Tag: best-movies

“Just Mercy” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Destin Daniel Cretton Co-writer: Andrew Lanham (based on book) Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson ‘Captivating … More

“Jojo Rabbit” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Taika Waititi Based on the book by Christine Leunens Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell ‘Hilarious … More

“Honey Boy” (2019) – Movie Review

Director: Alma Har’el Writer: Shia LaBeouf Starring: Noah Jupe, Shia LaBeouf and Lucas Hedges ‘A Powerful Memoir’ Few actors in … More

“Harriet” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Kasi Lemmons Co-writer: Gregory Allen Howard Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe  ‘Brilliant Historical Biopic’ When … More

“The Farewell” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Lulu Wang Starring: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma and Diana Lin ‘Fantastic Family Drama’ It is always hard to come to … More

“Dark Waters” (2019) – Movie Review

Director: Todd Haynes Writers: Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway and Tim Robbins ‘Tense Legal … More

“Blinded by the Light” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Gurinder Chada Co-writers: Paul Mayeda Berges and Sarfraz Manzoor Starring: Viveik Kalra, Kulvinder Ghir and Hayley Atwell ‘A Marvelous … More

“Bad Education” (2019) – Movie Review

Director: Cory Finley Writer: Mike Makowsky (Based on article by Robert Kolker) Starring: Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney and Geraldine Viswanathan … More

“Avengers: Endgame” (2019) – Movie Review

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely Starring” Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth … More

“Vice” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Adam McKay Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Sam Rockwell ‘Brilliant Political Biopic’ When it comes to the most … More

“Solo: A Star Wars: Story” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: Ron Howard Writers: Jonathan and Lawrence Kasdan Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson and Donald Glover ‘Superb Solo Prequel’ When … More

“A Quiet Place” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: John Krasinski Co-writers: Bryan Woods and Scott Beck Starring: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt and Millicent Simmonds ‘An Intense Thriller’ … More

“Ocean’s 8” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Gary Ross Co-writer: Olivia Milch Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway ‘Enjoyable Entertainment’ When it comes to … More

“Mary Poppins Returns” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: Rob Marshall Writer: David Magee Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin Manuel-Miranda and Ben Whishaw ‘A Marvelous Musical’ Before I begin … More

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Christopher McQuarrie Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill and Rebecca Ferguson ‘A Mission Accomplished’ When it comes to the most … More

“Leave No Trace” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Debra Granik Co-writer: Anne Rosellini Starring: Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie ‘Deeply Moving Drama’ Imagine living a life of … More

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: J.A. Bayona Writers: Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jeff Goldblum ‘Dazzling Dinosaur … More

“Incredibles 2” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Brad Bird Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson ‘An Incredible Sequel’ When it comes to … More

“Hereditary” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Ari Aster Starring: Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro and Gabriel Byrne ‘A Terrifying Thriller’ Before I begin this review, I … More

“Green Book” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Peter Farrelly Co-writers: Nick Vallelonga and Brian Hayes Currie Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini ‘Powerful Period … More

“Eighth Grade” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Bo Burnham Starring: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton and Emily Robinson ‘Astonishing Adolescence Drama’ Perhaps, no time in a person’s … More

“Ben is Back” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Peter Hedges Starring: Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges and Courtney B. Vance ‘Powerful Drug-Addiction Drama’ Imagine being the mother of … More

“BlacKkKlansman” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Spike Lee Co-writers: Charlie Watchel, David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver and Topher Grace … More

“Black Panther” (2018) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Ryan Coogler Co-writer: Joe Robert Cole Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o ‘A Marvelous Blockbuster’ Over … More

“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: Anthony and Joe Russo Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Holland … More

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: Peyton Reed Writers: Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly ‘Fun but Flawed … More

“Adrift” (2018) – Movie Review

Director: Baltasar Kormakur Writer: Aaron Kandell, Jordan Kandell and David Branson Smith Starring: Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin ‘Spectacular Survival … More

“Wonder Woman” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Patty Jenkins Writers: Allan Heinberg, Zach Snyder and Jason Fuchs Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Connie Nielson ‘Wonderful … More

“War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Matt ReevesCo-writer: Mark BombackStarring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn ‘Fantastic Apes Finale’ Ever since it started in … More

