Remarkable True Story ‘The Boys in the Boat’ Lacks Punch with Generic, Predictable Storytelling

Remarkable True Story ‘The Boys in the Boat’ Lacks Punch with Generic, Predictable Storytelling

By Lynn Venhaus While it has all the makings of an old-fashioned feel-good sports drama, perhaps we’ve seen too many rousing underdog team stories so... Details
St Louis Film Critics Assn Announces Nominations for 2023 Awards

St Louis Film Critics Assn Announces Nominations for 2023 Awards

“Oppenheimer” leads with nominations 14, followed by “Killers of the Flower Moon” with 12, “Barbie” 11 and “The Holdovers” with 9 The year’s top film... Details
Ari Aster’s Absurd, Batty ‘Beau Is Afraid’ Is Wackadoodle Tedium

Ari Aster’s Absurd, Batty ‘Beau Is Afraid’ Is Wackadoodle Tedium

By Lynn Venhaus“Beau Is Afraid” is an unwatchable exercise in excess.This absurdist black comedy-drama-horror about an anxiety-riddled man-child going through personal crises makes a mockery... Details
Cooper, Mulligan Soar in Sumptuous Leonard Bernstein Opus ‘Maestro’

Cooper, Mulligan Soar in Sumptuous Leonard Bernstein Opus ‘Maestro’

By Lynn Venhaus Geniuses are complicated; therefore, the life of America’s first superstar conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein is explored in an uncommon yet charismatic... Details
Nicolas Cage Is In Top Form in ‘Dream Scenario’ – a Dark, Intriguing Satire

Nicolas Cage Is In Top Form in ‘Dream Scenario’ – a Dark, Intriguing Satire

By Alex McPherson A creative, darkly comic story of self-destructive ego and fame’s dehumanizing effects, director Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario” is never less than engaging... Details
‘American Symphony’ Triumphs as Tender Look at Art, Life and Love

‘American Symphony’ Triumphs as Tender Look at Art, Life and Love

By Lynn Venhaus Transformative in the very best of ways, both heartbreaking and heartwarming, “American Symphony” is an ode to believing in art, hope, and... Details
Disney’s ‘Wish’ Lacks the Luster It Is Striving For in Centennial Tribute

Disney’s ‘Wish’ Lacks the Luster It Is Striving For in Centennial Tribute

By Lynn VenhausThe idealist in me wants to believe in Disney magic, of good triumphing over evil, of the power of community, and memorable moments,... Details
Waititi Delivers in Fun, Messy Sports Film ‘Next Goal Wins’

Waititi Delivers in Fun, Messy Sports Film ‘Next Goal Wins’

By Alex McPherson A lightweight, enjoyable treat that leans into sports movie cliches while adding some wrinkles, director Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” doesn’t try... Details
Silly Offbeat ‘Next Goal Wins’ Is By-the-Numbers Crowd Pleaser

Silly Offbeat ‘Next Goal Wins’ Is By-the-Numbers Crowd Pleaser

By Lynn VenhausThink a second tier “Ted Lasso” meets a “Cool Runnings” vibe in this rough-around-the-edges underdog sports comedy-drama that is based on a true... Details
Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ Presents Elvis Romance as Surreal Teenage Dream

Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ Presents Elvis Romance as Surreal Teenage Dream

By Lynn Venhaus Women of privilege but not power in a male-dominated world has been a theme in other Sofia Coppola films, and “Priscilla” fits... Details