Backstage Pass

By far, the anticipation of Steven Spielberg’s film “The Fabelmans” to premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival was sky high! It’s not off to say Steven Spielberg sincerely phones home — as “The Fabelmans,” his artificially titled family substituting for “The Spielbergs,” is a memoir centering on his early…

Daniel Radcliffe is “Weird” Al Yankovic in this highly exaggerated story of his early childhood and rises to fame as a parody singer and accomplished accordion player. The film opened in Toronto to packed crowds, of which I arrived 45 minutes early for my film critic screening and was turned…

Film Fest 919, Celebrates 5 Years  * The following article has additions that do not appear in the Alliance of Women Film Journalist article that was posted October 31, 2022, the additions are from Sarah’s personal experience as a film critic, board member and participant in the festival along with festival…

Yes, “Black Adam,” Dwayne Johnson has been freed from his tomb for almost 5,000 years and is ready to seek justice for his people of Kahndaq with his colossal powers. “Black Adam” sets up the realm of the “DC Extended Universe” with a surprise during the middle of the ending…

“Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” It’s based on the beloved children’s book series by Bernard Warber. The story begins in New York City, with a lively magician, Hector P. Valenti, played by Academy Award winner Javier Bardem. He dreams of being on a national talent show and finds a singing baby alligator…

“Moonage Daydream” is playing in theaters, and the IMAX it’s a documentary centering on David Bowie and his roles as a musician, painter, actor, and world traveler. Director Brett Morgen paints an intriguing portrait through Bowie’s interviews that span decades. Clips are shown that might have influenced David Jones as…

Oh yes, those Sanderson Sisters are back casting their spells! The wait is over; after 29 years, “Hocus Pocus 2” has dropped on Disney+. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, the witchy sisters, are summoned back to Salem by way of the Black Flame Candle. Three high school…

The year is 1967 in Inwood, NY a Merchant Marine on leave, John ‘Chickie’ Donohue (Zac Efron), annoys his dad by sleeping late after hanging out all night with buddies at Doc Fiddler’s (Bill Murray) bar. His neighborhood friends are coming home from Vietnam in a casket—with the urging of…