Drive-Away Dolls Pays Homage to 60s, 70s B-Movies

Ethan Coen goes solo yet again but this time it’s for Drive-Away Dolls, a comic caper that takes audiences on a spontaneous road trip. Coen’s last outing as a director was with Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind. A24 quietly released the documentary at the start of the year, which the filmmaker did not collaborate with brother Joel Coen. As of press time, it is currently included on Prime Video. Anyway, Drive-Away Dolls sees Coen’s…

"Drive-Away Dolls Pays Homage to 60s, 70s B-Movies"

Sanctuary: Margaret Qualley Delivers Award-Worthy Performance

Margaret Qualley delivers an award-worthy performance in the Toronto-premiering Sanctuary, which is now making its way into theaters. This film is about a dominatrix and a client. Don’t let it stop you from watching the film. I’ll get into it later but it really feels like you’re in the room with them. It really ups the claustrophobic feeling when it comes to the tension in the room. Trust me when I say that you need…

"Sanctuary: Margaret Qualley Delivers Award-Worthy Performance"

My Salinger Year: A Charming Coming-Of-Age Film

My Salinger Year is a charming coming-of-age film that draws on Joanna Rakoff’s experience working at an agency representing J.D. Salinger. Joanna Rakoff (Margaret Qualley) leaves grad school for New York in hopes of starting a writing career.  Next thing you know, she’s working for Margaret (Sigourney Weaver) at a literary agency.  The agency is old school with typewriters everywhere and nary a computer in sight.  It certainly is not a smart idea to inform…

"My Salinger Year: A Charming Coming-Of-Age Film"

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: I Have Words

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood takes us back to 1969 in a way that only Quentin Tarantino can do so, while completely wasting Margot Robbie. After viewing the film, I can safely say that Inglorious Basterds remains my favorite Quentin Tarantino film.  While the third act of Hollywood is entertaining, I really wish I could say more about the rest of the film.  For the large majority, we’re viewing the film through actor Rick…

"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: I Have Words"

Native Son: Compelling, falls short

Native Son is a compelling film with strong performances but I can’t help but feel that something is lost in updating the story for present day. Like the novel its based on, Native Son is set in Chicago.  Instead of the 1930s, Suzan-Lori Parks updates the story for a contemporary telling.  Is this a good idea?  I don’t know.  I haven’t read the novel written by Richard Wright so I’m not in a position to compare the…

"Native Son: Compelling, falls short"