Documentary Review: Nana
The deeply moving 2016 documentary Nana does something that seems impossible; despite its harrowing subject matter, which chronicles the life and experiences of one [read on]
Articles by C.L. Illsley
Film Review: A Simple Favor
A Simple Favor is the new thriller starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. They play two very different women who strike up an unlikely friendship after their young sons, [read on]
The Accountant of Auschwitz: A Cog in the Nazi War Machine
The Accountant of Auschwitz is a new documentary chronicling the trial and crimes of Oskar Gröning who, in 2015, was found guilty of complicity in the murder of over 300,000 [read on]
The Miseducation of Cameron Post: Pray the Gay Away…NOT
This new film starring Chloe Grace Moretz follows a young girl sent to pray away her sexuality.
The Spy Who Dumped Me: Two Amateur Spies Take Europe
Lead actors Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon have great onscreen chemistry as two best friends thrown into the midst of a spy mission.
Two Takes on Allure: Not a Love Story
C. L. Illsley discusses Evan Rachel Wood’s layered performance and the ethical murkiness that permeates the film.
The Leisure Seeker: Miles of Melancholy
Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland star in this road trip film that falls a little short despite the two stars.
Born in Flames: A Classic Rises from the Ashes
Lizzie Borden’s 1983 film explores social issues, freedom of speech, and violence through a feminist lens.
The Pulitzer at 100: A Century of Rewarding Excellence
This documentary explores the virtues of journalism through the ages and how the famous prize came to be.
Germans & Jews: Reconciling Germany’s Past
Janina Quint’s documentary is a thought-provoking look at how Jewish and German people view their past, together.
Stronger: A Survivor’s Story
Strong performances by the lead actors bring this Boston Marathon bombing story to life.
Home Again: If you could return, would you really want to?
The new film, starring Reese Witherspoon, is sweet but ultimately lacking in substance.
Logan Lucky: With A Little Luck…
Soderbergh’s latest film is a gritty heist movie set on the NASCAR racetrack.
The Trip to Spain: Cuisine, Castles, and Comedy
The third installment in Michael Winterbottom’s series finds two men taking on the Spanish countryside.
Review: The Ruins of Lifta
This new documentary presents a history of the Israeli-Palestinia conflict.
Concrete Love: The Architecture of the Böhm Family
This documentary explores not only the family business, but also the relationships that the public doesn’t usually get to see.
