Rather Fun HouseNearly a decade has passed since the revitalization of the horror-film genre in the mid-1990s, and the dozens (hundreds?) of fright flicks loosed into multiplexes since then have exhibited a wealth of profitability … and a dearth of originality. Aiming …
Seeing Red: A Review of ‘Morning Sun'The physical and psychological grievances of 20th century revolutionary China form the potent backbone of "Morning Sun," a stunning reflective documentary about life under the drastic social reforms of leader Mao Zedong. The film, an engaging history lesson (via the …
Crossroads Film Festival: Mississippi Filmmakers On ScreenWe all know that Mississippi is the "crossroads" where the blues were born. But, of late, the state is coming into its creative own in many artistic areas. Film is one of our new frontiers.
[Crossroads] JFP Picks & ReviewsWhether you've already bought into the anti-corporate, "Think Global, Shop Local" mantra, or you're just trying to figure out what all the Wal-Mart bashing is really about, Lori Cheatle and Daisy Wright's "This Land Is Your Land" is the perfect …
Desperately Seeking DickinsonHowever much is known about the life of 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson (and the mind that created nearly 2000 poems, among them some of the most challenging and respected works in American writing), it can be certainly said that …
African History X: A Review of "Hotel Rwanda"In 1994, nearly 1 million people were systematically slaughtered in the small African country of Rwanda while no nation (including our own) intervened to end the madness. A film that invites comparisons (both in theme and accomplishment) to Steven Spielberg's …
A Review of "Big Enough"Intense, humbling attention is given to the day-to-day lives of little people in a new documentary from independent filmmaker and Stanford University professor Jan Krawitz. At once heartbreaking, humorous, inspirational and educational, the ironically titled "Big Enough" follows the histories …
Revealing The Revolutionary: A Review of "The Motorcycle Diaries"The journeys—one a cross-continent road trip on a motorcycle, one an emotional exploration into the human condition—taken by a latent revolutionary leader and his friend form the plot of one of last year's best and most interesting films, Focus Features' …
Bill Hicks Lives On DVDAfter President Bush's re-election on Nov. 2, I found myself singing the line from Hamell on Trial's song, "I Wish Bill Hicks Were Alive." Man, do we need Bill Hicks today. Though he died over 10 years ago and is …
The American NightmareThe drug drama, a filmmaking genre that has recently soared in popularity, is a rather precarious sort of film to make. It risks presenting desperate, unlikable characters, depicting their struggles too graphically (or not graphically enough), glorifying the use and …
The Best 10 Movies of 20042004 was not an especially great year for movies. Though there were many good films (and a handful of highly memorable ones), this year's awards season has surprisingly few quality releases to choose from. This list, which does not include …
Action, Take 8: Jackson Filmmakers to WatchThere is no typical Jackson filmmaker. It's easy to see this just by looking at the work, and hairstyles, of our eight featured filmmakers. Rick Moore calls himself "just a regular guy," yet he runs the very successful film studio …
A New Jersey State of MindFilms like "Garden State" aren't necessarily rare in terms of premise or spirit, but seldom do they come across with the sort of texture and freshness seen in this auspicious directorial debut from "Scrubs" star Zach Braff. An unconventional, richly …
Not Quite Great: A Review of "Alexander"Oliver Stone's "Alexander," a flaccid, frenetic historical epic, has the look and feel of a child's finger painting on a $160 million canvas. Despite a strong visual flair and good performances, the film is marred by lack of coherence and …
Superb HeroesOverflowing with action, heart, imagination and meaning, "The Incredibles," the latest collaboration between Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios (and one of the last, following last January's decision to dissolve the successful partnership so that the latter can strike …