“The Shape of Water” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Guillermo Del Toro Co-writer: Vanessa Taylor Starring: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer and Michael Shannon ‘Fantastic Fantasy Epic’ So far, … More

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Rian Johnson Starring: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Adam Driver ‘A Spectacular Sequel’ Before I begin this review, I … More

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Jon Watts Writers: Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Keaton ‘A … More

“Phantom Thread” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville ‘Powerful Period Piece’ Few filmmakers in the world … More

“Maudie” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Aisling Walsh Writer: Sherry White Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke and Kari Matchett ‘Deeply Moving Biopic’ Maud Lewis is … More

“Lady Bird” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Greta Gerwig Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf and Lucas Hedges ‘Captivating Coming-of-Age Drama’ There is no time in a … More

“The Glass Castle” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Destin Daniel Cretton Co-writer: Andrew Lanham Starring: Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts ‘Astonishing Adaptation’ When it comes … More

“Dunkirk” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy ‘Wonderful War Drama’ War is a difficult subject to … More

“Detroit” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Kathryn Bigelow Writer: Mark Boal Starring: John Boyega, Anthony Mackie and Will Poulter ‘Tense Historical Thriller’ Racism has long … More

“Call Me By Your Name” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Luca Guadagnino Writer: James Ivory (based on novel by Andre Aciman) Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer and Michael Stuhlbarg … More

“The Big Sick” (2017) – Movie Review

Director: Michael Showalter Writers: Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan and Holly Hunter ‘A Hilarious … More

“Baby Driver” (2017) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey ‘A Thrilling Ride’ In a Summer filled with superhero … More

“Southside With You” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Richard Tanne Starring: Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers ‘Remarkable Romantic Drama’ Let me start off by saying that I’m … More

“The Nice Guys” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Shane Black Starring: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Angourie Rice ‘Captivating Comedy’ Few actors in Hollywood have built a career … More

“Moonlight” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Barry Jenkins Based on the play by Tarell Alvin McCraney Starring: Mahershala Ali, Ashton Sanders and Naomi Harris ‘Magnificent … More

“Lion” (2016) – Movie Review

Director: Garth Davis Writer: Luke Davies (based off novel by Saroo Brierley) Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara … More

“The Light Between Oceans” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Derek Cianfrance Based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz ‘Powerful … More

“La La Land” (2016) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Damien Chazelle Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and J.K. Simmons ‘A Musical Masterpiece’ Before I begin this review, I … More

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) – Movie Review

Directed by Travis Knight Written by Marc Haimes and Chris ButlerStarring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey ‘Awe-Inspiring Animation’ … More

“The Jungle Book” (2016) – Movie Review

Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Marks (based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling) Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray and Sir … More

“Hidden Figures” (2016) – Movie Review

Director: Theodore Melfi Writer: Allison Schroeder (based off novel by Margot Lee Shetterly) Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and … More

“Arrival” (2016) – Movie Review

Director: Denis Villeneuve Writer: Eric Heisserer (based on short story) Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker ‘Spellbinding Science-Fiction’ … More

“Steve Jobs” (2015) – Movie Review

Director: Danny Boyle Writer: Aaron Sorkin (based on novel) Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen ‘Brilliant Business Biopic’ … More

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: J.J. Abrams Co-writers: Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Harrison Ford ‘A Dream Come … More

“Spy” (2015) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Paul Feig Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham and Jude Law ‘A Spy-tacular Comedy’ You rarely ever come across comedies … More

“Spotlight” (2015) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Tom McCarthy Co-writer: Josh Singer Starring: Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams ‘Filmmaking at its Finest’ It is … More

“Southpaw” (2015) – Movie Review

Director: Antoine Fuqua Writer: Kurt Sutter Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker ‘Breathtaking Boxing Drama’ Is it just … More

“Room” (2015) – Movie Review

Director: Lenny Abrahamson Writer: Emma Donoghue (based on novel) Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay and William H. Macy ‘A Moving … More

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” (2015) – Movie Review

Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon Writer: Jesse Andrews (based on novel) Starring: Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler and Olivia Cooke ‘A Breath of … More

“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Christopher McQuarrie Co-Writers: Drew Pearce and Bruce Geller Starring: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg and Rebecca Ferguson ‘A Mission Accomplished’ … More

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) – Analysis

Writer/Director: George Miller Co-writers: Brendan McCarthy and Nick Lathouris Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult ‘Madly Entertaining’ Is … More

“Irrational Man” (2015) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Woody Allen Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey ‘An Overlooked Gem’ Few actors in the world have … More

“Inside Out” (2015) – An Animation Masterpiece

Writer/Director: Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen Co-writers: Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Lewis … More

“The Gift” (2015) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Joel Edgerton Starring: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall and Joel Edgerton ‘A Thought-Provoking Thriller’ About halfway through Joel Edgerton’s latest … More

“Ant-Man” (2015) – Movie Review

Director: Peyton Reed Writers: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay and Paul Rudd Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, and Evangeline … More

“22 Jump Street” (2014) – Movie Review

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller Writers: Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel and Rodney Rothman Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and … More

“Nightcrawler” (2014) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Dan Gilroy Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed ‘Dazzling Directorial Debut’ A director’s first film is usually … More

“Life Itself” (2014) – Movie Review

Director: Steve James Based on the best-selling novel by Roger Ebert Starring: Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert and Gene Siskel ‘A … More

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” (2014) – Movie Review

Director: Lasse Hallstrom Written by Steven Knight (based off novel by Richard C. Morais) Starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri and … More

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Dean DeBlois Co-writer: Cressida Cowell Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett and Djimon Hounsou ‘A Soaring Sequel’ If there’s any … More

“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: James Gunn Co-Writer: Nicole Perlman Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper ‘Marvel-ous Entertainment’ You’re immediately hooked on … More

“Edge of Tomorrow” (2014) – Movie Review

Director: Doug Liman Writers: Christopher McQuarrie and Jez Butterworth Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt and Bill Paxton ‘A Mind-Bending Marvel’ … More

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014) – Movie Review

Director: Matt Reeves Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman ‘Spectacular … More

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014) – Movie Review

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely and Ed Brubaker Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel … More

“Boyhood” (2014) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette ‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’ About halfway through Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood”, … More

The Best Movies of 2013

Let’s face the facts. From technology being advanced to unimaginable heights with Alfonso Cauron’s space-thriller “Gravity” to slavery being portrayed … More

“Star Trek: Into Darkness” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: J.J. Abrams Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch ‘Spectacular … More

“12 Years a Slave” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Steve McQueen Writer: John Ridley (based on true story of Solomon Northup) Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano … More

“The Way Way Back” (2013) – Movie Review

Writers/Directors: Nat Faxon and Jim Rash Starring: Liam James, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell and Maya Rudolph ‘Captivating Coming-of-Age Drama’ We’re … More

“The Wolverine” (2013) – Movie Review

   Director: James Mangold                                 … More

“Inside Out 2” (2024) – Movie Review

Director: Kelsey Mann Starring: Amy Poehler, Lewis Black and Maya Hawke                   … More

“The World’s End” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Edgar Wright Co-writer: Simon Pegg Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Martin Freeman ‘Captivating Comedy’ Halfway through Edgar Wright’s … More

“Warm Bodies” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Jonathan Levine Based on novel by Isaac Marion Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, and John Malkovich ‘Captivating Zombie Comedy’ … More

“This is the End” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Directors: Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco and Jonah Hill ‘Captivating Comedy’ Hollywood is … More

“The Spectacular Now” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: James Ponsoldt Writer: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley and Brie Larson ‘Spectacular Romantic … More

“The Reluctant Fundamentalist” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Mira Nair Writer: William Wheeler (based on Mohsin Hamid’s novel) Starring: Riz Ahmed, Kate Hudson and Liev Schreiber ‘Riveting … More

“Prisoners” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Denis Villeneuve Writer: Aaron Guzikowski Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard ‘Powerful Abduction Thriller’ Movies rarely ever surprise … More

“The Place Beyond the Pines” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Derek Cianfrance Co-writers: Ben Coccio and Darius Marder Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes and Bradley Cooper ‘A Multi-Generational Masterpiece’ … More

“Pacific Rim” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Guillermo del Toro Co-writer: Travis Beacham  Starring: Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi ‘Exhilarating Entertainment’ Over the last … More

“Oz: The Great and the Powerful” (2013) – Movie Review

Directed by Sam Raimi Written by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire Starring James Franco, Michelle Williams, and Mila Kunis ‘Powerful … More

“Monster’s University” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Dan Scanlon Writers: Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird and Dan Scanlon Starring: Billy Crytal, John Goodman and Helen Mirren … More

