Reminiscent of a bleak and dreary period in our mid-twentieth century historical fight for racial equality: 1964, Mississippi where 3 civil rights workers were murdered; the film commences in 1966 with black FBI agent Wayne Strider (excellent Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) paired with legendary mafia maniac Greg Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg, cloned for the role); the value of the film lies in …

Director Ridley Scott (who I grace with tremendous respect) from “The Gladiator”, “White Squall”, “Alien” to “The Dog Stars” the fecundity of his masterful vision knows no bounds; it is a dystopian era and “Jasper” is the canine companion of survivor “Hig” (Jacob Elordi, a primary reason to view the film); in tandem, they fly to untamed areas to pilfer …

Anne Hathaway is fully in command of her escalating career; regardless of the role, she adopts it, incorporating with every fiber of her being its nuances, dreams and nightmares. Besides, the power hungry, savvy “Andrea Sachs” in “Devil Wears Prada 2” she soars, stratospherically, in “Mother Mary” as an icon in the musical pop genre, stunningly strict in intelligence, religiosity …

Anthony Bourdain (1956-2018) was a worldwide master chef, glib conversationalist, flamboyant raconteur and a suicide. Bafflement abounds in this shambolic telling of his nineteenth summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Directed by Matt Johnson (“The Dirties”) and starring stunningly sensational Dominic Sessa (“The Holdovers”) as “Tony”, Emilia Jones, his love interest “Nancy”, Antonio Banderas incomparable as chef “Ciro” and my new star …

Never invested in the Spider-Man franchise; but heeding its popularity decided to sample the newest screen specimen. “Brand New Day” feels stale and tired, with a weary “Peter Parker” (Tom Holland) considering retirement, plagued by headaches, and working with Damage Control. He is growing up, lonely, lovelorn, and in need of a break; at 30, a career change seems advisable. …

Music and mythology, what could be more divine? Another magical, musical, filmic feat, seeing an award-winning Broadway musical with popcorn and reclining seats in your closest movie theatre. Blessed are those who witnessed this talent-studded play by Anais Mitchell’s folk opera directed by Brett Sullivan, starring Reeve Carney as “Orpheus”, Eva Noblezada as “Eurydice”, Patrick Page as “Hades”, Andre De …

Films like “Motor City” are the supreme reason I adore the contemporary; contemporary anything: opera, music, art, and especially, film. Director Potsy Ponciroli (“Old Henry”) bamboozles viewers with a deliciously ugly, dialogue-free scenario taking place in 1977 Detroit. Actors Alan Ritchson, Shailene Woodley, Ben Foster, Pablo Schreiber stunningly star in this revenge, action, massively savage, love story; without verbiage they …

In today’s world children populate many restaurants, easily spotted by the lighted devices on their laps or the dining tables; parents converse as if they are not there. AND THEY ARE NOT. Animated films lack a certain appeal but because of the popularity of this Pixar franchise, directed by Andrew Stanton, I went, and admired the message. Devices are conquering …

A magnificent feat of filmmaking that will resonate with viewers regardless if one is familiar with the Greek poet, Homer’s iconic tale; it is a visual masterpiece, director Christopher Nolan’s films are about time hence there is a timelessness pulsating throughout his movies; from “The Dark Knight Rises” franchise, “Dunkirk”, “Interstellar” (starring Nolan’s choice for Odysseus, Matt Damon), “The Prestige”, …

Peneflix has neglected the Bollywood genre of late; star Alia Bhatt lured me to visit her latest film “Alpha”. She is stratospherically stunning and more than worthy of the 2 & 1/2 hour screening. Years ago, I was fortunate to have spent a remarkable week in Mumbai, interviewing Bollywood scions: directors, set designers, critics, actors; it was during an interview …