Category Archives: Film Reviews

Film reviews and analyses. Most recently published is in front.

Hallelujah (1929)

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Finally filled a gap in my film experience with a viewing of Hallelujah, directed by King Vidor in 1929. It’s another Rorschach test for viewers, who will see any number of things in this second all-black-cast film (and first all-black-cast … Continue reading →

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Divergent

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Mark DuPré

The franchise that is Divergent will most likely be remembered for giving Shailene Woodley her first lead role. Many comparisons have been made with The Hunger Games films, as both feature a strong young woman played by an upcoming actress … Continue reading →

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The Grand Budapest Hotel

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Wes Anderson is an acquired taste, and not one that I’d acquired until this film. I have nothing against a self-conscious formalism, but Anderson’s formula seemed too studied, too precious, and occasionally twee for my taste. Every director has the … Continue reading →

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Frozen

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Better Late Than Never… Frozen Finally saw Frozen—apparently after every child in America and half the adults. Not much needs to be added to the adulation. Songs are great if not a little bubble gum at moments. It’s consistently funny … Continue reading →

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Four Quick Takes–The Lego Movie, Her, 20 Feet from Stardom, Enough Said

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Four Quick Takes I recently saw four films, all which I can recommend, though with a reservation here and there. Two won Oscars; one might. The Lego Movie Exhausting and non-stop. But clever and full of adult humor as well. … Continue reading →

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August: Osage County

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Mark DuPré

August: Osage County, a terribly named film based on the slightly less poorly named play of the same name, recalls American Hustle. It overflows with talented actors acting up a storm in a cinematic structure that can’t contain them. Except … Continue reading →

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Nebraska

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Nebraska tells the story of an old man, Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), wanting to get from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim the so-called million-dollar prize he thinks he has won in the mail in one of those magazine … Continue reading →

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12 Years a Slave

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Simply put, 12 Years a Slave is the best film of the year, for a myriad of reasons. I’m even more impressed after the second viewing. It’s beautifully shot, with nearly pitch-perfect acting, and a rhythm all its own. Perhaps … Continue reading →

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Diary of a Country Priest (French, 1951)

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Mark DuPré

I tell my film students to give themselves over to whatever film they’re watching; let the film draw you into its world and take you for whatever ride it wants. Perhaps no film is more challenging for a modern audience … Continue reading →

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Philomena

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Mark DuPré

In the midst of noise, overused special effects and all that Oscar bait sits Philomena, a small-to-medium sized film of great talent, beautiful moments, some confusing turns and the inimitable Judi Dench. Philomena tells the true story of a woman … Continue reading →

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