film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
Ugly, garish, anachronistic like a small mean child playing with matches, and completely lacking in anything Robin Hood–y: there’s no fun, no romance, no virtue. Instead? Bizarre “aesthetics” and even worse politics.
Bold, tough, hugely entertaining. Like a new GoodFellas, except about a woman caught up in her own impudence and daring. Jessica Chastain is badass.
The it’s-about-damn-time true story that puts paid to the notion that only white men had the Right Stuff. Often funny, ultimately feel-good, hugely exhilarating.
“Put Kevin Costner in it and you’ve got a sporty Stand and Deliver. The script writes itself.”
This inspired-by-fact tale of the custody battle over a mixed-race grandchildren only just skims the many provocative issues it touches on.
Meet the crotchety, bitter old man who, back in 1983 as a crotchety, bitter younger man, refused to initiate global nuclear war. A true story!
So, the Doctor and Robin Hood walk into a spaceship… Oh my god, did I love this episode.
If it’s meant to be a spy thriller, it’s not exciting. If it’s meant to be a comedy, it’s not funny. If it’s meant to be dumb, absurd, and risible, it’s a success.
Good lord, how hot is Kevin Costner in this? I’ll be in my bunk.
Why reboot remains a question, but this is a smart popcorn thriller with a surprisingly sensitive performance by Chris Pine, and a wonderfully badass one by Kevin Costner.
