“Spotlight” Shines a Beacon on the Value of Good Journalism

Spotlight (Tom McCarthy, 2015) In January, 2002, journalists at the Boston Globe published a lengthy exposé of the long-term abuse of children by Catholic … More

In “Brooklyn,” Saoirse Ronan Owns the Town

Brooklyn (John Crowley, 2015) Even in the times when Brooklyn – a new film by Irish director John Crowley (Closed Circuit), based … More

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” Burns Like a Peat Fire

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (Francis Lawrence, 2015) It has now long become de rigueur to take successful … More

“Twinsters” Review on “Hammer to Nail”

This was a week where I was unable to attend any of the press screenings for films scheduled for release today. … More

“Roughly Speaking” Podcast with Rodricks: Reviews of “The Peanuts Movie” and “Spectre”

This morning, Linda DeLibero – Director, Film and Media Studies, Johns Hopkins University – and Christopher Llewellyn Reed (that’s me) – Chair and … More

In “Spectre,” Ghosts of 007’s Past Haunt the Series

Spectre (Sam Mendes, 2015) Back in 2006, when the folks at EON Productions released Casino Royale and introduced the world to Daniel Craig’s … More

In “Room,” a Marvelous Brie Larson Triumphs over Trauma

Room (Lenny Abrahamson, 2015) Based on the best-selling book of the same title, by Emma Donoghue, Room tells the harrowing tale of … More

In “The Peanuts Movie,” Pigpen Isn’t the Only Mess

The Peanuts Movie (Steve Martino, 2015) Thank God for Snoopy and his little pal Woodstock. Without them, this fiasco of … More

My “Hammer to Nail” pieces on “The Notorious Mr. Bout” and “Roar”

I have two pieces this week in Hammer to Nail: one on The Notorious Mr. Bout and one on Roar. Check ’em out.

Rodricks’ “Roughly Speaking” on “Room,” “Our Brand Is Crisis,” “Rebel Without a Cause” and Sterling Hayden

Yesterday, Linda DeLibero – Director, Film and Media Studies, Johns Hopkins University – and Christopher Llewellyn Reed (that’s me) – Chair and Professor, Department … More