One Life: Saving Jews During the Holocaust

One Life tells the story of how Sir Nicholas “Nicky” Winton played a role in saving many Jewish children during the Holocaust. Bleecker Street is handling the American release. Unlike Warner Bros.’ handling of the UK release (more in my interview with James Hawes), the press and marketing materials do not hide the fact that the refugees are predominantly Jewish. I’ve known about the Kindertransport for years. In fact, the Kindertransport would inspire Michael Bond…

"One Life: Saving Jews During the Holocaust"

The Mask of Zorro Gets Limited Edition 4K UHD Steelbook

The Mask of Zorro gets a Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD SteelBook in celebration of the film’s upcoming 25th anniversary in July. This is a placeholder for my formal review as the review copy of the new 4K UHD SteelBook is set to arrive today. My plan is to watch the film at my soonest convenience and replace this placeholder with the formal review. Much like Air Force One, this is another case in which…

"The Mask of Zorro Gets Limited Edition 4K UHD Steelbook"

Amistad Marks 25th Anniversary

Based on the true events about Spanish slave ship La Amistad, Amistad marks the 25th anniversary of its theatrical release in 1997. For the second time in a few years, Steven Spielberg followed a summer blockbuster with a serious period picture. Funny enough, both action films were installments of the Jurassic Park franchise. Two stars from The Lost World: Jurassic Park would make their way into this film: Pete Postlethwaite and Arliss Howard as William…

"Amistad Marks 25th Anniversary"

Chaplin Marks 30th Anniversary

Chaplin, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary silent film star, marks the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release in 1992. I planned to watch the film earlier this year but there were some sync issues on the recording. As such, I watched it two weeks ago on HBO Max before the film leaves the streaming service. While I like Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as the silent film star (flaws and all), the script leaves…

"Chaplin Marks 30th Anniversary"

Armageddon Time: James Gray’s Most Personal Film Yet

Armageddon Time is James Gray’s most personal film yet as the filmmaker decides to revisit his childhood in New York. This one hit rather close to home since the film touches on antisemitism. Watching it on the fourth anniversary of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting probably wasn’t the best idea. In any event, the discussions in the film are so true and I was glad to see that it’s also in the trailer. I’d love to…

"Armageddon Time: James Gray’s Most Personal Film Yet"

Anthony Hopkins Over Chadwick Boseman: A Shock

When the last award of the night was announced this evening, viewers were stunned to learn Anthony Hopkins beat Chadwick Boseman. I apologize if none of this is coherent as I am still in a state of shock. Hopkins gave a commanding performance in the film but Chadwick Boseman all but locked it up. When Joaquin Phoenix opened it up, I was shocked. I mean, I had the tweet ready to go and then suddenly…

"Anthony Hopkins Over Chadwick Boseman: A Shock"

AFI FEST 2020: The Father

Sir Anthony Hopkins delivers yet another top-notch performance as an aging father with dementia in The Father, which is emotionally moving. When the film premiered during Sundance earlier this year, Hopkins was in the closing weeks of the Oscar race for The Two Popes.  While he may have lost out, he’s back in the running and is almost certainly the front-runner.  It’s not unlike Hopkins to deliver a masterclass performance and here is on display…

"AFI FEST 2020: The Father"

The Two Popes: Tradition vs. Reform

The Two Popes takes a look at tradition verses reform in this look at the differences in approach from Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. This is a film that features top-notch acting performances from both Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce.  Even for a Jewish person such as myself, I didn’t feel that this was a film looking to teach us about religion.  Instead, it’s an examination of two people with a differing approach to issues…

"The Two Popes: Tradition vs. Reform"

Thor: Ragnarok – The Road to Endgame

Thor: Ragnarok is Marvel’s most fun film and raises the bar as Thor teams up with Hulk to save Asgard. It’s been 2.5 years since Thor (Chris Hemsworth) left to look for Odin at the end of Avengers 2: Age of Ultron.  Meanwhile, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) was seen departing for who knows where following the attack on Sokovia. Thor: Ragnarok‘s awesome cold open featuring Thor and Surtur sets the tone of the film with both…

"Thor: Ragnarok – The Road to Endgame"

Thor: The Dark World – The Road to Endgame

Thor: The Dark World is far from the best film in the franchise as the Avenger battles against Malekith’s attempt to destroy the universe. The sequel incorporates a prologue like its predecessor.  This a great way of setting not just the tone but introduce us to new characters.  It turns out that once upon a time, Asgard was at battle against the Dark Elves.  But this battle is one that is far from over.  It’s…

"Thor: The Dark World – The Road to Endgame"