Click HERE to download my review as a pdf.
Beautifully made story about an Ozark teenager (Jennifer Lawrence) on an epic American journey–wandering through folkloric landscapes–meeting people of mythic depth. Based on Daniel Woodrell’s 2006 source novel (adapted by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini), film works equally well in both dimensions: dreamlike yet totally true to its own specific time and place.
Click HERE to read my full review online.
Click HERE to read our FF2 haiku.
Highly Recommended by BOTH Jan & Rich.
14.Jul.10 
Reviews: U-W 
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In only 84 packed minutes, Boll tells a complex multi-dimensional story of obstacles still facing women artists in 21st C America. As doc proves, women make great sacrifices to serve their artistic imperatives, so it is essential that women in the audience mobilize in support–for our own benefit as well as theirs! Film not yet seen by Rich. Click HERE for FF2 haiku.
23.Oct.09 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
Williams will absolutely break your heart here as “Wendy,” a young woman in a battered old car trying to make it cross-country with only her dog “Lucy” for company. Williams is in every scene, tightly scrutinzed by still mysterious. Where did she come from & where is she going? Everything is present tense–we will never know. Click HERE for FF2 haiku
23.Oct.09 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
Fascinating story about real estate pressures in Austin, TX undermined by overly-artsy direction. As a parable of our time (with a diagnostic appearances by George Bush & Karl Rove to boot), doc required balance & precision. Novice filmmaker deserved better from executive producers Terrence Malick & Robert Redford. Click HERE for FF2 haiku.
23.Oct.09 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
Beautifully acted & heartfelt story about a Mexican kid (Alonso) looking for his mother (del Castillo), now working illegally in LA’’s underground economy. Kudos to America Ferrara for using her clout by taking an unsympathetic bit part to help open narrow minds in the current “immigration debate.” Yes, a bit long & a bit contrived, but BRAVO! Click HERE for FF2 haiku.
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Pen’s Points: ccc1/2
Click here to download my FWA review as a pdf.
Diane English’s new adaptation of the Depression-era classic The Women is a huge ensemble piece with megawatt star power; counting up the Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominations of all the cast members would likely take hours… With all the hoopla surrounding the huge success of Sex and the City earlier this summer, it’s inevitable that most critics will compare these two films. But while Mary’s gal pals are a crucial component of her psychic equilibrium (thereby making SATC a legitimate source for comparison), I think The Women is after something very different.
As the narrative unfolds, Mary has occasion to see herself anew as the daughter of her mother and the mother of her daughter. What has she learned from her mother? What is she teaching her daughter? Transforming an estrogen-rich confection from a cold satire into a warm dramedy, English and her cast help us see that, in the end, these are the two questions by which this Mary Haines will ultimately judge her own life… Click here to continue reading review on the FWA website.
15.Sep.08 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
After 12 years in prison, a sex offender faces the challenge of rebuilding his life under the harsh scrutiny of family members, co-workers, & policemen. Bacon does an extraordinary job (wounded, sad, & afraid of his own shadow), while Kassel’s camera disturbingly captures how vulnerable children are to adult predators. More on THE WOODSMAN.
08.Jan.08 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
A woman (Thompson) who has devoted her entire life to scholarship & academic excellence finds she has become “the text” rather than the teacher when she agrees to participate in an aggressive chemotherapy research protocol. A gripping & compelling tour of the healthcare system from the patient’s point of view. More on WIT.
08.Jan.08 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
Wilbur’s a Glaswegean Peter Pan haunted by his mother’s early death. Rather than face illness, aging & new losses, he keeps staging suicide attempts which never quite succeed. Then fate calls his bluff & the brother who’s always been his anchor needs his help. Can Wilbur grow up in time? More on WILBUR WANTS TO KILL HIMSELF.
08.Jan.08 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
Four matriarchs (African-American, Jewish, Latina, & Vietnamese) roll up their sleeves to prepare Thanksgiving dinners for their separate clans. Your mouth waters as you mentally savor the multiple ethnic juices. Then the guests assemble & the psychodramas begin. All of the actresses are excellent & each ensemble rings true. More on WHAT’S COOKING?.
08.Jan.08 Reviews: U-W Read more Comments (0)
