★★★★ (4 Stars) is the Highest Rating
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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 – 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
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
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
Although a Box Office Disappointment, Annihilation is Worth Renting
If you missed Annihilation when it hit theaters in February, you are not alone. The sci-fi / horror flick came out at the same time that … Read more
Netflix Sets Itself Up for a Future in Rom-Coms
It seems as though finding a healthy work-life balance is a struggle for many Americans these days. People are constantly on the go and connected to … Read more
Fred Rogers An American Hero to Children of the World
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? by director Morgan Neville offers an in-depth look at Fred Rogers, the man behind the PBS children’s program, Mister Roger’s … Read more
Female Glam-Caper Steals the Spotlight
Ocean’s 8, the female answer to the three previous Oceans’ heist movies, (Ocean’s Eleven 2001, Ocean’s Twelve 2004, and Ocean’s Thirteen 2007) is exquisitely cast with (Sandra Bullock, … Read more
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Petite but Mighty Force
Upon the conclusion of RBG, a joyous smile stretched across my face, as the feeling of pure elation was my first reaction—yes, 84-year-old Supreme Court Justice … Read more
Shailene Woodley’s Star Sails to New Heights
Shailene Woodley’s breakout role as the spunky oldest daughter of George Clooney in The Descendants (2011) has proven her acting abilities aren’t a one-off—in fact she’s been sailing … Read more
Cynical, Potty-mouth Anti-hero is Fun!
To begin, I’m strongly advising you see Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson, before attempting to view Deadpool 2. The original highly successful R rated film is the … Read more
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Wine Bottle
For those of us that are currently in a book club or those of us who’ve been in one in the past, we are undeniably privy to the … Read more
Younger Hans Solo Has Grit and Drive
Solo: A Star Wars Story is a fun-filled, entertaining prequel; mostly due to its lead and co-stars. Alden Ehrenreich (Hans Solo) first caught my attention in the romantic … Read more
Check in to Live with the Stars
I’ve always maintained that The Carlyle Hotel is a captivating art enthusiast destination in New York City due to the paintings of Ludwig Bemelman that adorn the walls … Read more
McCarthy’s Sweet Mom-Com Has a Ginormous Heart
Undeniably, Melissa McCarthy is one of the funniest women working in Hollywood to date. After her break-out role in Bridesmaids (2011), the female version of The Hangover, … Read more