The Independent: A Political Journalism Thriller

The Independent, a new political journalism thriller, arrives on Peacock days before Americans go to the polls for the midterm election. The real October surprise? Peacock’s announcement of this thriller! There are so many options this week and that’s not an understatement. If you have election anxiety right now, the film probably is not the best option. Otherwise, I do recommend watching. Hey, it’s got Jodie Turner-Smith and Brian Cox in leading roles. You cannot…

"The Independent: A Political Journalism Thriller"

Sundance 2021: Mass

Mass is one of the most devastating films to premiere during the 2021 Sundance Film Festival but it has so much to say about grief. There is so much to say here and I honestly do not know where to began.  Cinematically speaking, there’s a lot in this film that reminds me of American Son (2019).  Much of this is due to how the film is limited to just the one room.  To be fair,…

"Sundance 2021: Mass"

Rebecca: Netflix Adaptation Stays True To The Book

Rebecca is the first major American adaptation of Dame Daphne du Maurier’s novel since the Alfred Hitchcock film in 1940. “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” – the second Mrs. de Winter says as the film opens with Clint Mansell’s haunting score.  It’s one of the most famous opening lines in text or cinema.  Not including this line would be criminal. This is a contemporary update but in spite of that, the film…

"Rebecca: Netflix Adaptation Stays True To The Book"

American Animals: A Crazy True-Crime Story

American Animals uses a narrative/documentary hybrid approach in telling the absurd but true story of the Transylvania University library heist. Flashback to the fall of 2003 if you will.  Spencer Reinhard (Barry Keoghan) is touring the Special Collections archive at the Transylvania University library.  The freshman finds himself intrigued and fascinated by the artwork of John James Audubon.  Admiring the artwork, Spencer starts to get these absurd idea to steal the rare collection.  He manages to…

"American Animals: A Crazy True-Crime Story"

A Kid Like Jake explores Gender Identity

A Kid Like Jake is a film that ought to add to the conversation about gender identity among young children. The roots of A Kid Like Jake in the theater become very clear in the final act through the performances of Claire Danes and Jim Parsons.  Through Silas Howard’s direction and the camera framing of cinematographer Steven Capitano Calitri, the performances come off as theatrical rather than cinematic.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  While…

"A Kid Like Jake explores Gender Identity"

CCFF 2018: American Animals

American Animals takes an interesting approach to storytelling with a narrative/documentary hybrid in telling the absurd but true story of the Transylvania University library heist. Flashback to the fall of 2003 when Spencer Reinhard (Barry Keoghan) is touring the Special Collections archive at the Transylvania University library.  Fascinated by the artwork of John James Audubon, Spencer starts to get these absurd idea to steal the rare collection.  He does so with the help of his…

"CCFF 2018: American Animals"

CCFF 2018: A Kid Like Jake

A Kid Like Jake is a film that ought to add to the conversation about gender identity among young children. The roots of A Kid Like Jake as a play becomes clear in the final act of the film through the performances of Claire Danes and Jim Parsons in particular.  Through Silas Howard’s direction and the camera framing of cinematographer Steven Capitano Calitri, the performances come off as theatrical rather than cinematic. Danes and Parsons…

"CCFF 2018: A Kid Like Jake"