“Hello, I’m Nasser Ovissi, and this film is about my life…” The Messenger of Joy opts for a simple, direct introduction that is befitting its overall presentation. It succeeds at… Continue reading "The Messenger of Joy (Kwanje, 2026)"
There are two very different movies, each with potential, that could be formed around this footage and subject matter. The one that I was more interested in and that the… Continue reading "Blue Scuti: Tetris Crasher (Moukarbel, 2025)"
Every story of Michael Jackson’s life does not need to begin and end with the reported fact that he agreed to a $23 million settlement to someone who accused him… Continue reading "Michael (Fuqua, 2026)"
I don’t want to be the first guy to ruin Cookie Queens‘ perfect tomatometer score with an old-man diatribe. The documentary is a pleasant watch, and festivals with their fill… Continue reading "Cookie Queens (Nahmias, 2025)"
Just to be crystal clear, I believe E. Jean Carroll entirely in her claim that Donald J. Trump raped her in a department store dressing room. One might wish that… Continue reading "Ask E. Jean (Meeropol, 2025)"
There are few things we feel more nostalgia about or idealize quite as much as the movies of our youth. I have been on a handful of movie sets, so… Continue reading "We Were the Scenery (Radcliff, 2025)"
“When you hear someone speak, it’s less likely you’ll want to destroy them.” The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham kicks off on Thursday, April 16. Local residents and… Continue reading "Steal This Story, Please! (Deal and Lessin, 2025)"
Every time I review a new François Ozon film, I have to review my past notes to see if I have ever made this comparison out loud. His career and… Continue reading "The Stranger (Ozon, 2025)"
Author’s note: this review is part of jury deliberations for the 2026 Arts & Faith list of Top 25 Spiritually Significant Films Directed by Women. Long before I identified as… Continue reading "Real Genius (Coolidge, 1985)"
Film paradoxically shows little interest in old characters while venerating aging actors. Think about On Golden Pond and you are more likely to remember Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda than… Continue reading "The Summer Book (McDowell, 2024)"
