Tag: J.K. Simmons
Patriots Day: Extraordinary acts of heroism
by Matt Ward
It’s been less than four years since two radicals planted homemade bombs near the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon, and already, filmmakers are racing to dramatize one of the most senseless acts of violence in our nation’s history. The first of two films on the subject slated to come out in 2017, Peter Berg’s “Patriots Day” is a flag-waving, symbolic memorial to … Read More Patriots Day: Extraordinary acts of heroism
The Accountant: Action, drama combine for largely successful thriller
by Matt Ward
There’s a scene early in Gavin O’Connor’s “The Accountant” where a young boy completes a complex 1,000-piece puzzle with the cardboard side up. It’s a scene meant to inform viewers how Christian Wolff (played in adult form by Academy Award winner Ben Affleck) handles his inherent duality as an exceptionally bright person who just so happens to have high-functioning autism. Instantly, it establishes the … Read More The Accountant: Action, drama combine for largely successful thriller
Zootopia: Animals live out loud in instant Disney classic
by Matt Ward
There’s something for everyone with Disney’s latest animated classic, “Zootopia,” which arrived in theaters Friday. The appeal for children should be obvious as kids will be drawn to the vibrant world of the film, where animals of all shapes and sizes co-exist in harmony, while behaving and working like human beings. Parents will get to revel in all of the subtle (and not so … Read More Zootopia: Animals live out loud in instant Disney classic
Kung Fu Panda 3: Sequel gives families something fun in slow January
by Matt Ward
DreamWorks Animation, a studio that’s struggled to find success in the last five years aside from 2014’s How to Train Your Dragon 2, burst back onto the scene in a major way last weekend with the release of Kung Fu Panda 3, which returned unlikely hero Po and his gang of do-gooder friends back to action. While Pixar has been at the forefront of … Read More Kung Fu Panda 3: Sequel gives families something fun in slow January
Whiplash: Strike up the band for visual jazz experience
by Matt Ward
How can you see jazz? It’s easy to hear and a delight to listen to, but how can one visualize jazz in pictures rather than sounds? Is it in a contrast of colors? Harsh browns and tans counterbalancing bright hues of blue? The dueling colors of black and white intermixing like yin and yang. The best independent film of our time — winner of … Read More Whiplash: Strike up the band for visual jazz experience
Cinematic Considerations 