Author Archive
Film Review – Mid-Century
There is a sterile, detached feeling that runs throughout Mid-Century (2022). The direction, set design, costuming, and dialogue create a stiff, off-balance tone that initially works in this horror/thriller/mystery. At one point, lovers Tom (Shane West) and Alice (Chelsea Gilligan) embrace in front of a beautiful, mid-20th century…
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Film Review – Cha Cha Real Smooth
Here’s a piece of advice: One’s life does not need to be set in stone by age 22. Where some people know exactly where their paths will take them once they step out of college, others spend their youth trying to figure out what they…
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Film Review – Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
Above all else, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022) is a comedic drama about acceptance. Not only is it about accepting others for who they are, but – and most importantly – it’s about accepting oneself. It’s a two-person, one location interaction where our characters meet…
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Film Review – Hustle
Now here is a situation where a movie follows a well-worn blueprint but is executed with such flourish that it transcends its cliches. Hustle (2022) has all the ingredients of an underdog sports story: characters coming from nowhere, overcoming impossible odds both external and internal. It’s a…
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Film Review – Interceptor
Interceptor (2022) is one of those throwback action pictures where a lone hero must take down an entire platoon of terrorists. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, these were common fare, from Under Siege (1992), Executive Decision (1996), Air Force One (1997) and of course Die Hard (1988), which this film lifts the most…
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Film Review – Fire Island
Partially inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, Fire Island (2022) is a romantic comedy that celebrates all the messiness of friendship and romance. The title refers to Fire Island, New York, which has long been known as a vacation getaway for members of the gay community. It’s here…
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Film Review – Top Gun: Maverick
There has been a lot of talk lately describing Tom Cruise as “The Last Great Movie Star.” While that distinction can be debated, what’s hard to argue is that Cruise – who will be turning 60 this year – is the ultimate showman. Where other movies rely…
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Film Review – Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers
When it comes to reboots of ‘80s and ‘90s children cartoon shows, studios follow a blueprint set in stone. Take familiar characters, transfer them to a modern, real-world setting, and switch up the style so they are rendered in CGI rather than hand drawn. These…
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