Monthly Archives: August 2013

Elysium

Count me a fan of director Neil Blomkamp’s 2009’s District 9, which brought a refreshing reinvention to the dystopian sci-fi film with a keen visual sense, a new accomplished performer at the center (Sharlto Copley), and the social resonance of … Continue reading

Posted in Film Reviews, Newer films | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blue Jasmine

Every year there is at least one master class in acting for us to enjoy, and for those interested, to study. In previous years, it’s been provided by Streep, Day-Lewis, Penn, or Philip Seymour Hoffman. This year, it’s supplied before … Continue reading

Posted in Film Reviews, Newer films | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Lee Daniels’ The Butler is nearly a critic-proof film. Its subject matter—a real-life butler who served a number of presidents in the White House—has been tied inextricably into the greater battle for civil rights for African-Americans. That’s the source of … Continue reading

Posted in Film Reviews, Newer films | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Wolverine

Full disclosure: I’m not a comic book geek, nor a superhero fan, and not even a particular fan of the popular Wolverine character. So maybe that’s what accounts for a rather tepid response to this film, an admittedly superior film … Continue reading

Posted in Film Reviews, Newer films | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fruitvale Station

Yes, a star is born. There are plenty of good reasons to see and experience Fruitvale Station. But perhaps the greatest pleasure is watching the birth of a star—Michael B. Jordan. The film, a favorite at Cannes and Sundance, is … Continue reading

Posted in Film Reviews, Newer films | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment