Month: October 2018
The Old Man and The Gun: An outlaw rides away
by Matt Ward
Some films feel if they were made with a different era in mind. They use the modern bells and whistles, cinematic tricks of the trade, to evoke a sense of nostalgia within the audience. “The Old Man and The Gun,” reportedly Academy Award winner Robert Redford’s final film, goes much further than that. The latest from director David Lowery is ripped straight from the … Read More The Old Man and The Gun: An outlaw rides away
First Man: The man behind the legend
by Matt Ward
Neil Armstrong’s achievements are universally known. Notoriously humble and private, Armstrong the man is not known nearly as well. Oscar winner Damian Chazelle’s first foray into filmmaking after the massive success of 2016’s “La La Land” the teams the filmmaker with star Ryan Gosling, who peers into the soul of Armstrong. “First Man” begins several years before Armstrong’s famous walk on the Moon and … Read More First Man: The man behind the legend
22 July: Terrorism docudrama chillingly effective
by Matt Ward
Approaching real terrorism dramatically is difficult subject matter for filmmakers to handle properly. Whether it’s a faithful, authentic retelling like Clint Eastwood’s “The 15:17 To Paris” with the real heroes on screen or a more loose depiction like Peter Berg’s “Patriots Day,” there’s a great deal of care given to what and how the terror of catastrophic events and the terrorists who commit them … Read More 22 July: Terrorism docudrama chillingly effective
Venom: Dr. Hardy and Mr. Mediocre Movie
by Matt Ward
Tom Hardy deserves better. Watching the talented actor’s latest film, it’s easy to tell that no one on screen cares more about their performance or has thought about their character more than Hardy. Everything about his work is nuanced, with immense planning given to the affectation of each line, the physicality involved and the Jekyll and Hyde quality his work espouses. But stuck in … Read More Venom: Dr. Hardy and Mr. Mediocre Movie
A Star Is Born: Musical romance an instant classic
by Matt Ward
Audiences will be blown away by “A Star Is Born,” the remake of a remake of a remake from first time director Bradley Cooper. This isn’t to say that the 2018 version is flawless (though it arguably comes close). But “A Star Is Born” is a whirlwind of a film that will have audiences bracing for impact, blazing out of the gate with searing … Read More A Star Is Born: Musical romance an instant classic
Cinematic Considerations 