‘Come From Away’ Filmed Musical Offers Kindness in Aftermath of 9-11

‘Come From Away’ Filmed Musical Offers Kindness in Aftermath of 9-11

By Lynn VenhausA tragic day that we will never forget in America inspired our Far North neighbors, the Canadian town of Gander in Newfoundland, to... Details
‘The Alpinist’ Documentary Has Soaring Highs and Sobering Lows

‘The Alpinist’ Documentary Has Soaring Highs and Sobering Lows

By Alex McPherson A nerve-shredding documentary spotlighting a one-of-a-kind athlete, “The Alpinist” cements itself as an imperfect, yet consistently moving watch. The film, brought to... Details
Strong Cast Shows How Friends Are Tested in ‘Small Engine Repair’

Strong Cast Shows How Friends Are Tested in ‘Small Engine Repair’

By Lynn VenhausTough blue-collar guys hardened by harsh winters, bleak childhoods, dead-end adult lives, and rigid views on masculinity are the central figures in “Small... Details
Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Spotlights Asian Star

Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Spotlights Asian Star

By Lynn VenhausNow in Phase 4, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has given their “Master of Kung Fu” comic book hero his own action movie, and... Details
‘The Gateway’ Is Trashy Excuse for Crime Thriller Set in St. Louis

‘The Gateway’ Is Trashy Excuse for Crime Thriller Set in St. Louis

By Lynn VenhausThis trashy excuse for a crime-thriller wants us to believe it is set in St. Louis, but there is a total absence of... Details
‘The Lost Leonardo’ Documentary Looks at the Darker Side of Art

‘The Lost Leonardo’ Documentary Looks at the Darker Side of Art

By Alex McPherson Director Andreas Koefoed’s new film, “The Lost Leonardo,” thrills, chills, and raises salient points about the essence of art itself. This documentary... Details
A Crisp and Snappy ‘Chicago’ Closes Out Muny’s Rejuvenated Season

A Crisp and Snappy ‘Chicago’ Closes Out Muny’s Rejuvenated Season

By Lynn VenhausThe best produced show of the Muny’s 103rd season, “Chicago” capped off the welcome return to tradition in Forest Park this summer with... Details
‘Jakob’s Wife’ Is Vampiric Delight

‘Jakob’s Wife’ Is Vampiric Delight

By Alex McPherson An allegorical horror film with more on its mind than gore-splattered carnage, “Jakob’s Wife” provides some thematically juicy morsels for viewers to... Details
‘Flag Day’ Gut-Wrenching Character Study With Star-in-Making Dylan Penn

‘Flag Day’ Gut-Wrenching Character Study With Star-in-Making Dylan Penn

By Lynn VenhausThe title “Flag Day” is meant to be a metaphor about the American Dream. Who better to embody the flip side of that,... Details
‘Together’ Is Muddled Lockdown Story

‘Together’ Is Muddled Lockdown Story

By Alex McPherson Directors Stephen Daldry’s and Justin Martin’s new film set during the current COVID-19 pandemic, “Together,” is an intense, powerfully acted, and morally... Details