[Disney's] Alice Through The Looking Glass

 A mad adventure of the unpossible sort!

 When The Hatter is not himself his friends become gravely concerned; so, Alice is called upon to return to Wonderland in an effort to save him. As it is a past tragedy which has vexed her dear friend, Alice is compelled to undertake a most dangerous quest through time. And, one ought to be especially careful when traveling into the past... or everything shall be made dust!

 This film is well performed and superbly set, with a remarkable story well directed.

Grade: B
Rating: PG


 Starring:
Johnny Depp; Mia Wasikowska; Anne Hathaway; Helena Bonham Carter; and, Sacha Baron Cohen.
 Featuring:
Matt Lucas; Ed Speleers; Michael Sheen; Lindsay Duncan; and, Matt Vogel.
 With:
Stephen Fry; Timothy Spall; Leo Bill; Paul Whitehouse; and, Barbara Windsor.
 Plus:
Rhys Ifans; Richard Armitage; Hattie Morahan; Amelia Crouch; and, Leilah de Meza.
 Also:
Alan Rickman!

Writer: Linda Woolverton
From The Works Of: Lewis Carroll
Director: James Bobin

04 June 2016
Reel Reviews by Frank Jaymes

Captain America: Civil War

 A Mighty Epic!

 The Avengers have hunted the globe for those who have made war against liberty and escaped justice. There has been much collateral damage, innocents have died. Nations unite demanding accords and many heroes agree to be so sanctioned. But, Captain America will not be chained... especially when a hero is wrongly blamed for murder!

 This film is brilliantly written and superbly directed, with remarkable performances and sets.

A / PG2

 Starring:
Chris Evans; Robert Downey, Jr; Scarlett Johansson; Sebastian Stan; Anthony Mackie; and, Chadwick Boseman
 Featuring:
Elizabeth Olsen; Emily VanCamp; Paul Bettany; Jeremy Renner; Don Cheadle; and, William Hurt
 With:
Paul Rudd; Tom Holland; Martin Freeman; John Slattery; Daniel Bruhl; and, John Kani
 Plus:
Marisa Tomei; Hope Davis; and, Alfre Woodard

Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
From the Works of: Mark Millar and Steve McNiven
Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

reposted from 09 May 2016
Reel Reviews By Frank Jaymes

X-Men: Apocalypse

 Dynamic with future promise!

 1983, a time of excess and progress, when the distant past has been reborn to conquer, command and destroy! Humankind has feared Mutantkind for twenty years. Now, it would seem their fear is justified. An ancient evil is risen; and so, will rise a modern force to defeat it... but can any force stop an apocalypse!?

 This film is masterfully written and set, with superb direction and performances.

Grade: A
Rating: PG


Starring:
 James McAvoy; Michael Fassbender; Jennifer Lawrence; Oscar Isaac;  Sophie Turner; and, Olivia Munn
Featuring:
 Evan Peters; Kodi Smit-McPhee; Tye Sheridan; Nicholas Hoult; Rose Byrne; and, Alexandra Shipp
With:
 Lucas Till; Josh Helman; Lana Condor; Ben Hardy; Carolina Bartczak; and, TJ McGibbon
Plus:
 Tomas Lemarquis; Zehra Leverman; and, Ally Sheedy
Also:
 James Malloch

Writers:
 Bryan Singer; Simon Kinberg; Dan Harris; and, Michael Dougherty
From The Works Of:
 Louise Simonson; Walter Simonson; Chris Claremont; Terry Kavanagh;  Joe Pruett; Fabian Nicieza; Eric Larsen; Scott Lobdell; Peter  David; Brandon Peterson; Jae Lee; Andy Kubert; and, Greg Capullo
Director:
 Bryan Singer

reposted from 28 May 2016
Reel Reviews by Frank Jaymes

“A Moon For The Misbegotten”

 Not your typical tale of virtue.
 In 1923, Connecticut, a gruff, often drunk, father’s scheme to save the family farm is fouled when his wanton daughter’s heart is set upon a womanizing man with dreams of returning to his former city life.
 This play is well directed with an excellent story, brilliantly set and well performed. Kate Forbes and Mark Lambert are outstanding.

Written By:  Eugene O’Neill
Directed By: Ben Barnes
Starring:  Kate Forbes and Mark Lambert
Featuring: Donald Sage Mackay
With:
 Augustus Cuddy and Michael Quinlan

B / PG2
Reel Reviews by Frank Jaymes
reposted from 02 April 2016

[Batman v. Superman] Dawn Of Justice

A terrific thrill!

True villainy is often unrecognized in the light of day and monsters thrive at night. Twenty years ago, from tragedy, a vigilant nightmare was born. Eighteen months ago, terror fell from the heavens. Now, deadly menace is threatening, people cry for justice, the world is in conflict, and heroes battle against impending doom...!

The intrepid reporter, Lois Lane is determined to ferret out the demon responsible for a coup in the middle east which nearly cost her life, a coup for which Superman is blamed. Clark Kent is determined to expose the bat vigilante terrorizing the criminals of Gotham. Bruce Wayne would like nothing more than to reveal the demon supplying extraordinary weaponry to terrorists and criminals alike. But, it is the sinister machinations of Lex Luther with which they all should be most concerned...!

This film is well performed and well directed, with a decent story and fantastic settings. This is the beginning of something special.

{DC Comics readers will recognize: "The Death of Superman"; "The Dark Knight Returns"; and, "Trinity War"!}

Starring:
  Ben Affleck; Henry Cavill; Amy Adams; and, Jesse Eisenberg
Featuring:
  Diane Lane; Laurence Fishburne; Gal Gadot; Jeremy Irons; and, Holly Hunter
With:
   Tao Okamoto; Rebecca Buller; Harry J Lennix; and, Christina Wren
Plus:
   Michael Shannon; Carla Cugino; and, Kevin Costner

Director: Zack Snyder
Writers:  David Goyer and Chris Terrio
From The Works of:
  Frank Miller; Roger Stern; Louise Simonson; Dan Jurgens; Jerry Ordway; Ray Fawkes; Matt Kindt; and, Geoff Johns!

B / PG2
Reel Reviews By Frank Jaymes
reposted from 27 March 2016

Lucy

Curious and stunning from the first moment!

  A young woman in Taipei is thrust into the field of theoretical evolution. With the world opening before her, she is reborn. Her rebirth has captured the attention of criminals, police and scientists. Her acquisition of knowledge and power has been violent and taken only a moment. In the next moment, an act of self preservation. Now, in her final moment, she must decide what to do with her life....

  Scarlett Johansson is superb! Brilliantly directed and set, this film is well written and should be seen by everyone with a curious mind.

Grade: A     Rating: PG2

Starring:
  Scarlett Johannson; Morgan Freeman; Amr Waked; and, Min-Sik Choi
Featuring:

  Nicolas Phongpheth; Julian Rhind-Tutt; Pilou Asbaek; and, Analeigh Tipton

With:

  Pierre Gerard; Isabelle Cagnat; Frederic Chau; and, Claire Tran

Plus:
  Loic Brabant; Pierre Grammont; Pierre Poirot; and, Bertrand Quoiniam
Also:
  Sandra Abouav

Writer:   Luc Besson
Director: Luc Besson

reposted from 26 July 2014

Reel Reviews by Frank Jaymes

The Mountaintop

  A Provocative Presentation!

  On the last night of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s life a young maid will off him hope, mercy, comfort ... and promise.

  Brilliantly written; amazingly performed; well directed; and, remarkably set, this play is a moving experience that should not be missed!

Starring:

Royce Johnson and Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Writer:   Katori Hall

Director: Skip Greer 

A / PG2
04 April 2015
Reel Reviews by Jaymes

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

A terrific rise for the ‘cousins’ of man and a dreadful fall for the species of man.

Driven to cure the illness which often plague the human brain, [Dr.] Will Rodman (James Franco) has developed a pharmaceutical catalyst allowing cerebral pathways to repair and regrow themselves. Alas, [Dr.] Rodman has a personal agenda suppressing rational procedure. A favorable, if improper, human trial is soon followed by a simian trial – with tragic result.

Born from the tragedy, a miracle in the form of a newborn chimpanzee. An orphaned animal, now in the care of [Dr.] Rodman, is much more than a simple ape. This ape can learn, has learned, perhaps better than any human being. But, even this young ape, named Caesar, cannot overcome the man’s innate tendency to be stupid and afraid. Persecuted and imprisoned, Caesar has planned and prepared for the liberation of his species.

The revolution of ape-kind will begin with death but it is not ape-kind who will be responsible for the downfall of human-kind... that blame shall be upon man!

