‘The World to Come’ is Romance in Dangerous Setting

‘The World to Come’ is Romance in Dangerous Setting

By Alex McPhersonThe film unfolds during the late 1850s, somewhere along the East Coast of the US. In the midst of a harsh winter, Abigail... Details
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Is Intense, Heartbreaking Ode to Activism

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Is Intense, Heartbreaking Ode to Activism

By Alex McPhersonDirector Shaka King’s new film, “Judas and the Black Messiah,” is a visceral exploration of resistance, sacrifice, betrayal, and legacy. The film takes... Details
‘Assassins’ Expose Is a Journalistic Achievement

‘Assassins’ Expose Is a Journalistic Achievement

By Alex McPhersonDirector Ryan White’s “Assassins” is a scathing indictment of North Korean politics and a timely reminder of the lengths that some people will... Details
Small Axe’s ‘Red, White and Blue’ Is a Tragic, Essential Story

Small Axe’s ‘Red, White and Blue’ Is a Tragic, Essential Story

By Alex McPherson Director Steve McQueen’s “Red, White and Blue,” the third installment of “Small Axe,” provides a heartbreaking look at racism within policing, and... Details
Small Axe’s ‘Lovers Rock’ an Atmospheric Triumph

Small Axe’s ‘Lovers Rock’ an Atmospheric Triumph

By Alex McPhersonDirector Steve McQueen’s “Lovers Rock,” the second installment of “Small Axe,” is a masterful work of art that enriches both the mind and... Details
Small Axe’s ‘Mangrove’ Is Stirring Call to Action

Small Axe’s ‘Mangrove’ Is Stirring Call to Action

By Alex McPherson “Mangrove,” the first installment of director Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology series, is harrowing, inspirational, and relevant to our modern social climate.... Details
Alex McPherson – Top Ten Films of 2020

Alex McPherson – Top Ten Films of 2020

By Alex McPherson2020 was a good year for movies, despite everything! Here are my top 10 films of the year, with 11 honorable mentions. There’s... Details
‘Driveways’ is a Wise, Beautiful Film

‘Driveways’ is a Wise, Beautiful Film

By Alex McPhersonLike a Christmas miracle, director Andrew Ahn’s new film, “Driveways,” restored my faith in humanity. Cody (Lucas Jaye) is a sensitive boy struggling... Details
‘Beasts Clawing at Straws’ Wild Tale with a Few Noticeable Scratches

‘Beasts Clawing at Straws’ Wild Tale with a Few Noticeable Scratches

By Alex McPhersonWriter-director Yong-hoon Kim’s crime thriller, “Beasts Clawing at Straws,” features memorable characters, an outrageous plot, and a fair amount of blood. A twisty... Details
’18 to Party’ Has Appealing Characters But Fumbles with Their Stories

’18 to Party’ Has Appealing Characters But Fumbles with Their Stories

By Alex McPhersonJeff Roda’s directorial debut, “18 to Party,” is a competent coming-of-age drama that needs more time to mature. The year is 1984 in... Details