Sundance Festival 2011 – “Beats, Rhymes, and Life” Review by the Raven
If you are a true fan of hip-hop music, then you have to know the band, “A Tribe Called Quest”. Known for their breakthrough jazzy and ethnic mixes, the band has never been interested in having their story told. Amid some controversy, actor Michael Rapaport delves into their history and thanks to his friendship with […]
Sundance Festival 2011 – “Lord Byron” Review by the Raven
Once in a while, a filmmaker comes along that has a beautiful vision. But once in a longer while comes along not only a beautiful film, but also a wonderful director who has a simplistic view. Uncluttered with the usual Hollywood plasticity, Zach Godshall is a poised, yet friendly man who exudes such a peace […]
Review: Kevin Smith’s “Red State” at Sundance Film Festival 2011
Some movies hit you with both barrels right out of the gate…and some directors have such a keen way of expressing themselves that you sit up and notice. Red State does both, but fails to keep you truly interested. Directed by Kevin Smith, it is a cautionary and fearful tale of religious fevor gone terribly […]
Sundance Festival 2011 – “Knuckle” Review by the Raven
Most documentaries seem to try to make you go out and do good for the environment, or to help someone. In “Knuckle”, the only thing you are asked to is sit back and watch a way of life seldom seem by outsiders unfold in front of your eyes. Director Ian Palmer has a gem of […]
Sundance Festival 2011 – “Silent House” Review by the Raven
Scary indie movies and psychological thrillers have a great life at the Sundance Film Fest. Look at “The Blair Witch Project”. And directors Chris Kentis and Laura Lau are trying to cash in on that kind of phenomenon. They are best known for their feature film, “Open Water”. They are trying for another hit with […]
Sundance Festival 2011 – “Project Nim” Review by the Raven
Every few years, a documentary comes along that just really makes me stop everything I am doing and really think about the impact we have as humans on everything on this planet. And Project Nim does just that. It is not a new story…the teaching of sign language to chimpanzees to try to better communicate […]
Review: Portman and Kutcher Have “No Strings Attached” in Film About Friends With Benefits
Ivan Reitman returns to the director’s chair for the first time in half a decade with “No Strings Attached.” The story is about two people who meet as kids and later reunite as “sex buddies” in adulthood. Although the premise is interesting, but hard to believe there would be much depth to the story or characters. Luckily an A-list cast […]
The Green Hornet
With great power, comes great irresponsibility… Billionaire Playboy [reader] Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is a fun-loving party animal with no worries, living off of his father’s wealth. When James Reid, head of Los Angeles’ biggest newspaper, dies unexpectedly – Britt is left to take his place. But with little experience, and frankly little ambition, he […]
The Dilemma
Ron Howard takes a serious stab at directing comedy in “The Dilemma,” which pays off well for the actor turned director. Howard, best known over the past couple of decades for more dramatic films, returns to his comedy roots and produces many laughs from a serious subject. Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) have […]
Blue Valentine
Blue Valentine is a kind of sweet/kind of sad, beautiful, and honest look at relationships that is driven by wonderful direction and amazing turns by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Following a young couple through the beginning and possible end of their relationship is where Blue Valentine takes us and the juxtaposition of these timelines […]