McQueen documentary is an Intimate Look at Fashionable Insecure Genius
Alexander McQueen was a name uttered quite often at one time on the red carpet of numerous award shows. His design ranged from the macabre to immaculate, stunning, conversational piece fashion that was truly as unique as the man who created this walkable art. Produced by Bleecker Street Media and directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui, McQueen sheds light on the humble beginning of this young, ambitious designer, his relationship with Givenchy and how his unique style was fostered, developed and ultimately became his undoing. Like so many before McQueen, it’s that diamond in the rough brilliance which drives them mad and isolates these artists into a world that…
Elsie Fisher is Real and Raw in A24’s Eighth Grade
How many times did you wish you could go back to school and punch that one mean girl in the throat or at least embarrass her beyond belief? With ‘coming of age’ films like ‘Lady Bird’ or even back to ‘American Pie’ or ‘Pretty in Pink, most shine a spotlight on adolescent growing pains and the drama that comes alongside it. Now, we have Eighth Grade, which sheds light on the time prior to high school, where fitting in is difficult at best. With the internet and smart phones, flirting with boys and being the ‘cool kid’ has taken on a whole new level. A level that makes even the…
Ant Man and The Wasp is Hilarious, Quick Witted Superhero Fun
Marvel Studios is kicking off its 10th anniversary in real style. With the release of Avenger: Infinity War and Black Panther earlier this year, they have more than proved that superheroes are their business. If we were wondering why Ant Man wasn’t in Avengers: Infinity War, Ant Man and The Wasp answer that burning question and more. Starring Paul Rudd (who’s also producer and in the title role) is hilariously charming as Ant Man in a clueless sort of way…which is why we love him! Evangeline Lilly totally owns being Hope/The Wasp. She’s strong, confident and has no problem letting men and women alike know that she is always in…
Mia Wasikowska Redefines Distress in Damsel
In romantic relationships, we always assume that true love prevails and conquers all…right??!! That’s what Samuel (Robert Pattinson thought until things go terribly awry. Taking place in the Wild, Wild West circa 1870, Samuel Alabaster (Robert Pattinson), an affluent pioneer, ventures across the American Frontier to marry the love of his life, Penelope (Mia Wasikowska). After picking up a drunk Parson named Henry (David Zellner) and a miniature horse called Butterscotch, their once-simple journey grows treacherous, blurring the lines between hero, villain and damsel. Writers/Directors David and Nathan Zellner have outdone themselves with this one. The manner in which they seamlessly blur the lines between comedy and drama is stunning.…
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AFI DOCS: Deportation of 1917 Bisbee Arizona Revisited in Riveting Documentary
News reports of thousands of immigrants being deported after their contribution to making America great again dominate on a daily basis. As annoyed or shocked as we are about these actions brought about by our current administration, nothing compares to the 1,200 immigrant copper miners snatched from their homes and left to die in the middle of the Bisbee, Arizona desert. Directed by Robert Green, Bisbee ’17 follows the 21st century community of this small mining ghost town as they reenact the 100 anniversary uncovering personal stories and complex family histories along the way. Watching this town put themselves in the shoes of these immigrants, who some of which had…
Paul Rudd is Perfect in The Catcher Was a Spy
I’m always down for a good tale of espionage, especially when it involves baseball. Doesn’t make sense right? Let me break it down for you. The Catcher Was A Spy is the true life story of Boston White Sox player Moe Berg. Not only did was this dude a real spy, but he spoke seven languages – fluently. Oh, and did I mention he was bisexual. You can’t say he didn’t live his life to its fullest. As an intelligence operative, he interviewed physicists about the Nazi nuclear program and played an instrumental role in the U.S. effort to defeat Germany, later transferring to the CIA. Paul Rudd is Moe…
Elastagirl and Jack Jack Steal the Show in Disney*Pixar’s Incredibles 2
Disney has done it again! Incredibles 2 surpasses the excitement of its predecessor totally entertaining the adult children like myself. When we catch up with Elastagirl, Mr. Incredible, Violet and Dash – superheroes have been deemed illegal and are underground. When their best efforts to convince society that superheroes being needed and relevant aare thwarted, their superhero program is being shutdown and they have to find new digs in just a few short weeks. Elastagirl comes to the rescue with the help of cool techno-geek villain Evelyn Deavor (Catherine Keaner) and her overly enthusiastic brother Winston (Bob Odenkirk). Let me just say that Elastagirl is a total badass when…
Ocean’s 8 is a Stylish Heist with an All-Star Cast of Flick Favs
The Ocean’s franchise is back featuring an all-star female cast of flick, tv and recording favorites – Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina and Rihanna, who hold their own individually and as a unit. Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) has been incarcerated for nearly ten years and upon parole contacts her bestie Lou (Cate Blanchett) to embark upon the heist of a lifetime – stealing the famed Touissaint necklace during the Met Ball Gala. Each doll has their specialty. Mindy Kaling is the jewel expert, Rihanna – a computer/IT wiz, Awkwafina – a pick-pocket of epic proportions, Sarah Paulson is a stay at…
Toni Collette is Brilliant in Heart-Stopping Horror Hereditary
After watching Stephen King’s Carrie, I vowed to never again watch a horror flick. Numerous nights on end are spent with lights on and one eye struggling to stay open at best. At the urging of a fellow critic, I took a chance and screened Hereditary. Why? Two of my favs Gabriel Byrne and Toni Collette were in it AND produced it, so I figured it wouldn’t be too bad. WRONG! That nightlight has been on full-time duty for the last 24-hours. With his feature debut Ari Aster and a cast led by Collette and Byrne, let audiences experience a fly on the wall view as the family matriarch becomes…
Shailene Woodley is Sailing Smoothly as Leading Lady in Adrift
Back in the day, I entertained our troops overseas in USO/DOD tours atop aircraft carriers in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I often look back with wonder if for some ridiculous reason, we were stuck in this mass body of water with no one having a clue as to our whereabouts. Thankfully, I never had to find out, but Tami Oldham did. Adrift is the true-life story of a 23-year old Oldham and her impending journey from Tahiti to San Diego that took the love of her life Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin)and found her stuck out at sea for more than 40 days. More than that, it’s the…
