Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Documentary chronicles a year in the life of Joan Rivers, iconic comedian. Watch as she recounts the milestones in her life, deal with an irate heckler, fire a dear friend and struggles to remain relevant. Behind-the-scenes showbiz account is entertaining, to be sure, but a biography such as this, is most interesting when it’s an […]
Cruising
Unsettling slasher film masquerading as a crime thriller. NYC cop goes undercover in the gay underworld of S&M leather bars in order to uncover a murderer whose victims are patrons of those establishments. As he become more involved in the investigation, it changes him. Sensationalistic drama is marked by heavy handed direction that portrays the victims […]
I Am Love
Sophisticated tale of a married woman’s affair with her son’s business partner. Film really takes its time in the details, recounting the restrained existence of the Italian upper class. At times the film’s deliberate pace can be a frustrating exercise in style over substance. But oh what style! Sumptuous photography highlights the film’s lavish set design […]
The Secret in Their Eyes
Nicely crafted crime drama about a former criminal court employee who re-opens a decades old murder case he never forgot. Film maintains the viewers attention as it frequently flashbacks to 1974, then returns to 1999, when the movie is set. Detailed plot deftly blends such disparate elements as an unresolved murder, political corruption, and an unrequited […]
Come and Get It
Overlooked melodrama about a lumber tycoon who marries to further his career and abandons the woman he truly loves. Credible production is perhaps more fascinating for its behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Howard Hawks was fired by producer Samuel Goldwyn after directing the first half, and subsequently hired William Wyler to complete the film. This is reflected in […]
Toy Story 3
An epic adventure, part 3 of the landmark animated series explores what happens when Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys are accidentally shipped to a day care center after Andy leaves for college. Part buoyant comedy, part jail break action adventure, and part deep emotional drama. The sadness caused when people move on, […]
The Boys Are Back
After his wife dies of cancer, a sports writer must confront the responsibilities of single parenthood with his two young sons. A glossy and superficial film. Spiritless postcards of a life are presented one after the other. A sample scene: warm sunlight shines down as the kids play and giggle in an outdoor tub while […]
Get Him to the Greek
Thoroughly repellent comedy about a record company intern trying to get a faded rock star to Hollywood for a big comeback concert. Comedy should feature amusing characters, so why does everyone have to be so unpleasant in this film? Russell Brand is a spoiled, tiresome bore as Aldous Snow. He’s doing the same rock star […]
Party Girl
Quirky romantic comedy about a flighty, free spirited hedonist. Parker Posey is likable as spunky and sassy Mary, a Holly Golightly for the 90s. We follow her as she learns the intricacies of the Dewey Decimal system, flirts with a falafel vendor and dances the night away at the many house parties she throws. Manhattan’s […]
Splice
Unsettling science fiction about two young scientists who combine various animal DNA samples with human DNA to create a hybrid creature. Their disregard for the ethical and legal boundaries of society is a cautionary tale explored in a (mostly) intelligent manner. What could have been an unrestrained gore fest, wisely favors creepy mood over slasher […]