The Coen Brothers transport us back in time to the 1960s folk music scene in their 2013 smart and funny masterpiece, Inside Llewyn Davis. I’m writing this review while listening to the Cannes press conference following the film’s premiere in May 2013. Not that it has anything to do with the film–other then the Coens being Jewish–but there was a question from a German TV reporter about humor in Germany and whether it was German…
"Inside Llewyn Davis: Another Coen Brothers Masterpiece"Tag: Oscar Isaac
David Newman is conducting Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert over the course of three nights at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This was my first time getting to see a film at the CSO, let alone watch the CSO in action. It was a fun experience–anytime I get to watch a Star Wars film on the big screen is always a good time. The last time I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on…
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies"
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse not only manages to improve on its predecessor but it is one of the best pictures of the year. Unlike many Marvel films that came before, there is not a scene during the credits. However, there is a lot of animation to appreciate as the credits run their course. It’s the ONLY disappointment about an otherwise amazing film. What I can say with 100% certainty is that Spider-Man: Across the Universe…
"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is Awesome Fun"
Moon Knight is the newest Marvel series to hit Disney+ but there’s not much here in terms of Marc Spector’s Jewish origins in the comics. Press were given the first four episodes to screen in advance. To date, this is the most for any Marvel series ahead of its premiere. That the series launches after their licensed Netflix series came back home means that this is also the most mature to date. I should note…
"Moon Knight: The Newest Marvel Disney+ Series"
After its highly anticipated theatrical release, Dune is now available for fans to enjoy again and again on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. Denis Villeneuve brought Frank Herbert’s Dune to the big screen with a film that had to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. However, the film’s theatrical release has come to an end so please watch it on the biggest TV screen you can find. There’s a lot to be said…
"Dune Arrives On 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD" Denis Villeneuve brings Frank Herbert’s Dune to the big screen with a film that must be experienced on the biggest screen possible. I’m going to be honest that this review took me a bit longer to write. This is not so much because I had the trouble finding the words but because a Ted Sarandos-triggered depression has been kicking my ass since the screening ended. Wednesday was slightly better but at some point, I have…
"Dune Is A Big Screen Experience"
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth and final installment of the Skywalker saga, is now available for fans to buy on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. In addition to the above options, eight previous films in the saga are being made available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time. Both Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo were previously available on 4K UItra HD. Bonus features include*: The Skywalker Legacy – The…
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video" Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker isn’t only the ninth Star Wars installment but the ultimate conclusion to a franchise started in 1977. It goes without saying that for fear of even the most mild of spoilers, I ask that you please do not read any further until after seeing the film. If you’re anything like me, go into the film knowing as little as possible. The saga ends as it begins on the…
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends"
Star Wars: The Last Jedi may or may not be the best film in the franchise but writer-director Rian Johnson delivers the goods in the eighth installment. What follows below the asterisks is the bulk of my original review–first published in 2017. My feelings on this film have not changed in two years. In fact, the film only improves with time. Rian Johnson would turn out to be the perfect filmmaker to take on the…
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX"
Star Wars: The Force Awakens features the long-awaited return of fan favorites while introducing us to a new generation of characters. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) are back but Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing. The Resistance has a new band of heroes leading the way for a younger generation. Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and BB-8 are certain to take Star Wars into the…
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX"