All Posts

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ an overwrought ‘Monkey’s Paw’ riff

“Wonder Woman 1984” has automatic goodwill by being released straight into our homes for free (if we already have HBO Max), and director/co-writer Patty Jenkins

READ MORE

‘The Faculty’ (1998) a slick product with a point

In 1998, I ranked “The Faculty” higher than “Disturbing Behavior” in my year-end top 10, but today I think the crisp, on-the-nose nature of director

READ MORE

‘Last Christmas’ (2019) has its heart in right place

Everyone gets along merrily in “Last Christmas” (2019), director Paul Feig and co-writer Emma Thompson’s holiday trifle inspired by the bittersweet George Michael song of

READ MORE

In the holiday spirit: All 10 Shane Black films, ranked

With Christmas approaching, it’s a good time look back at the films of Shane Black, the unofficial King of Christmas among moviemakers. Although he may

READ MORE

Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ a confusing time-travel experiment

I watched “Tenet” on one of those bare-bones discs from Redbox, but presumably we can also buy editions that include bonus features. Hopefully one of

READ MORE

‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1994) has spirit and schmaltz

John Hughes wrote five Christmas or Thanksgiving films between 1987-92, but with their adult humor and – in the case of the “Home Alones” —

READ MORE

DuVall’s ‘Happiest Season’ makes the Yuletide gay

A cut above the typical Christmas flick shoveled out by streaming and cable, “Happiest Season” (Hulu) is a heartfelt and impressive breakthrough from director/co-writer Clea DuVall

READ MORE

‘Wheel of Darkness’ (2007) riffs on Titanic tragedy

Past and present collide as Agent Pendergast and Constance hit the high seas in a nod to the 1912 Titanic tragedy in Douglas Preston and

READ MORE

Frenetic ‘Flight Attendant’ Season 1 sticks the landing

“The Flight Attendant” (HBO Max) might not be the ideal binge show. Propelled by the piano and percussion of Blake Neely’s score, the eight-episode first

READ MORE

‘Hercule Poirot’s Christmas’ (1938) a solid stocking stuffer

“Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” (1938) stands out because of its holiday setting, making it an ideal book to read while warming your toes by the fire

READ MORE