horror Fans and Formulas

By Lynn Venhaus“What’s your favorite scary movie?” Uh-oh. If hearing that menacing modified voice on the other end of a landline (!) sends shivers down... Details
Formidable Female Dream Team Needs a Better Script in ‘The 355’

Formidable Female Dream Team Needs a Better Script in ‘The 355’

By Lynn VenhausIn the international spy game, girls can take a licking and keep on ticking – that’s the calling card of “The 355,” a wildly uneven full-throttle action thriller.... Details
Tedious, Airless Prequel Lacks Series Charm in ‘The King’s Man’

Tedious, Airless Prequel Lacks Series Charm in ‘The King’s Man’

By Lynn Venhaus Devoid of the first two’s offbeat charm, an airless and choppy prequel loses its way and winds up a tedious mess, despite... Details
‘Being the Ricardos’ A Lush Look at Legends Lucy and Desi At Crossroads

‘Being the Ricardos’ A Lush Look at Legends Lucy and Desi At Crossroads

By Lynn Venhaus One of the best films of the year, “Being the Ricardos” defies expectations, and it’s exhilarating. During one critical production week of... Details