The two most interesting moments in The Phoenician Scheme—the latest from director Wes Anderson—come at the beginning and end of the movie. As for what happens in between, we’ll get there. By the beginning, I don’t mean the actual opening … Continue reading THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME
Not since the pandemic of 2020 (and 2021, 2022…) has the film calendar looked this uncertain. A dual strike from the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild has barred many creatives from promoting their movies, causing some … Continue reading Season’s Screenings: 2023 Fall Movie Preview
Sometimes they are complete stories told with brevity and punch. Sometimes they are elongated trailers for talent yet to come. Sometimes they are provocations designed to rally and rile, but every year, the Oscar-nominated short films prove to be categories … Continue reading From Provocation to Inspiration: 2022 Oscar Nominated Short Films
No city represents the double edge of the American Dream like Los Angeles. The City of Angels is home to glitz and glam, idyllic beachfront, cosmopolitan melting pots, enchantment, and dreams. Yet, like the movies made in La-La Land, many … Continue reading NIGHTCRAWLER
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Denver Film Critics Society—16 writers and broadcasters working in and around the Mile High City, of which I am one—announced their nominees for the best of 2020. In total, 42 movies received nominations with Minari … Continue reading And the nominees are…
On Friday, Jan. 8, the Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS)—16 writers and broadcasters working in and around the Mile High City, of which I am one—cast their preliminary ballots for this year’s DFCS awards. How it works: Members are asked … Continue reading Denver Film Critics Society 2020 Ballot
His life was about noise until it wasn’t. Heavy metal music, to be specific, and he is Ruben (Riz Ahmed), the drummer and half of the band, Backgammon. His cymbal crashes are shattering, and his beats are pulsating. His girlfriend, … Continue reading SOUND OF METAL
We’re the Sisters Brothers, and we’re good at what we do,” proclaims Charlie Sisters with a toothy grin. What’s he good at? Killing people and claiming bounties. Charlie is played by Joaquin Phoenix, an actor who is successfully following in … Continue reading THE SISTERS BROTHERS
Michael J. Cinema 