Oscar Best Picture Nominee: ‘Belfast’ Is Branagh’s Family Memory Piece

Oscar Best Picture Nominee: ‘Belfast’ Is Branagh’s Family Memory Piece

By Lynn VenhausFor 10 days preceding the 94th annual Academy Awards on March 27, we are spotlighting each of the 10 Best Picture nominees.by running... Details
Two Lost Souls Adrift in Vague Tale on Connection in ‘Compartment No. 6’

Two Lost Souls Adrift in Vague Tale on Connection in ‘Compartment No. 6’

By Lynn VenhausIn a world where so much is about timing, perhaps this isn’t an ideal time to watch “Compartment Number 6,” a rather bleak,... Details
‘After Yang’ is Emotionally Intelligent Sci-Fi About an Android’s Impact

‘After Yang’ is Emotionally Intelligent Sci-Fi About an Android’s Impact

By Alex McPherson Patient, meditative, and pulsing with feeling beneath its calming atmosphere, the latest effort by video-essayist-turned-film-director Kogonada, “After Yang,” poses profound questions in... Details
Past Meets Future in Jaunty ‘The Adam Project’ Time-Travel Movie

Past Meets Future in Jaunty ‘The Adam Project’ Time-Travel Movie

By Lynn Venhaus With nods to “Back to the Future,” “The Terminator” and “Field of Dreams,” not to mention a 1949 hit song “Enjoy Yourself... Details
Darker Knight Marks New Direction for DC’s Younger Emo ‘The Batman’

Darker Knight Marks New Direction for DC’s Younger Emo ‘The Batman’

By Lynn VenhausThe grittiest, gloomiest, and most pitch-black of the entire Caped Crusader canon, “The Batman” expands the compelling mythology with a neo-noir approach and... Details
Lush Look, Songs of Longing and a Timeless Love Triangle in ‘Cyrano’

Lush Look, Songs of Longing and a Timeless Love Triangle in ‘Cyrano’

By Lynn VenhausA soaring symphony of romanticism, “Cyrano” is one of the most daring and best-looking films from last year. Too self-conscious to woo Roxanne... Details
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ is Far From a Clean Cut

‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ is Far From a Clean Cut

By Alex McPherson Crass and packed with enough blood to fill a swimming pool, director David Blue Garcia’s “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” leaves behind a bitter... Details
Superb Performances Dredge Up Uncomfortable Truths in Stray Dog’s Savvy ‘Good People’

Superb Performances Dredge Up Uncomfortable Truths in Stray Dog’s Savvy ‘Good People’

By Lynn VenhausOur turfs and our tribes. It’s what defines us. Well, we like to think that, but maybe it’s our choices that shape us.... Details
Young Lovers Burn Bright in Post-Modern ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Young Lovers Burn Bright in Post-Modern ‘Romeo and Juliet’

By Lynn VenhausBehold the youthful energy that lights the fire of William Shakespeare’s classic big love. Erik Peterson and Evie Bennett burn bright as the... Details
Bullets Fly But Nonsensical ‘Pursuit’ Never Lifts Off

Bullets Fly But Nonsensical ‘Pursuit’ Never Lifts Off

By Lynn Venhaus A ridiculous bargain-bin action movie that could have been written by chimps, “Pursuit” is comparable to a later going-through-the-motions episode of “Starsky... Details