Land (2021)
Robin Wright made her directorial debut and starred in dramatic motion picture “Land.” This story about a woman who moves to an isolated cabin in the mountains makes for an absorbing film thanks to smooth direction by Wright and an efficiently written screen play by Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam. [..]
Stillwater (2021)
“Stillwater” is a crime drama about an Oklahoma man who travels to France to prove the innocence of his daughter, falsely imprisoned because of a murder conviction. The story, loosely based on the real-life experience of Amanda Knox, was turned into a watchable, but not great, film by director-writer Tom [..]
Reminiscence (2021)
“Reminiscence” is a mediocre science fiction movie set in the “near future” where a man uses a machine that can read people’s memories. This dull affair is entirely attributed to director-writer Lisa Joy in her film debut. She also co-produced this dud with husband Jonathan Nolan; both co-created the HBO [..]
Black Widow (2021)
Scarlett Johansson continues her superhero status with “Black Widow," the 24th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first stand-alone picture for her character Black Widow that debuted in 2010's "Iron Man 2." Director Cate Shortland and writer Eric Pearson created a movie filled with enough action sequences and [..]
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Walt Disney has released a film called “Jungle Cruise,” yet another motion picture adapted from their theme park attractions. This is not the best film ever made, but the movie does provide solid, watchable family entertainment. Dwayne Johnson plays a riverboat captain who takes scientist Emily Blunt and her brother through [..]
Cinderella (2021)
A new musical version of “Cinderella” is out in theaters. This live action offering, brilliantly written and directed by Kay Cannon (“Blockers“ 2018), features both popular music numbers and some original songs. Mychael Danna and Jessica Weiss were in charge of composing the new music, as well as arrangements. Beautiful actress [..]
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
“The Many Saints of Newark“ is an unremarkable prequel to HBO’s “Sopranos” television show that ran for six season from 1999 to 2007. Creator David Chase, who served as co-producer and co-writer (with Lawrence Konner) on this one, seemed to be provide movie viewers with a mere reiteration of the [..]
The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye “ is a fascinating look at the controversial lives of televangelists Jim and Tammy Bakker. Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain delivered captivating performances as the couple whose multi-million dollar empire fell apart in spectacular fashion back in 1987. Focused direction by Michael Showalter and a gem [..]
Free Guy (2021)
Ryan Reynolds stars in “Free Guy“ as a bank teller who discovers he is actually a supporting character in a video game. This innovative science fiction comedy picture was well directed by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum“ series: 2006, 2009, 2014) and written by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn. [..]
Respect (2021)
Jennifer Hudson delivered a convincing performance as singer Aretha Franklin in the biopic “Respect.” She did well in the musical numbers and in her acting job under the guidance of first-time director Liesi Tommy. The screenplay by Tracey Scott Wilson provided good dialogue for Hudson and other actors like Forest Whitaker, [..]