Hollywood

Of the well over 200 “Dracula” films this “Dracula” by director Luc Besson touches the romantic core of the doomed Count, destined to live for eternity ferreting the reincarnation of his slain wife “Elisabeta”; like this year’s “Frankenstein”, “Dracula” is gorgeously, Gothically gory, seductively sensual, religiously rebellious and a total triumph. Starring Caleb Landry Jones (lacking the charisma of Frank …

It has been interminably long since “filmers” have met a more compelling protagonist in the guise of “Linda Liddle”: gifted in mathematical wizardry, drolly comical, comfortable in her nerdiness and friendship with her bird, confident that a “Vice Presidency” awaits when her boss dies, she’s earned and deserves the promotion after years of diligence; alas, upon his death,  she’s denied …

Director Rebecca Zlotowski pairs with actors Jodi Foster and Daniel Auteuil in a slightly fuzzy, somewhat compelling film with superb, saucy acting and a vacillating premise, which eventually proves worthy of watching. Foster’s fluency in French blends with life in Paris as psychiatrist “Dr. Lilian Steiner”, investigating the death of one of her patient’s, “Paula”(Virginie Efira)  from a supposed suicide. …

Director Mona Fastvold in tandem with actor Amanda Seyfried have created a fascinating historical film about the rise of Shakerism and its frenetic, kinetic physicality; the body and its prowess commands god’s presence, commendation, massive approval of their edicts; Seyfried is outstanding in her interpretation of Ann Lee (one of eight children) born in 1736-1784 Manchester, United Kingdom. Her voice …

Director Gus Van Sant’s (“Good Will Hunting”, “Milk”) latest trophy movie is shockingly, provocatively realistic, mimicking the actual 1977 debacle, featuring the kidnapping of business magnet Richard Hall by disgruntled, depressed victim Tony Kiritsis, in Indianapolis.   Actors Dacre Montgomery (Richard Hall) and Bill Skarsgard (Tony Kiritsis) are splendidly magnificent in their roles: Richard, with a shotgun strapped to his neck, …

Spending a luxurious ten days in Arizona, I stumbled upon this psychological, thrilling series starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy. It does not fall into the iconic realms of “Foyle’s War”, “Morse” or “Endeavor” but with sensational, compelling performances fills the hours with mesmerizing titillation, shocking, mangled, surprises and the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1949). Created by Kevin Williamson, …

Approaching Academy Award season, cinephiles challenge themselves to see all the nominees, many no longer in theatres, fortunately able to catch up in the comfort of couch and home. Now in the age of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and a plethora of streaming choices, no longer excluded from the mainstream, here are a few Academy Award contenders readily available to satisfy …

The Holiday Season is satiated with a glorious glut of movie superabundance; I love these binge-worthy days, oftentimes seeing two or even three films a day. Here are two that categorically define the reason we go to the movies: titillation, tutelage, principally escape the predictable, mundanity of daily existence. “THE Housemaid” based on the novel by Freida McFadden directed by …

In an era where antisemitism, perpetually hibernating, but recently celebrated and gifted legitimacy, even the US has tolerated its rise. Now bursting forth from the grimness of 2025 is a film, crafted by Jews, of monumental proportions and integrity, breathtaking in its innovation, written by Josh Safdie (“Uncut Gems”) and Ronald Bronstein.  Starring a thirty-year-old man whose mother is of …

We have limitless choices on our devices; what in the past was a delicious dilemma, now, can result in traumatic options (some we must pay for). I have toughened my resolve; if not aroused in 15 minutes, switch films, regardless of the expense. Here Peneflix gifts those with limited patience and in need of a film distraction ASAP. First runs …