Free Solo (PG-13) ★★★★
A Sensational Documentary That Will Have Hearts Racing
Although the film Free Solo is technically a documentary and has nothing to do with Star Wars’ Han Solo, it’s difficult to think of a Hollywood film … Read more
Reviews
★★★★ (4 Stars) is the Highest Rating
Instant Family (PG-13) ★★★½
Heartwarming Tale of Finding a Family
If you’ve ever wondered how the foster care system works in America, the excellent film “Instant Family” provides an up close and personal snapshot from Sean Anders the co-writer … Read more
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (PG) ★★½
Sadly, the Four Realms Lack Heart
The Christmas ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ is a popular worldwide event that’s become a tradition for families. For myself, my daughter performed in a local dance recital as a piece … Read more
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (R) ★★★★
Melissa McCarthy’s Career Best Performance
Based on the true story of New York’s best-selling author Lee Israel, Melissa McCarthy tackles a dramatic role giving one of the best performances of her career. Known for her … Read more
Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13) ★★★
Rami Malek’s Performance is Epic
Any attempt to recreate the pure magic of the British rock and roll 70s band Queen—all depends upon casting the lead role of the eccentric, ultra-talented Freddie Mercury—in this case, … Read more
The Wife (R) ★★★½
Glen Close Gives the Performance of a Lifetime
The dramatic film, “The Wife,” conjures’ up a range of emotions: sympathy, disgust, shock, and ultimately validation. Beginning with a late night call from Sweden, an elderly … Read more
Studio 54 The Documentary (NR) ★★★½
Party Like it’s 1977
Infamous by name, New York’s Studio 54, served as a glitzy yet, dingy playground for the rich and famous nightclub crowd. Why was it such an enigma? Why did it catapult … Read more
First Man (PG-13) ★★★½
Claire Foy’s Janet Armstrong Sparkles
There’s a saying from the past, “Behind every successful man there is a woman.” In “First Man” (PG-13) Director Damien Chazelle tells the true story of the United States space … Read more
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (PG) ★★★
Halloween Fun, Beware of Slappy
Here’s the sequel to “Goosebumps” (2015) both films are based on the children’s horror book series of the same name by R. L. Stine of which millions of young readers … Read more
A Star is Born (R) ★★★★
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are Magic
Undeniably, the new “A Star is Born” shines due to the realistic chemistry between Bradley Cooper (Jackson Maine) and Lady Gaga (Ally). Cooper’s directorial debut is a winner, … Read more
Jane Fonda in Five Acts ★★★½
A Heartfelt Journey That Will Not Be Putting on the Brakes Anytime Soon
Regardless of your feelings towards Jane Fonda on her controversial mistakes in Viet Nam in the 70s, this outstanding documentary sheds light … Read more
The House with the Clock in its Walls ★½ (PG)
Non Kid-Centered Movie, Billed for Kids
Here’s what’s truly infuriating—the fact that this beloved young-adult novel fell into the hands of the “Hostel” (torture porn) series horror-famed writer, director, producer Eli Roth. As a film, … Read more
A Simple Favor (R) ★★★½
Dry Martini’s in the Suburbs
Despite the ambiguous genre of this superb diabolical modern-suburbia film—that has themes of mystery, comedy, murder, romance, secrets, and betrayals—for sure it’s one of the best times I’ve had at … Read more
Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13)★★★½
A “Crazy Great” Movie
Director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s book stands on its own, by adding key scenes, tweaking character’s roles while at the same time astonishingly bringing the over-the-top opulence to … Read more
BlacKkKlansman (R) ★★★★
One of the Years Best
Ron Stallworth’s memoir is retold with passion and admiration—aptly Lee’s finale reminds us of our current gut-wrenching racial tensions. Be prepared for a history lesson of shock and awe—it’s about … Read more
Christopher Robin (G) ★★★
A Visit With Warm Fuzzy Friends
Oh bother, as Winnie the Pooh would say; this is not the live action over-the-top film kids and adults may expect; however, it is true to the laid-back nature … Read more
Mission Impossible: Fallout (PG-13) ★★★★
Intense Adrenaline Filled Ride
The “Mission Impossible” film series launched in 1996 produced by and starring Tom Cruise at age 33 brought Cruise’s action skills to the forefront. In “Fallout,” 2018, the sixth film in … Read more
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (PG-13) ★★★½
Mamma Mia, How Could We Ever Forget You?
Opening the musical Mamma Mia 2 in the middle of an unseasonably sweltering, summer, is brilliant marketing—especially if your vacation plans are late August as you’ll be … Read more
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (PG) ★½
A Few Tender Moments and Catchy Songs Can’t Save this Sinking Ship
As a relentless advocate for quality children’s films, the Hotel Transylvania animated series (2012, 2015) has never been high on my list—especially now … Read more
Ant-Man and The Wasp (PG-13) ★★★½
New Female Superhero “The Wasp” has Equal Star Billing
Paul Rudd is back in all of his goofy glory as dad (Scott Lang) also known as Ant-Man in the follow-up to Ant-Man (2015). Here’s the … Read more
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (R) ★★½
Benicio Del Toro Soars, Giving an Outstanding Performance in this Bleak and Dark Role
Violent anti-heroes (CIA operative) Josh Brolin and (ex-lawyer, prosecutor, hit-man) Benicio Del Toro minus the much-needed government moral compass of (FBI … Read more
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (R) ★★½ by J. DeLong
Sicario: Day of the Soldado – Too Soon
When Sicario came out in the fall of 2015, it was a critical and commercial success with outstanding performances and a visual flair from the filmmakers. The … Read more
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (PG-13) ★★★
The Dinosaurs Have Left the Island…They Could Now Be in Your Homes
If you’re expecting to hear the word “run” and view people with horrified (panic-stricken) expressions on their faces while desperately fleeing hungry meat-eating … Read more
Incredibles 2 (PG) ★★★★
Timely Messages of Marriage Equality and Female Empowerment
Pixar’s long awaited animated sequel to the Incredibles (2004) is a laugh-out-loud summer popcorn flick that guarantees to strike a chord with all family members. Not veering … Read more