Child 44 **** Short Take: Based on the first book in Tom Rob Smith’s trilogy, Child 44 tells the story of a disillusioned MGB agent in Stalinist Russia who stumbles onto the path of a serial child killer. REEL TAKE: At press time Child 44 is still in theatres inContinue Reading
‘71 **** ½ Short Take: A historic action thriller about a young British soldier, separated from the rest of his unit, during ‘the troubles’ in 1971. REEL TAKE: ’71 marks a powerful debut feature film for director Yann Demange. ’71 is a historical, fact-based action film that takes place overContinue Reading
50 Shades of Grey **1/2 Short Take: This film adaptation of the bestselling novel is a cross between The Story of O and a made-for-TV movie on Lifetime or Oxygen. Reel Take: While I am not a fan nor have I read the source material by E.L. James, I amContinue Reading
American Sniper **** Short Take: Solid but not spectacular. Clint Eastwood’s straightforward adaptation of Chris Kyle’s autobiography benefits from his no-nonsense direction and quality performances from Bradley Cooper & Sienna Miller. REEL TAKE: What is one to make of American Sniper? When I watched it as a potential Oscar contenderContinue Reading
Happy New Year! We scaled back this month to enjoy the season with our families, but we’ll be back in February with our Best Films of 2014 and our predictions for the Oscars. If you wondering what’s worth seeing, there’s a fairly decent array from which to choose. Unfortunately there’sContinue Reading
Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance ****1/2 Short Take: In an effort to be taken seriously a former movie star, on the verge of a nervous breakdown, attempts to launch a dramatic play on Broadway. REEL TAKE: Talk about art imitating life. The casting of Michael Keaton, twenty yearsContinue Reading
A Walk Among the Tombstones **** Short Take: Grim, powerful crime drama about a private investigator and the unusual serial murders that he is trying to solve. Contains several strong performances especially from Liam Neeson. Reel Take: The transformation of Liam Neeson from leading man to solid character actor toContinue Reading
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them **** ½ Short Take: In the wake of tragedy, a young couple struggles to come to grips with life, love and their selves. REEL TAKE: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is the debut film from writer/director Ned Benson. It’s been met with mixed criticalContinue Reading
Calvary **** ½ Short Take: A good priest in a small Irish town receives a mysterious confessional death threat as payback for the sins of the church. REEL TAKE: John Michael McDonough’s Calvary is a powerful character-driven drama strewn with dark comedy throughout, but it is not a dark comedy.Continue Reading