Brilliantly directed and amazingly performed, this film is decently written with [an almost] familiar plot and a [not entirely unexpected] outcome. {Watch the newspaper headlines to determine the association between this ‘Rise’ and [Tim Burton’s] ‘Planet’.} {Fans will be delighted with the homages to the classic ‘Apes’ film series.}

B / PG2

Starring: James Franco; Andy Serkis; John Lithgow; and, Freida Pinto.
Featuring: David Oyelowo; Tom Felton; Karin Konoval; and, David Hewlett.
With: Brian Cox; Richard Ridings; Chris Gordon; and, Jay Caputo.
Plus: Terry Notary; Devyn Dalton; Tyler Labine; and, Jamie Harris.
Writers: Amanda Silver; and, Rick Jaffa.
Director: Rupert Wyatt [w/ Daniel Barrett; and, {a host of effects masters}].

By Frank Jaymes
05 August 2011

Captain America

When America needed soldiers he was not a man they wanted. But, when they needed a hero, he was the only man for the job!

Steve Rogers, a kid from Brooklyn, small and weak of body, with courage and idealism defying expectation. He dared what few men would dare. A miracle of science gave form to that which lay within him – a soldier, a leader, an avenger – a hero!

{There’s a reason Captain America has been published monthly since 1941 – he’s the man few of us will ever be and the hero most of us would to be.}

World War Two, Adolf Hitler’s chief of advanced science, Johann Schmidt, has an agenda of his own. Schmidt has the desire to rule the world and the intellect to fulfill that dream. Herr Schmidt has vowed to dominate the world or destroy it. And, only Captain America has the power to stop him.

Brilliantly written and directed, with superb performances throughout, this film is exciting and energetic. Set with circa 1904s costumes and features, plus the fantastic advanced machines which stimulate adventure seeking audiences, this is the kind of film from which legends can be born!

{Graphic novel readers will appreciate the inclusion of nearly every creative tenure of this icon for liberty and freedom created by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby.}

A / PG2

Starring: Chris Evans; Hugo Weaving; Tommy Lee Jones; and, Hayley Atwell
Featuring: Sebastian Stan; Toby Jones; Dominic Cooper; and, Neal McDonough
With: Derek Luke; Kenneth Choi; JJ Field; and, Bruno Ricci
Plus: Stanley Tucci and Samuel L. Jackson
Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
Director: Joe Johnston

By Frank Jaymes

Black Swan

   A thrilling challenge to maintain your sanity.

  Nina’s life has always been a perfect movement, flawless technique with graceful motion. After years, dedicated to the craft, dancing in the company core, she is given the chance to shine. Challenges mount: the scorn of a retired star; remorse for her role in that retirement; newfound desire for a new member of the company core; the malignity of that desired member; the spite of a particular core ballerina; affection and faith from the company director; and, her mother’s peculiar concern; plus, her own lingering doubt. Can she transform her passion for the science of ballet into passion for the art of dance and the tragedy of “Swan Lake”? Or, will she spin from the stage into tragic failure?

   Very well directed, this film will defy the viewer’s certainty of reality. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis perform brilliantly and are wonderfully choreographed as ‘twin’ ballerina’s equally attracted and opposed, to the ‘Swan Queen’ and to each other.

B / R
11 December 2010 (reposted)
By Frank Jaymes

Starring: Natalie Portman; Mila Kunis; and, Vincent Cassel
Featuring: Barbara Hershey; and, Ksenia Solo
With: Winona Ryder; and, Benjamin Millepied
Writers: Andres Heinz; John McLaughlin; and, Mark Heyman
{plus (original composer) - Pyotr Tchaikovsky}
Director: Darren Aronofsky
{plus choreographer - Benjamin Millepied}

On The Air 2010

Miranda Cosgrove – “Sparks Fly” (2010):  Music is often over-engineered, drowning the youthful voice; however, tracks like “Kissin’ U”; “BAM”; “Hey You”; “There Will Be Tears”; “Adored” and “Beautiful Mess” make it clear this kid has talent. With a bit of experience she’ll grow into the emotional sincerity that is often missing in her voice. Grade – B

