— by BEV QUESTAD — Hot off the streets of turbulent Cairo, this work of cinema verité tells the current story of the hopeful Egyptian revolution through the concerned eyes of a 22-year-old, tightly-scarved journalist named Heba Afify. After Hosni Mubarak’s resignation on Feb. 11, 2011[...]
Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category
Review: Alex Cross
— by SHERICE ANTOINETTE — In “Alex Cross,” Tyler Perry attempts to prove he’s more than just a comedic actor and is somewhat successful. Opening tomorrow, the Rob Cohen film — based on James Patterson’s successful novels — follows detective Cross (Tyler Perry) on a ma[...]
Review: Argo
— by BEV QUESTAD — This is a riveting, masterfully directed important movie that celebrates the true American spirit. This is the story of Tony Mendez. He takes risks, sees what’s right and lets his guts and conscience lead the way. Ben Affleck, both director and lead, reflects the con[...]
Review: Yogawoman
— by BEV QUESTAD — Vegetarianism, Transcendental Meditation, the Dalai Lama, Mozart, Thrivent Mutual Accounts – there is always something out there that promises to bring harmony, happiness and love. In “Yogawoman,” there are all these promises and more. Annette Bening, a yoga prac[...]
Review: Here Comes the Boom
— by ADAM DALE — Kevin James has been a staple in family comedy films the past few years, collaborating with Adam Sandler’s productions multiple times, and has really cemented himself in that role. The only problem is that I don’t like that mold. His performances in comedic films pri[...]
Review: Raising Resistance
— by BEV QUESTAD — In the last 20 years, soy production has become the Green Gold of South America, especially for Brazil and Paraguay. But with this agri-business boost comes wretched consequences. That’s what “Raising Resistance” is all about. It is a galvanizing movie meant to n[...]
Review: 5 Broken Cameras
— by BEV QUESTAD — This surprising collaboration between a Palestinian and an Israeli, Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, shows unblinking footage as the cameraman’s brothers are arrested, friends are shot and doors are pounded on in the dead of night. When he’s asked to turn off his camera[...]
Review: Simon and the Oaks
— by BEV QUESTAD — There is war, forbidden love, danger, fire, beauty and insanity in this highly acclaimed Swedish epic film. Its complex environment includes the controversial story of Sweden’s compromising role in World War II and the subterfuge of its citizens who supported efforts[...]
Review: Frankenweenie
— by ADAM DALE — Twenty-eight years ago, a young man named Tim Burton got his start when the right people saw a live-action short he made called “Frankenweenie.” The short film took the basic story of 1931 film “Frankenstein” — based on Mary Shelley’s book of the same nam[...]
Review: Bill W
— by BEV QUESTAD — This well-made doc is the cinematic biography of Bill Wilson, the man who co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous with Dr. Bob Smith in 1935 during the pit of The Great Depression. At that time alcoholism was treated as a mental disease and patients were electrocuted, lobotomi[...]
Review: Pitch Perfect
— by ADAM DALE — Musicals have been a part of popular culture and films for decades, having a major part in launching many actors’ careers over the years. Now, in a post “Glee” world, there are shows like “The Sing-Off,” which are embraced by audiences with alternative forms of[...]
Review: Looper
— by ADAM DALE — “Looper” is a film full of twists and turns, multiple layers to the story and each character. Writer-director Rian Johnson (“Brick,” “The Brothers Bloom”) has taken a fairly minor budget of $60 million and made an action-packed sci-fi thriller that looks and [...]
Review: Resident Evil: Retribution
— by JESSIKA OWENS — Retribution is punishment that is perceived to be morally just and fully deserved. I can hear the boos and such as I say the fifth installment of the “Resident Evil” franchise is not retribution for the fans. We deserve better. I am by no means saying I h[...]
Review: Moving Mountains
— by BEV QUESTAD — As the U.S. pares down its war in Afghanistan, how friendly will the replacement leaders be towards the interpreters and auxiliary staff of U.S. Forces? How will the girls and women fare who were supported in pursuing education and professional careers? What happens to[...]