ACTION
RYAN: This is a cool, fun movie. It’s truly a juxtaposition of the classic Jane Austen tale and zombies. I never read the book but I am curious to know if they play into the story the same way. Outside of the introductory setup of the film and the opening scenes, it sort of feels ..
ACTION
RYAN: Usually movies this time of year aren’t very good, but this movie is phenomenal. It’s beautifully done; a great way to honor true heroes in the coast guard. Against all odds, this small band accomplished something miraculous. It’s so well balanced with good pace, casting, effects. It all comes together nicely. CHUCK: It helps ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This movie blew my mind. It’s directed by Alejandro Inarritu who won the Oscar in 2015 for directing Birdman. I don’t know how one man can make two movies like this, two years in a row! They’re both so different, innovative in their own ways, cool, amazing. I was gasping at some of the shots he ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: This is a real ensemble piece – up for seven Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Picture and Acting Ensemble. It’s a biopic, a dramedy and a refreshing look at business. I would typically tune out of a film like this – all about finance. But the editing, the casting, the cameos that brilliantly provide ..
DRAMA
RYAN: Quentin Tarantino’s eighth film is appropriately titled The Hateful Eight. His films, together, make for a veritable anthology. They all share the same tone with different stories and characters. But like M. Night Shyamalan, Tarantino has become very predictable. Instead of waiting for a twist in his movies, you just wait for it all to hit ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: I love David O. Russell and his films. His latest features his dream team – Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper. When it works it works. They’re the new Johnny Depp/Tim Burton, Leo/Martin, Hanks/Spielberg. It’s still working. CHUCK: I’m not as big a fan of Russell’s as you. But I loved most of his films like Silver ..
GENRES
I’m reviewing more than just movies for this year’s holiday gift guide! The theme is music – and the gift of entertainment comes in many fantastic forms! Encyclopedia Madonnica 20: Madonna from A to Z, Unauthorized Whether you’re a lover of music’s most iconic grande dame, or simply a lover of music – this tome is ..
COMEDY
RYAN: How bold of any film to open opposite the new Star Wars? But if anyone can do it, it’s dream team gal pals, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They bring some worthy movie magic of their own with Sisters. CAROLINE: As you know, I have little to no interest in Star Wars, so Sisters ..
ACTION
RYAN: If you follow me at all, you know I get my groove on for The Wizard of Oz, so most of my obsessive energy goes there. I am, however, hyper-aware and appreciative of the cultural relevance and phenomenon of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The original Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was the first film I saw in ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: Labyrinth of Lies is a German film with English subtitles. It’s really stunning. It’s horrifying, it’s intriguing, it’s brilliant. It’s about holocaust deniers in the late fifties in Germany and deals with one underdog lawyer’s case which tries to pull the layer off…bring out into the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, what they were trying ..
DRAMA
RYAN: Room is a new drama based on a book by Emma Donoghue. I did not read the book but I’m thrilled to be co-reviewing this with senior associate, Karrie Grobben, who did read the book. So you’ll be able to comment on the page to screen adaptation. I avoided a lot of information about ..
FAMILY
RYAN: After what seems like a lifetime, The Peanuts get their big screen debut with The Peanuts Movie. Right off the bat, this has felt like a very good idea. There’s so much nostalgia over generations, culture steeped with iconography, and characters, fables built around American holidays – and just Snoopy in general – all so ..
