Filmmaker Jen Senko’s documentary The Brainwashing of My Dad shows the transformation of her father’s political views from a Kennedy-loving Democrat to a crazed, right-wing extremist. Although the film only points out the problems – and suggests little solutions – Senko succeeds in highlighting one of America’s ever-growing problems: “the media.” (BKP: 3/5) Review by… Continue reading THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD
Tag: Brigid K. Presecky
MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN
From The 33 director Patricia Riggen, Miracles From Heaven tells the true story of a family facing a potentially unthinkable tragedy and the faith that brings them through it. You’ll leave the theater thinking about the miraculous little things in your own life – no matter where you believe they come from. (4/5) Review by… Continue reading MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN
CITY OF GOLD
Laura Gabbert documents the life and career of a longtime Los Angeles food critic in her new film, City of Gold. Its subject, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Gold, entertains audiences by driving the streets of Los Angeles, meeting people from all walks of life and documenting the vast array of rich, flavorful and authentic… Continue reading CITY OF GOLD
RISE OF THE LEGEND
Rise of the Legend tells an origin story that has been told many times before. When a young boy’s father dies after a gang attack, he grows up to exact revenge on their evil leader. This film may be somewhat entertaining to martial arts enthusiasts, but for the average moviegoer, this Hong Kong action flick… Continue reading RISE OF THE LEGEND
THE YOUNG MESSIAH
The Young Messiah, based off of Anne Rice’s novel “Christ The Lord: Out Of Egypt,” has already stirred controversy from many Christian and Catholic moviegoers. Why would someone fictionalize the story of a young Jesus when there are only select few Bible stories written about Him? Despite all the hullabaloo, the Messiah film only suffers… Continue reading THE YOUNG MESSIAH
NAKOM
NYC Shout-Out: Nakom is featured in this year’s prestigious New Director/New Films series co-sponsored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center & the Museum of Modern Art. The North American Premiere is March 18 at FilmLinc, followed by a second screening on March 19 at MoMA. ************************* Director Kelly Daniela Norris and Writer/Director TW (Trav)… Continue reading NAKOM
LONDON HAS FALLEN
Gerard Butler and Aaron Eckhart star in a predictable, action-packed sequence of special effects. The engaging main leads save the film from being unwatchable, but otherwise … London has most definitely fallen. (BKP: 2.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky Gunshots here, explosions there. The Olympus Has Fallen sequel is exactly what it intends… Continue reading LONDON HAS FALLEN
JACK OF THE RED HEARTS
Jack of the Red Hearts tell the heartwarming story of a troubled young girl who lies her way into a nannying job and ends up forming a strong bond with an 11-year-old autistic girl. AnnaSophia Robb stars as a con artist “Jack,” in this beautiful exploration of education, understanding and, most importantly, love. (BKP: 5/5) Review by… Continue reading JACK OF THE RED HEARTS
KING GEORGES
King Georges is Erika Frankel’s documentary debut, following the chaotic life of a French restaurateur who is forced to assimilate to a changing culinary world. It is a compelling glimpse into the kitchen of a historic restaurant that has one man at its heart and soul – a man who is conflicted about seeing 40… Continue reading KING GEORGES
RACE (2016)
Stephan James stars in this inspiring, albeit slowly paced, true story of as 1936 Olympic Gold Medalist Jesse Owens. Although the elements are there: breaking through boundaries, tackling racism and incorporating Hitler’s Nazi regime, it takes around 90 minutes for Race to turn into something more than a lackluster biopic. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate… Continue reading RACE (2016)
ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
Sarah Jessica Parker stars as a divorcee on a trip to Italy with her rebellious teenage daughter. Although the story bounces around from family drama to romance to road trip comedy, this comfort-food of a film is an easy, enjoyable watch. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky Director Ella Lemhagen and writers… Continue reading ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
THE BOY
Screenwriter Stacey Menear draws viewers into an eerie mansion as American nanny “Greta,” (Lauren Cohan) babysits an eight-year-old, life-sized doll. The unpredictable and peculiar plot engages viewers for the majority of the film, making them wonder if young “Brahms” is a real boy, haunting his new housekeeper. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K.… Continue reading THE BOY
THE FOREST
Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer stars in a dual role as twin sisters, successful blondie “Sarah” and gothic, anxiety-ridden “Jess.” When Jess disappears in a Japanese forest (known for their infamous suicide rates) Sarah sets out on a journey to save her sister. Taylor Kinney co-stars as her hunky forest guide, the only highlight… Continue reading THE FOREST
DON VERDEAN
The Sam Rockwell-led satire tells the story of a Biblical archaeologist on the hunt for new artifacts. The bizarre comedy from Jared and Jerusha Hess has a tone similar to their 2004 megahit Napolean Dynamite, with the satirical humor geared towards a niche audience. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky The film… Continue reading DON VERDEAN
THE GOOD DINOSAUR
Two FF2 Media reviews. Two sisters. Two viewpoints. The Good Dinosaur is the newest visually breathtaking film from Disney-Pixar, but its story and main conflict do little to support the beautiful backdrop against which it takes place. (GEP 4/5) Review by Contributing Editor Georgiana E. Presecky The titular good dinosaur is “Arlo,” (voiced by Raymond… Continue reading THE GOOD DINOSAUR
THE NIGHT BEFORE