Melissa Etheridge – “Fearless Love” (2010):  Melissa Etheridge has the uncanny ability to convey such power and emotion with lyric, voice and guitar. On this album, the three are sometimes not in harmony. But, overall, tracks like “Company”; “Nervous”; “Only Love”; “To Be Loved”; and, “Gently We Row” carry her message to the listener most profoundly. Grade – A

Paul Simon - “Graceland” (2004):  Remastered to include three additional tracks, demos and unreleased versions of other included tracks, this re-released album is every bit as compelling and inspirational as it was in 1986. With every track, the listener is carried on a journey to enlightenment, carried by a wave of melody and harmony defying reason. The artist has found a profound course with which to share his visit to South African, bringing the history, struggle, faith and music of a neglected culture to the world. Grade – A+

Celtic Woman - “Songs From The Heart” (2010):  The last two albums have fallen a bit flat but I’m happy to proclaim with this album the beauty, harmony and tradition of Celtic Woman is restored! A wonder of music, voice and culture! Grade – A

Miley Cyrus - “Can’t Be Tamed” (2010):  Every track on this album is a clear, defiant, cry of independence, an artist’s statement of talent which won’t be denied! The first three tracks hit the listener like a thunder clap, demanding attention. Miley’s cover of “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” should set a new definition for the tune, a solid mark for the writers whose words and music defy conventions of musical genre. Liner notes will confirm what every listener should realize, the artist brought her own mind and spirit to this work! Grade - A

Jewel - “Sweet And Wild” (2010):  That wonderfully powerful voice! An angel sharing her heart with the world. Every track, a harmony of voice and music that can’t be ignored! Country, pop, folk - no matter - every word, every sound, the mark of a talented artist commanding an audience! Grade - A

Jewel - “Sweet And Mild” (2010):  This is the acoustic “Sweet And Wild” - and it’s even better! This is Jewel’s strength. Her voice and a guitar holding an audience in rapture! Grade - A+

26 June 2010
By Frank Jaymes

Scott Pilgrim

Quirky, simple, entertainment without much lasting value.

Scott is, in best terms, a nerd. High school four years gone, he’s still hanging with buds, playing in a band and dating a high school chick. But, there’s this other girl, skating through his dreams and occupying his mind. Then, the day came when she was not simply in his dreams... the day came when Scott met Ramona. Now, what’s a nerd to do when the girl of his dreams has seven ex’s who won’t let them be together – BATTLE! Defeat the super ex’s, score points and win the girl....

A fair bit of work all around with performances and effects keeping it all from falling apart.

Starring: Michael Cera; Mary Elizabeth Winstead; Kieran Culkin; Anna Kendrick; and, Ellen Wong
Featuring: Alison Pill; Aubrey Plaza; Johnny Simmons; Mark Webber; and, Jason Schwartzman
With: Chris Evans; Brie Larson; Brandon Routh; Mae Whitman; and, Satya Bhabha
Plus: Shota Saito; Keita Saito; and, Bill Hader
Writers: Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall
Director: Edgar Wright

C / PG
10 August 2010
Reel Reviews by Josef

Jonah Hex

   Not nearly as gritty and violent as the modern graphic novels but a wild and interesting adventure nonetheless!

   Walking a fine line between righteousness and wickedness, Jonah Hex is a man of certain skill and questionable motives. He survived the bloodiest war ever fought on American soil only to have everything he loved taken from him. Scarred for his ‘betrayal’ and believed to be demonic, he will hunt the guilty and bring them to justice - dead or alive.

   Jonah’s vengeance was robbed from him by fate but an amoral bandit, “a terista”, and a call from The President of the [newly] United States has given him a new opportunity – justice for his family is at hand!

   Revered and reviled, Hex is coming... and death lay behind him.

   Well written {though not without the usual Warner’s departure from the source material} and remarkably performed, this film is decently directed and well set [with some ‘wild west’ innovation].

Starring: Josh Brolin; John Malkovich; Michael Fassbender; and Megan Fox
Featuring: Will Arnett; John Gallagher, Jr; and, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
With: Tom Wopat and Aidan Quinn
Writer: Brian Taylor; Mark Neveldine; and, William Farmer
Director: Jimmy Hayward

B / PG2
19 June 2010
Reel Reviews by Josef

Karate Kid (2010)

   Delightfully familiar, yet refreshingly new.

   When his mother is promoted to a new position, Dre Parker is relocated from his comfortable home in Detroit to an uncomfortable apartment in China.

