Devotion is a rare film that manages to tell a tale in a way that leaves you longing to dig into the original source material simply to spend more time with the characters you've grown to love. It's all the more remarkable because Director JD Dillard's blockbuster is based on a true story. In 2015, … [Read more...] about Devotion
Movie Reviews
Causeway
Opening to critical acclaim on Apple TV+, Causeway is a nuanced look at one US soldier's journey toward recovery from a traumatic brain injury and her reintegration into life. Jennifer Lawrence gives a layered performance as Lynsey, an Afghanistan war-era veteran who is determined to recuperate and … [Read more...] about Causeway
Thirteen Lives
If you're seeking a movie that combines the pulse-racing excitement of a thriller with the inspirational pull of a heartfelt drama, look no further than the new Ron Howard film Thirteen Lives. This true story of the dramatic cave rescue that saved the lives of twelve young Thai soccer players and … [Read more...] about Thirteen Lives
Man of God
When I attended a recent screening for the film MAN OF GOD, in theaters nationwide today, I walked in not knowing what to expect. The venue for the event was the beautiful Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. While only a few miles from my home, this sacred spot was entirely new to … [Read more...] about Man of God
The Adam Project
"I think it's easier to be angry than it is to be sad. And I guess, when I get older, I forget that there's a difference."Young Adam, "The Adam Project" When it releases on Friday, March 11 on Netflix, "The Adam Project" will be an attractive viewing option for families with older children. Chock … [Read more...] about The Adam Project
Butter
When it opens in theaters today and heads to digital soon, Butter will again cast a spotlight on the themes of suicide, bullying, and mental health awareness. Suicide is such a focal point of this film that the official website contains full resources under the heading R U OK? Based on the original … [Read more...] about Butter
King Richard
In sharing this brief review of King Richard, a biopic focusing on Richard Williams as he devotes his life to raising future tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, I have to admit to having very little knowledge of the original source material. It's hard to know as someone not intimately … [Read more...] about King Richard
The Most Reluctant Convert
Most of us know him best for his perenially bestselling work The Chronicles of Narnia. But long before he was an informal member of The Inklings and created literature that would captivate the world, Clive Staples Lewis was a rambunctious son, an atheist seeker, and an academic who had dabbled in … [Read more...] about The Most Reluctant Convert
Colin in Black & White
Spoiler Alert: I like writing about movies that make me feel uncomfortable. When I committed to screening and writing about the newly launched Netflix Limited Series Colin in Black & White, I did so fully knowing that some people will absolutely hate this show. Those might be the same people … [Read more...] about Colin in Black & White
MASS
"...it is in pardoning that we are pardoned..." Those words, commonly attributed to the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, cut to the core of what it means to be truly reconciled. I've often pondered them, especially in the wake of my travels in Rwanda where I witnessed the ongoing work of … [Read more...] about MASS
Respect
Twice in the space of just a few years, I had the memorable experience of seeing Aretha Franklin perform live. On May 29, 2014, the Queen of Soul gifted my son Eric and his fellow Harvard graduates with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem as she received an honorary Doctorate of Arts in 2014 … [Read more...] about Respect
Vivo
When you combine a musically-gifted kinkajou, a purple-haired tween who marches to the beat of her own drum, and original music by Lin Manuel Miranda, can you really go wrong? If singing, animated creatures make you smile, you'll likely love VIVO, now available for streaming on … [Read more...] about Vivo
Fireboys
As a California resident, I'm acutely aware that "fire season" is no longer a small, hot sliver of the year out here. With the combined impact of climate change and drought, Californians pay attention to fire risk all year long. Our firefighters are deservedly considered heroes. But sadly too few of … [Read more...] about Fireboys
Walking with Herb
Maybe it's because I'm "of a certain age" and because I watched it with my Daddy, a lifelong golfer. But I must admit that I had a great time screening WALKING WITH HERB. Premiering April 30, May 1, and May 3 for a three-night nationwide Fathom Events limited engagement, the PG-rated comedy features … [Read more...] about Walking with Herb
The Father
While the cast listing of THE FATHER only includes six characters, the viewer of this Florian Zeller film based on a play by the same title will quickly sense that more players inhabit the story. The viewer may also feel confusion, disorientation, a loss of perception, and an inability to make sense … [Read more...] about The Father
Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence
Having had exposure to lives impacted by addiction, my radar is always up for resources that can help not only those who personally struggle with addiction but also those who love them. When I recently sat and screened Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence, I knew immediately that this was a project I … [Read more...] about Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence