Hollywood

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”, …

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 …

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 …

How fortunate that as a young person I recognized the wealth of opera, music, film and the written word, would befriend me well into my dotage; it has paid off in spades. 2026 to this point has gifted me with two unique protagonists and a historical narrative I am bound to for life. “Safronia” an opera composed by poet laureate …

By far the most innovative, genuine watchable “horror” films in theatres this year. Director/writer Curry Barker handily conquers the genre in the “be careful what you wish for” category; acted to sublimity by Michael Johnston “Bear”, Inde Navarrette “Nikki”; brilliance lies in the simplicity of a “One Wish Willow” a supernatural toy that grants just one irrevocable wish, never reversed …