   Language, customs, and culture unknown to him, Dre is soon in turmoil. Targeted by bullies who torment him daily, he is soon overwhelmed. But, his salvation is found in the form of a simple handyman with a promise to teach him “true kung-fu.”

   In learning the discipline of martial art, Dre will learn the beauty of a new culture and put his turmoil to rest.

   Still, his tormentors are relentless and without mercy... a battle is inevitable.

   Well written and decently performed this film is brilliantly directed and wonderfully set. Like the title, many scenes are an homage to the 1980's films starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita – shame a cameo or faux cameo could not be included in this film.

Starring: Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan
Featuring: Taraji Henson; Wenwen Han; and, Zhenwei Wang
With: Zhensu Wu; Rongguang Yu; and, Wang Ji
Writers: Christopher Murphey and Robert Mark Kamen
Director: Harald Zwart

B / PG
12 June 2010
Reel Reviews by Josef

Almost Maine

Funny, sweet, romantic and a bit unusual.

One winter night in the ‘not-quite’ township of Almost Maine, several pairs of people, some strangers, most not, find themselves with new perspective, new hope and new love.

There’s nothing too dramatic about this play, just an unusual bit of humor and romance defying description. Four performers for twenty roles in eleven scenes. Wonderfully set {even the stage hands get into the act!}, brilliantly directed and beautifully performed, attending this show is a terrific way to spend a winter’s evening!

A+ / PG2

Starring: David Mason; Alexis McGuinness; Patrick Noonan; and, Regan Thompson.
Writer: John Cariani
Director: Skip Greer

Reel Reviews by Josef

Sherlock Holmes

Intriguing And Energetic.

Nineteenth Century London, a game is afoot. Sherlock Holmes and his long-time partner, Dr. Watson, are on the verge of altering, if not ending, their association. But, personal matters are untended when their final case together is unexpectedly reopened, calling into question the reputations and integrity of Holmes and Watson. With the return of Irene Adler, the duo is thrust into a world of trouble, beset by adversaries of substance and shadow. Murder, assassination, corruption, revolution, espionage and theft confront the great detectives... and it may be too much to survive.

Challenging the known characterization of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this film is written with an eye toward action not unlike swashbucklers who chase Nazis and Mummies. But set some three or four decades before such adventures were ‘common’ and using a character so well known for intellectual rather than physical resolutions, some viewers may take exception to this piece of cinema. While the direction and set may seem a bit dull, the story and performances are certainly exciting.

B / PG

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr; Jude Law; and, Mark Strong
Featuring: Rachel McAdams and Eddie Marsan
With: Kelly Reilly
Writers: Michael Robert Johnson; Simon Kinberg; and, Tony Peckham
Director: Guy Ritchie
Reel Reviews by Josef

On The Air 2009

Jewel “Lullaby” (2009): Sweet! Something different but well fit, poetic intimacy. New tunes, familiar tunes, all sung with that angelic voice. You may not fall asleep listening to it but you’ll certainly find it easier to settle down after a busy, stressed, even lonely, day. A

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” MPS (2002): Hoorah! This is a special edition motion picture soundtrack, from one of my Most Favorite [Historic] Films. The tracks are taken, re-engineered, directly from the film. In addition to the numbers heard in the film, featured on this album are out-takes, interviews, auditions, rehearsals and a few numbers which were recorded for but cut from the film. A

“Sweeney Todd [: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]” MPS (2007): Excellent! This motion picture soundtrack created in me a brand new fondness for the film! I now count the film as one of my Most Favorite Films! In parts the tracks are a bit mis-engineered, leaving the vocals difficult to hear. Still the sheer madness of the subject matter and the quirky delight of the lyrics is a shining joy. A

Lucinda Williams “Sweet Old World” (1992): Wonderful! Brother Wease introduced me to this talented singer-songwriter with an on-air recommendation and free radio play. An old soul with a weathered voice and hard sound, this album is one of her earliest and it did not disappoint. I look forward to listening to more of this talent. B

Melissa Etheridge “Yes, I Am” (1993): Cool! One of her most revealing albums. This lady’s sound is wonderful, emoting pain and pleasure with such honesty, no ear could deny it. B

Joan Osborne “Little Wild One” (2008): Wild! This album is further proof of a talented musical artist’s perseverance. While the public at large may not consider her a musical star and few radio stations play her tunes, this lady has never disappointed a CD buyer or a venue. B

