"Birdman," "Turner," "McFarland": Triple-header film review
My movie buddy and I didn't really mind seeing a movie about pretentious people, but we felt that the entire thing was pretentious.
Spirit Awards for Indies; Academy Awards highlights
The 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Feb. 21, was held beneath an elaborate tent constructed at Santa Monica Beach.
Selma: The real winner of every Oscar in sight
The crowd at the Academy Award ceremony stood and cheered. Somebody said that Selma stole the show. How true.
“Sassy Mamas”: Generational and gender role reversals
"Sassy Mamas" is a comedy-drama about three longtime girlfriends in Washington, D.C.
West Coast premiere of "Hellman v. McCarthy"
As a Hollywood Blacklist historian, I've eagerly looked forward to seeing the fact-based "Hellman v. McCarthy."
“The Night Alive”: Dubliners wish upon a star
This play is essentially about fringe characters yearning to get away from their boring existences.
“Field of Honor”: A movie you might have missed
The film Field of Honor puts the viewer in mind of the adage, "It's a rich man's war and a poor man's fight."
"The Water Engine" features wonderful performances
The Water Engine opens in the red glow of flames from a factory furnace, while workers operate drill presses and grinding wheels in a shower of sparks.
Switzerland’s Best Foreign Film Oscar submission goes full circle
Swiss co-writer/director Stefan Haupt's The Circle (Der Kreis) is a strong fact-based drama about the struggle for gay rights in Switzerland.
"Dancer in the Revolution": Memoir of Stretch Johnson, Harlem communist
History is a curious thing, full of drama, intrigue, plot twists, misadventures. Howard "Stretch" Johnson's memoir is similarly curious.
