The term ‘blackhat’ is an interesting one to begin with when looking at Michael Mann’s latest offering. In the context of this film, it refers to a computer hacker who violates computer or internet security laws for illegal or personal gain. This person isn’t necessarily a good guy, at least not in the sense that […]
An emotional punch in the gut, Still Alice shines a spotlight on the usually subordinate topic of Alzheimer’s Disease. Co-directed by Richard Glatzer, who is himself grappling with a debilitating disease (ALS), Still Alice captures the brutal agony that surrounds the diagnosis and progression of a terminal, incurable illness. Challenging their audience to see Alzheimer’s […]
There’s something to be said about a surprisingly (relatively) successful idea for a flick. There’s also something to be said about an idea feeling as if it has been stretched thin. The original Taken and its sequels could occupy both sides of the spectrum, depending on who you are. Off the bat, you are hit […]
It’s 2015 and Dr. King’s dream has indeed been realized. For the most part. African-Americans in the United States now have the ability to vote and allow their voices to be heard; the power to decide the course of their future is now readily available. This once denied power was used to great effect and […]
After helming two films in 2012 (Frankenweenie and Dark Shadows), Tim Burton is back with perhaps his most odd project ever, Big Eyes. Odd not because it contains a heightened Burtonesque surrealism and Johnny Depp in 25 roles, but because it is the complete opposite – Big Eyes is the anti-Burton. Based firmly, to its […]
Writer/director J.C. Chandor has emerged as one of the best up-and-coming talents, thanks to two critically acclaimed movies under his belt: the Wall Street drama Margin Call and the lost-at-sea drama All Is Lost. On paper, these two movies appear like opposite worlds. The former a dialogue-driven ensemble piece and the latter, a dialogue-free survival story. Thematically […]
Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah is a renounced documentary about the Holocaust earning plenty of critical and audience praise. When he was filming the documentary, he interviewed Benjamin Murmelstein, the only Elder Jew to survive the Holocaust, but did not use the footage in the original documentary. The French documentary-maker has gone back to the footage to […]
Legendary director Tsui Hark’s newest film, The Taking of Tiger Mountain, features his unique flair for drama and action with a modern penchant for the extravagant. With its vivid cinematography (reminiscent of Shelly Johnson’s work on Captain America: The First Avenger) and quick, well-planned action sequences, The Taking of Tiger Mountain is a cinematic spectacle. […]
In what is ultimately a well-paced, intriguing thriller, co-stars Ethan Hunt and Sarah Snook deliver solid performances while (somewhat) addressing issues faced by societally pre-determined gender roles. While certainly not providing any answers to the problems faced by the transgender community, Predestination is still an intelligent and carefully-planned sci-fi adventure, whose maze-like narrative provides a […]
“How many times can the U.S. make the same mistakes?” a beleaguered North Korean citizen prompts James Franco and Seth Rogen’s journalists-turned-spies in the new, and highly publicized, comedy The Interview. The response? “As many times as it takes!” The quote, not only well delivered by Franco (and one of his character’s very few high […]