“Man of Steel” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Zack Snyder Writer: David S. Goyer (based off story by Christopher Nolan) Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael … More

“Jobs” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Joshua Michael Stern Writer: Matt Whiteley Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad and J.K. Simmons ‘Brilliant Business Biopic’ One of … More

“Iron Man 3” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Shane Black Co-writer: Drew Pearce Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley ‘Starkly Superior Sequel’ Twists are … More

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Peter Jackson Co-writers: Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens and Guillermo Del Toro Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and Richard Armitage … More

“Her” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Spike Jonze Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson and Amy Adams ‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’ You rarely ever see movies that … More

“Gravity” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Alfonso Cauron Co-writer: Jonas Cauron Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris ‘A Groundbreaking Achievement’ How often do … More

“Elysium” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Neill Blomkamp Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley ‘Original Entertainment’ In a Summer that’s so far occupied … More

“Despicable Me 2” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Writers: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt ‘Spectacular … More

“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Jean-Marc Valee Writers: Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner ‘Powerful AIDS Drama’ You … More

“Captain Phillips” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Paul Greengrass Writer: Billy Ray Starring: Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi ‘Captivating Hijacking Thriller’ “Captain Phillips” is the most … More

“The Butler” (2013) – Movie Review

Director: Lee Daniels Writer: Danny Strong (based on article by Wil Haygood) Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and Alex Pettyfer … More

“American Hustle” (2013) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: David O. Russell Co-writer: Eric Warren Singer Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper ‘Powerful Period Piece’ In … More

“About Time” (2013) – Movie Review

                 Writer/Director: Richard Curtis Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy ‘Remarkable … More

The Best Movies of 2012

Let’s face the facts. 2012 was a great year for films. From emotionally driven dramas to tremendously entertaining comic-book movies, … More

“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012) – Movie Review

 Director: Kathryn Bigelow Writer: Mark Boal Starring: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, and Kyle Chandler ‘Tense Terrorism Thriller’ From what I … More

“Wreck it Ralph” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Rich Moore Writer: Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer ‘Astonishing Animation’ Animated … More

“Snow White and the Hunstman” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Rupert Sanders Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron ‘Enjoyable Entertainment’ “Snow White and the Huntsman” is directed … More

“Skyfall” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Sam Mendes Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan Starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes ‘Brilliant Bond … More

“Silver Linings Playbook” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: David O. Russell Based on novel by Matthew Quick Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro ‘Magnificent Masterpiece’ It’s … More

“Premium Rush” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: David Koepp Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez and Michael Shannon ‘Brilliant Bicycling Thriller’ “Premium Rush” is written and directed … More

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Stephen Chbosky Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller ‘Meaningful Masterpiece’ “Why do nice people choose the wrong people … More

“Mirror Mirror” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Tarsem Singh Starring: Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, Lily Collins ‘Passable Entertainment’ “Mirror Mirror” is directed by Tarsem Singh. Its … More

“Looper” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Rian Johnson Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt ‘Original Entertainment’ “Looper” is written and directed by Rian … More

“Lincoln” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Steven Spielberg Writer: Tony Kushner (based off novel by Doris Kearns Goodwin)               … More

“Life of Pi” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Ang Lee Writer: David Magee (based off novel by Yann Martel) Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu ‘Beautiful Book … More

“Les Misérables” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Tom Hooper Writer: William Nicholson (based on novel by Victor Hugo) Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russel Crowe  … More

“Lawless” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain ‘Powerful Period Piece’ “Lawless” is directed by John Hillcoat. Its … More

“The Hunger Games” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Gary Ross Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth ‘Astonishing Adaptation’ “The Hunger Games” is directed by Gary Ross. … More

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Peter Jackson Co-Writers: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo del Toro (based off book by J.R.R. Tolkien) Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian … More

“Hitchcock” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Sacha Gervasi Writer: John J. McLaughlin (based off book by Stephen Rebello) Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson … More

“Frankenweenie” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Tim Burton Starring: Charlie Tahan, Winona Ryder, Martin Landau ‘Spectacular Stop-Motion’ “Frankenweenie” is a black-and-white stop motion film directed … More

“Flight” (2012) – Movie Review

Directed by Robert ZemeckisWritten by John GatinsStarring Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle ‘Astonishing Alcoholism Drama’ It’s not often that … More

