Meryl Alone Can’t Save the Second Season of “Big Little Lies”
The cultural phenomenon returns, minus its star director, with a little more Streep in its step.
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How one rom-com trope finds the romance in a breakup
Of all the romcom tropes, “the amicable breakup” might be the most misunderstood & powerfully cathartic.
Only Murders in the Building Season 3 keeps it cozy even as love interests threaten to derail the magic
The series splits the leads too often early on, but when the trio sticks together, it is as good as ever.
Julia is a soufflé that suffers
This sweet-hearted series based on Julia Child’s foray into television boasts rich performances and weak execution.
“Duct tape will not make an honest man out of you”: “A Prairie Home Companion” at 15
Robert Altman’s swan song remains a mesh of spontaneity and character detail further lifted by its ensemble cast.
“Hemingway” makes a moveable feast of the author’s life
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick spend six enlightening hours interrogating the author’s famous machismo, his works, and his legacy.
Criterion Corner: “Secrets & Lies”, “Defending Your Life”
Mike Leigh’s kitchen-sink drama and Albert Brooks’ droll afterlife comedy are two of Criterion’s stellar March releases.
“The Prom” is a glittery, insubstantial musical fantasia
Ryan Murphy’s bajillionth project for Netflix adapts the Broadway musical to spectacular effect, even if the spectacle wallpapers over its lack of substance.
Hop aboard and take a bow for “Let Them All Talk”
Steven Soderbergh goes further back to his indie roots with a boatful of talent, loose style, and delightful improv.
“Doubt” casts a shadow, but not the darkest one
John Patrick Shanley’s Catholic Church-set drama is mildly effective and well-acted but too tidy for its subject matter.
Sex and the Single Woman: How “An Unmarried Woman” changed the game
Paul Mazursky’s 1974 drama captured the complexities of restlessness, desire, and sexuality of the modern ‘70s woman. NOW STREAMING: Powered by JustWatch Sex is not shocking anymore. After years of cable television, the advent of pornography on the internet, and the “tasteful nude”, we’ve acclimatized to the idea of sex on screen. When An Unmarried Woman … Sex and the Single Woman: How “An Unmarried Woman” changed the game
The Neoliberal Time Capsule of “Ricki and the Flash”
Jonathan Demme’s final film is a flawed, fascinating time capsule into Obama-era politics.
“The Manchurian Candidate”, A Study of Humanity Lost
Jonathan Demme’s remake of the 1962 classic is as notable for its look at political dehumanization as it is its modernization.
Little Women Review: Gerwig’s Girls March to Their Own Drum
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott book is sensitive, challenging, and earnestly engages with the source material.
The Laundromat Review: Money, It’s a Gas
Steven Soderbergh serves up a messy capitalist critique in the shell of a slick, simplistic essay film.