Backstage Pass

“Lesson in Chemistry,” the Apple + TV series, is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Bonnie Garmus. The series has eight episodes and is truly delightful. Brie Larson stars as chemist Elizabeth Zott in the 60s, who ends up hosting a popular TV show titled “Supper…

‘Masterpiece’ is the word that came to mind within the first seconds of viewing cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto’s airborne wide shot of the massive Pawhuska, Oklahoma, territory that extends miles into the horizon. Martin Scorsese’s epic historical 1920s film of the Reign of Terror against the Osage Nation Indians is based…

“The Morning Show” Season 3 stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup and John Hamm. The Apple TV + series premiered on November 1, 2019, it’s hard to believe it’s been three years since the opening. I have to say that I’ve enjoyed the first two seasons, yet this one…

Attending the Toronto International Film Festival in-person is always a treat, and this year is no different—in fact, this may have been one of my most memorable events due to an outdoor ‘Street Fest Concert’ we attended. Canada’s beloved rock band ‘Nickelback’ gave a live performance on the center stage…

The journey of attending film festivals encompasses screening new films, meeting film talent, and networking with fellow critics and moviegoers. It never disappoints, and on-site experience has always heightened my film perspective. Each film festival has its unique vibe and tone; having attended Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto, I’ve been waiting…

Christopher Nolan is one of my favorite filmmakers; his attention to detail, tone, acting, production sets, and sound is always a delight. “Inception” (2010), “The Dark Knight”(2008), “Dunkirk” (2017), and “The Dark Knight Rises”(2012) come to mind when I look back on his memorable films. He’s set the bar high…

Margot Robbie stars as Mattel’s fashion doll Barbie, and Ryan Gosling is the Ken doll in director Greta Gerwig’s excellent and creative film. The fantasy comedy movie is based on the dolls from the Mattel Toy company that began in 1959. Until then, most of the dolls in the world…

Disney’s remake of the classic animated 1989 movie “The Little Mermaid” is here with live-action characters and Ariel, Halle Bailey as the star. She carries the film despite the overlong runtime as her sweet, strong voice is the key to uplifting the live action amid the overstuffed script and elongated…

Harrison Ford stars as Indiana Jones, the multi persona hero—a world-traveler explorer who is also a nerdy archeologist professor in the final movie of the series, which premiered in 1981 with “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The ever-popular series followed up with “Temple of Doom” (1984), “Last Crusade” (1989); and…

Director Peter Sohn creates a new world in “Element City,” where earth, fire, water, and wind are elements similar to the elements table we all learned in school. Sohn has been with PIXAR for many years; he directed the short film “Partly Cloudy” that ran before the hit movie “Up.”…