“Django Unchained” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio ‘A Bloody Great Time’ You don’t always see long movies … More

“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) – Spoiler Analysis

Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy ‘Fantastic Franchise Finale’ Talking about movies you’ve seen, while trying … More

“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and Anne Hathaway ‘Fantastic Batman Finale’ “The Dark Knight Rises” is written … More

“The Avengers” (2012) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Joss Whedon Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo ‘Marvel-ous Entertainment’ “The Avengers” is written and directed … More

“Argo” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Ben Affleck Starring: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin and John Goodman ‘Captivating CIA Thriller’ “Argo” is directed by Ben Affleck. … More

“The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012) – Movie Review

Director: Marc Webb Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Sally Field ‘Spectacular Reboot’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” is directed by Marc … More

“Source Code” (2011) – Movie Review

Director: Duncan Jones Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga ‘Spectacular Science-Fiction’ Over the past decade, the sci-fi genre has … More

“My Week with Marilyn” (2011) – Movie Review

Director: Simon Curtis Starring Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh ‘Magnificent Monroe Biopic’ “My Week with Marilyn” is directed by … More

“Margin Call” (2011) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: J.C. Chandor Starring: Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto and Paul Bettany ‘Filmmaking at its Finest’ It’s one thing for a financial … More

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” (2011) – Movie Review

Director: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson ‘Fantastic Franchise Finale’ Few characters in English literature are as … More

“Drive” (2011) – Movie Review

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn Writer: Hossein Amini (based on book) Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, and Albert Brooks ‘Captivating Crime … More

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011) – Movie Review

Directed by John Madden Written by Ol Parker Starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith ‘A Charming Comedy’ Sometimes … More

“Arthur Christmas” (2011) – Movie Review

Directors: Sarah Smith and Barry Cook Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Billy Nighy ‘Astonishing Animation’ “Arthur Christmas” is directed by … More

“Furiosa” (2024) – Powerful Mad Max Prequel

Writer/Director: George Miller Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke                     … More

“The Fall Guy” (2024) – Fantastic Tribute to Stuntmen

Director: David Leitch Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson                      … More

“Challengers” (2024) – A Sports Classic

Director: Luca Guadagnino Starring: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’ Connor                     … More

“Dune: Part Two” (2024) – Revisited

Writer/Director: Denis Villeneuve  Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson                       … More

“The Zone of Interest” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Jonathan Glazer  Starring: Sandra Huller, Christian Friedel ‘Powerful Holocaust Drama’ The Holocaust is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in … More

“Wonka” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Paul King Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Grant                     … More

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023) – Movie Review

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson                   … More

“Saltburn” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Emerald Fennell Starring: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elrodi, Rosamund Pike                      … More

“Poor Things” (2023) – Movie Review

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Starring: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe                      … More

Why “Past Lives” was the Best Movie of 2023

Do you remember the time when you fell in love with your first crush?  Memories of crushes have shaped my … More

“Past Lives” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Celine Song Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro                     … More

“Oppenheimer” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt                   … More

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Christopher McQuarrie Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg                     … More

“Maestro” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Bradley Cooper Starring: Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer                     … More

“The Killer” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: David Fincher Starring: Michael Fassbender, Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell                     … More

“Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Martin Scorsese Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro                                    … More

“The Iron Claw” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Sean Durkin Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Holy McCallany                    … More

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: James Mangold Starring: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen                      … More

“The Holdovers” (2023) – Movie Review

Director: Alexander Payne Starring: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’ Vine Joy Randolph                 … More

“A Haunting in Venice” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Kenneth Branagh Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Tina Fey                     … More

“The Color Purple” (2023) – Movie Review

Director: Blitz Buzuwale Starring: Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks                   … More

“Bottoms” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Rachel Seligman Starring: Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri and Ruby Cruz         ‘Captivating Comedy’ Have you ever been … More

“BlackBerry” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Matt Johnson  Starring: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson                      … More

“Barbie” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Greta Gerwig Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera                     … More

“Anatomy of a Fall” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Justine Triet Starring: Sandra Huller, Milo Machado-Graner, Samuel Theis                     … More

“American Fiction” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Cord Jefferson Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown                   … More

“All of Us Strangers” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Andrew Haigh Starring: Andrew Scott, Claire Foy, Jamie Bell                     … More

“Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” (2023) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Kelly Fremon Craig Starring: Abby Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie ‘Astonishing Adaptation’  Few novels about teenagers captivate readers like … More

“Air” (2023) – Movie Review

Director: Ben Affleck Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis                     … More

“The Whale” (2022) – Movie Review

Director: Darren Aronofsky Starring: Brendan Fraser, Hong Chau and Sadie Sink                   … More

“A Man Called Otto” (2022) – Movie Review

Director: Marc Foster Starring: Tom Hanks, Mariana Trevino, Truman Hanks                      … More

“Joyland” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Saim Sadiq Starring: Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq                     … More

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Rian Johnson  Starring: Daniel Craig, Janelle Monae, Edward Norton                      … More

“The Fabelmans” (2022)- Movie Review

Writer/Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano                     … More

“All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Edward Berger Starring: Felix Kammerer, Daniel Bruhl, Albrecht Schuch                     … More

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Ryan Coogler Starring: Letitia Wright, Angela Basset, Lupita Nyong’o                     … More

“Babylon” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Damien Chazelle Starring: Diego Calva, Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt                      … More

“The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Martin McDonagh Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan                     … More

“Aftersun” (2022) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Charlotte Wells Starring: Frankie Corio, Paul Mescal                         … More

“The White Tiger” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Ramin Bahrani Starring: Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao ‘Captivating Class Satire’ Few countries across the world … More

“The Suicide Squad” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: James Gunn Starring: Idris Elba, John Cena and Margot Robbie ‘Sensational Supervillain Reboot’ Superhero movies that face excessive studio … More

“Spencer” (2021) – Movie Review

Director: Pablo Larraín  Writer: Steven Knight Starring: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall and Sally Hawkins ‘Dazzling Diana Biopic’ It isn’t simple to … More

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Destin Daniel Cretton Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina and Tony Leung ‘Marvel-ous Martial-Arts Epic’  Crazy rich abilities of Asian communities … More

“A Quiet Place Part II” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: John Krasinski Starring: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds and Cillian Murphy ‘A Spectacular Sequel’ The hushed-up stories of deaf communities … More

“The Power of the Dog” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Jane Campion Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee ‘Wonderful Western’ It’s hard to forgive a genre in … More

“Pig” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Michael Sarnoski Starring: Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff and Adam Arkin ‘Riveting Revenge Thriller’ Few movie-stars in Hollywood once regarded … More

“No Time to Die” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Cary Fukunaga Starring: Daniel Craig, Lashana Lynch and Rami Malek ‘Satisfying Swansong’ Brawny beauties are seldom rewarded licenses to … More

“Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Shaka King Co-writer: Will Berson Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield and Jesse Plemons ‘Breathtaking Historical Biopic’ Racism has always … More

“In the Heights” (2021) – Movie Review

Director: John M. Chu Writer: Quiara Alegria Hudes Starring: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins and Melissa Barrera ‘A Marvelous Musical’  It … More

“House of Gucci” (2021) – Movie Review

Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver and Al Pacino ‘Giorgio-eus Biopic’ Versace fashion-designer families Scarfaced by Goodfellas criminal … More

“The Green Knight” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: David Lowery Starring: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton ‘Mesmerizing Medieval Epic’  Racial representation is seldom seen in … More

“Dune” (2021) – Revisited

Writer/Director: Denis Villeneuve Co-writer: Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac ‘Spectacular Sci-fi’ Few … More

“Avatar: The Way of Water” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver                     … More

“The Dig” (2021) – Movie Review

Directed by Simon Stone Written by Moira Buffini (Based on John Preston’s book) Starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes and Lily … More

“Cruella” (2021) – Movie Review

Director: Craig Gillepsie Writers: Dana Fox and Tony McNamara Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson and Paul Walter Hauser ‘Delightful Disney … More

“CODA” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Sian Heder Starring: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin  ‘Powerful Disability Drama’ Silenced stories of celebrities without hearing … More

“Black Widow” (2021) – Movie Review

Director: Cate Shortland Writer: Eric Pearson Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh and David Harbour ‘A Satisfying Spin-off’ Strong superheroines that … More

“Annette” (2021) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Leos Carax Co-writer: Sparks Brothers Starring: Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard and Simon Helberg ‘Magnificent Musical’ Is it just me … More

