Munich – The Edge of War Plays With History

Munich – The Edge of War plays way too much with history in what is otherwise a fan fiction adaptation of the Robert Harris novel, Munich. Years after having a falling out after graduating Oxford, British civil servant Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and German diplomat Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner) get their hands on the Hossbach Memorandum about Hitler’s plan for taking over Europe. In this aspect, the film plays like a solid spy thriller.…

"Munich – The Edge of War Plays With History"

House of Gucci: The House of Boredom

Ridley Scott is two for two with misses this year as House of Gucci takes the cake for one of the most boring films of the year. House of Boredom. House of good G-d, how is this film not over yet?!? I think this is a nice way of summing up my experience with House of Gucci. This is a film where I found myself checking my watch what felt like every half hour or…

"House of Gucci: The House of Boredom"

The Lion King: A Beloved Disney Animated Classic

With a photo-realistic adaptation on the way, beloved Disney animated classic The Lion King celebrated 25 years last month. Once upon a time, filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements passed on doing The Lion King.  Their loss is Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff’s gain.  While the duo went on to give us Aladdin, they felt that nobody wanted to see a movie about lions in the jungle.  How did this work out?  Not only would…

"The Lion King: A Beloved Disney Animated Classic"

Red Sparrow: Jennifer Lawrence’s effort isn’t enough

Red Sparrow may be a thriller but despite Jennifer Lawrence’s best effort, the film isn’t quite at the same level as the espionage thrillers that have come before.  What’s truly a disappointment is how the film uses rape as a plot device. Directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay written by Justin Haythe, the film is based on the book of the same name by veteran CIA officer Jason Matthews.  The three-time Hunger Games director reunites…

"Red Sparrow: Jennifer Lawrence’s effort isn’t enough"