film criticism by maryann johanson | 25 years: 1997–2022
Nicole Kidman testified before Congress earlier this week, in her capacity as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. Development Fund for Women, regarding the International Violence Against Women Act (more on the act here). From the Associated Press via Google News: Nicole Kidman conceded Wednesday that Hollywood has probably contributed to violence against women by … more…
If director Baz Luhrmann had decided to shoot in black-and-white, you’d hardly be able to tell this wasn’t made around 1939 or so. Sure, all those gorgeous helicopter shots of the wild and dangerous and beautiful Outback would be a dead giveaway, so they’d have to go. But otherwise…
All this week! 5 movies I’m psyched for in November — well, 3 movies I’m psyched for and 2 I’m not yet totally sure about but would like to be psyched for — and 5 reasons why. No. 2: Australia [opens wide November 26]. 1. That trailer! It’s pretty rare that a trailer actually gives … more…
Take a break from work: watch a movie trailer… Oh, man, does this give me shivers of old-fashioned Hollywood sweep and glamour. I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much, because that’s just asking for disappointment, but pleaseohplease let this be as good as it looks. With Baz Luhrmann, Nicole Kidman, and Hugh … more…
Fluffy baby penguins dancing and singing and waddling around their world with wide-eyed wonder? You have to have a heart of stone not to be a puddle of goo after coming in contact with that.
The creepy joy of this film is in the capacity it has for astounding even the most jaded movie lover (like me), the one who’s seen it all and can’t even imagine not being able to figure out where yet another ghost story is going. This is classy gothic horror, old-fashioned in the best way: there are no CGI specters, just mysterious footsteps and distant cries and movement in the shadows and hushed whispers and slamming doors.
Once again I am pleasantly surprised by a Hollywood film.
