Comedy

Smith gives a dogged effort in ambitious ‘Dogma’ (1999)

I’m in a position to provide two perspectives, two decades apart, on “Dogma” (1999). In a 2001 review, I called “Jay and Silent Bob Strike

READ MORE

Smith keeps indie vibe with emotional ‘Chasing Amy’ (1997)

In his four 1990s films, writer-director Kevin Smith challenges himself more each time. So while it’s up for debate whether “Chasing Amy” (1997) is his

READ MORE

No soph slump for Smith with hilarious ‘Mallrats’ (1995)

“Mallrats” (1995) was ahead of its time because of writer-director Kevin Smith’s embracing of geek culture (which was, of course, his own culture). The film

READ MORE

Smith’s ‘Clerks’ (1994) the pinnacle of DIY filmmaking

If memory serves, I first heard about writer-director Kevin Smith’s “Clerks” (1994) from a blurb in Star Wars Insider magazine. The very concept was hard

READ MORE

‘A Rainy Day in New York’ (2019) a delightful romance

Like a rain that douses a city and makes it new again, “A Rainy Day in New York” (2019) refreshes classic Woody Allen themes and

READ MORE

3rd ‘Major League’ should go ‘Back to the Minors’ (1998)

The saga’s third (and last, for now) film, “Major League: Back to the Minors” (1998) definitely belongs in the minor leagues. I had always held

READ MORE

Winning gets old in Sheen’s ‘Major League II’ (1994)

“Major League II” (1994) is a prime example of a sequel that rehashes the original in order to draw smiles from fans, but does nothing

READ MORE

‘Major League’ (1989) inexplicably hits the sweet spot

A viewer can nitpick all the things about “Major League” (1989) that aren’t quite right. But somehow none of the little flaws lessen the viewing

READ MORE

‘Hot Shots!’ films’ (1991, 1993) funny factor flies high

“Hot Shots!” (1991) and “Hot Shots! Part Deux” (1993) were on heavy rotation in my house when I was a kid. I recently rewatched them

READ MORE

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008) is sumptuously Spanish

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008) is a rare Woody Allen movie that I wouldn’t initially guess was a Woody Allen movie if not for the credits.

READ MORE