Review: “A Call to Spy”

“A Call to Spy” contains many of the typical hallmarks of a World War II movie. We follow the heroes through action, espionage, struggle, and sacrifice, all performed on behalf of their country. But these movies usually follow male heroes, whether they be soldiers on the front lines, spies trying to covertly gather intelligence against […]

Review: “Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles”

A bevy of beautiful desserts delight the eyes of the viewer throughout “Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles.” But this documentary directed by Laura Gabbert doesn’t delve much deeper beyond what we see on the surface, despite touching on some very serious and fascinating issues. The film revolves around a 2018 gala at New York’s […]

Review: “The Nest”

A move across the ocean uncovers dysfunction in a marriage in “The Nest,” writer and director Sean Durkin’s first feature film since his 2011 film festival darling “Martha Marcy May Marlene.” Drawing on his own experiences growing up in both England and America, Durkin explores changes in relationships that occur with a change in location […]

Review: “Rent-A-Pal”

Navigating online relationships safely is a topic that many of us are familiar with nowadays. But writer and director Jon Stevenson explores a different kind of virtual relationship in his debut feature “Rent-A-Pal,” a thoroughly weird but impressive throwback/horror/drama/comedy commentary on loneliness. Set in 1990, “Rent-A-Pal” follows David (Brian Landis Folkins), a 40-year-old single man […]

Review: “Tenet”

Before we get into the review, I want to mention that I was able to safely see “Tenet” at a drive-in movie theater. If you do decide to go to a indoor movie theater to watch it, be sure to follow all of the theater’s safety protocols, and don’t go if you are feeling sick. […]

Review: “Centigrade”

The scariest aspect of “Centigrade” is that the catalyst for the events that unfold over the course of the film could happen to anyone: while driving through a snowstorm in Norway, a couple decide that the weather is too bad for them to continue, so they pull over to wait out the storm. When they […]

Review: “Tesla”

The first several minutes of writer/director Michael Almereyda’s “Tesla” unfold in fairly typical biopic fashion. We see young inventor Nikola Tesla (Ethan Hawke) working under fellow inventor Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan) upon first arriving in New York. He soon leaves to strike out on his own. But a meeting between Tesla, Edison, and other associates […]

Review: “Sputnik”

When most people hear the word “sputnik,” they likely think of the name of the first satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union. But the word itself roughly translates to “fellow traveler,” making it the perfect title for director Egor Abramenko’s less-than-perfect debut feature based on his award-winning short film “The Passenger,” which continues […]

Review: “Made in Italy”

Sometimes, elements of a movie will come together in a way that seems like what can only be described as fate. You can certainly say that regarding the casting of the leads for “Made in Italy,” a new comedy/drama that’s actor James D’Arcy’s feature debut as writer and director. The film stars Liam Neeson and […]

Review: “Summerland”

“Summerland” is a period piece that is exactly as pleasant as it looks and sounds. But by injecting a rather traditional and sentimental narrative with a more contemporary attitude, and through Gemma Arterton’s winning performance, writer and director Jessica Swale’s debut feature is a sumptuous treat. Set during World War II, “Summerland” stars Arterton as […]