Culture | Movies
In ‘A Real Pain,’ a road trip whose emotional power sneaks up on you“A Real Pain,” written by, directed by, and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg, is the kind of movie that creeps up on you, says film critic Peter Rainer. It has a way of seeing that, in its own modest way, owes something to the Yiddish sensibility that informed storytellers like Isaac Bashevis Singer.
‘Road Diary’ documentary offers a front-row seat to stellar Bruce SpringsteenAfter a six-year hiatus from live concerts, what would Bruce Springsteen’s return offer? The rocker is “entirely captivating” in the latest documentary capturing his craft, says the Monitor’s film critic.
‘Anora’ thinks she’s found her Prince Charming. This 5-star movie is no fairy tale.People who live on society’s margins aren’t always treated with compassion and sympathy. But the director of “Anora” offers both. “I’ve rarely encountered a scene that moved me as completely and complicatedly as this film’s final moments,” says the Monitor’s critic.
This artist turned a forgiveness journey into a film – with the help of Steven SpielbergAs his new movie debuts, artist Titus Kaphar reflects on what it takes to arrive at forgiveness – and to share it with the world.
‘The Last of the Sea Women’: How one director is documenting a South Korean traditionWomen free divers in South Korea don’t view age as a limitation. The director of a new documentary discusses their determination, and how it helps them persevere in the centuries-old tradition they uphold.
Live, from New York, it’s the ‘SNL’ origin story ‘Saturday Night’“Saturday Night Live,” which is celebrating its 50th season, launched the careers of scores of comedians. A diverting new film about the show’s premiere features frenetic creativity – and its toll.
After $1 billion and 2 Oscars, ‘Joker’ is back (with songs). Our team weighs in.“Joker” broke box-office records in 2019 and raised questions about violence in storytelling. Five years later, with the debut of “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the Monitor’s film critic and chief culture writer consider, Will it succeed?
In ‘The Wild Robot,’ a 5-star fable for our AI age“The Wild Robot” is a love story about community and intimacy. It is the quintessential fable. The wilderness might be harsh, but we don’t have to be.
First LookMaggie Smith, grande dame of British actors, remembered for her wit and intellectMaggie Smith, who died on Sept. 27, was world-renowned for bringing to life characters in “Downton Abbey” and the Harry Potter films. With a shelf full of awards, she was a monolith of British acting in a generation that includes Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench.
Francis Ford Coppola spent $125 million on ‘Megalopolis.’ How is it?“Godfather” director Francis Ford Coppola waited 40 years to make his passion project. After seeing it, the Monitor’s film critic wonders, “What in tarnation has he wrought?”
One week, 20 movies, and Springsteen: Our critic’s picks from TorontoAt the Toronto International Film Festival, our critic detected an overarching mood that coming together is better than breaking apart. “If I’m right in believing that filmmakers these days are looking more to unite audiences than divide them,” he writes, “who is a greater uniter than The Boss?”
How James Earl Jones’ iconic voice became our voice of conscienceJames Earl Jones’ legacy as a voice of reason is a reminder of what we might overcome when we face our trauma and find our purpose. His voice was a well of dignity, a reservoir of resonance that echoes not only from his career, but in all of us who heard him.
Commentary‘1992’ says something important about race in America – and Tyrese GibsonThe new film “1992” is a reminder of America’s cycles of racism and rebellion. Actor Tyrese Gibson stands out as a portrait of hope.
Burton and Keaton resurrect the fun in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’Tim Burton and Michael Keaton are clearly having a good time in this sequel to the 1980s cult classic – and fans of the original will, too. Just watch out for those plot holes.
What happens if Trump tries to overturn another election loss?
Harris vs. Trump: Where they stand on the big issues
An unwanted kiss shook Spanish soccer – and society. A new documentary explores why.
Intel is coming. Ohio community colleges say the state’s workers will be ready.
CommentaryNew editor at The Christian Science Monitor
