‘Old’ Needs Less Gimmicks, More Substance to be Effective Thriller

‘Old’ Needs Less Gimmicks, More Substance to be Effective Thriller

By Lynn VenhausHalf-baked and bogged down by subtext, the high concept “Old” fritters away its intriguing potential by dispensing too little explanation in its trouble-in-paradise... Details
‘Fear Street Part 3: 1666’ – A Riveting Final Chapter

‘Fear Street Part 3: 1666’ – A Riveting Final Chapter

By Alex McPherson Well, dear readers, the time has sadly come for the conclusion of director Leigh Janiak’s “Fear Street” series. Fortunately, “Part 3:1666” ends... Details
Looking Back at 1964 and Talkin’ Baseball in St. Lou Is Hanrahan’s Insightful, Delightful One-Man Show

Looking Back at 1964 and Talkin’ Baseball in St. Lou Is Hanrahan’s Insightful, Delightful One-Man Show

By Lynn Venhaus1964 was a memorable year for Americans. Still reeling from President Kennedy’s assassination, an escalating war in Vietnam and civil rights struggles, the... Details
Stylized ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ Stumbles with Thin Characters

Stylized ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ Stumbles with Thin Characters

By Lynn VenhausThe pleasure of seeing actresses have a blast going gangster is one of the joys of the interestingly titled “Gunpowder Milkshake.” However, that... Details
‘Fear Street Part 2: 1978’ Is An Underwhelming Summer Bloodbath

‘Fear Street Part 2: 1978’ Is An Underwhelming Summer Bloodbath

By Alex McPherson Director Leigh Janiak’s “Fear Street Part 2: 1978,” based on R.L. Stine’s novels, lacks the spark of the first installment, but still... Details
Nicolas Cage Delivers One of His Best Performances in Atmospheric ‘Pig’

Nicolas Cage Delivers One of His Best Performances in Atmospheric ‘Pig’

By Lynn Venhaus No matter what perception you might have about this film beforehand, “Pig” takes you on an unexpected journey. Like a shabby hole-in-the-wall... Details
‘Fear Street Part 1: 1994’ Is Brutally Excellent Slasher Film for 2021

‘Fear Street Part 1: 1994’ Is Brutally Excellent Slasher Film for 2021

By Alex McPherson “Fear Street Part 1: 1994” is an immensely enjoyable slasher flick with real heart beneath its ultraviolent set pieces. Based on the... Details
Unusual ‘Zola’ Looks at Sleazy Underworld of Strip Clubs And Sex Industry

Unusual ‘Zola’ Looks at Sleazy Underworld of Strip Clubs And Sex Industry

By Lynn VenhausA road trip from hell, as documented on a viral Twitter thread six years ago, is the starting point for this unusual film.The... Details
Sisters Save the Day in ‘Black Widow’ – But Inspired Cast Can’t Fix Pitfalls

Sisters Save the Day in ‘Black Widow’ – But Inspired Cast Can’t Fix Pitfalls

By Lynn VenhausFor those craving the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the big screen, “Black Widow” boldly arrives as a much-anticipated summer blockbuster event, checking off... Details
Powerful ‘Summer of Soul’ Celebrates Music at a 1969 Cultural Touchstone

Powerful ‘Summer of Soul’ Celebrates Music at a 1969 Cultural Touchstone

By Lynn VenhausJust 100 miles south of Woodstock, another music fair and similar Aquarian exposition took place in an urban enclave during the summer of... Details