BETWEEN TWO WORLDS works on the personal level, but avoids deeper issues
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Between Two Worlds is very much about the work, but it is also about the workers.
6 recommended short films from this year's HollyShorts Film Festival
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
The HollyShorts Film Festival, August 10-20 in Los Angeles, showcases dozens of short films in various programs. Here is a rundown of a half dozen strong selections from this year’s fest.
Flop and Fizzle #6: SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Scott Pilgrim likely didn’t connect with audiences because it was a mashup of too many genres. But this is precisely why the film is so great.
FINAL CUT lacks bite, but feels like a fun community production
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Final Cut is a mess, but it charms in its last act which creates a strong sense of community amid all of the chaos, actor tantrums, spilled bodily fluids, and copious fake blood.
Disc Dispatch: THE DRAUGHTSMAN's CONTRACT gets a beautiful new release
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Peter Greenaway’s breakout arthouse hit, The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982) is bold film—an intriguing murder mystery, a cheeky satire on English class, and a naughty sex romp—rendered in such a rigorous way that it requires steadfast attention.
TRIBECA 2023: RICHELIEU, ALL YOU HEAR IS NOISE, THE LAST NIGHT OF AMORE, ONE NIGHT WITH ADELA
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
The Tribeca Film Festival featured the U.S. or World Premiere of several features and documentaries from around the globe that tackle social issues. While some were better than others, here are four notable films screening in this year’s program.
11 Shorts from this year's Tribeca Film Festival
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
The Tribeca Film Festival has a dozen animated, documentary, and live-action shorts programs this year, offering something for everyone.
MERCY is an unremarkable thriller with a few bright spots
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
The B-movie Mercy, about an escalating hostage situation that unfolds in a hospital, contains plenty of fights, gun violence, and explosions, but it is hardly edge-of-your-seat stuff.
Interview: CADEJO BLANCO actor Juan Pablo Olyslager on Guatemalan cinema and more
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Veteran Guatemalan actor Juan Pablo Olyslager (Temblores, La Llorona) makes a strong impression in his pivotal role. The actor chatted with MovieJawn about making Cadejo Blanco.
Star of the Month Jack Nicholson shines as a wiseguy in PRIZZI'S HONOR
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Each month, MovieJawn will be highlighting the work of one star or director, focusing on what makes them unique in the Hollywood (or worldwide) firmament! First up is Jack Nicholson for his birthday month!
SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING is the latest absurd comedy from Quentin Dupieux
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Smoking Causing Coughing is the latest bit of whimsy by writer/director Quentin Dupieux. His films, Rubber, Wrong, Keep an Eye Out, Deerskin, and Mandibles, among them, are delightfully absurdist and deadpan.
Your Guide to this year's Oscar Nominated Shorts
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Here is a rundown of what should win, what will win, and the also-rans in the Best Live Action, Animated, and Documentary Short Film categories.
AMBUSH is an empty war actioner with not much to say
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
War is hell, and so is Ambush, an efficient yet unremarkable action film set in 1966 Vietnam.
STARS FELL AGAIN fails to deliver romance or humor
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Like the original film, Stars Fell Again is aggressively wholesome, which would be admirable if the film wasn’t so bland.
THE LOCKSMITH is a paint-by-numbers affair
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
This lackluster B-movie telegraphs its mediocrity from the opening moments
Sundance 2023 DISPATCH: Short Films
by Gary M. Kramer
Short films often depict a moment of crisis, a slice of life, or serve as calling cards for a larger feature.
SUNDANCE 2023 Dispatch
by Gary M. Kramer
Six films that had their world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this year took viewers on journeys both intimate and universal.
Sundance 2023: Gary's Flick Picks
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
What I enjoy most about attending the Sundance film festival is seeing films that are seeking distribution, because one can make the most exciting discoveries.
PLANE is an efficient, action-packed thrill ride
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
With Plane, cynics might think that Butler is making yet another third-tier movie to keep his flailing film career aloft. But don’t discount this exciting thriller…
THE CELLULOID BORDELLO traces the history of sex work on screen
by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer
Movies have long portrayed sex workers as characters who range from “disposable” victims to “hookers with hearts of gold.” But what messages are films like Pretty Baby (1978) and Pretty Woman (1990) providing viewers about “the oldest profession?