“Empire of Light” – Dimmed
Mendes apparently believed that it was enough to assemble a marvelous cast and that his incomplete concept would come together; that the performance would generate itself.
“Invincible” – Not Yet
So many things these days start with the disclaimer "This is a work of fiction based on a true story." "Invincible" should lead with the caution "This musical is a work of imagination loosely based on a famous play."
The Journey of “EO”
EO is a donkey, but not just any donkey. EO is a circus performer in an act with Kasandra, his beloved and loving mistress who treats him as a friend.
“The Fabelmans”– Not a Fairy Tale
So much has been made of Steven Spielberg's newest film being autobiographical but dissecting the personal aspects of this wonderful movie diminishes its universal impact. The filmmaking is sly and misleading. Ostensibly his own origin story, undeniably it is that, but it is so much
“Love, Charlie” – Bittersweet
Although this is not a "rise and fall" story because Charlie Trotter never really fell from the heights he worked hard to achieve, it is a "warts and all" tale about a perfectionist who expected the same from everyone around him.
“Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams”– Footlight parade
Salvatore Ferragamo set the world on fire with his creations. He lived his motto: "A good foot is a masterpiece of divine workmanship."
Holiday Movie Releases to Watch For: Part One of Two
From funny to sad, sunny to dark, intellectual to mindless, there's something for everyone during this Holiday season.
“Holy Spider” Come Into My Web
"Holy Spider" is the thrilling, complex, revealing story of a serial killer in Iran who targeted prostitutes and was hailed a hero.
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Foretold
"The Banshees of Inisherin," written and directed by the incomparable Martin McDonagh and bringing back his dynamic duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson from "In Bruge," is elegiac, humorous, and tragic, all at the same time.
“Reboot” – Again Please
"Reboot," from the deviously clever mind of Steven Levitan ("Modern Family"), is one laugh out loud moment after another, played in front of the curtain of Hollywood and behind the wall of family dysfunction. And it all works!