Kelly Reichardt's new film braids together the lives of three women living in and around a town in central Montana, not exactly the middle of nowhere... but close enough. This time, Reichardt-the-Writer has created a screenplay based on stories by award-winning author Maile Meloy, but Reichardt-the-Director has used many of her usual crew members (notably cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt and…
Month: October 2016
THE DAVID DANCE
From director April Winney and writer-star Don Scime, The David Dance is a well-meaning, thought-provoking film about the host of a gay radio talk show who uses his medium to help those struggling with their sexuality. Despite its sweet premise and important message, the film struggles to decide what it wants to be – the…
MISS HOKUSAI
Directed by Keiichi Hara and written by Miho Maruo and Hanako Sugiura, Miss Hokusai is an animated dramatization of the life of iconic Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai. However, the film’s true focus is on Hokusai’s daughter, “O-Ei” (Erica Lindbeck), and her exploration of her own art and the conflicts she faced in her familial life.…
13th (2016)
Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th is one of the most masterful documentaries released this year. It compels its viewers to sit upright, and pay close attention to every percentage, statistic and fact handed to them in this in-depth look at the American prison system, and its inextricable ties to racial inequality in the United States. 13th is…
37 (Kitty Genovese)
Writer/Director Puk Grasten retells the infamous story of Kitty Genovese, the 28-year-old woman stabbed to death as 37 bystanders watched, listened and failed to intervene. Focusing on a handful of fictional characters, Grasten captures the eerie, stomach-churning atmosphere of the Kew Gardens (Queens) apartment complex on March 13, 1964. (BKP: 4/5) Review By Managing Editor…
ALL IN TIME
Co-written and directed by Marina Donahue, All in Time is the story of a banker named “Charlie” (Sean Modica) who quits his well-paying New York City job, moves back home, and follows his dream of managing a rock band. But when things begin to fall apart, he is forced to make the difficult decision of…
BEING 17
From IMDb: Damien lives with his mother Marianne, a doctor, while his father is on a tour of duty abroad. He is bullied by Thomas, whose mother is ill. The boys find themselves living together when Marianne invites Thomas to come and stay with them. Opened 10/7/16 in NYC, but we missed it. Review coming…
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
Adapted for the screen by Erin Cressida Wilson, The Girl on the Train—based on the international-bestseller by author Paula Hawkins—is slow moving at its onset, but once it get’s going, the film catapults you into the mystery of a missing woman, and all of the whispers and lies that come along with her disappearance. A…
MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE
Based on the best-selling children’s book series from James Patterson, Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life is a surprisingly meaningful kids comedy about surviving those tough preteen years. From director Steve Carr and co-writers Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Kara Holden, the movie’s solid cast, quick comic timing and moving plot transcend age…
THE RED PILL (2016): Review by Elyse Thaler
The Red Pill follows director Cassie Jaye on her journey of uncovering the truth behind the polarizing Men’s Rights Movement. Throughout the film, she seeks out perspectives from all sides. Jaye begins the documentary identifying as a feminist herself; however, after hearing other points of view, will she remain one? (EBT: 4.5/5)