Fred Topel In 1964, the special effects of Mary Poppins were groundbreaking. They actually went into a painting and danced with animated characters! In 2018, moviegoers have seen everything. When Mary Poppins Returns, she still has the same magic, but director Rob Marshall took a new approach to it. “I really love the juxtaposition between the real
Three of the movies James Wan directed became franchises: Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring. That’s already an impressive track record, and then he directed the biggest Fast and the Furious movie ever, Furious 7. Aquaman is his latest film. Even though Aquaman was already part of the DC Comics franchise, and the fake movie Vincent
Adam McKay uses the same techniques that made The Big Short accessible to tell the story of former Vice President Dick Cheney. It’s funny and engaging while being informative, but also upsetting and rightfully so. With The Big Short, every step of the way it felt like someone could have stepped in and put a
Once Hamilton took Broadway by stone, the role of Alexander Hamilton became Lin-Manuel Miranda’s trademark. So much so that when he was offered a role in Mary Poppins Returns, he leapt at the chance to play someone different. “When I played Hamilton, there is no childlike wonder in Alexander Hamilton,” Miranda said. “He has a
You know, you save Mr. Banks as his children’s nanny, and then the kids just grow up to need saving all over again. Especially Michael, those darn Banks men. Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) is helping Michael (Ben Whishaw) with his three children John (Nathanael Saleh), Georgie (Joel Dawson) and Anabel (Pixie Davies) since Michael’s wife
The Mule is another classic Clint Eastwood road movie. I’m guessing Clyde the orangutan has retired from acting otherwise he’d be along for the ride too. Earl Stone (Clint Eastwood) is an award-winning horticulturist who charms the pants off the older ladies at conventions. You could call him Flirty Harry. Eh? Eh? When the internet
Cinema can be a powerful way to transport modern audiences back to historical times that predate our lives. In They Shall Not Grow Old, Peter Jackson actually brought World War I up to the present. Using the latest technology, Jackson’s technical wizards upgraded BBC’s World War I film footage into normal speed, full color, 3D
I always dread period pieces, that it’s going to be all highfalutin royalty and frilly dresses and antiquated customs that don’t interest me. The Favourite will still satisfy those die-hard costume drama fans, but it won me over too. Abigail Hill (Emma Stone) comes to work in Queen Anne (Olivia Colman)’s castle as a maid.
Green Book has such a good message that it’s pretty much enough. You may be able to see where the story is going, but if it’s going to reach any racists who need to hear this message, it can’t be too outside the box. In 1962, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) takes a holiday job as
Steve McQueen’s latest film does not tackle hot button issues like slavery, sex addiction or political prisoners. In Widows he uses the skill and art to give grown-up moviegoers a rousing good time. Harry Rawlings (Liam Neeson)’s last heist goes south leaving his widow Veronica (Viola Davis) holding the bag. Veronica gathers the other widows,