This is the most purely entertaining film of the year, a joyous space romp that all but explodes off the screen with lots of action and even more charm. Our recent superheros have been complex, often anguished, even downright tortured. It has been a while since we’ve had a charming rogue with a bad attitude …

Continue reading “Guardians of the Galaxy”

There are a lot of challenges in taking on the life story of James Brown, known variously as the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, the Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite and others with variations on the term “Funk.” First and foremost, James Brown was one of the most electrifying performers of all time and …

Continue reading “Get on Up”

Woody Allen’s 44th film is an amuse bouche without a meal, a dollop of whipped cream without the dessert underneath.  In last year’s film, “Blue Jasmine,” the strength of the performances (especially Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett) and the resonance of its Bernie Madoff-ish crossed with “Streetcar Named Desire” plot line provided a simulacrum of seriousness of …

Continue reading “Magic in the Moonlight”

Brendan Gleeson gives a magnificent performance as a warm-hearted priest in a sad and damaged world in “Calvary,” opening next week across the country.  Here’s an exclusive peek behind the scenes, featuring Gleeson and Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies Sister Rose Pacatte. Next week, I will publish an interview with Gleeson and writer/director John …

Continue reading “Exclusive Clip: Behind the Scenes on “Calvary””

Tonight is the last of the Pre-Code films Margaret Talbot and I will be presenting at Washington D.C.’s Hill Center.  And it’s a doozy, Jean Harlow in “Red Headed Woman.”  We’d love to see you there. Margaret and I will be back at the Hill Center again for a tribute to Ed Wood, generally considered …

Continue reading “Tonight: The Last of Our Pre-Code Series, Jean Harlow in “Red Headed Woman””