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Aaron Sorkin   Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Mark Rylance ‘Captivating Courtroom Drama’ Few court cases in American … More

“Sound of Metal” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Darius Marder Co-writer: Abraham Marder Starring: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke and Paul Raci ‘Powerful Disability Drama’ Hearing impairment is … More

“Soul” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Pete Docter Co-writers: Mike Jones and Kemp Powers Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton ‘Astonishing Animated Achievement’ … More

“Promising Young Woman” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Emerald Fennell Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham and Alison Brie  ‘Riveting Revenge Thriller’ Sexual assault is a sensitive subject … More

“Pieces of a Woman” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Kornél Mundruczó Writer: Kata Webér Starring: Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf and Ellen Burstyn ‘Heartbreaking Homebirth Drama’ It is never … More

“One Night in Miami” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Regina King Writer: Kemp Powers (based on stage play) Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Leslie Odom Jr. and Eli Goree ‘Spectacular … More

“Nomadland” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Chloé Zhao Based on Jessica Bruder’s book Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathaim and Linda May ‘A Mesmerizing Docudrama’ Imagine … More

“Never Rarely Sometimes Always” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Eliza Hittman Starring: Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder and Théodore Pellerin ‘Powerful Pregnancy Drama’ Abortion is a misunderstood medical process … More

“News of the World” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Paul Greengrass Co-writer: Luke Davies (Based on Paulette Jiles’ book) Starring: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel and Ray McKinnon ‘A … More

“Minari” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Lee Isaac Chung Starring: Steven Yeun, Alan Kim and Youn Yuh-jung ‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’ Foreign films are rarely rewarded … More

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: George C. Wolfe Writer: Ruben Santiago-Hudson (based on August Wilson’s play) Starring: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman and Colman Domingo … More

“Mank” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: David Fincher Writer: Jack Fincher  Starring: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried and Lily Collins ‘Filmmaking at its Finest’ When discussing … More

“The Invisible Man” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Leigh Whannell Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Aldis Hodge ‘Terrifying Psychological Thriller’  Over the past decade or so, … More

“Hamilton” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Thomas Kail Writer: Lin-Manuel Miranda Starring: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Jonathan Groff ‘A Must-See Musical’ Broadway musicals … More

“Greyhound” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Aaron Schneider Writer: Tom Hanks (based on book by C.S. Forester) Starring: Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham and Rob Morgan … More

“The Father” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Florian Zeller Co-writer: Christopher Hampton Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman and Mark Gatiss ‘Powerful Dementia Drama’  Dementia is a … More

“Enola Holmes” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Harry Bradbeer  Writer: Jack Thorne (based on book by Nancy Springer) Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill and Sam … More

“Emma” (2020) – Movie Review

Director: Autumn de Wilde Writer: Eleanor Catton (based on book by Jane Austen) Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn and Bill … More

“The Disciple” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Chaitanya Tamhane Starring: Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid and Sumitra Bhave ‘Mesmerizing Music Drama’ Over the past decade or so, … More

“The Devil All the Time” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Antonio Campos  Co-writer: Paulo Campos (based on book by Donald Ray Pollock) Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Jason … More

“Bo Burnham: Inside” (2020) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Bo Burnham Starring: Bo Burnham ‘Spectacular Stand-up Special’ Never has it been more challenging for comedians with hectic routines … More

“1917” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Sam Mendes Co-writer: Krysty Wilson-Cairns Starring: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman and Colin Firth ‘Wonderful War Drama’ Over the past … More

“Yesterday” (2019) – Movie Review

Director: Danny Boyle Writer: Richard Curtis Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James and Ed Sheeran ‘Breathtaking Beatles Musical’ Imagine living in … More

“Waves” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Sterling K. Brown and Taylor Russell ‘A Powerful Family Drama’ Family tragedy … More

“Toy Story 4” (2019) – Movie Review

Director: Josh Cooley Writers: Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Keanu Reeves ‘Terrific Toys Sequel’ … More

“Richard Jewell” (2019) – Movie Review

Director: Clint Eastwood Writer: Billy Ray (based on article by Marie Brenner) Starring: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell and Kathy … More

“The Report” (2019) – Movie Review

Writer/Director: Scott Z. Burns Starring: Adam Driver, Annette Bening and Jon Hamm ‘Powerful Political Thriller’ When it comes to the … More