Cyrano

I’m still hoping to see all of the nominated films prior to the Oscars, so I was excited that Cyrano (Costume Design Nominee) hit theaters this weekend. That famous original story of imposter syndrome carried through the ages with varying levels of interpretation. While I have read and seen other adaptations, somehow it escaped myContinue reading “Cyrano”

Spencer

Late to the game on Spencer, and heard great things. Kristen Stewart has come a long way since Bella Swan and I’m glad she is being recognized for this painfully intense performance as Princess Diana. When we first see her, we realize she is well past the dream carriage wedding we remember so well. InterestinglyContinue reading “Spencer”

Nightmare Alley

Nightmare Alley stars Bradley Cooper (Stan Carlisle) who is down on his luck and apparently running away from a sordid past (we watch him burn down a house). In true film noir spirit, any hope of a new future comes in the form of a carnival – a medley of trickery and illusion. Interestingly, StanContinue reading “Nightmare Alley”

Cha Cha Real Smooth

I feel like the coolest place to be is in your twenties right now. This is especially true if you’re as talented and interested in people as writer/director/actor Cooper Raiff. Cha Cha Real Smooth is another favorite from Sundance this week – and what is up with Dakota Johnson like, being incredibly breathtaking and good?Continue reading “Cha Cha Real Smooth”

The Worst Person in the World

This is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time, and it’s not just because it sent me to tears (honestly, that happens quite easily for me). The Worst Person in the World is the kind of movie that resonates for days after. There are scenes that develop more meaning after they soak inContinue reading “The Worst Person in the World”

When You Finish Saving The World

When You Finish Saving The World stars Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard as mother and teenage son in a very uncomfortable relationship. Premiering at the (virtual) Sundance Festival this week, the film is written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. The story highlights the layers of feelings we hide or project onto others. We quickly seeContinue reading “When You Finish Saving The World”

The Tender Bar

The Tender Bar is based on the novel and bestselling memoir by JR Moehringer. It follows JR as he comes of age in the early seventies amongst his extended family in Long Island, NY. An absent father opens the door for an relationship with JR’s Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck). Uncle Charlie owns the local wateringContinue reading “The Tender Bar”

Licorice Pizza

I say it too often, but the trailer was one of the reasons I was so excited to see Licorice Pizza. It really is an art form to capture the tone of a film in under three minutes. Also I’m a fan of writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson’s past work, especially Punch Drunk Love. The filmContinue reading “Licorice Pizza”