‘Masterpiece’ is the word that came to mind within the first seconds of viewing cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto’s airborne wide shot of the massive Pawhuska, Oklahoma, territory that extends miles into the horizon. Martin Scorsese’s epic … Read more
Christopher Nolan is one of my favorite filmmakers; his attention to detail, tone, acting, production sets, and sound is always a delight. “Inception” (2010), “The Dark Knight”(2008), “Dunkirk” (2017), and “The Dark Knight Rises”(2012) come … Read more
Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash co-wrote and co-directed the Apple TV movie based on the book,The Beanie Bubble: The Amazing Story of How America Lost Its Mind Over a Plush Toy—and the Eccentric Genius Behind … Read more
Margot Robbie stars as Mattel’s fashion doll Barbie, and Ryan Gosling is the Ken doll in director Greta Gerwig’s excellent and creative film. The fantasy comedy movie is based on the dolls from the Mattel … Read more
In “The Flash,” Barry Allen, played by Ezra Miller, is a member of the Justice League. He’s the fastest guy around and can travel at warp speed through time. He’s saddened by the murder of … Read more
Director Peter Sohn creates a new world in “Element City,” where earth, fire, water, and wind are elements similar to the elements table we all learned in school. Sohn has been with PIXAR for many … Read more
If you’re wondering which number in this series, I’ve got you covered as I’ve seen them all, ‘Rise of the Beasts’ is number seven. The movie is based on the Hasbro Transformers toys with influence … Read more
“Spider-Man: Across the Universe” is the sequel to the first movie, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” the film is both animated and live-action. Seventeen-year-old Miles Morales is Spider-Man, and Shameik Moore voices him; the story also … Read more
Disney’s remake of the classic animated 1989 movie “The Little Mermaid” is here with live-action characters and Ariel, Halle Bailey as the star. She carries the film despite the overlong runtime as her sweet, strong … Read more
“Fast X,” rated PG-13, is the tenth movie of the series. The fast cars and crazy stunts are all back, along with a new villain, Jason Momoa! Vin Diesel, and Michelle Rodriguez, star. With flashbacks … Read more
“Succession” season one aired in 2018 on HBO to rave reviews. It’s based on the famous, wealthy Murdock family. It stars Brian Cox (Logan Roy), the family’s patriarch; Jeremy Strong (Kendall), his son; Kieran Calkin … Read more
Yes, they’re back, those wise-cracking, wine-drinking, Hollywood award-winning ladies—Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, and Diane Keaton for their follow-up to “Book Club” (2018). In this sequel, the girls decide to take a trip to … Read more
Do you remember the 1982 TV show ‘Family Ties’ with Michael J Fox or the classic movie “Back to the Future?” “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” is a documentary about his very successful career, … Read more
“Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” is based on the true story of US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim) in 2018 during the Afghanistan War. After being ambushed, Ahmed risks … Read more
The latest movie about Peter Pan is now playing in theaters everywhere. “Peter Pan and Wendy” is based on the original story of the “Peter Pan” book by Sir James Matthew Barrie, written in 1904, … Read more
Ebertfest Film Festival 2023, Focuses on Empathy
The Ebertfest film festival began on Wednesday, April 19, and ended Saturday evening, April 22, with all screenings at the majestic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign, IL. Ebertfest … Read more
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is now playing in theaters to packed audiences. It’s animation and based on the popular 80s video game of two brothers, Mario, voiced by (Chris Pratt) and Luige (Charlie Day), … Read more
I screened the excellent documentary during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023, and loved the film.
Most know author Judy Blume books as her name is synonymous with the joy and agony of being … Read more
Ben Affleck’s “Air” is a complete delight from start to dramatic history-making finish—in fact, it’s the best movie I’ve seen yet in 2023! It’s the story of super-star basketball player Michael Jordan and the beginnings … Read more
Keanu Reeves lifts the “John Wick” series to new heights! Most of the world has somewhat of an idea that Reeves is an unkillable assassin. Having viewed all of the John Wick movies since 2014, … Read more
The 1984 song “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Taylor is the perfect theme song for the entertaining “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” as the song sums up the core of the movie—while providing … Read more
My selection’s during the Toronto International Film Festival September 2022 started off with the comedic writer-director Paul Weitz’s film, “Moving On,” starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Malcolm Macdonald, and Richard Roundtree. The story centers on … Read more
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be orphaned and discover that you may have a sibling? That’s the premise of “The Magician’s Elephant.” The film is based on the popular young … Read more
Michael B. Jordan continues his impressive film career, by taking the directing reigns in “Creed III.” Having arrived on the scene in “Fruitville Station” (2013) playing the role of Oscar Grant, the young man who … Read more