‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ Falls Flat as Vietnam War Dramedy

‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ Falls Flat as Vietnam War Dramedy

By Lynn VenhausDumbfounded, I can’t recall a recent movie that is as tone-deaf as “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.” In 1967, John "Chickie" Donohue decides... Details
‘Blonde’ Is a Relentless, Redundant Nightmare

‘Blonde’ Is a Relentless, Redundant Nightmare

By Alex McPherson A grueling, disorienting, and horrific reimagining of the life of Norma Jeane Baker, who became Marilyn Monroe, director Andrew Dominik’s “Blonde” ultimately... Details
St Louis Symphony Opens Season with Alluring, Boundary-Busting Line-Up

St Louis Symphony Opens Season with Alluring, Boundary-Busting Line-Up

By CB AdamsIt’s been more than a week since the Saint Louis Symphony’s (SLSO) opening performance, the first salvo in the 2022-23 season. Across the... Details
‘Blonde’: Leering, Lascivious Look at Marilyn Monroe as American Tragedy

‘Blonde’: Leering, Lascivious Look at Marilyn Monroe as American Tragedy

By Lynn VenhausBased on the 2000 fictional novel by Joyce Carol Oates, “Blonde” is a deeply flawed semi-biopic that blurs fantasy and reality regarding the... Details
The Black Rep’s ‘The African Company Presents Richard III’ Looks Back at a Pivotal Moment in Time

The Black Rep’s ‘The African Company Presents Richard III’ Looks Back at a Pivotal Moment in Time

By Lynn Venhaus Bigotry is an ugly thing to witness, even in the context of 1821. It’s expected, but always unsettling, no matter what period.... Details
Mia Goth Astounds in ‘Pearl,’ Superb Horror Prequel to ‘X’

Mia Goth Astounds in ‘Pearl,’ Superb Horror Prequel to ‘X’

By Alex McPherson Bolstered by a towering performance from Mia Goth, director Ti West’s “Pearl” is a captivating, upsetting, and idiosyncratic horror drama that rivals... Details
Hard Bop Messengers Play Tunes to Remember in ‘Live At the Last Hotel’

Hard Bop Messengers Play Tunes to Remember in ‘Live At the Last Hotel’

By CB Adams St. Louis’s Hard Bop Messengers new, first album, “Live At The Last Hotel,” has been on my repeat play in recent weeks... Details
The Rep’s ‘House of Joy’ Offers Style But Not Enough Substance

The Rep’s ‘House of Joy’ Offers Style But Not Enough Substance

By Lynn VenhausWith shimmering visuals and costumes, “House of Joy” shows flashes of dazzling technical brilliance at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Unfortunately, while... Details
Kevin Smith Aims for the Heart in Conclusion to ‘Clerks’ Slacker Trilogy

Kevin Smith Aims for the Heart in Conclusion to ‘Clerks’ Slacker Trilogy

By Lynn Venhaus “Clerks III” is strictly for fans, a View Askew production set in that Kevin Smith universe that the writer-director broke through the... Details
Heart-warming ‘Bandera, Texas’ Spotlights Strong Women

Heart-warming ‘Bandera, Texas’ Spotlights Strong Women

By Lynn VenhausThe adage, “Bloom where you are planted,” is the theme of “Bandera, Texas,” an amiable new play about marriage, motherhood, and enduring family... Details