Johnson and Blunt Elevate the Silly Escapist Disney ‘Jungle Cruise’

Johnson and Blunt Elevate the Silly Escapist Disney ‘Jungle Cruise’

By Lynn Venhaus“Jungle Cruise” is junk, as plastic as those animatronic animals and plants that are part of theme park rides. This big-budget movie, based on... Details
Despite Damon’s Efforts, Vague and Implausible ‘Stillwater’ Runs Dry

Despite Damon’s Efforts, Vague and Implausible ‘Stillwater’ Runs Dry

By Lynn VenhausA blatant rip-off of the sensational Amanda Knox student exchange murder case, the morally ambiguous “Stillwater” wants us to care about people not... Details
The Muny Keys in on Nostalgic Songbook, Setting in its Joyous Return

The Muny Keys in on Nostalgic Songbook, Setting in its Joyous Return

By Lynn VenhausWith the nostalgic glow of scrapbook memories, the toe-tapping and hummable “Smokey Joe’s Café” opened The Muny’s eagerly anticipated 103rd season. In this... Details
‘Val’ An Affectionate Biography on Actor’s Life and Career

‘Val’ An Affectionate Biography on Actor’s Life and Career

By Alex McPherson Directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott’s new documentary, “Val,” provides a zoomed-in look at actor Val Kilmer’s life that, while somewhat hagiographic,... Details
‘Joe Bell’ Spreads Message of Tolerance With Emotional Wallop

‘Joe Bell’ Spreads Message of Tolerance With Emotional Wallop

By Lynn VenhausWhile it is tempting to learn more about the true story that made national news in 2013, hold off on any online searches... Details
‘Midnight in the Switchgrass’ Misleads with Top Billed Willis

‘Midnight in the Switchgrass’ Misleads with Top Billed Willis

By Lynn VenhausThe lengthy hunt for a sicko responsible for torturing, raping and murdering multiple teenage girls, known as “The Truck Stop Killer,” deserves better... Details
‘Old’ Needs Less Gimmicks, More Substance to be Effective Thriller

‘Old’ Needs Less Gimmicks, More Substance to be Effective Thriller

By Lynn VenhausHalf-baked and bogged down by subtext, the high concept “Old” fritters away its intriguing potential by dispensing too little explanation in its trouble-in-paradise... Details
‘Fear Street Part 3: 1666’ – A Riveting Final Chapter

‘Fear Street Part 3: 1666’ – A Riveting Final Chapter

By Alex McPherson Well, dear readers, the time has sadly come for the conclusion of director Leigh Janiak’s “Fear Street” series. Fortunately, “Part 3:1666” ends... Details
Looking Back at 1964 and Talkin’ Baseball in St. Lou Is Hanrahan’s Insightful, Delightful One-Man Show

Looking Back at 1964 and Talkin’ Baseball in St. Lou Is Hanrahan’s Insightful, Delightful One-Man Show

By Lynn Venhaus1964 was a memorable year for Americans. Still reeling from President Kennedy’s assassination, an escalating war in Vietnam and civil rights struggles, the... Details
Stylized ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ Stumbles with Thin Characters

Stylized ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ Stumbles with Thin Characters

By Lynn VenhausThe pleasure of seeing actresses have a blast going gangster is one of the joys of the interestingly titled “Gunpowder Milkshake.” However, that... Details