Category: New Releases
Bad Education: Keeping up appearances
by Matt Ward
To understand what kind of a film “Bad Education” seeks to be, it’s important to first be introduced to the values of the world director Cory Finley and screenwriter Mike Makowsky bring audiences into. Set in an affluent Long Island community, Roslyn School District Superintendent Frank Tassone aims to make his district number one in America (they’re number four) and the school board president … Read More Bad Education: Keeping up appearances
Blow The Man Down: The secrets women will keep
by Matt Ward
Grizzled fishermen singing old sea shanties is an unexpected, yet perfect way to set the mood for a fresh independent dark comedic noir mystery film from Amazon Studios. A feature debut for the writing/directing team of Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, “Blow The Man Down” is a striking, exceptionally crafted work of art that pulls in some of the best elements of “Fargo,” … Read More Blow The Man Down: The secrets women will keep
Jump Shot: More than a simple act
by Matt Ward
At uncertain times like these, inspirational films can be a salve and reprieve from the outside world and a reminder of wholesome goodness. Sports movies in particular are a frequent source for these moments of positivity, with themes of underdogs overcoming the odds or unlikely teammates rallying together for a common cause. A new documentary – which won the prestigious Audience Award at the … Read More Jump Shot: More than a simple act
Onward: Movie watching heading ‘homeward’
by Matt Ward
One month ago, the latest film from Disney’s Pixar Studios opened in over 4,300 theaters nationwide and grossed more than $39 million in its opening weekend. With the hopefully short-term decimation of the movie theater experience thanks to the novel coronavirus, “Onward” has gone from the biggest box office hit of March to just one of countless new films available on a streaming service … Read More Onward: Movie watching heading ‘homeward’
Uncorked: Fathers and sons
by Matt Ward
Over the last several years, major film directors have made their way to the small screen, making limited series in search of creative freedom and risk-taking with the help of content hungry streaming services. Slowly but surely, this trend is starting to pay dividends for movie lovers as young, talented television writers and creators are making their way to feature films. Prentice Penny, show … Read More Uncorked: Fathers and sons
The Banker: Timing is everything
by Matt Ward
If “The Banker” had come out when it was supposed to, director George Nolfi’s film would have been the talk of the town. A spiritual successor to the Academy Award winning “Green Book,” it was a film with a lot going for it: a pair of talented African American actors including Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson, a well-crafted screenplay based on true events and … Read More The Banker: Timing is everything
Spenser Confidential: Last man standing
by Matt Ward
It started with unflappable British spy James Bond heading for the hills as “No Time To Die” moved from a mid-April release to late November. Within the last week, film studios have been shelving their biggest upcoming releases with Disney’s “Mulan” postponed indefinitely and Universal’s ninth “Fast and the Furious” film pushed to 2021 amid growing concerns for public safety due to the coronavirus … Read More Spenser Confidential: Last man standing
The Way Back: Acting for revitalization
by Matt Ward
Famous celebrity, actor, and Oscar-winning writer/director Ben Affleck has spent the past several years confronting his personal demons both on and off screen. His work in David Fincher’s 2014 mystery thriller “Gone Girl” was a treatise on the cult of celebrity status – and largely unbeknownst to Affleck during filming – an intentional bit of casting that put audiences at odds with his character … Read More The Way Back: Acting for revitalization
Portrait of a Lady on Fire: Subtlety in romance
by Matt Ward
Desire is all about delay. The anticipation, the angst, the longing all cascading towards a moment of passion. It’s a difficult trick to pull off in the world of cinema, but Céline Sciamma’s “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” builds from embers into a raging inferno of emotion in one of the best romance films in ten years. The French filmmaker progresses from a … Read More Portrait of a Lady on Fire: Subtlety in romance
The Last Thing He Wanted: Short term loss, long term value
by Matt Ward
With a seemingly endless budget, Netflix continues to pour money into project after project with avid disregard for the bottom line. This strategy may seem counter-intuitive to budget conscious business owners, but for film lovers, the streaming service writing blank checks to everyone from Martin Scorsese to Noah Baumbach to Michael Bay is an overall win. Some productions may miss the mark financially, but … Read More The Last Thing He Wanted: Short term loss, long term value
Birds Of Prey: Identity crisis
by Matt Ward
She’s just an ordinary girl who loves her breakfast sandwich. Sure, she also loves money, the ability to do whatever she wants without recourse or retribution and her pet hyena, Bruce. But Harley Quinn – at least as seen through the lens of Margot Robbie’s gobsmackingly fun portrayal – isn’t simply a bad guy. She’s misunderstood. An inevitability following the breakout success of Robbie’s … Read More Birds Of Prey: Identity crisis
92nd Academy Awards preview: Parasite v 1917
by Matt Ward
For the sake of posterity, here are my predictions and thoughts on tonight’s Academy Awards: Best Picture: Going to win – 1917, the runaway winner at BAFTA and odds on favorite tonight, the Academy will likely favor an old standard in Best Picture winners: the technically proficient, period war epic Should win – Parasite, probably sitting in the runner-up chair, Bong Joon-Ho’s masterpiece has … Read More 92nd Academy Awards preview: Parasite v 1917
Cinematic Considerations 