Unexpected, Unpredictable ‘Barbie’ Is An Irresistible Pop o’ Culture

Unexpected, Unpredictable ‘Barbie’ Is An Irresistible Pop o’ Culture

By Lynn Venhaus Far from plastic and without a whiff of cynicism, “Barbie” is a cherry lemonade-frosted cupcake made with the best ingredients, no artificial... Details
Take Ten with St. Louis Filmmaker Andy Compton

Take Ten with St. Louis Filmmaker Andy Compton

By Lynn VenhausAt home behind a movie camera, Andy Compton has strived to be a resourceful filmmaker, working through pitfalls to take a film from... Details
Nolan’s Magnum Opus ‘Oppenheimer’ is Big, Bold And Brilliant

Nolan’s Magnum Opus ‘Oppenheimer’ is Big, Bold And Brilliant

By Lynn VenhausOne of the best films of the year, “Oppenheimer” is a stunning achievement in sight, sound, story, and scope. Brilliantly directed and written... Details
‘MI:7’ Is Stunt Spectacular, Thorny Mission on Cruise Control

‘MI:7’ Is Stunt Spectacular, Thorny Mission on Cruise Control

By Lynn Venhaus One thing about Tom Cruise: Love him or hate him, he is a consummate entertainer. And let’s face it, we’re sucked into... Details
Unforgettable Action Sequences Elevate Solid ‘Mission: Impossible’ 7

Unforgettable Action Sequences Elevate Solid ‘Mission: Impossible’ 7

By Alex McPherson Featuring incredible stunts, timely themes, and an engaging, though imperfect balance between goofiness and sincerity, director Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission: Impossible - Dead... Details
Indiana Jones Is Back in Grand But Bumpy Globe-Trotting Finale

Indiana Jones Is Back in Grand But Bumpy Globe-Trotting Finale

By Lynn Venhaus The man, the myths, and the legend are back, and there’s both a rueful twinge and wave of nostalgia at the sight... Details
Harrison Ford Delivers in Uneven ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Finale

Harrison Ford Delivers in Uneven ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Finale

By Alex McPherson With Harrison Ford lending emotional grandeur to an otherwise middling adventure, director James Mangold’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” provides... Details
‘No Hard Feelings’ Is an Unfunny Crude and Cringy Comedy

‘No Hard Feelings’ Is an Unfunny Crude and Cringy Comedy

By Lynn VenhausThe crude and cringy comedy “No Hard Feelings” is a hot mess. If trying to be a throwback to ‘80s sex comedies, but... Details
‘Past Lives’ Is a Beautifully Moving Love Story

‘Past Lives’ Is a Beautifully Moving Love Story

By Alex McPherson A dramatically rich, sensitively told love story with an astounding trio of central performances, director Celine Song’s “Past Lives” is a near-flawless... Details
Visually Rich Pixar Story ‘Elemental’ Is Far From Lukewarm

Visually Rich Pixar Story ‘Elemental’ Is Far From Lukewarm

By Alex McPherson Strikingly well-animated and loaded with ever-topical themes, director Peter Sohn’s “Elemental,” Pixar’s latest, lacks storytelling flair but remains a worthwhile experience for... Details