Julianne Moore

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Review

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Review

RATING: (2.5 STARS) A final film in a series shouldn’t need this much exposition. A final film in a series shouldn’t be so light on concluding excitement. A final film in a series shouldn’t have to force feed its viewers hackeneyed closure for its characters. A final film in a series shouldn’t be so lacking […]

2015 Golden Globes Predictions

2015 Golden Globes Predictions

When it comes to making 2015 Golden Globes predictions, everyone knows quality shouldn’t come into the picture too much. The Globes are notorious for some decisions—most notably Zsa Zsa Gabor and The Tourist. I’m not sure why we take them seriously other than the fact that it’s a show on primetime, but to be fair, […]

2015 Golden Globes Nominations Predictions

2015 Golden Globes Nominations Predictions

The ultra-prestigious and never ridiculous Hollywood Foreign Press Association is on the cusp of announcing its nominees for the 2015 Golden Globes. We should take these nominations very seriously, as the many, many dedicated and serious-minded members of this fine organization consider only the artistic merits of each film, performance, and craft achievement in a […]

2013 TIFF Movies to Watch: #40-#31

2013 TIFF Movies to Watch: #40-#31

Previewing TIFF continues today with the directorial debut of a young superstar actor and the live-action debut of a modern animation legend, among many other promising films. 40.) Don Jon Program: Special Presentation Distributor: Relativity Media Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Written by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Synopsis: Joseph Gordon-Levitt writes, […]

The English Teacher Review

The English Teacher Review

RATING: (1 STAR) Maybe she owed the director money. Maybe the version of the script she’d read before accepting the part wasn’t close to the shooting script. Maybe she was blackmailed. Maybe the shoot was simply convenient for her. I’m searching for a reason why Julianne Moore accepted the lead role in The English Teacher, […]

Game Change Review

Game Change Review

RATING: (3.5 STARS) Those on the political Right will go to their graves arguing that Game Change is just a crock of liberal lies. Whatever. That’s irrelevant, as far as I’m concerned. True or false, this is an incredibly juicy and engaging piece of work, and it really does ring true, whatever the facts are. […]

Crazy, Stupid, Love. Review

Crazy, Stupid, Love. Review

RATING: (2 STARS) Crazy, Stupid, Love. isn’t exactly a bad movie, but it commits two absolutely unforgivable errors. It’s embarrassingly unoriginal (haven’t we seen Steve Carell get the makeover treatment and try to pick up women before?), but worse, it takes a dreadful subplot and gives it far more screen time than it deserves. Really, […]

The Big Lebowski Review

The Big Lebowski Review

RATING: (4 STARS) The Big Lebowski has to be one of the most absurd movies I’ve ever seen. It’s practically plotless. Its comedy is gleefully absurd. And it doesn’t once try to be something it’s not. As always, I admire the Coens for going so out there and not caring if they lose a majority […]

Chloe Review

Chloe Review

RATING: (2 STARS) There’s no doubt Atom Egoyan is a talented director. The Sweet Hereafter is one of the most devastating movies I’ve ever seen. And he’s certainly capable of crafting a smart, adult, and erotic motion picture—as evidenced by Exotica. Unfortunately, while ‘adult’ and ‘erotic’ would describe his latest film, Chloe, well, ‘smart’ certainly […]

The Kids Are All Right Review

The Kids Are All Right Review

RATING: (3.5 STARS) “The Kids Are All Right” is an extraordinary film about the inner workings of a “non-traditional” family. The film, exquisitely directed by Lisa Cholodenko, tells a story that’s unique to these characters, but its ability to capture the messy feelings and relationships inherent in any family is what elevates it from great […]

A Single Man Review

A Single Man Review

RATING: (3 STARS) “A Single Man” is a very interesting, relatively plotless character study about a man with no reason to live. It’s told in a unique manor, and it features some great acting, a moving score, and some beautiful set designs and costumes. So why only three stars? Well, the first ninety minutes of […]

Far from Heaven Review

Far from Heaven Review

RATING: (4 STARS) Todd Haynes’ “Far From Heaven” transports us to a time that is often lampooned in film (1950s suburbia), but rarely taken seriously. It confronts some difficult social issues (racism, sexism, homophobia), while also finding time to develop some involving, non-manipulative melodrama. It’s also visually stunning and features one of the finest performances […]

Blindness Review

Blindness Review

RATING: (1 STAR) I recently noted in my review of “Mutiny on the Bounty” that when films play without subtlety, it can either work or fall on its face. “Mutiny on the Bounty” worked. The time period and setting all appropriated themselves to the way in which director Frank Lloyd elected to tell his story: […]

Children of Men Review

Children of Men Review

RATING: (4 STARS) “Children of Men” is one of the most depressing films I’ve ever seen, yet I can watch it over and over again. The story of what happens when man has no hope and society implodes is a downer for sure, but it’s ultimately very rewarding. Every aspect of this film is just […]

The Best Performances of the 2000s

The Best Performances of the 2000s

In descending order: 10.) Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) – Most of Clint Eastwood’s films this decade have featured a lead character who, for better or worse, dominates the screen. Sean Penn in Mystic River, Angelina Jolie and Changeling, and Eastwood himself in Gran Torino all demonstrate this. They might not be captivating figures, but […]

Magnolia Review

Magnolia Review

RATING: (4 STARS) After the critical and financial success he had with “Boogie Nights,” New Line essentially gave P.T. Anderson the freedom to do anything he wanted. The result is “Magnolia,” a picture that wouldn’t have been made, couldn’t have been made, without such freedom. This is a bold motion picture, a 3-hour tale about […]