“Ash Is Purest White” (China) Directed by Zhangke Jia Zhangke Jia’s “Ash Is the Purest White” is almost a great film – certainly a giant step above the two melodramatic features of his I’ve seen, “Mountains May Depart” and “Still … Continue reading 54th Chicago Int’l Film Fest #5: “Ash Is Purest White” (China)
“United Skates” (USA) Directed by Tina Brown and Dyana Winkler This loving documentary is simply a joy (with plenty of heartbreak) from beginning to end. Examining the importance of roller skating, and more importantly, the roller rink, to African American … Continue reading 54th Chicago Int’l Film Fest #4: “United Skates” (USA)
“Entrepreneur” (Finland) Directed by Virpi Suutari Oy. This film. A documentary about what it means to be an entrepreneur on the extremes of the economic spectrum in Finland is half unbearable and half pretty good. But it’s all kinds of … Continue reading 54th Chicago Int’l Film Fest #3: “Entrepreneur” (Finland)
“Family First” (Canada) Directed by Sophie DuPuis Sophie DuPuis’ challenging feature, “Family First” (Canada’s 2018 Foreign- Language Oscar entry) is a bit of a dichotomous mixed bag. While it possesses some indelible characters, you’ll recognize the well-trodden story-line from several … Continue reading 54th Chicago Int’l Film Fest #2: “Family First” (Canada)
“The City That Sold America” Directed by Ky Dickens (USA) Ky Dickens historical investigation of Chicago’s place at the center of American advertising, is, let’s be clear, too short. But, in this instance, that bit of criticism is meant as … Continue reading 54th Chicago Int’l Film Fest #1: “The City That Sold America” (USA)
“Marvel’s Iron Fist” – Season Two (Netflix) Created by Scott Buck Season One of “Iron Fist” is certainly in the discussion of worst series in streaming history. You can read my review of that show here to see just how … Continue reading “Marvel’s Iron Fist” Netflix (Season 2)
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” – Season One (Amazon Prime) Created by Carlton Cuse & Graham Roland In a nutshell, the new iteration of “Jack Ryan” should have been better. After all, it does have an interesting story, is well-paced, possesses … Continue reading “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” Season One (Amazon Prime)
