Category: New Releases
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Scaled down super heroism
by Matt Ward
There are 20 official Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Let that sink in for a minute. That’s almost as many as there are James Bond flicks (24), seven more than “Star Trek” (13) and more than “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies (16 total) combined. Somehow, Marvel continues to be at the top of their game with critical and commercial mega-hit … Read More Ant-Man and the Wasp: Scaled down super heroism
First Reformed: A question of faith
by Matt Ward
There’s an immense freedom in small, independent filmmaking that comes across on screen in high quality art-house cinema. Writer/director Paul Schrader has spent a lifetime fighting against modern Hollywood convention. His latest film, “First Reformed,” is a calculated, uncompromising examination of inner turmoil slowly churning in a stoic man of faith and represents the pinnacle of his directorial career. If you’ve never heard of … Read More First Reformed: A question of faith
Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom: Invasion of the dinosaurs
by Matt Ward
If who directed blockbuster movies didn’t matter, than any average filmmaker with a script outline, sizable budget and the filmography of Michael Bay on DVD could make a good popcorn movie. Thankfully, Spanish auteur J.A. Bayona took the helm for “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” a dinosaur film much better than it probably has any right to be, with Bayona and stars Chris Pratt and … Read More Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom: Invasion of the dinosaurs
Incredibles 2: The art of sequel-izing
by Matt Ward
Maybe we’ve forgotten what it takes to make a truly great sequel. In our lasting obsession with more, more, more and now, now, now, audiences have been demanding instant gratification and ever expanding cinematic universes. Money hungry studios are more than willing to oblige. It’s gotten to the point where the two-year average from box office hit to follow-up film feels like too long. … Read More Incredibles 2: The art of sequel-izing
Ocean’s Eight: Flaws in the diamond
by Matt Ward
Cubic zirconia can look like diamonds from a distance. It’s when you look closely that the flaws are exposed and it becomes apparent that it’s not a genuine diamond. Ironically, swapping zirconia for diamonds is the major catalyst of “Ocean’s Eight,” a female-led heist spinoff of the classic “Ocean’s Eleven” trilogy that tries, and largely fails, to pass for the real thing. Debbie Ocean … Read More Ocean’s Eight: Flaws in the diamond
Adrift: Lost at sea
by Matt Ward
Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp’s story would feel like a tale ripped from the script of a 90s made-for-tv disaster flick, if it wasn’t so bizarrely true. The couple’s head on collision with a Category 5 hurricane in the early 1980s is brought to life by Icelandic director Baltasar Kormakur, returning to the world of survival films after 2016’s “Everest.” At first glance, “Adrift” … Read More Adrift: Lost at sea
Solo: A Star Wars Story: All by myself
by Matt Ward
“Solo” is a film on an island. As much as the tag line “A Star Wars Story” entices audiences to imagine what hijinks a young Harrison Ford might have gotten into, what appears on screen is yet another completely average origin story reminiscent of a Marvel movie. Sure, there are plenty of familiar faces and the Millennial Falcon soars through space, but a bonafide, … Read More Solo: A Star Wars Story: All by myself
Deadpool 2: Rated R for retread
by Matt Ward
If you’re one of a growing number of frequent moviegoers tiring of the superhero genre, “Deadpool 2” is the epitome of everything you’ve come to hate. Everything feels bloated and rehashed; the villains are under-written, poorly acted and inconsequential to the story as a whole. It’s the same movie all over again. But if you’re among an equally large number of fervent fans desperate … Read More Deadpool 2: Rated R for retread
Kodachrome: Film in the digital age
by Matt Ward
Scroll too quickly through Netflix and you’ll surely miss “Kodachrome,” a feature that at first glance sounds like a benign documentary miniseries about dated photography techniques. But take the time to actually sit down and watch director Mark Raso’s sophomore feature film and you may be struck by how poignant and bittersweet it truly is. The story is far from unique. An estranged father … Read More Kodachrome: Film in the digital age
Borg vs. McEnroe: Two sides of the coin
by Matt Ward
Football has “Rudy” and “Remember the Titans.” Baseball has “Pride of the Yankees” and “Field of Dreams.” Even hockey has “Slapshot.” Now the sport of tennis has its first truly great film with “Borg vs. McEnroe.” Following the events that led up to and through their infamous match at Wimbledon in 1980, “Borg vs. McEnroe” is a cerebral, dynamic drama that closely examines the … Read More Borg vs. McEnroe: Two sides of the coin
Avengers Infinity War: No spoilers necessary
by Matt Ward
Ten years and 18 films have lead to this moment. Nearly a decade to the day after the release of a Robert Downey Jr. led superhero movie, 2008’s “Iron Man,” Marvel Studios breaks the bank once again with the release of “Avengers: Infinity War,” a grandiose, visually indulgent action spectacle that will earn more money with its release than some smaller studios will in … Read More Avengers Infinity War: No spoilers necessary
Isle of Dogs: I love dogs
by Matt Ward
Wes Anderson stumbled across the idea for his new Japanese-inspired animated film while working on a movie in London. While driving across town, the Texan writer/director went past the turn for the Isle of Dogs, a vintage location where a 16th century king housed his hunting animals. In true Anderson fashion, he transformed this Victorian concept into a modern Asian allegory that has the … Read More Isle of Dogs: I love dogs
Cinematic Considerations 