'The American'
Mystery and suspense mix well in Clooney's cryptic new film
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
Crisp and compact, "The American" is a standard-issue hit-man thriller tailor-made for George Clooney. Filmed not too far from his Italian home, anchored firmly to his performance and his star presence, it works its way past "formula" by the manner in which it builds suspense. Read story.
Film is best enjoyed with your brain switched off
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
If "Inception" is this summer's smartest cinematic thrill ride, "Machete" sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Read story.
Good action scenes can't save 'Takers'
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
There's a shootout in "Takers" that reaches far beyond the movie's generic heist picture storyline and generic one-note performances. It's set in a hotel suite, and it is a symphony of shotgun shells, a tarantella of Tech 9s -- bullets spitting, furniture exploding in clouds of padding, stuffing and splinters. Read story.
Let's hope this really is the last 'Exorcism'
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
"Exorcism is alive and well," the Rev. Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) declares near the start of "The Last Exorcism," then recites a stream of facts and figures to prove the procedure continues to be practiced around the world. Read story.
Searing 'Restrepo' is war at its rawest
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Losing a buddy on a battlefield is a universal theme in Hollywood war films, and yet when it happens in the Afghan war documentary "Restrepo," there's no foreshadowing, no soaring soundtrack, no mood lighting. Read story.
'Nanny McPhee Returns'
Emma Thompson hasn't lost her touch
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
It can take a miracle to create a movie that's fun for kids and their parents. Read story.
Award-winning 'Winter's Bone' a compelling drama
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
Ree Dolly has the weight of the world on her shoulders: two young siblings who rely on her for everything, an out-of-it mom who's no help, and a missing, ne'r-do-well papa. Read story.
‘Lottery Ticket' not a total loss
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010
The odds of winning the lottery are what, like, 1 in 175 million? Read story.
Tilda Swinton dazzles in the lavish 'I Am Love'
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
Words such as "lush" and "gorgeous" don't even begin to scratch the surface in describing "I Am Love," Italian director Luca Guadagnino's retro-styled melodrama. Read story.
'The Expendables' Ensemble macho flick lacks muscle, imagination
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
Here they are, "the REAL A-Team," the pride and joy of big, bloody '80s action movies, back for a last roundup. Read story.
'Flipped' An insightful, warm triumph from Rob Reiner
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
As he proved so winningly in "Stand by Me," Rob Reiner is a filmmaker who has a way of telling stories about kids, suffusing them with ambivalence and insecurity about their still-evolving selves that feels both heartfelt and authentic. Read story.
How 'Scott Pilgrim' went from comic book to movie
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
Hollywood's obsession with comic books led to media giant Walt Disney Co.'s $4.3-billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment and Warner Bros.' decision to revamp its DC Entertainment unit. Read story.
‘Step Up 3D' is immersed in the groove
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
You already know the basic plot of 'Step Up 3D': Boy meets girl. Girl breaks his heart. Everybody dances it out and, oh, yeah, competes in a high-stakes dance battle against a villainous rival crew and learns the true meaning of friendship in the process. Read story.
'Middle Men' gleefully sleazy
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010
You'll probably want to take a shower after watching "Middle Men," just to wash all the "ick" off yourself. And that's a compliment. Read story.
Endearing 'Kids' heartfelt tale of growing up
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Lisa Cholodenko's wonderful "The Kids Are All Right" is about many things, but at its heart it's about a girl who's ready to fly away from her family's cozy L.A. nest. Read story.
Phish not the only highlight of fall lineup
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
After a almost half a decade, loyal Phish-heads who've had to cope with symptoms of withdrawal after the group went on hiatus, will be rewarded for their devotion with the ... Read story.
BBQ and Bluegrass Festival makes for the ultimate Sunday funday
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
Summer is ending, yet no one wants to admit it. So put on your party pants Sunday afternoon for Boone Hall's annual BBQ and Bluegrass Festival. It'll take your mind ... Read story.
We got the jazz
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
There's an ocean of jazz planned for the Lowcountry this fall. Read story.
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