Welcome to the polarizing gamut of engagement, acceptance, and disquiet of A Ghost Story. This is a wholly original film that takes preparation, patience, absorption, and reflection that some, or even many, may not be ready for. Presented in the rounded and claustrophobic corners of a centered 1.33:1 aspect ratio, it is safe to say, you will see nothing like this all year and maybe several more.
Read MoreOver 40 feature-length and short films, many of which making their Chicago premieres, graced the main screen of the Music Box Theatre this past week-and-change as part of the fifth annual Chicago Critics Film Festival. It was an honor and pleasure to be be granted press credentials to cover the event. Here are my collected capsule reviews of the short film programs.
Read MoreOver 40 feature-length and short films, many of which making their Chicago premieres, graced the main screen of the Music Box Theatre this past week-and-change as part of the fifth annual Chicago Critics Film Festival. It was an honor and pleasure to be be granted press credentials to cover the event. Here are my collected capsule reviews of the feature-length films.
Read MoreLeave it to renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog to hit you with a buffet's worth of food for thought. His musings on the origins of the internet and its growing ramifications, both positive and negative, on this modern world are sternly served in his new documentary "Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World." Scintillating one minute and sobering the next, this film is required viewing for anyone who has seen how far we've come with connectivity and wonders fearfully just how high this Icarus of technology can fly towards the Sun before it melts and crashes back to Earth.
Read MoreCritics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle, and a special guest, take off the leash and dish out the kibble on Todd Solondz's dark comedy "Wiener-Dog." Hear from Gabrielle Bondi, Scott Pfeiffer, Leo and Christina Brady, special guest Brian Thompson, myself, Jim Alexander, and Emmanuel Noisette talking on the film. Enjoy!
Read MoreThis website has been moralizing for six years now its central message that "every movie has a lesson." As an educator, it is something that I firmly believe and stand by with every possible film, good or bad. I don't think, in all of my years of movie-going, I have ever seen a more real, living and breathing example of the power and magic of my website's theme than in the compelling and emotional new documentary "Life, Animated." A story like this is why I write. If that message speaks to you, go find "Life, Animated" immediately.
Read MoreThe Chicago Critics Film Festival is currently in action at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre and runs until May 26th. The festival offers a selection of films comprised of festival favorites and pre-distribution sneak peeks from around the country and world. The CCFF is in its fourth year and is programmed by the Chicago Film Critics Association. I was granted press credentials to cover this year's slate. With so many pre-release debuts, full reviews for the films often have to be held until their formal release. In the mean time, check back here to this article for my capsule reviews of what I soak up. I will update this as I add films this week!
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