NEW
HAVOC
New on Netflix: It takes a while for some kind of tension to build, due to unlikable, bland characters, a depressing, dark setting and a dull story
UNTIL DAWN
New in Global Theaters: David F. Sandberg opens up a bag of familiar-looking witches, monsters and masked murderers in an attempt to have fun with horror clichés, but instead gets mired in them
THE PENGUIN LESSONS
New in Global Theaters: A strange but mostly agreeable mix between lighthearted comedy and a serious attempt to depict the forced disappearances in 1970s Argentina
RECENT
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT
The two leads craft beautiful performances, and this is ultimately a sweet tearjerker, in spite of its contrivances
BAGMAN
It’s all too generic; the hint of a sequel in the end is an offer we should refuse
RIEFENSTAHL
A darkly compelling portrait, with striking images from Leni Riefenstahl’s body of work
OLDER
THE PHANTOM OF LIBERTY (1974)
Admired by many, but its loose structure is not always a strength
TICKET TO PARADISE (2022)
Has the benefit of two solid stars in the lead and tropical locations that are expertly used throughout the film, but it suffers from several ineffective slapstick scenes
JESUS REVOLUTION (2023)
Unusually well made for a faith-based film, but the story is weaker and simplifies too much
LONGER REVIEWS
BABY REINDEER
A compelling watch, with rich doses of humor sprinkled throughout; we are meant to laugh, and feel great discomfort
THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE (1972)
Authentically Buñuel, rich, funny and fascinating, but also perhaps more accessible than others
I’M STILL HERE
The film belongs to Fernanda Torres, who’s a tower of strength as Eunice