French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Incendies, Polytechnique) has made some nonconforming and occasionally controversial films in his homeland. Prisoners marks his first English-language film with A-list stars. And while it is in some respects a conventional crime thriller in the Hollywood…
Director James Wan (Insidious, The Conjuring) has filmed more than his fair share of ghost stories in the past couple of years. While these pop-up fright tales are becoming increasingly familiar, Insidious: Chapter 2 is still skillful enough to work…
The buzz on the low-budget independent drama Short Term 12, has been building steadily since the film won the SXSW Grand Jury Feature Award and Audience Award earlier in the year. Sometimes these titles end up disappointing when released outside…
Vin Diesel and his buffed out ego must love this resurgence of his career. I suppose fans of Vinnie are digging it as well. The renewed interest in his “Fast and Furious” franchise over the last few years is unprecedented…
“Getaway” is a dim action film that possesses a perfect sort of stupid. Every component is filtered to appease the low IQ’d: The acting, the plot, the car chases, the freaking lighting!!! Yes, “Getaway” has stupid lighting. There is a…
The new film Closed Circuit attempts a modern update of the conspiracy thrillers of the 70’s. It’s a valiant effort and features an accomplished and effective cast, but the plot lacks a sense of excitement and mystery. Sadly, instead of…
Over the years, there have been several retellings of “Pride and Prejudice”. And thanks to a significant other who enjoys filmic adaptations of Jane Austen, I’ve seen many more than I would have otherwise sought out. The latest, “Austenland,” attempts…
Fans of cult film director Edgar Wright have been patiently waiting for the finale of what the moviemaker describes as his Cornetto trilogy. For those who aren’t aware of his other reference-heavy comedic installments, “Shaun of the Dead” riffed on…
Want to see something really scary? Looking for movie that in spite of its low-budget aims high, and proverbially (as well as literally) hits the bullseye? Independently produced for under $1 million dollars, “You’re Next” is, frankly, among the most…
“Kick-Ass” attempted to tell the story of a wannabe superhero testing his mettle in the real world, adding some grim black humor into the mix. It was far from perfect, but it was still an interesting and different spin on…