Amsterdam Has A David O. Russell Problem – Oscars Watch

On paper, Amsterdam has the right pedigree to be a serious Oscar contender but the film has a David O. Russell problem. Amsterdam is described as “a fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves historical fact with fiction for a timely, cinematic experience.” It is a “crime epic about three close friends who find themselves at the center of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history.” 20th Century Studios released both…

"Amsterdam Has A David O. Russell Problem – Oscars Watch"

The Old Guard: Living Forever Doesn’t Come Easy

The Old Guard may be a kick-ass action film but the idea of living forever also doesn’t come as easy as we might think upon first glance. Andy (Charlize Theron), short for Andromache the Scythian, leads a covert group of mercenaries and they’ve been protecting the world for hundreds of years.  All of them come from a background in martial arts or they military and they also cannot die.  It’s also a curse because the…

"The Old Guard: Living Forever Doesn’t Come Easy"

A Hidden Life Is Every Minute Of Its 3-Hour Run Time

Terrence Malick’s World War II period drama, A Hidden Life, is one of those lengthy films that feel every single minute of its three-hour run time. When it comes to a director like Malick, he’s not for everyone.  Take it from someone who came away from The Tree of Life thinking it was one of the worst films of the year.  Listen, the cinematic visuals of the Austrian scenery can be breathtaking.  However, this doesn’t…

"A Hidden Life Is Every Minute Of Its 3-Hour Run Time"

Sundance 2019: The Mustang

The Mustang shines a light on the ways that the government controls the wild mustang populations by way of prisoner rehabilitation programs. Following a quick prologue about the history of the wild mustangs in America, we meet meet Roman Coleman (Matthias Schoenaerts) at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center.  As a part of his prison duties, a prison psychologist (Connie Britton) assigns Roman to the Outside Maintenance program.  Roman goes outside of his boundaries by investigating a loud…

"Sundance 2019: The Mustang"

TIFF 2018: Kursk

Kursk tells a worthy story but one wonders what the film would look like if left to examine everything from the submarine to the government. It’s been just over 18 years in which the submarine fell to the bottom of the Barents Sea.  This was a submarine that was over 200 yards long.  The submarine in the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet is said to be unsinkable.  Unlike the Titanic, most of the men serving on board…

"TIFF 2018: Kursk"

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"