Belle & Sebastian singer-songwriter Stuart Murdoch wrote and directed this indie rock musical starring Emily Browning as an escaped mental patient who wanders the streets of Glasgow bursting into song. It’s sometimes awkward but often charming, with an appealing messiness about the production numbers....
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On Joan Rivers, 1933-2014
So much of what I recall and appreciate about Joan Rivers exists in my review of the 2010 documentary “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.” If you haven’t seen it, please seek it out. I’m sure it’s streamable in any number of formats at this point. It’s enlightening and entertaining...
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — The Longest Week
Even talented, likable actors like Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde and Billy Crudup can’t breathe life into this dull, vapid drama about bored rich people meandering about Manhattan. Stealing from the likes of Woody Allen and Wes Anderson doesn’t help....
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Rocks in My Pockets
Latvian-born artist Signe Baumane dares to trace the origins of her depression and suicidal urges throughout her family, and she does so through colorful animation and darkly humorous narration. Her film is both bold and exhausting, but Baumane’s candor is refreshing. My mixed RogerEbert.com review. Read the review here...
Read moreGhostbusters 30th Anniversary
So my birthday was yesterday. I’ll spare you the trouble of looking it up on Wikipedia or Facebook or wherever: I’m 42. All I wanted was a desperately needed mani-pedi and to take Nicolas to a matinee of “Ghostbusters,” which is back in theaters for a week in honor of...
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary
Revisiting the greatness of “Ghostbusters,” which is back in theaters for a limited run in honor of its 30th anniversary. Matt and I ain’t afraid of no ghosts....
Read moreLet’s Be Cops
20th Century Fox R for language including sexual references, some graphic nudity, violence and drug use. Running time: 109 minutes. One and a half stars out of four. Being a buddy-cop movie that knows it’s a buddy-cop movie simply is not enough. “21 Jump Street” and the surprisingly superior sequel...
Read moreRogerEbert.com — Life After Beth
Aubrey Plaza is game as an adorable zombie who becomes increasingly ravenous in this initially clever comedy. But writer-director Jeff Baena, making his feature debut, presents some inspired ideas and scenarios that ultimately go nowhere. My mixed review, at RogerEbert.com. Read the review here...
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — Let’s Be Cops
Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. have some decent chemistry with each other but it can’t salvage this straining, one-joke comedy. They star as struggling, 30-year-old Los Angeles buddies who enjoy a rush of power and self-esteem when they pretend to be police officer. Madcap hilarity ensues....
Read moreWhat the Flick?! — The Trip to Italy
Alonso and I both enjoyed seconds with “The Trip to Italy,” the sequel to the 2011 comedy “The Trip.” Co-stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon once again play versions of themselves and improvise their dialogue while hopping from one delicious meal and scenic locale to the next. Instead of the...
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