Film & TV

‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Seems Like a ‘Star Wars’ Filler

Ulises Duenas

Temuera Morrison plays Boba Fett, and while his voice is instantly recognizable to fans, he isn’t the best choice to play Fett. While Morrison is a good actor and his voice fits the character well, he’s around 20 years older than Fett would have been in the show. Seeing Morrison move slowly and struggle with action scenes pokes holes in the aura Fett had.

The Tragedy of Joel Coen’s ‘Macbeth’? It Wasn’t Necessary

Forrest Hartman

The Tragedy of Macbeth, as presented by Coen and company, is a worthy piece of art, but it’s a piece of art we have largely seen before. The cast – although star-studded – is relatively small, which – again – makes the movie feel like a play (minus the live energy). Bottom line: Those who have seen good stage adaptations have seen superior work, and those who have never seen the play should prioritize a theatrical experience over watching this film.

James Gunn Hits Another Homerun With ‘Peacemaker’ Series

Ulises Duenas

The comedy still comes first, and James Gunn seems to have hit a golden ratio when it comes to balancing the laughs and the drama.While this is part of the wider DC universe that has been building up for years now, the writers have done a good job of making this show feel more self-contained. Watching The Suicide Squad is necessary to understand the show’s characters, but beyond that, the viewer doesn’t have to do any background research to fully enjoy this show.

‘The Sleeping Negro’ Executes Important Themes With Lackluster Writing and Acting

Ulises Duenas

Throughout these scenes, you can see that while Myers is obviously passionate about the subject matter of the movie, his performance and writing don’t do it justice. At its worst, this movie feels like an edgy student film made by someone who was more focused on delivering a message than making a good movie. At its best, there are scenes heavy with drama and tension that help drive those messages home because they’re delivered by characters that seem like real people.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Lives Up to the Hype

Ulises Duenas

Like Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame before it, this movie does a great job of juggling all its characters, while also giving them a good amount of development. Past villains are humanized more and given their own arcs and their interactions with past Spider-Men is highly entertaining. Holland’s performance cements him as the best Spider of the bunch, so it’s a shame that he doesn’t want to return to the role anytime soon.

'Power of the Dog' Is an Intriguing Drama, But Not the Year's Best Film

Forrest Hartman

In a new video for Highbrow Magazine, Chief Film Critic Forrest Hartman reviews Jane Campion's Power of the Dog. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, the film is a great dramatic Western, replete with a poignant plot and intriguing characters. But even though Campion is a masterful storyteller, Hartman doesn't believe Power of the Dog is the best film of the year. Hartman explains why.

‘Belfast,’ ‘West Side Story’ Are Lead Contenders in Critics Choice Award Nominations

Forrest Hartman

Belfast, which tells the story of an Irish family living amidst the turmoil of the Troubles, received nominations for Best Picture, Best Acting Ensemble and Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Branagh. The film also received numerous individual acting and technical awards. Likewise, West Side Story was nominated for Best Picture, Best Acting Ensemble, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director.

Showtime’s ‘The Real Charlie Chaplin’ Expertly Illustrates the Life of an Icon

Ulises Duenas

In his time, Charlie Chaplin was the world’s most recognized face and highest-paid actor. His work in silent films was so prolific that he managed to make successful silent movies years after talking ones took over Hollywood, but his life was also full of controversy. Showtime’s The Real Charlie Chaplin expertly recounts the highs, lows, and secrets of his life with great editing and narration.

Steven Spielberg Revitalizes 'West Side Story' and Delivers Another Hit

Forrest Hartman

In a new video for Highbrow Magazine, Chief Film Critic Forrest Hartman discusses Steven Spielberg's new film, West Side Story -- a remake of a beloved classic. The original was a popular musical that enthralled movie audiences, and Hartman explains that Spielberg has stayed true to the film's roots, and delivered us another hit.

Craig, Daniel Craig: How James Bond Was Reinvented

Ben Friedman

Director Sam Mendes’ Skyfall and Spectre capture the maturation of Daniel Craig into that of Ian Fleming’s classic character. While Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace showcase a more brutal and relentless Bond, Mendes’s direction depicts a more physically restrained Bond. The action sequences are breezier. As Craig ages, so does Bond, and thus there is a reliance on more guns, gadgets, and intelligence behind his fighting style.

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