[e-mail] Reviews

The Prison Within (2020)

Thoughtful and moving

[9/10 · 7 February 2021]

Excellent documentary about the need to treat trauma within the criminal justice system. The documentary does not ignore the victims of violent crimes and actually presents a way to prevent such crimes in the future.

Support the Girls (2018)

Likable workplace comedy drama

[8/10 · 27 August 2018]

Follows the workplace of a female manager at Hooters like bar restaurant played to perfection by Regina Hall. Great first half as you follow the training of new waitress. Second is more serious and more uneven. Between this and 'Columbus', Haily Lu Richardson is my new favorite young actress. If you think you would like this you almost certainly will

Madeline's Madeline (2018)

Fascinating story of mental illness and exploitation

[8/10 · 26 August 2018]

This film demands work from the viewer but ultimately pays off with a haunting portrait of a teenager's mental illness being exploited by a local theater director. It's often confusing but everything comes together to make this a successful art film. The three lead females performers are all superb.

Crime + Punishment (2018)

It takes courage to be a whistle blower!!

[7/10 · 26 August 2018]

Well done portrait of corruption and indifference in the NYPD. The more thing change the more they stay the same. Worth watching.

Paths of Glory (1957)

Arguably the best movie ever made

[10/10 · 23 August 2018]

Pure perfection. Paths of Glory is under 90 minutes is a great war movie, a riveting court room drama, a study of cowardice and heroism, and an expose of the moral rot that permeates most bureaucracies. Kubrick's tracking shots influenced filmmakers for decades to come. An absolute masterpiece that is essential viewing for everyone

Yearning (1964)

Maybe My Favorite Naruse

[8/10 · 23 August 2018]

I have binge watching Naruse films and have liked all but one. Yearning may be the moving both as a love story and as a story of social change. The theme of small businesses being run out by large corporations is as timely today in the US as it was in 1964 Japan. The two leads are terrific and have great chemistry. Highly recommended

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

One of the five best TV shows ever!

[10/10 · 2 August 2018]

Freaks and Greeks was only on one season but that season was amazing Every character is three dimension and beautifully drawn. Every plot line pays off. As great as it was, it's probaly best it ended when it did because it would impossible to top the final episode for pure perfection. No matter your age, this show captures the truth of growing up.

Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979)

Perfect adaptation of a great novel

[10/10 · 2 August 2018]

Funny, moving examination of '70 s love and malaise. Few films capture the internal feelings of its characters like this film. John Heard, Mary Beth Hurt and Peter Reigert were three of the best(and under utilized) actors of their generation. The great Gloria Grahame is haunting is her last great part.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Overrated

[4/10 · 2 August 2018]

The action scenes are fine but the plot and dialogue are dreadful. Henry Clavell May be the worst working actor in the world.

Magnet of Doom (1963)

Awful in every way

[2/10 · 2 August 2018]

Jean-Pierre Melville made this unwatchable drama at the height of his power reteaming with Belmondo just after their masterpiece Le Doulos. One the worst movies ever made by a great director.