Category: New Releases
Atomic Blonde: Twisting the standard action movie
by Matt Ward
Arthouse independent filmmaking mashes quite nicely with blockbuster action in “Atomic Blonde,” Charlize Theron’s latest movie billed as a cross between the debonair suave of James Bond and the lethally brutal “John Wick.” What director David Leitch actually delivers, however, is an interesting, albeit graphic take on spy serials in the style of a John le Carré novel. It’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” for … Read More Atomic Blonde: Twisting the standard action movie
Dunkirk: The art of war
by Matt Ward
Consider the Oscar race officially on. Christopher Nolan, famed British auteur of award-winning movies like “Inception” and “The Dark Knight,” cements his directorial seal on the historical drama genre with “Dunkirk,” a sweeping World War II film unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Despite the better part of five months of movies still to come, Nolan’s tenth feature will unquestionably end the year among … Read More Dunkirk: The art of war
The Big Sick: Big heart matters
by Matt Ward
Falling in love with a girl in a coma sounds like a corny premise for a romantic comedy. But “The Big Sick” isn’t simply a knockoff of “While You Were Sleeping.” It’s something much, much more. Based on the true romance of star Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon, “The Big Sick” is one of the most honest, straightforward, quality pieces of … Read More The Big Sick: Big heart matters
Spider-Man Homecoming: A hero’s true homecoming
by Matt Ward
There have been five Spider-Man movies to hit the big screen prior to Marvel’s latest blockbuster, “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” debuting last weekend. Though several early films are heralded as among the best superhero films of all time, none have ever felt as authentic to the comic book version of Peter Parker than “Homecoming” does. Finally, the Spider-Man movie we’ve all been waiting for is here. … Read More Spider-Man Homecoming: A hero’s true homecoming
Baby Driver: No speed limits
by Matt Ward
Fast cars, terrific writing, solid acting performances and a killer soundtrack help make “Baby Driver” one of the year’s two or three best films so far. Director Edgar Wright’s latest movie pays homage to early Quentin Tarantino action/adventure films like “Pulp Fiction” and “True Romance,” but it’s also one of the most original films you’ll find on the big screen in several years. The … Read More Baby Driver: No speed limits
Gifted: Evans, Grace charm audiences
by Matt Ward
Chemistry between performers can go a long way to help or hurt a movie. Two actors who share good rapport and work together frequently provide an added spark that audiences pick up on, enhancing a film. Actors without chemistry often wreck well-intention projects both critically and commercially. “Gifted,” a film that could easily have been written and produced on the Lifetime Movie Network, is … Read More Gifted: Evans, Grace charm audiences
The Last Word: Maclaine shines in dramedy
by Matt Ward
Sometimes you have to look a little harder for quality cinema, especially during months where blockbusters worth the price of admission are few and far between. Often, smaller independent or art-house films provide a bridge in these leaner times. Director Mark Pellington’s “The Last Word” with Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried is a perfect example of a film audiences may have to go out … Read More The Last Word: Maclaine shines in dramedy
Logan: Visceral, gripping tale brings new life to superhero genre
by Matt Ward
Hugh Jackman has been synonymous with the comic book hero Wolverine since his debut in Bryan Singer’s “X-Men” arrived on screen in 2000. Seventeen years later, Jackman takes his final bow as the claw-wielding, self-healing mutant in James Mangold’s “Logan,” a brutally daring epic that wows audiences from start to finish with its dark tone and ruthless efficiency. The haunting, heartfelt character-driven drama is … Read More Logan: Visceral, gripping tale brings new life to superhero genre
The Great Wall: International fantasy epic wastes potential
by Matt Ward
China’s largest and most iconic landmark never felt so diminutively small as it does in Yimou Zhang’s English-language debut “The Great Wall.” Known for his bold and colorful style paired with intricate character-driven storytelling, the director of international hits like 2002’s “Hero” and 2004’s “House of Flying Daggers” should have been the perfect choice to bring top-notch Asian cinema to American markets. But for … Read More The Great Wall: International fantasy epic wastes potential
Fifty Shades Darker: Erotic sequel eases up on romance, sexuality
by Matt Ward
“Every fairy tale has a dark side.” – ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ tagline Sexual romance drama franchise “Fifty Shades” returned to theaters this weekend with the arrival of “Fifty Shades Darker,” a film that feels safer and brighter than it probably should. Adapted from the E.L. James’ novel, “Darker” follows up within days after the conclusion of 2015’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” as … Read More Fifty Shades Darker: Erotic sequel eases up on romance, sexuality
Manchester By The Sea: Affleck shines in family drama
by Matt Ward
Convincing someone that watching a two-hour long family drama about melancholy and loss is a worth-while cinematic experience can be quite the feat. But writer/director Kenneth Lonergan’s rural Massachusetts tale turned Oscar contender “Manchester By The Sea” is well worth the effort. The film follows Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck), a 40-something Boston janitor forced back to his childhood home in Manchester to take care … Read More Manchester By The Sea: Affleck shines in family drama
Lion: Young boy’s tale of loss turns into journey of hope
by Matt Ward
Labelling Golden Globe and Academy Award nominee “Lion” something reductive like “the Google Earth movie” is unnecessarily unfair to the emotional, inspirational film from director Garth Davis. “Lion” is a family story about loss and hope, searching for a sense of place and identity. The poignant, touching tale is adapted from Saroo Brierley’s autobiographical book “A Long Way Home” by writer Luke Davies and … Read More Lion: Young boy’s tale of loss turns into journey of hope
Cinematic Considerations 