‘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
‘Light Years’ Silly, Sentimental Romp on Drugs, Love and Friendship

‘Light Years’ Silly, Sentimental Romp on Drugs, Love and Friendship

By Alex McPhersonColin Thompson’s coming-of-age tale, "Light Years," is an enjoyable romp down memory lane that can’t quite reach the emotional heights it aspires to.... Details
‘The Last Vermeer’ Offers Art, History Lesson with a Robust Guy Pearce

‘The Last Vermeer’ Offers Art, History Lesson with a Robust Guy Pearce

By Lynn Venhaus War criminal or war hero? Man of mystery artist and art dealer Han van Meegeren became a man of infamy after World... Details
Must Listen to Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis’ ‘En Evant’ Extended Through Weekend

Must Listen to Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis’ ‘En Evant’ Extended Through Weekend

By Lynn Venhaus It’s one thing to see a play; it’s another thing just to listen. A whole new world opens in your imagination, and... Details
‘Freaky’ A Clever and Inspired Mix of Horror and Comedy

‘Freaky’ A Clever and Inspired Mix of Horror and Comedy

By Lynn VenhausAs genre mashups go, successfully blending horror and comedy is a tricky task, but “Freaky” turns out to be a real treat. It's... Details
‘His House’ Is Hypnotic, Haunting and Harrowing

‘His House’ Is Hypnotic, Haunting and Harrowing

By Lynn Venhaus  Haunting and hypnotic, “His House” is one of the most original horror films in years. Writer-director Remi Weekes, whose first feature debuted... Details