Author Archives: admin

Hidden Blade: Wartime intrigue in Shanghai

Posted on February 15, 2023 by admin

Shanghai in World War II was a viper’s nest of competing interests. Occupying Japanese forces had to deal with Chinese fighters who were themselves splitting under two leaders, Communist and Nationalist. French and British nationals along with Shanghai natives were … Continue reading →

Posted in Asian, Drama, New Releases | Leave a comment

The Eight Mountains: how friendships change

Posted on January 24, 2023 by admin

Based on a 2016 novel by Paolo Cognetti, The Eight Mountains is memorable more for what it shows than what it means. The novel, vivid descriptions of living and climbing in the mountains near the Aosta Valley alternating with observations … Continue reading →

Posted in Drama, Film Festivals | Leave a comment

The Wandering Earth II: sci-fi prequel from Frant Gwo

Posted on January 23, 2023 by admin

Just in time for the Lunar New Year, Well Go USA opens a prequel to the 2019 blockbuster hit, The Wandering Earth II (or EartII, as the poster has it) expands on the original, building a thoroughly convincing sci-fi future … Continue reading →

Posted in Action, Asian, New Releases, Special effects | Leave a comment

Little Richard: I Am Everything review

Posted on January 23, 2023 by admin

In Little Richard: I Am Everything, Richard Penniman says, “I’m the emancipator, the architect. I’m the one that started it all.” But director Lisa Cortés has a more ambitious agenda. For her, Little Richard is rock’s ultimate victim. A self-professed … Continue reading →

Posted in Documentary, Film Festivals | Leave a comment

Bandit: old story, thin paint

Posted on September 23, 2022 by admin

As generic as its name, Bandit recounts the career of Gilbert Galvan, a felon who flees the US for Canada in 1985. There he exploits national traits of kindness and trust to rob 59 banks. Played largely for laughs until … Continue reading →

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Restored Infernal Affairs trilogy: Film at Lincoln Center

Posted on September 16, 2022 by admin

You may know Infernal Affairs even if you’ve never seen it. The plot to the 2002 Hong Kong movie formed the basis for The Departed, to date Martin Scorsese’s only directing Oscar. Recently restored by L’Immagine Ritrovata, all three entries … Continue reading →

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Moonage Daydream review: pieces of Bowie

Posted on September 13, 2022 by admin

How much you like David Bowie, and when you started liking him, will determine how you respond to Moonage Daydream. Written, directed, produced, and edited by Brett Morgen, the documentary provides an exhaustive account of very specific sections of Bowie’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Documentary, Music, New Releases, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Brahmāstra Part One: An Indian multiverse

Posted on September 8, 2022 by admin

Years in the making, Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva is the first episode in a trilogy about the “Astraverse,” an Indian take on the multiverse. Astras are superpowers that can take the form of a weapon or a person (a “divine” … Continue reading →

Posted in Action, India, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Coast review: Teen friends grow up fast

Posted on August 6, 2022 by admin

A coming-of-age story with more bite than expected, Coast follows four young teens as they navigate their way through a summer in the suburbs of Santa Maria. Strong performances and sensitive direction make this stand out from usual genre entries. … Continue reading →