“Like Father Like Son” fails to tap into solid premise
Director Barry Jay explores themes of generational trauma in his latest feature, “Like Father Like Son,” from Lionsgate. Jay also pens the film’s screenplay, which centers on the lengths one man will go to end a brutal cycle of violence.
Despite a mundane script, “Alarum” offers mindless entertainment for fans of the cast
Director Mark Polish brings together one of Hollywood’s sons and action icons for his latest action film, “Alarum,” from Lionsgate. Alexander Vesha pens the film’s script, which centers on two married spies caught in the crosshairs of an international intelligence network that will stop at nothing to obtain a critical asset.
“Laws of Man is a solid genre entry
Director Phil Blattenberger continues mixing history with action in his third film, “Laws of Man,” from Saban Films. Blattenberger also pens the film’s script, set during the dawn of the Cold War. At the dawn of the Cold War, U.S. marshals Frank (Jacob Keohane) and Tommy (Jackson Rathbone) pursue wanted murderer Benjamin Bonney (Dermot Mulroney) in the deserts of Nevada and stumble upon a sinister plot that threatens to upend the very foundations of justice and peace.
“A Legend” is a weak reunion for Jackie Chan and director Stanley Tong
Legendary martial arts icon Jackie Chan reunites with writer and director Stanley Tong for their tenth collaboration in “A Legend” from Well Go USA. The film is a threequel to “The Myth” and “Kung Fu Yoga.” During a glacier excavation project with his students, a distinguished archaeologist, Professor Chen (portrayed by Jackie Chan), observes that the uncovered artifacts closely resemble a jade pendant he has encountered in his dreams.
“Hard Truths” is powerful reunion for director Mike Leigh and Oscar nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste
In a performance already garnering awards talks is the wonderful Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy, whose body language moves from the first scene. Pansy has an addiction to her fear, a woman whose anger is a lost shield that saves her from the world but that splits her family apart.
“September 5th is an compelling history lesson
In an era characterized by the rapid dissemination of information, the film “September 5” effectively underscores a significant turning point in live reporting and journalism. Set against the backdrop of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film critically examines how a sporting event became the stage for a catastrophic global crisis.
“Babygirl” is a tantalizing dive into the consequences of desire
Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman) is a high-ranking CEO in the Big Apple married to playwright Jacob (Antonio Banderas), with whom she shares two daughters, Esme (Sophie Wilde) and Isabel (Esther McGregor). Romy and Jacob appear to have a healthy sex life. However, Romy has a secret, and after every session with Jacob, she’s unfulfilled, and while he’s sleeping, she’s pleasuring herself to finish the job her husband can’t.
“The Fire Inside” is a boxing biopic that goes the distance
The film begins in 2006 with a young Claressa (Jazmin Headley) almost getting laughed out of the gym by the boys. However, possessing the heart of a lion, Claressa quickly catches the eye of former boxer turned coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry) when she bests one of his boy boxers. “The Fire Inside” then takes us to Claressa’s junior year in high school, pushing past countless limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
“The Man in the White Van” succeeds as an old school style thriller
The central protagonist is a young Annie, played masterfully by Madison Wolfe, who plays her with vulnerability and determination. Wolfe conveys the childlike wonder of childhood, yet she also embodies the absolute terror of Annie knowing she is being monitored. Her fall into fear has much more to do with the white van stalker than it does with the broader blindness of a culture that refuses to listen to children’s voices, as expressed in the heartbreaking way that her parents (played poignantly by Ali Larter and Sean Astin) cannot embrace the reality of what their daughter is being subjected to.
“The Brutalist” is throwback style dramatic epic
The supporting cast includes Joe Alwyn, who portrays Harry Lee Van Buren, the entitled and self-important young son of Harrison. Stacy Martin takes on the role of Maggie Van Buren, Harry’s twin sister. Isaach de Bankolé plays the character Gordon, a close friend of László. Alessandro Nivola represents Attila, a furniture store owner located in Philadelphia and cousin to László. Finally, Emma Laird plays the role of Audrey, the spouse of Attila.
“Nosferatu ” is elevated horror with bite
Eggers masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the fine line between desire and destruction, drawing viewers into the emotional turmoil of his characters. The cinematography is breathtaking, with shadowy landscapes and hauntingly lit interiors that evoke a sense of dread and anticipation. Every frame of the film feels meticulously composed, a testament to Eggers’ commitment to his craft.
“Dirty Angels” is an uneven action flick
The film opens by introducing us to an American soldier named Jake (Green), who is seconds away from being executed while on her latest top-secret mission. While Jake is rescued, her team ends up losing their lives, adding to Jake’s PTSD. A few years later, during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a group of schoolgirls was taken hostage in Afghanistan. Jake’s old boss, Travis (Christopher Backus), recruits her to join an all-women commando unit to liberate them.