Month: August 2018
BlacKkKlansman: The present in the past
by Matt Ward
Black man infiltrates Ku Klux Klan. That’s the hook for the latest Spike Lee joint, a film incredibly of the moment in spite of its 1970s era setting. With “BlacKkKlansman,” Lee is back on the scene with his most powerful and important film since “Malcolm X,” delivering two hours of gripping, masterful drama, humor and social commentary in a way only the two-time Academy … Read More BlacKkKlansman: The present in the past
Blaze: Behind the music
by Matt Ward
Biopics are movies made about stars. Blaze Foley was never a star, simply a mythical folk hero who played with Townes Van Zandt and had his songs covered by the likes of John Prine, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. It’s fitting then that the independent film telling his story isn’t a traditional paint-by-numbers biopic. Filled with raw grittiness and passion, “Blaze” is a cinematic … Read More Blaze: Behind the music
Like Father: The perfect Netflix movie
by Matt Ward
Netflix has always been a great source for binge-watching television programs you need to catch up on or seeing a movie you missed in theaters. Their dive into original programming started with successful miniseries like “House of Cards” and “Orange Is The New Black,” shows that helped popularize the mantra, “Netflix and chill.” An initial foray into becoming a full-fledged movie studio resulted in … Read More Like Father: The perfect Netflix movie
Eighth Grade: The R-rated lives of teenage girls
by Matt Ward
Nine times out of 10, movies are for escapism, a chance to remove yourself from the cares, worries and needs of the day. To simply be transported elsewhere. “Eighth Grade” isn’t one of those films. From first time writer/director Bo Burnham, a 27-year-old stand-up comedian, this searing, unexpected tale of a 13-year-old girl’s final days in middle school is every bit of life in … Read More Eighth Grade: The R-rated lives of teenage girls
Cinematic Considerations 