“Parker” isn’t run-of-the-mill. It’s the work of misfits who broke into a mill shuttered on the edge of town and fired up machines without knowing how they work. Continue reading
Tag Archives: film criticism
Jack Reacher
Exactly the sort of well-paced, whip-smart thriller everyone bemoans a lack of but rarely pays to see, Tom Cruise’s “Jack Reacher” gets a second shot on Blu-ray. Continue reading
Class of 1993: “This Boy’s Life”
In “This Boy’s Life,” Leonardo DiCaprio’s leading-role debut, he acts as if announcing his career’s mission statement — indicative of inevitable stardom. Continue reading
Gangster Squad
Blunt and brisk in its own inoffensive way, “Gangster Squad” is still a piece of meathead cinema and one that’s mostly sizzle, no steak. Continue reading
Oblivion
“Oblivion” makes some ill-advised narrative decisions and largely wastes Tom Cruise, but a curious combination of analog patience and digital prowess saves it. Continue reading
Class of 1983: “The Outsiders”
Despite great moments, “The Outsiders” feels like two movies awkwardly thrown together by an auteur who was adapting to being cowed by bankers and executives. Continue reading
Zero Dark Thirty
One of 2012′s greatest films is one of 2013′s bigger Blu-ray disappointments thus far, at least as comprehensive special features are concerned. Continue reading
Class of 1983: “Videodrome”
“Videodrome” shows how David Cronenberg is sometimes a provocateur only to a point. But he also wasn’t far from his cinematic incisions that cut the deepest. Continue reading
Class of 1993: “A Bronx Tale”
Nick’s monthly look at films celebrating major anniversaries in 2013 begins with Robert De Niro’s directorial debut — an emotionally complex coming-of-age tale. Continue reading
The Last Stand
A star on his game. Clever humor. Hellacious setpieces. When it comes to what you need for live-action “Looney Tunes” mayhem, ble, ble, ble, that’s all, folks. Continue reading