This is a dirty, muddy western. Simple in nature, but of biblical proportions. Themes of sin, greed, pillaging and run amuck religious fervor abound in a small town. Some residents are holier than thou. Three are evil incarnate. A few are law-abiding. Too many are intimidated. The worst deserve a bullet. Watch this movie for […]
Yardie is a term that is used to refer to people of Jamaican origin. It’s also a slang patois name for Jamaican gangs and gang members. Want to no more? Come for the movie. Stay for the culture, music and a street-smart education. Actor Idris Elba turns a lifelong fascination with the book Yardie, by Victor Headley, into his directing debut. […]
Think of this non-fiction film as a meditation and it makes perfect sense. Try and squeeze it into a standard documentary frame and it just doesn’t conform. At the helm is Khalik Allah, whose most commercial endeavor was his work as a cinematographer and second unit director for Beyonce’s famed Lemonade video (2016). His first documentary Field […]
It’s hard to launch an action hero franchise based on a comic book character when you can’t deliver dazzling special effects, innovative super powers, imaginative action scenes, uncanny makeup, vibrant costumes or a consistently affecting storyline. Those essential elements are missing in this feeble origin tale about a superhero who deserves better. Far off in […]
Madea’s loyal fans have two choices. They can say goodbye to their eccentric Aunty by attending her touring play or wish her adieu at a movie theater. Judging by what’s on screen in this anemic family comedy, the live performance is a better bet. It’s more thoughtful and a hell of a lot funnier. Before […]
He has his fans. He has his detractors. Yet for 25 years, Tyler Perry has entertained audiences with Madea, his doppelganger, in theaters and on screens. For reason’s only known to him, Perry has decided to hang up Madea’s heavy-duty bra, hausfrau flowered dresses and blue-rinse white powdered wigs. He’s giving her the boot the […]
A humanitarian crisis and a crisis of conscience converge in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a life-or-death situation that tests the mettle and moral compass of an intelligent doctor—and the viewers, too. In a very thoughtful character study and sociological allegory, writer/director Wolfgang Fischer sets up a crucial event encountered by seemingly very capable […]
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, it’s a great time to take a trip and start or rekindle a romance. All kinds of couples are heading to Miami, exchanging -10 degrees for 80+ temps. Share a balmy climate with someone you love, warm your bodies and your hearts with a romantic winter vacation. Romantic Sights and […]
As a self-contained film, this sci-fi/anime/action/thriller is fascinating but not perfect. Viewed as a set-up for a future franchise, it makes more sense. Studied as the next advancement in 3D anime, it’s groundbreaking. And, a teenage Latina lead is unique and could bring a host of young movie goers into the theater to see what’s […]
It’s about time Taraji P. Henson, after a string of B-movies (Proud Mary, Acrimony), rocked a bonafide comedy. On talk shows her innate sense of humor is evident. On the big screen (Hidden Figures, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and small one (Empire) she’s built a solid, award-winning rep in drama. Now she’s digging […]