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Some might believe that the unexpected success of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean has resulted in a sudden upsurge in interest about high seas derring-do, but anyone expecting a "spillover" effect to generate a box office ripple for Peter Weir's ...

The Master is one of the most technically impressive films of 2012. It is the work of an artist; every shot is carefully composed. The set design, which recreates post-World War II America, is impeccable. The acting of the leads, Joaquin Phoenix an...

With relatively little fanfare and even less publicity, Masterminds is finally seeing the light of day. After slipping five release dates (it was originally slated to open in August 2015) and being accorded almost no marketing push, the caper comedy ...

I think that if I had a deeper connection to the He-Man universe, I might have reacted more positively to the 2026 Masters of the Universe. It's apparent to me, even as an outsider, that there's a whole lotta fan service going on. Too much, in fac...

It's not hard to be enthusiastic about The Matador, an uncommon buddy film starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. The movie has a nicely modulated mix of comedy and pathos, but succeeds as much because of the two lead performances as Richard She...

In my review of Woody Allen's previous misfire, Melinda and Melinda, I wrote the following: "Lately, Allen's films have sunk into a state of heightened mediocrity - sporadically entertaining, but often disappointing, at least for those clinging to ...

The production notes trumpet The Matchmaker as "a romantic comedy for people who hate romantic comedies." This statement implies that the film has something exceptionally original or daring to offer those who are tired of screen love affairs that ...

Movies about confidence tricksters represent an old, although not necessarily respected, sub-genre of the thriller. Many of these films are cheap and cheesy, with silly plots and "twists" that are shaky and predictable. There are a few notable ex...

Materialists, Celine Song’s follow-up to the sublime Past Lives, is a rom-com on Prozac. Weighed down by a flat performance from Dakota Johnson, the movie shifts into low-gear after an upbeat, promising first act. Johnson’s lack of chemistr...

Arriving in the latter half of the summer, Danny DeVito's Matilda beats out such worthy contenders as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Harriet the Spy for best family fare of the season. In fact, I haven't enjoyed a so-called "children's film" this...