DVD Review: The Seige of Leningrad and The Horrors of War
DVD part of series looking at WWII and its effects on various cities. This one focuses on Leningrad during its horrific siege
Articles by C.L. Illsley
A Walk Among the Tombstones : Neeson Shoots to Kill
Crime thriller with alcoholic ex-cop is strong on Neeson, weak on other characters.
Nuremberg Nazis : DVD Review of Fuhrer Cult and Megalomania
Fine film focuses on how Nuremberg was used to promote and showcase Hitler and the Nazi Party.
DVD Review: Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women’s Professional Cycling
Film about women’s cycling addresses many sides around this competitive, international sport.
About Alex Review: Twentysomething Angst
About Alex is the Big Chill for the millennial generation. Get ready for suicide, reminiscence, drugs, sex, and stereotypes.
DVD Review: Maidentrip — Alone at Sea
Determined and inspiring teenager Lauren Dekker sails solo around the world in this documentary.
Film Review: Lucy is Mindless Summer Fun
Scarlett Johansson proves that she’s a capable actress even in Luc Bresson’s dumbed-down thriller Lucy.
Singing in the City : Review of Begin Again
Summer film on selling out vs. authenticity by the director of Once feature Keira Knightly and Adam Levine.
Dying is Easy. Comedy is hard : Review of James Thurber: The Life and Hard Times
New DVD offers an intimate portrait of James Thurber that shows his struggles, rather than just his literary achievements.
Cheaper than Cheap Night: Cinema Under the Stars at the SAT
Why go to the movie theatre at the Forum and sneak from film to film when you can see great free films screen outside the SAT every Tuesday?
Not a Knock Out : Love Punch
Even with a refreshing pairing of a similarly-aged, older couple, a convoluted plot and cliché humour leave this Brosnan-Thompson vehicle flat on the mat.
Journey Across the Outback : Tracks
Biography based on National Geographic pictures of Robyn Davidson follows adventuress across the outback with camels.
Humanity From An Alien Perspective : Review of Under The Skin
Stunning film by John Glazer features Scarlett Johansson as an alien becoming more human while exploring the meaning of humanity.
A Spoonful of Sugar: Fed Up
Controversial documentary puts a human face on child obesity and examines lies perpetuated by the US government and industry about diet , nutrition, and exercise.
The Unknown Known Review: Portrait of a Politician
Errol Morris gives a glimpse into the mind of one of the most important statesmen of our time: Donald Rumsfeld. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
The Face of Love Review : Grief, Grief, and More Grief
Meandering film’s corny title is the first problem among many with this tear-jerker.
Irish Angst On Screen in Stay
Character driven Stay sometimes fall prey to over-emphasis of contrast and home.
Art and Technology Meet in Tim’s Vermeer
How far can a man go to understand Dutch Master Vermeer and try to uncover his secret? Tim Jenison not only learns Dutch, but he employs an army of artists in his quest.
Mandatory Car Chases and Gun Battles : Three Days to Kill A Formulaic Action Flick
Kevin Costner and Amber Heard bring their names but nothing else to this bland, cliché action film.
Vampire Academy Fails to Make the Grade
There’s good vampires and then there are bad ones. Then there are some half-vampires and some non-vampires. There’s also some romance. Sounds like a mess.