Fatherland (2026)
Fab Hüller steers ‘Fatherland’ straight If Paweł Pawlikowski’s “Fatherland” scores an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature, as expected, it will largely be due to Łukasz Żal, arguably the finest cinematographer working today, and Sandra Hüller, incomparable at conveying strength and vulnerability in one of her best performances. Together, they breathe life into Pawlikowski’s […]
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York (2026)
‘Pickpocket’ among grandest of larceny Labeling Noah Segan’s “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” a quintessential Big Apple flick might be hyperbolic, but I challenge anyone to disagree. In a mere 88 minutes, the writer-director visits all five boroughs, acquainting us with a cross-section of volatile gangsters, grizzled cops, shady pawn shop proprietors […]
Once Upon a Time in Harlem (2026)
‘Harlem’ a stunning peak at Black history The only discernible disappointment in the astounding documentary “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” is that most of the biggest stars of the Harlem Renaissance didn’t live long enough to attend what was perhaps the most elite cocktail party in Black history. Missing were Langston Hughes, W.E.B. […]
Wildwood (2026)
Gorgeous ‘Wildwood’ long on looks, short on story “Stunning” best describes the animated wonder that is “Wildwood.” It’s easily the finest stop-motion work I’ve seen yet, brimming with “how did they do that” shots that are almost lifelike, whether it’s something as minor as a character’s gait or an epic battle that rivals any […]
Wicker (2026)
Clever ‘Wicker’ yields baskets of miracles If you’re in the market for an engaging fable about the foibles of matrimony, “Wicker” delivers with an intricately woven basket of satirical treats. From a clever script dripping with delicious double entendres to a superb cast fronted by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, this delightful adaptation of Ursula Wills’ […]
Crawlers (2026)
‘Crawlers’ has just enough legs to get by There are some obvious bugs in “Crawlers,” but it’s hard not to get even a little bit entangled in its sticky web of jump scares and gross-out sight gags as it cashes in on our shared arachnophobia. The premise is simple: A cross-section of quirky […]
Love of Your Life (2026)
Boston-set ‘Love of Your Life’ is a stinkah Minus some exquisite shots of her native Boston, Rachel Morrison’s “Love of Your Life” would be as dead as her protagonist’s schmarmy husband, a genial asthmatic felled by the COVID-19 virus wifey likely passed on to him. The rest of the director’s failed attempt at building […]
Musk (2026)
Gibney’s ‘Musk’ will shake you to the core Politicians often complain about immigrants destroying our country, and for the most part, they err. Yet, there is an exception when it comes to two elitist transplants: Australia’s Rupert Murdoch, owner-founder of the GOP’s fabulistic propaganda machine, Fox News; and South Africa’s Elon Musk, the wannabe […]
California Schemin’ (2026)
Gettin’ high livin’ the lie in fun ‘Schemin” The music industry is littered with scammers, from infamous lip-syncers Milli Vanilli and Ashley Simpson to a multitude of manufactured A.I. acts, to the most daring subterfuge of all: Silibil N’ Brains. What separates the latter from the rest is that Billy “Silibil” Boyd and Gavin […]
Animals (2026)
Don’t allow ‘Animals’ to take you hostage Ben Affleck has no excuses for the sacrilege that is his Netflix kidnap thriller “Animals.” He serves as its director, co-writer, producer and star, and fails at all in a foolhardy stab at updating Akira Kurosawa’s masterful “High and Low.” The very same classic Spike Lee recently […]