Andra Day Deserves Better Than the Muddled ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’
The legendary singer’s life and impact get lost amidst a flurry of confounding directing choices.
Tag: movies
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Scratches the Surface of Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers
Even with fiery performances and strong direction, Shaka King’s film keeps the civil rights icon at a distance.
‘Nomadland’ Finds Grace and Dignity on the Road
Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand come together to tell a deceptively emotional story about living alone, but together.
Zendaya Shines in the Exhausting ‘Malcolm & Marie’
If you can make it past the overwrought writing and unwavering pretentiousness, you will witness two of Hollywood’s most promising talents.
Justin Timberlake Exceeds ‘Palmer’s’ Modest Ambitions
The pop icon has finally found a breakthrough role, just in a middling film.
Pixar Seeks, and Finds, its ‘Soul’
Through the power of music and Blackness, Pixar takes on a charming, enjoyable metaphysical journey.
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Armie Hammer?
Can the embattled actor stage a comeback? Should he even bother to try?
‘News of the World’ Contemplates the Might of Tom Hanks (and Storytelling)
It’s almost unfair how much the Western drama puts on him, but the Hollywood legend proves why he’s worth it.
Chasing Oscar 2021: The Predictions (Round 1)
With many of the contenders available, and the closing of the Oscar eligibility period weeks away, here are my early predictions.
‘Promising Young Woman’ Gleefully Eviscerates the Nice Guy Myth
Carey Mulligan commands this pitch-black comedic thriller about revenge, retribution, and rape culture.
‘Pieces of a Woman’ Struggles as a Whole
Vanessa Kirby and company give powerful performances, but this film about loss gets lost itself.
‘Minari’ Quietly Unearths the Limits of the American Dream
Vividly rendered and intimately crafted, this story of Korean immigrants in middle America defies language, location, and generation.
