Rush (Ron Howard, 2013) If I write that I could care less about all forms of car racing – and have…
“Baggage Claim” (Mostly) Delivers, but Loses a Lot of Luggage Along the Way
[NOTE: I gave my on-air review of this film on Friday, 9/27, on “Midday with Dan Rodricks.” You can hear…
“Prisoners” – Squinting in the Face of Evil
Prisoners (Denis Villeneuve, 2013) At the end of the preview screening I attended for Prisoners, a young woman stood up in…
Riddick-ulous Fun . . . If You’re a Fan.
Riddick (David Twohy) In Pitch Black (2000), also known as The Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black, antihero Richard B. Riddick – a convicted…
WYPR’s September 6 Midday on Film: A New “Breakout Year” for Black Filmmakers … Again?
[NOTE: The show went well. Here is the podcast.] Is 2013 a “breakout year for black filmmakers” (African-American, British, and…
“The Spectacular Now” – A Strong Film About Life After the Party
The Spectacular Now (James Ponsoldt, 2013) James Ponsoldt has a thing about alcohol. In both of his previous features, Off the Black…
One Drink Too Many: “The World’s End” Is Fun Until It Isn’t
The World’s End (Edgar Wright, 2013) Five guys walk into a pub, meet malevolent robots, and in the ensuing battle…
“Elysium.” Is. Matt. Damon.
A man on the run, alone against the system (with maybe a little help from some friends) . . .…
“The Butler” Provides Uneven, but Moving, Service
The Butler (Lee Daniels, 2013) Make no mistake: The Butler (sorry, that’s “Lee Daniels’ The Butler“) is kind of a mess, but it’s an…
“Kick-Ass 2,” Rape Jokes and All, Is Just Dreadful
Kick-Ass 2 (Jeff Wadlow, 2013) What’s funny about rape? I’ll tell you. The rapist can’t get it up. Ha, ha! I…
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