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

In Mixed “Our Brand Is Crisis,” a First-Rate Sandra Bullock Sells Second-Rate Truths

Our Brand Is Crisis (David Gordon Green, 2015) Though politics is always crooked, there are some genuinely good things in Our … More

My “Hammer to Nail” pieces on “7 Chinese Brothers” and Kat Candler

I have two pieces this week in Hammer to Nail: one on 7 Chinese Brothers and one on Kat Candler’s new short … More

Despite Some Unnecessary Hollywood Touches, “Labyrinth of Lies” Is Powerful Truth-Telling [+ a Minor Levinson, “Rock the Kasbah”]

I spent more time than expected typing up my interview with filmmaker Kat Candler about her terrific new short film, … More

New “Baltimore Sun” Podcast with Dan Rodricks

Dan Rodricks, former host of Midday on WYPR, has a new audio venture at The Baltimore Sun, where he has been … More

“Bridge of Spies” Is a Fine Historical Thriller That Meditates on American Values (i.e., It’s a Spielberg Film)

Bridge of Spies (Steven Spielberg, 2015) This movie had somehow slipped under my radar before its release. I didn’t even … More

“Crimson Peak” Is a Beautiful Bloody Mess

Crimson Peak (Guillermo del Toro, 2015) Billed as a gothic romance, Crimson Peak spurts forth today, fresh from the pulsating blood vessels … More