Backstage Pass

I’ll be reporting each week on the 75th Cannes Film Festival held in Cannes, France, as I’m an accredited member of the press again this year. The festival starts May 17th, and tickets are on sale now; check out the links and coverage on Sarah’s Backstage Pass. Two films from the…

The well-known actor Nicolas Cage has become a Hollywood icon as he’s made his full-on gonzo-style acting technique his signature. I have to admit, at times, I found myself scratching my head while viewing another B-movie starring Cage—here’s the inside joke, Cage explains his career decisions by simply saying, “A…

“Father Stu,” rated R is uncharacteristically rare for a film centered on religion—just know there are many swear words throughout the entire film. On that note, Mark Walberg stars as Stuart Long (Stu) based on the true story of a troubled, foul-mouthed boxer that decides to become a priest. The…

“The Thing About Pam” is a true American crime drama starring Renée Zellweger as Pam Hupp, a friend of murdered Betsy Faria (played by Katy Mixon in the series) in Troy, Missouri, 2011. Originally a Dateline podcast, the 8-part ‘Dateline’ series also stars Josh Duhamel as a lawyer and Judy…

The 80s is known as the decade for outrageously fun romantic comedy adventures, such as “Romancing the Stone” and “Jewel of the Nile.” In recent years movies have become heavily dramatic, with emotionally injured characters presenting dreadful character arcs. Viewing “The Lost City” is the perfect respite and, personally, a…

Hi Carl, and hello to all of our listeners out there; tonight, I’m going to review two films. “The Torch” is a new documentary film based on the Chicago Blues legend Buddy Guy. At 85, Buddy Guy remains the leader for promoting the blues. He’s determined to pass the torch…

“The Batman” out of the gate, my reaction is wow! Robert Pattinson’s “Batman” has a gothic look and brooding attitude, fighting crime in a rainy, dark, gritty Gotham City. Co-writer and director Matt Reeves frames the caped crusader as a lone wolf who hunts, and at times he’s the one…

Here are two TV viewing options; the first is my favorite film of the Sundance Film Festival of the 20 movies I screened. It’s Amy Poehler’s excellent documentary film, “Lucy and Desi.” Lucille Ball’s daughter Lucie Arnaz’s personal insights are priceless in understanding the complexity of her parent’s marriage and…

  Hi Carl, and hello to all of our listeners out there. Tonight, I’m going to talk about the movie “Dog” that’s playing in theaters. Channing Tatum stars as Briggs, a former Army Ranger who was forced off duty due to a traumatic brain injury. He’s longing to get back…

If you viewed Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 film, Murder on the Orient Express, you’ll have a good idea of the premise of Death on the Nile. The mystery thriller is based on the 1937 Agatha Christie novel, with Branagh returning as director and actor Hercule Poirot, the notorious Belgium detective, and…