Neil Jordan’s Greta tries really hard to tempt, catch, and thrill, but over the course of the run time, it becomes apparent that it’s an underwhelming tale that confuses and disappoints. While I give the film credit for its acting and premise, I would be reluctant to give it anything else. Written and directed by Neil Jordan and starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Isabelle Huppert, this film barely manages to maintain interest beyond its strong leading performances.
From director Mimi Ledger comes the riveting story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This biopic, starring Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer, tells the story of Ginsburg’s struggles, battles, and victories against sexism in and out of the courtroom. Despite the somewhat cookie-cutter script, both Jones and Hammer give exceptional performances that live up to the lives of their characters. The film also stars Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates, Sam Waterston, and Cailee Spaeny.
Continue reading “Review: I’d Rule in Favor of ‘On the Basis of Sex’”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is J.K. Rowling’s newest addition to the popular Harry Potter Universe. With David Yates once again directing, this sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an ambitious but down-to-earth transition piece for future sequels. With a large cast and an overbearing plot, the film doesn’t quite measure up to the magic of its predecessor, but it’s the perfect film for your average Harry Potter fan. Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, and Johnny Depp reprise their roles from the first film. Controversy surrounded Rowling’s decision to keep Depp on the cast after domestic abuse allegations came to light regarding Amber Heard, Depp’s ex-wife. However, Rowling stood by her decision, citing both Depp and Heard’s mutual requests that they both be able to continue with their careers and move on from the scandal.
Continue reading “Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ is a Magical Cliffhanger”
Based on the German story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E. T. A. Hoffman, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is Disney’s latest attempt to put a fantastical spin on one of history’s most beloved fairy tales. The film is co-directed by Lasse Hallstrom and Joe Johnston, both of whom carry a respectable resume of films including What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and October Sky (1999). Unfortunately, I don’t think The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will be joining those films as a well-remembered classic. Despite a star-studded cast including Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman, the film falls short of what this Christmas tale truly deserves.
Continue reading “Review: ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ Falls Short of Yuletide Blessings”