2006 witnessed the debut of Twitter, the birth of Shiloh Jolie-Pitt; highest grossing movie of the year was “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest at $1.06 billion; execution of Saddam Hussein.  It was the reality television show “To Catch a Predator” that confiscated American viewers from 2004-2007. Admittedly, I had never seen or known of its existence, nor its …

Two engaging films, likely destined for major streaming platforms, are especially rewarding when seen in a traditional movie theater. In director Paul Greengrass’s dramatization of England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, Andrew Garfield shifts from a superhero role into the vivid character of a peasant “Ploughman.” The Black Plague (1346–1353) had killed an estimated 25 to 50 million people across Europe and …

The fifth season of this most compelling, compassionate close to “documentary” style series, screams with realism, almost beyond comprehension, but truthful, lived by the actors; suffering, grief and pain sears viewers to the core; brutally beautiful, undeniable unpreparedness of Israel on October 7th, 2023. Painfully strenuous to watch, but necessary, primarily, respectfully, for the creators: Lior Raz a former commando …

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 …