Film and TV

As the credits rolled on the new A24 film Civil War, there were about a thousand different thoughts competing for attention in my brain. But the most succinct way to capture my experience with filmmaker Alex Garland’s latest feature is to describe it as an unrelenting assault on the senses. The decision to tell this…

In the ever-evolving landscape of romantic comedies, the allure often lies in witnessing the undeniable chemistry between two characters as they navigate the tumultuous journey of falling in love. Yet, does Prime Video’s latest offering, “How to Date Billy Walsh,” effectively capture this essence, or does it fall short of expectations? Let’s embark on a…

Luca Guadagnino’s latest venture, “SCOOP,” takes audiences on a gripping journey behind the scenes of one of the most controversial interviews of recent times. Directed by Philip Martin and featuring a stellar cast including Rufus Sewell, Gillian Anderson, and Billie Piper, this Netflix original film offers a compelling exploration of power, perception, and the nuances…

Directed by Rudy Mancuso and backed by a stellar cast, “Música” is a captivating coming-of-age tale that harmonizes the struggles of love, culture, and personal growth. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Newark’s Brazilian community, the film follows Rudy, portrayed with depth by Mancuso himself, a young man grappling with synesthesia, a condition that colors…

“Loot” season two returns with Maya Rudolph reprising her role as the charismatic Molly Wells, a woman navigating post-divorce life while leading her philanthropic organization, the Wells Foundation. Settling into her newfound independence, Molly thrives in her role, but her resolve to remain single is challenged when she meets the charming architect Isaac, played by…

Before the era of Instagram stories and TikTok videos, the allure of gossip magazines and television offered a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and beautiful. Enter “Palm Royale,” Apple TV+’s latest comedy set in the 1960s, adapted from Juliet McDaniel’s novel “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie” by Abe Sylvia. Kristen Wiig stars as…

Lindsay Lohan’s repertoire of early comedies is marked by her adeptness at portraying characters navigating identity swaps and social dynamics. From the dual roles in “The Parent Trap” and “Freaky Friday” to the high school hierarchy in “Mean Girls,” Lohan’s versatility shines through. In “Irish Wish,” Lohan embarks on a new character journey as Maddie,…

As “Damsel” unfolds, the narrator’s voice sets the stage, dismissing traditional chivalric tales and offering a glimpse into a different kind of narrative. My initial reaction? Sarcasm laced with a hint of skepticism. In my mind, echoes of Miranda Priestly’s iconic critique resound: “Strong female lead? Groundbreaking.” While I appreciate a resilient heroine as much…

In Ethan Coen’s first solo narrative feature film as a director since he and his brother, Joel, went their separate filmmaking ways, Drive-Away Dolls is a perfect “they don’t make ‘em like this anymore” movie. With a runtime under 90 minutes and an extremely specific brand of Coen humor that is impossible to replicate, Drive-Away…

In a realm dominated by LGBTQ+ coming-of-age tales like “Love Simon” and “My First Summer,” nonbinary narratives are noticeably lacking. Yet, Tommy Dorfman’s directorial debut, “I Wish You All The Best,” based on Mason Deaver’s novel, fills this void by portraying the stark realities of coming out, including familial rejection. Dorfman, drawing from personal experiences,…

The 2024 awards season culminated with the most anticipated night in film, the 96th Annual Academy Awards live on ABC.  Four time host Jimmy Kimmel brought wit and levity to his entertaining opening monologue that poked fun at Best Picture nominees “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”  This year, the Academy brought back a treasured format from the…

Directed by Peter Farrelly, “Ricky Stanicky” brings forth a rib-tickling narrative fueled by comedic mishaps and the repercussions of a childhood prank gone wrong. Starring a talented ensemble including Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, and Andrew Santino, the film navigates the consequences of inventing a fictional persona to excuse past misdeeds. The story revolves around three…

And The Actor goes to… Last night, the biggest names in film and television gathered at LA’s Shrine Auditorium for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) Awards. This was the first SAG-AFTRA award show since settling the Union’s dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). “I hold you all with…

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” emerges as a spectacular live-action rendition of the cherished Nickelodeon animated series, weaving a visually enchanting and action-packed narrative that both honors its predecessor and introduces a fresh take on the epic tale. Led by the talented Gordon Cormier, who embodies the role of Aang with youthful exuberance, the series embarks…

“Players” is a delightful romantic comedy that injects freshness into the genre courtesy of a stellar cast, an engaging storyline, and a clever exploration of modern relationships. Directed by Trish Sie and written by Whit Anderson, the film centers around Mack (Gina Rodriguez), a savvy New York sportswriter known for her successful hook-up plays with…

Two-time Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Annette Bening has received another trophy to add to her collection – the Hasty Pudding’s Pudding Pot! Each year, Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals bestows the honor of Women of the Year (WOY) on a performer who has made lasting and impressive contributions to the world…

In the charming streets of England, “Upgraded” unfolds a delightful tale of mistaken identity and unexpected romance. Ana (Camila Mendes), an ambitious intern with dreams of making it big in the art world, finds herself in a whirlwind of events when a chance encounter with the charming Will (Archie Renaux) leads to a case of…

“That one time, at band camp…” Like Thomas Nicholas’ ‘American Pie’ costar Alyson Hannigan (Michelle), we all have those moments that replay in our memories like scratched vinyl. Reminders of the good old days when life was simpler. Nicholas, of the Thomas Nicholas Band, embraces that nostalgia on their new single “Better Than Home.” Cruising…

In Netflix’s latest offering, “One Day,” viewers are taken on a poignant journey through the intricacies of love, loss, and the unpredictable nature of life. Adapted from David Nicholls’ bestselling novel, the series encapsulates the essence of its source material while offering a fresh perspective on the timeless tale. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh…

Get ready to embark on an intergalactic journey like never before as Marvel Studios’ The Marvels is now streaming on Disney+! In this highly-anticipated film, we reunite with the fearless Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, who has reclaimed her identity and defeated the tyrannical Kree regime, including the formidable Supreme Intelligence. However, her…