
Horror movies with a conscience?
The movies that follow are fantasies based on real, immediate, contemporary threats.

“Final Fantasy,” capitalism, and the environment
"Final Fantasy VII" centers on a militant ecological group called AVALANCHE, which is trying to stop the Shinra corporation from destroying the planet in its pursuit of Mako energy.

"American Horror Story" welcomes viewers into its coven
A horror anthology series with a rotating/recurring cast, always led by the talented Jessica Lange. Too gruesome for some, too campy for others, American Horror Story is one of those shows that finds and snags a niche audience,

Great outer space “Gravity” and other film pleasures
I must start with the most stunning, a 3D film that had me jumping and falling out of my seat throughout the entire exasperating journey.

New movies: thrillers, farmers, communists and Armstrong’s lie
Prisoners is a thriller allegory about U.S. foreign policy featuring a dream cast including Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, and Melissa Leo.

Skagos' “Anarchic” disregards the “laws” of its genre
Composed of two musical pieces, each over 30 minutes in length, the release offers a poetic perspective on the current state of the natural world.

Saudi girl's story exposes oppression of women
The film audience cringes as Wadjda's flowering pre-teen youth is hammered with humiliations and denials of even the slightest sign of human growth.

Has “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” suited up for failure?
The show is interesting in that it offers a behind-the-curtain look at this fantastical world of heroes. But in many ways, it may have missed its mark.

Toronto Festival: New films feature Wikileaks, American slavery, Bolivar
The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off another 10 day-run of amazing cinema Sept 5-15.

Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” is Oscar material
After recent excursions in Europe, Woody Allen has brought his filmmaking back home, with excellent results.

