film
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
‘Straight Outta Compton’ traces rise of rapper N.W.A. with humanity and dramatic power – FILM REVIEW – By Cate Marquis – “Straight Outta Compton” traces the rise of early rappers N.W.A. and the hip hop music genre, with a focus on these young men’s humanity and with a nod to the present post-Ferguson world. This…
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. captures retro style in reboot of ’60s TV spy series – FILM REVIEW – By Cate Marquis – Director Guy Ritchie (“Snatch,” “Sherlock Holmes”) delivers a stylish bit of ’60s spy film fun with “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” an elegant, entertaining reboot of the 1960s James Bond-style spy TV show. Rather…
FANTASTIC FOUR
‘Fantastic Four’ is not so fantastic – Film Review by Cate Marquis – Marvel Comics continues its movie juggernaut with “Fantastic Four,” a reboot with an origin story and a fresh cast of young actors. Despite some serious acting chops, particularly the talented Miles Teller, this franchise relaunch fizzles, precisely because it fails to take…
RICKI AND THE FLASH
‘Ricki and the Flash’ shows off Streep’s sexy style but falls short on story – Film Review by Cate Marquis – In “Ricki and the Flash,” Meryl Streep gets a rare chance to show off her sexy side, as the lead singer of a rock band. After a string of matronly roles, it is nice…
SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE
‘Shaun the Sheep’ is perfect kid’s movie – Film Review by Cate Marquis – What makes a perfect animated kid’s movie? Likeable characters, clever humor that works for both kids and parents, top-notch creative animation, a story that entertains kids – without ultimately undermining values, like fair play, kindness and manners, that parents hope to…
SOUTHPAW
– Film Review by Cate Marquis – Jake Gyllenhaal transforms himself to portray nearly inarticulate boxer Billy “The Great” Hope in director Antoine Fuqua’s “Southpaw.” Despite strong acting performances, a stylish look and gritty, realistic fight sequences, “Southpaw” is familiar melodrama, filled with boxing and sport film cliches. It is a shame in a way…
ALOFT
– Film Review by Cate Marquis – Jennifer Connelly and Cillian Murphy star as an estranged mother and son in the remote sub-arctic north, who are brought together again by a journalist played by Melanie Laurent, in the sincere but rambling independent drama “Aloft.” The film’s title refers to the son’s pursuit of falconry, an…
ANT-MAN
– FILM REVIEW – By Cate Marquis – Humorous, heroic “Ant-Man” is a delightful addition to Marvel’s “Avengers” movies. With a script co-written by “Shawn of the Dead” creator Edgar Wright and sporting a cast led by Paul Rudd, “Ant-Man” is a pure entertainment delight. The best thing about “Ant-Man:” this entertaining film never forgets…
MR. HOLMES
– Film Review – By Cate Marquis – Sherlock Holmes is a character that keeps fascinating the public. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s brainy fictional detective has sparked waves of fan mania since he debuted in the late 19th century, including several movie versions. While “Sherlock” fans await the return of Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern version of…
SELF/LESS
– Film Review – – By Cate Marquis – “Self/Less” is a science fiction/action thriller with a far-fetched premise but entertainment potential. It starts out strong with Ben Kingsley as a selfish billionaire and Michelle Dockery as his estranged daughter but its dramatic arc is dragged down when wooden Ryan Reynolds appears. Kingsley plays a…