“The Light Between Oceans” Goes from Bright to Dull
Watching "The Light Between Oceans" feels something like visiting an old person, and having them insist heavily that you see every picture they've ever taken of their children, despite the fact that you've only just...
“Morgan”: a Familiar, Yet Well-Crafted Thriller
I'm no expert, but anytime a synthetic life-form takes comfort in opera and playing chess with itself, it should be perceived as a major red flag. Nothing that sophisticated can be up to any good....
Nobody Wins in “War Dogs”
Riding the coattails of "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "The Big Short," another entry into the white-collar gangster genre has surfaced. And once again it, it features guys who apparently never made it to the end...
“Kubo” Boasts Mind Over Matter
"Kubo and the Two Strings" is an ode to storytelling. It appreciates that history is not nearly as important as the stories that history inspires, as they fulfill the potential that the truth merely hints at,...
There’s No Party Like a “Sausage Party”
For too long, Pixar has sat upon the sentient throne of animation, and remained unscathed. Throughout history, there have been a number of attempted uprisings, most notably by Pixar's own blood, Disney Animation Studios, but none have yet proved...
“Imperium”: To See or Nazi
In the annals of movie villains, there are two who stand out above the rest—the "great whites": sharks and Nazis. They're fool-proof foils, because they're innately dangerous, relentless and unlikable. "Imperium" tackles the latter, although of...
“Ben-Hur” a Soulless Revisiting of a Soulful Tale
While witnessing this modern take on the classic tale of Ben-Hur, I began to feel like a parent—bound by paternal duty—attending a school play. There's the skeleton of a story I'm familiar with and none...
“Suicide Squad” Fails to be Different
If you remember, "The Bad News Bears" ends with the opposing team—having won the game—commending the Bears on their moxie and offering an apology for having mocked them earlier. They then gather around in a circle and chant their appreciation...
“Star Trek Beyond” Lives Large And Prospers
American roots music is cohabited by blues and folk. Blues music is primarily emotional—lots of moaning and full of inclusive themes—and folk music is primarily intellectual, offering stories with moral or political centers. In the Sci-fi world, Star Wars...
