Despite Flaws, ‘Crisis’ Is an Informative Multi-Faceted Look at America’s Drug Problem

Despite Flaws, ‘Crisis’ Is an Informative Multi-Faceted Look at America’s Drug Problem

By Alex McPhersonWriter-director Nicholas Jarecki’s third feature directorial effort, “Crisis,” provides an ambitious and gritty look at America’s opioid epidemic. Jarecki’s film centers around three... Details
Studio Ghibli’s ‘Earwig and the Witch’ Casts a Generic Spell

Studio Ghibli’s ‘Earwig and the Witch’ Casts a Generic Spell

By Alex McPherson Studio Ghibli’s latest project, “Earwig and the Witch,” is a bland film lacking depth and imagination. The story, based on Diana Wynne... Details
Women in Film: Indie Honors for Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’

Women in Film: Indie Honors for Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’

By Lynn Venhaus During the month of March, PopLifeSTL.com will recognize significant female contributions in filmmaking. Today we spotlight "Test Pattern," a debut feature I... Details
‘Rock Camp: The Movie’ Is Surface-Level Tribute

‘Rock Camp: The Movie’ Is Surface-Level Tribute

By Alex McPherson “Rock Camp: The Movie,” directed by Douglas Blush and Renee Barron, remains charming in-the-moment, but disappoints upon further reflection. The film centers... Details
Teen Time Loop Rom-Com ‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ Is a Charmer

Teen Time Loop Rom-Com ‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ Is a Charmer

By Lynn VenhausBorrowing elements of “Groundhog Day” and “Palm Springs,” “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is a charming teen rom-com that does not feel... Details
Visually Stunning, Contrived ‘Land’ Lacks Emotional Payoff

Visually Stunning, Contrived ‘Land’ Lacks Emotional Payoff

By Lynn VenhausSelf-quarantining is something we have had to adapt to these past 11 months, and have dealt with grief, collective or personal, as more... Details
Gentle ‘Minari’ Revels in Small Heartfelt Moments

Gentle ‘Minari’ Revels in Small Heartfelt Moments

By Lynn VenhausA semi-autobiographical journey about his childhood in Arkansas in the 1980s, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung has crafted a series of genuine remembered moments... Details
‘The World to Come’ is Romance in Dangerous Setting

‘The World to Come’ is Romance in Dangerous Setting

By Alex McPhersonThe film unfolds during the late 1850s, somewhere along the East Coast of the US. In the midst of a harsh winter, Abigail... Details
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Is Intense, Heartbreaking Ode to Activism

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Is Intense, Heartbreaking Ode to Activism

By Alex McPhersonDirector Shaka King’s new film, “Judas and the Black Messiah,” is a visceral exploration of resistance, sacrifice, betrayal, and legacy. The film takes... Details
Justin Timberlake Strong in Heartwarming ‘Palmer’

Justin Timberlake Strong in Heartwarming ‘Palmer’

By Lynn Venhaus“Palmer” may be predictable, but it’s a heartwarming relatable story about acceptance and second chances. After 12 years in prison, former high school... Details