THE BANKER – Movie Review
One of the great pleasures in watching a film comes when you can discover a story for the first time that’s not only hugely entertaining, but also a fact-based lesson in a real-life story you would otherwise have missed. The new movie ‘The Banker,” which is the debut feature film offered by the ambitious Apple… Continue Reading THE BANKER – Movie Review
STAYING AT HOME – Movies
As the Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic of the Pasadena Weekly from July 2009-August 2019, I saw and reviewed hundreds of movies as they were ideally meant to be presented: in movie theatres. But now that two of the nation’s largest theatre chains, AMC and Regal, have agreed to close for six to 12 weeks apiece… Continue Reading STAYING AT HOME – Movies
ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST – Review
Zoey is a millennial woman in San Francisco who wakes up one day to find that she has an unusual ability: she can hear the songs that go through the heads of the people around her. What makes this ability even more powerful is that the songs she hears are what she dubs their “heart… Continue Reading ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST – Review
THE CALL OF THE WILD – Movies
At 77 years old, Harrison Ford is still setting a high standard for seniors with his recent comeback in two of the latest “Star Wars” films and his upcoming shoot for the 5th Indiana Jones movie this summer. This weekend, he delivers a fun, feisty and occasionally touching performance in a new film based on… Continue Reading THE CALL OF THE WILD – Movies
“1917” – Movies
War is a terrible experience that can nonetheless bring out the best in those who fight. Inspiring courage and tenacity under the worst of circumstances, the heroism that results offers inspiration to those who hear their tales of rising to the occasion or giving the ultimate sacrifice. The new movie “1917” provides a remarkable example… Continue Reading “1917” – Movies
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER – Movies
Over the course of eight prior movies in 42 years, just about everyone in the world has found the “Star Wars” films to be a key part of their entertainment lives. Combining stunning space action, stirring Oscar-winning scores by John Williams and wonderfully iconic characters, these are events that deliver lots of fun no matter… Continue Reading STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER – Movies
“RICHARD JEWELL” – Movies
There’s plenty of arguing going on in America these days across the political divide, with the non-stop, 24-hour news cycle ratcheting up the tension and making it easy for people on both sides to argue over which stories are real and which are altered for an agenda. The new movie “Richard Jewell,” directed by the… Continue Reading “RICHARD JEWELL” – Movies
“KNIVES OUT” – Movies
Truly great mysteries are in short supply these days at the movies. So are truly funny comedies. The new movie “Knives Out” solves both problems at once by serving up a star-packed cast in a whodunit that also is loaded with funny lines throughout. Moving at a relentless pace filled with twists, turns and flashbacks… Continue Reading “KNIVES OUT” – Movies
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD – Movies
Everyone who grew up in America, or was a parent here, between 1968 and 2001 was likely touched by the classic children’s TV series “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” starring a soft-spoken Presbyterian minister named Fred Rogers. Rogers was concerned about the impact that television could have on young minds and wanted to create a show that… Continue Reading A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD – Movies
“Ford v Ferrari” – Movies
It’s becoming increasingly rare that movies these days serve up movie stars playing genuine heroes, outside of comic book movies. But the new movie “Ford v Ferrari” serves up a double dose of leading-man swagger, starring Matt Damon as legendary race-car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as hotshot driver/mechanic Ken Miles. They are brought… Continue Reading “Ford v Ferrari” – Movies