Frank (Lenny Abrahamson, 2014) Michael Fassbender (seen earlier this summer in X-Men: Days of Future Past), as the title character of … More
Month: August 2014
9/5/14: Happy Birthday, Mr. Herzog! Midday on Film Celebrates the Madness and Genius of Bavaria’s Favorite Cinematic Son
[NOTE: If you missed the show, you can still listen to the podcast.] Born in 1942 in Munich, Werner Herzog … More
“The November Man” is Perfect for Late August (Which Means It’s Not That Great)
The November Man (Roger Donaldson, 2014) The last two weeks have seen the usual weak roster of films that studios … More
O, the Ecstasy of Tragedy! “If I Stay” Delivers Melodrama and Not Much Else
If I Stay (R.J. Cutler, 2014) What a week! The two films screened for press were this and When the Game … More
“When the Game Stands Tall”: Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Clichés of Corn
When the Game Stands Tall (Thomas Carter, 2014) “Inspired by the extraordinary true story” (as the poster reminds us) of … More
In Memoriam: Goodbye Lauren Bacall and Robin Williams
This week, we lost two great stars, each representative of very different eras. I add my brief two cents to … More
“Calvary” Stumbles on the Way to Crucifixion
Calvary (John Michael McDonagh, 2014) “Do not despair; one of the thieves was saved. Do not presume; one of the thieves was damned.” … More
“Magic in the Moonlight” Offers Charm Without Substance
Magic in the Moonlight (Woody Allen, 2014) Woody Allen’s new film is as delicious and amusing a confection of cinematic delights as any he … More
“Get on Up” Never Quite Stands Tall
Get on Up (Tate Taylor, 2014) With a terrific central performance by Chadwick Boseman (42), Get on Up has what it needs … More
Affably Silly “Guardians of the Galaxy” Is a True Summer Pleasure
Guardians of the Galaxy (James Gunn, 2014) Until I first saw a trailer for this new superhero fantasy from Marvel … More