Roadside Attractions PG-13 for mature thematic material involving mistreatment, some drug content, violence and language — all concerning teens. Running time: 101 minutes. One and a half stars out of four. “Gimme Shelter” is a clunkily-made, batshit-crazy parable that hammers you over the head with its Christian, anti-abortion message. An...
Read more
Reviews
RogerEbert.com — Run & Jump
Will Forte displays even deeper dramatic ability following “Nebraska” — and reveals himself as a surprisingly appealing romantic lead — in the small, Irish gem “Run & Jump.” But the even greater revelation is Maxine Peake, who’s radiant as a housewife and mother of two struggling to maintain her optimism...
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — Gloria
Paulina Garcia is indeed glorious as the title character: a divorced woman in her 50s carving out her own identity and finding her own happiness. This drama was Chile’s submission for the foreign-language category at the Academy Awards (it was not nominated, unfortunately) but it’s very much worth seeking out....
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — Gimme Shelter
It’s just a shot away … it’s just a shot away … Wait, sorry. This is not a documentary about the rioting at Altamont, nor is it an analysis of Martin Scorsese’s use of pop music in his films. But man, you’ll wish it were. Vanessa Hudgens continues to shed...
Read moreRide Along
Universal Pictures Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language. Running time: 100 minutes. One star out of four. “Ride Along” has the dubious distinction of being simultaneously shoddy and straining, lazy and desperate. It’s a comedy that’s never funny with action that’s never thrilling. Director...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Life of a King
Chess: It’s just like life! Did you know that? Cuba Gooding Jr. teaches the game to inner-city youth — and uses it as a not-so-subtle metaphor — in this well-intentioned but ultimately formulaic story of an ex-con trying to rebuild his life. My RogerEbert.com review. Read the review here...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Jamesy Boy
James Burns’ reckless youth and road to redemption are the subject of “Jamesy Boy,” a film with a message of inspiration, to be sure, but not much in terms of innovation. Newcomer Spencer Lofranco doesn’t seem quite ready for his first lead role opposite a strong supporting cast that includes...
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Matt and I had a decent time, but Ben is flabbergasted by the lack of realism in the latest Jack Ryan movie. Chris Pine takes over the role of novelist Tom Clancy’s CIA operative — played previously by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck — in this prequel/reboot which...
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — Ride Along
Matt and I didn’t even have to use our AKs to review the Ice Cube-Kevin Hart mismatched-buddy cop comedy. But we did blast a few holes in it nonetheless....
Read moreHollywood’s Biggest Morning
Oscar nominations morning is actually really fun, despite the ungodly hour. For years, I’d cover the nominations from the Academy on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills alongside all the other reporters and producers. Everyone’s in a good mood, if a bit bleary-eyed, buzzing on a combination of caffeine and expectation....
Read more