The fundamental neurotic character in Woody Allen films, traditionally played by Allen, is not entirely absent in his latest dark comedy, “Blue Jasmine.” It is, however, exaggerated, complicated in class satire and embodied in a female character played by Cate Blanchett. It’s interesting; whereas Allen’s male characters are charming and Read More…
Charming though unremarkable, “Girl Most Likely,” Kristen Wiig’s latest dramedy, is touching at times but fails to generate “Bridesmaids”-worthy laughs. “Girl Most Likely” tells the story of Imogene Duncan (Wiig), a Jersey-born, Manhattan-obsessed aspiring (and failing) playwright. When her long-term boyfriend dumps her for a French model, Imogene goes on Read More…
Nicolas Winding Refn, the Danish director of “Drive” and “Valhalla Rising,” has produced his most complex and fascinating work yet in his new release “Only God Forgives,” in theaters Aug. 2. Starring Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas and Thai newcomers Vithaya Pansringarm and Yayaying Rhatha Phongam, the drama is a Read More…
As an entry into the ever-expanding “coming-of-age” genre of film, “The Way, Way Back” takes a traditional approach to the tale of an introverted teen coming out of his shell. Set in an East Coast beach town during the hot days of summer — clearly evocative of an 1980s aesthetic Read More…
“Fruitvale Station” is particularly close to home for East Bay residents, evoking familiarity with the eponymous BART stop or the tragic incident that took place on New Year’s Day of 2009. In his first feature-length film, East Bay native Ryan Coogler presents a haunting, tense and striking dramatization of the Read More…
Somewhere in the world tonight, Michael Bay is crying himself to sleep. “Pacific Rim” is Guillermo del Toro’s monsters-versus-mechas spectacular. It is not a perfect movie, but it is an awe-inducing, jaw-dropping achievement in the visual qualities of the summer blockbuster. The film does not suffer from a slow start. Read More…
Given the scope of reality TV subject matter, it was only a matter of time before celebrities stunned us with their recreational activities. No, not Keeping up with Kim and Kanye’s Konception. I’m talking about the new game show series “Hollywood Game Night.” The show is based on the real-life Read More…
There are so many characteristics of “Despicable Me 2” that parallel its prequel that one almost expects the movie to be good at least for its familiarity. Once again, Gru must decide between good and evil when new characters arrive on the scene to steal his heart. This time, instead Read More…
Following the enormous box-office success of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski attempt to bring the same style of action and comedy to the Western genre with “The Lone Ranger.” While the over-the-top action sequences with the typical shootouts and train robberies provide some thrills, Read More…
The buddy-cop film is a long-established genre, with a pretty rigid and uninspiring formula: Two cops with extremely different personalities take an immediate dislike to each other but are forced to work together to solve a particularly difficult case — something they can only achieve by first bonding and becoming Read More…