Jane Got a Gun movie review: a woman’s view on the Old West
A gritty woman’s perspective on tropes of the western genre, a lean action drama that is sparse yet sympathetic, and laconic but simmers with deep emotion.
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Miles Ahead movie review: where the music takes you
A fantasy about Miles Davis’s life and music; loose, free-flowing, a kind of cinematic jazz. An astonishingly assured directorial debut from Don Cheadle.
Bastille Day (aka The Take) movie review: French toast
A fake movie busted out into reality! But this not-even would-be jokey riff on Hollywood doesn’t know how to fill the air between car chases and punchups.
The Jungle Book movie review: welcome to the jungle
Goes right up to the bleeding edge of cinema to tell a story that is strapping yet simple, and hugely appealing. Disney found a good reason to redo an old film.
Midnight Special movie review: let the children use it
Intensely gripping drama full of smart, thoughtful, personal twists on some familiar sci-fi ideas. Hums with the hope that a better world is within reach.
The Huntsman: Winter’s War movie review: snow what?
It’s a prequel and a sequel! It’s got girl powerrr and lady-hating! It’s a mashup of Lord of the Rings and Frozen! It’s all these things, and less.
Ran (4K restoration) movie rating: green light
A fiercely cinematic experience of startling metaphors, sweeping battles, intense characters, and vivid color that deserves to be seen on a big screen…
Eddie the Eagle movie review: white man can’t jump, much
Yet another celebration of an overconfident mediocre white man as charming, heroic, and worthy of emulation. It’s inspirational!
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie review: sucker punch
Like a movie from the world of Watchmen: cold, cruel, borderline incoherent in its testosterone-fueled rage, misogynist, paternalistic… fascist, even.
Zootropolis (aka Zootopia) movie review: creature feature
Marvelous. A bouncy comedy mystery adventure parable in a fantasy world meticulously and cleverly conceived and gorgeously realized. I adore this movie.