The Night Before tells the story of three best friends who vow to spend one last Christmas together. The film is exactly what you expect it to be, neither good nor bad. But this buddy comedy, led by an always-lovable Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has a sweet message hidden beneath its slapstick, drugged out, holiday adventure. (BKP:… Continue reading THE NIGHT BEFORE
VERY SEMI-SERIOUS
Leah Wolchok goes behind the scenes of the The New Yorker, documenting history of the magazine’s memorable cartoons – and the cartoonists that brought them to life. Although traditional in its format, this engaging HBO project keeps you laughing minute by minute. (BKP: 4.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky Cartoons in The New… Continue reading VERY SEMI-SERIOUS
LOVE THE COOPERS
The entire self-pitying Cooper clan reluctantly reunites for one last family Christmas. Director Jessie Nelson’s well-intentioned holiday movie strives to be a hybrid of Love Actually and The Family Stone, yet the star-studded cast of Love the Coopers never quite amounts to its potential. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky The film… Continue reading LOVE THE COOPERS
MAN UP
Simon Pegg and Lake Bell star in a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy reminiscent of a bygone era. When lonely “Nancy” (Lake Bell) gets mistaken for “Jack’s” (Simon Pegg) blind date, she decides to play along and and have fun rather than reveal her true identity. This sweet, fun story by Tess Morris hits all the right… Continue reading MAN UP
CODEGIRL
Lesley Chilcott’s inspiring documentary tells stories of teenage girls from around the world as they enter the 2015 Technovation Challenge. Codegirl is an interesting, empowering and insightful documentary everyone should see; most importantly, high school girls. (BKP: 4.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky “It’s difficult to be what you can’t see.” Director Lesley… Continue reading CODEGIRL
SAND DOLLARS
Writer/Director Laura Amelia Guzmán and husband Israel Cárdenas set their drama on the beaches of Las Terrenas, as elderly “Anne” (Geraldine Chaplin) falls in love with a 20-year-old Dominican girl, “Noeli” (Yanet Mojica). The slowly paced, pseudo-LGBT-version of Harold and Maude captures the heartache and pain of growing old as Anne yearns for something, and… Continue reading SAND DOLLARS
INDIA’S DAUGHTER
Leslee Udwin’s documentary India’s Daughter tells the heart-wrenching story of the rape and murder of an innocent 23-year-old woman. Through haunting reenactments and informative talking heads, the film takes a closer look at the attitudes and sickening behavior towards females in India. (BKP: 4.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky India’s Daughter, part of… Continue reading INDIA’S DAUGHTER
SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Surpassing any and all expectations, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is a clever, witty and fun adventure, making a complete mockery of the “zombie” genre and the cliches of today’s blockbuster films. Reminiscent of old-school adventures like The Goonies or Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the R-rated Scouts Guide is one of the funniest,… Continue reading SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
THE WONDERS
Writer/Director Alice Rohrwacher tells a sweet (… no pun intended) story of a family running a beekeeping business in rural Italy. Seen through the eyes of 12-year-old “Gelsomina” (Maria Alexandra Lungu), The Wonders (also tited Le meraviglie) is a simple, heartfelt story of a family trying to keep their heads above water. (BKP: 4/5) Review… Continue reading THE WONDERS
I SMILE BACK
In a shockingly different role for Sarah Silverman, the stand-up comedian gives a dramatic, career-defining performance as a drug-addicted wife and mother of two children. Although the script by Amy Koppelman and Paige Dylan falters in its bizarre, grotesque depiction of suburban housewives, Silverman’s transformation is mesmerizing. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K.… Continue reading I SMILE BACK
SHAANDAAR
Bollywood’s new romantic comedy hits all the predictable notes, telling the story of Jagjinder, Alia and their two families from East Indian dynasties. Although the script has charming and comedic elements, the scattered script could have eliminated unnecessary dance numbers and elaborate shticks. (BKP: 3.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky Shaandaar takes place… Continue reading SHAANDAAR
SUFFRAGETTE (BKP)
Carey Mulligan gives a standout performance as “Maude Watts,” an empowering 24-year-old mother who fights for the right to vote. Director Sarah Gavron and Writer Abi Morgan shed a light on the struggles, heartache and courage of women in early 20th Century England. (BKP: 4/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky With the fight… Continue reading SUFFRAGETTE (BKP)
MOMENTUM
Olga Kurylenko stars as a high-tech bank robber whose identity is accidentally revealed during a heist-gone-wrong. In its entirety, Momentum is made up of action sequences – with little character development or entertainment. (BKP: 2.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky In the opening sequence, four thieves in Cape Town, South Africa disguise themselves… Continue reading MOMENTUM
THE BECHDEL TEST FEST: 2015
Founder of The Bechdel Test Fest, Corrina Antrobus, was dismayed at the poor representation of women in film. In 2013, only 15% of the top 100 films released had a female protagonist. By June 2014, less than half of cinematic releases passed the Bechdel Test (a scene with two female characters talking about something other… Continue reading THE BECHDEL TEST FEST: 2015
BIG STONE GAP
Ashley Judd leads a star-studded cast of characters in Writer/Director Adriana Trigiani’s Big Stone Gap. The 1970s-set romantic comedy is funny, charming and shines in its sweet simplicity. (BKP: 4.5/5) Review by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky It will make you laugh. It will make you reflect. It will make you cry … and that… Continue reading BIG STONE GAP