Powerful ‘Promising Young Woman’ Is Tale for Our Time

Powerful ‘Promising Young Woman’ Is Tale for Our Time

By Lynn VenhausBold and bravura filmmaking, writer-director Emerald Fennell has crafted a  powerful in-your-face rant on toxic masculinity in the #MeToo era. With a wicked... Details
Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Has Whimsy and Warmth

Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Has Whimsy and Warmth

By Lynn VenhausOh, so clever and profound, “Soul” tackles life’s Big Questions with whimsy and warmth. An inspiring ode to mentors and finding our ‘spark,’... Details
‘Driveways’ is a Wise, Beautiful Film

‘Driveways’ is a Wise, Beautiful Film

By Alex McPhersonLike a Christmas miracle, director Andrew Ahn’s new film, “Driveways,” restored my faith in humanity. Cody (Lucas Jaye) is a sensitive boy struggling... Details
‘Beasts Clawing at Straws’ Wild Tale with a Few Noticeable Scratches

‘Beasts Clawing at Straws’ Wild Tale with a Few Noticeable Scratches

By Alex McPhersonWriter-director Yong-hoon Kim’s crime thriller, “Beasts Clawing at Straws,” features memorable characters, an outrageous plot, and a fair amount of blood. A twisty... Details
Brosnahan Shines in ‘I’m Your Woman’ Crime Thriller Throwback

Brosnahan Shines in ‘I’m Your Woman’ Crime Thriller Throwback

 By Lynn VenhausJean is a terrible cook. But her gangster husband Eddie (Bill Heck) doesn’t mind that she is not Susie Homemaker. She wiles the... Details
‘The Prom’ Leaps to Big Screen with Big Stars, Message Intact

‘The Prom’ Leaps to Big Screen with Big Stars, Message Intact

By Lynn Venhaus Adapted from the 2018 splashy big-hearted Broadway musical, “The Prom” pops with color and pizzazz (or, in the show’s parlance, “Zazz.”). Vain... Details
’18 to Party’ Has Appealing Characters But Fumbles with Their Stories

’18 to Party’ Has Appealing Characters But Fumbles with Their Stories

By Alex McPhersonJeff Roda’s directorial debut, “18 to Party,” is a competent coming-of-age drama that needs more time to mature. The year is 1984 in... Details
One of Year’s Best, ‘Nomadland’ Is an Ode to the Open Road and Those Marginalized By Society

One of Year’s Best, ‘Nomadland’ Is an Ode to the Open Road and Those Marginalized By Society

By Lynn VenhausA film of remarkable grace and wonder, “Nomadland” demonstrates power in stillness as a fiercely independent woman makes her way along the ribbon... Details
‘Mank’ Technically Brilliant, Dense Story

‘Mank’ Technically Brilliant, Dense Story

By Lynn VenhausAn unflinching look at the old studio system during the height of Hollywood’s Dream Factory persona, “Mank” is more than a backstory on... Details
‘Red Penguins’: Skating on Thin, Life-Threatening Ice in Russia

‘Red Penguins’: Skating on Thin, Life-Threatening Ice in Russia

By Alex McPherson Director Gabe Polsky’s new documentary, “Red Penguins,” is a memorable tale of cross-cultural friendship, misunderstanding, greed, betrayal, societal unrest, and good, old-fashioned... Details