Sweeney Todd [: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street] Original Broadway Cast Soundtrack (1979): Included with this special edition CD is the entire libretto and a [formatted-to-size] complete playbill. These tracks seem to have been recorded live-on-stage; unfortunately, these recordings either weren’t re-engineered or were poorly re-engineered from the original source; so, this CD can be difficult to enjoy. Still, if you turn the volume up and lend a careful ear to the sound [or a quick eye to the libretto] you’ll get swept away by the tale. C

Lucinda Williams “Live At The Fillmore” (2005): Wow! The only thing that could have made this double-disc set better would be attending the show in person. A

Celtic Woman “A New Journey” (2006): Nice! The ladies come together in joyous harmony and musical celebration. With this album we say hello to two new woman and farewell to one other, changing the roster hasn’t changed the talent. Many of the tracks on this album are familiar but some are presented for the first time and all are sheer wonder. B

Reel Reviews by Josef
11 May 2009

Star Trek

A Bold New Beginning For Gene Roddenberry’s Creation!

Jim Kirk was born in outer space, across the galaxy, in the wake of a stellar event with a heroic finale. On Earth he became a reckless, adventurous, dangerous, care-free, young man. Brilliant but without ambition, abandoning the legacy of his parents... until the day he met Captain Christopher Pike. Now, he will take-up a new challenge and find an ambition which few can match.

For twenty-five years a threat has loomed across the galaxy... waiting for Starfleet’s flagship and it’s famed captain and first officer! James Tiberius Kirk and Spock are young and inexperienced; yet, they face an enemy harboring for them much anger and contempt.

Taking incomplete threads from the short-lived series, “Star Trek: Enterprise”, this film has dared to ask: What if everything we know were to change? It’s an amazing concept, wonderfully made reality! This film is filled with bits reminiscent of Trek past but it’s shape and sustenance is fascinatingly fresh!

Masterfully written, performed, directed, produced and effected, this is a Must-See film... and it’s just the beginning!

A / PG2

Starring: Chris Pine; Zachary Quinto; Karl Urban; and, Zoe Saldana.
Featuring: Bruce Greenwood; Simon Pegg; John Cho; and, Anton Yelchin.
With: Leonard Nimoy; Eric Bana; Winona Ryder; and, Ben Cross.

Reel Review by Josef

Wolverine

Edgy. Sharp. Fast. Thrilling.

He’s much older than anyone would believe. His life before joining the mutant team created and trained by Professor X was as unpleasant as it was long. He began his life simply, sickly, but an act of brutality gave birth to the animal within him and he’s been running from it ever since. Beside his brother, even more an animal than himself, he’s traversed the world fighting and killing... until one day he left it all behind.

But, men such as he can’t escape the tragedies of life. All too soon, his past has come for him and he’ll strike a bargain with a devil to put down an animal...!

Borrowing from graphic novel masterpieces, “Origin” and “Weapon X”, plus thirty years of stories by such masters as Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, this film is brilliantly written and performed. It’s fast pace and hard edge was likely a challenge to direct, especially when faced with working it all into an established cinematic history [something which was remarkably well done in the end]. That challenge was remarkably well met here.

A / PG2

Starring: Hugh Jackman; Liev Schreiber; Danny Huston; Lynn Collins; and, Taylor Kitsch.
Featuring: Ryan Reynolds; will I am; Daniel Henney; and, Scott Adkins.
With: Dominic Monaghan; Tim Pocock; Kevin Durand; Julia Blake; and, Max Cullen.
Writers: David Benioff and Skip Woods.
Director: Gavin Hood

Reel Review by Josef Franklin

Evie's Waltz

A disturbing drama, provocatively presented.

It’s often easy to blame the parents when a child has gone bad... but who do you blame when you are the parents? What do you say? Who do you ask? How did my child do this terrible thing? What have I done? This is the dilemma now facing Clay and Gloria in the wake of an event which occurred at Evie’s school today.

Remarkably written and brilliantly performed this live-stage production is directed with an easy hand, allowing the audience to question all they see and hear... in the end one may feel an overwhelming sense of awe as they somberly leave the theater to go home and hug their children.

B / PG2

Starring: Magan Wiles; Annie Fitzpatrick; and, Skip Greer.
Writer: Carter W. Lewis
Director: Tim Ocel

Reel Review by Josef Franklin