The Bling Ring: Emma Watson Can’t Save the Film

When Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring made its way into theaters in summer 2013, it had already been preceded by a Lifetime movie. I went into this anniversary (six months late) not knowing how I would feel about it all these years later. On the one hand, Coppola is a brilliant filmmaker, having won an Oscar for Lost in Translation. And yet, watching years later, it doesn’t really work for me. While it premiered at…

"The Bling Ring: Emma Watson Can’t Save the Film"

The Mule Misses More Than It Hits

As far as storytelling goes, The Mule is a missed opportunity in that the new Clint Eastwood film misses more than it hits. The film’s opens with Sunnyside Meadows Flower Farm owner Earl Stone (Clint Eastwood) taking home the gold medal at the 2005 National Daylily League Convention.  Unfortunately, Earl would rather be accepting the award than being there for his daughter, Iris (Alison Eastwood).  It just so happens that Iris is getting married and Earl…

"The Mule Misses More Than It Hits"

The Long Dumb Road

Led by Jason Mantzoukas and Tony Revolori, The Long Dumb Road is able to bring back the road trip comedy with a fun and unique vision. Incoming college freshman Nat (Tony Revolori) and 30-something mechanic Richard (Jason Mantzoukas) are at two very different points in their life.  Both of them are at different points in their life when they first meet.  Together, the two of them go on quite the journey–no pun intended.  The summer before heading to…

"The Long Dumb Road"

TIFF 2018: What They Had

Strong performances lift up What They Had as one Chicago family realizes that they must come to a decision on what to do about a loved one’s health. It’s the blistery cold of December when Ruth (Blythe Danner) has wondered off again.  Not knowing where she is, Bert (Robert Forster) calls Nick (Michael Shannon) who in term calls California-based sister Bridget (Hilary Swank).  The next thing we know, Bridget and her daughter, Emma (Taissa Farmiga),…

"TIFF 2018: What They Had"