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 …

Horror has a powerful appeal for devoted fans across demographics, location, gender, and education. Dark, surreal films are often shown late at night at film festivals, and some of the most insightful conversations unfold in those quiet, haunting early-morning hours. Years of addiction, sampling horror mania from all cultures has led to ultimate discrimination in filmmakers’ horrific imaginations; perpetual competition …

Filmmakers are often generous in their observations and perspectives, showing less judgment toward the “other” and balancing the opposing side of the equation. “Unidentified,” directed by Saudi Arabian filmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour—one of Saudi Arabia’s first and finest female directors (“Wadjda,” “Mary Shelley”)—reflects her universal, inclusive, and intelligent sensibility. Now living in California, al-Mansour emerges from a Saudi film culture that …

Peneflix rarely reviews films on streaming platforms, but I have been eagerly awaiting this highly controversial film from Israeli director Nadav Lapid (“Ahed’s Knee”). It is worth viewing for its insight into the experience of an Israeli whose life is constantly overshadowed by the specter of death. “Yes” follows a contemporary pianist “Y” Ariel Bronz, his wife “Yasmin” Efrat Dor, …

In preparation for this enormously edifying film, I watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) for the third time, and its timely forecasting of “Disclosure Day” out of the inimitable imagination of director Steven Spielberg. This visitation held and focused my mind on the musical score composed by John Williams; its five-note musical motif was the communication tool used …

In absolute truthfulness the Jonas Brothers did not rent any real estate in my musical realm until Nick married Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra; a woman of significant beauty, fantastical talents and lauded throughout India. He had to be a man of substance to be her choice. “Power Ballad” featuring Paul Rudd, “Rick Power” a middle-aged wedding band singer in Ireland …

At this point in 2026 meteorologists, aided by advanced technology, are fairly accurate in their forecasts. In the 1940’s it was a different equation especially battling a war in Europe; intense, titillating, action focuses on the 72 hours before the planned D-Day on June 5th, (6th) 1944. Director Anthony Maras (“Hotel Mumbai”) and writer David Haig gift viewers a breathtaking …

Magnificent metaphors directed by 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons; visiting the product of his pristine ingeniousness viewers are positively provoked to crawl among personal cauterized memories; surrealistic artists referenced throughout the rooms; sculptural reminders by Marcel Duchamp, or contemporary creator Juame Plensa goading us to transform our past actions into tools of recovery and discovery. The backrooms bring to the fore …