Movies

There is much to love about Jane Campion’s “Bright Star,” if only it weren’t so darn measured – poetic or not. Read More »

“A Serious Man” made me giggle. Out loud. A lot. That’s why it’s my favorite film from the 34th annual Toronto Film Festival, which brought down the curtain on September 19, 2009. From the fabulous Coen Brothers (who, by the way, seemed as nebbishy as ever when Focus Features threw a party for their film at a swanky Prince Albert Avenue restaurant), “Man” features an extraordinary collection of Jewish players and familiar faces, mostly unknown except for TV character actor Richard Kind. Who? Read More »

“The Informant!” is incorrigible. And Matt Damon certainly has a lot do with it, even if his character is based on a true story. Read More »

Nazi aggression spread through most of Europe during World War II, even including Denmark, as “Flame & Citron” often intensely exhibits. The title comes from nicknames for real-life spy/assassins: red-haired “Flame,” Bent Faurschou-Hvid (Thure Lindhardt) and Jorgen Haagen Schmith (Mads Mikkelsen), a guy best known for sabotaging cars, “Citron.” He’s portrayed by the actor best known as Daniel Craig’s nasty nemesis in “Casino Royale.” Read More »

“Thirst” becomes a bloody good and artsy vampire yarn in the hands of accomplished Korean director/co-writer Park Chan-wook. Regardless, more judicious editing might have turned his 133-minute seat squirmer into a shorter, sleeker thriller. Read More »