Ramona and Beezus (2010)

For the first time on the big screen, Klickitat Street comes to life in heartwarming Americana relief, complete with inhabitants that wear colorful cardigans, knee socks and a rainbow of Hunter rain boots. Yet, the movie ignores character development by disregarding the depth and thoughtfulness of the source material. Read the rest of the review on KCActive.com.

Faust (1926)

An archangel and Mephisto make a wager over the fidelity of prayerful alchemist Faust. Despite what it claims in the end, on-high loses big-time when Mephisto gives up offering noble causes and brings youth and pretty women to the dirty old perv. Chalk one up to Satan and to F.W. Murnau for effects more astounding and beautiful than any modern CGI.

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2009)

Instead of a love story, the relationship between Chanel and Stravinsky is a battle of wills. Stravinsky puts down wealthy, wildly successful Chanel by calling her a “shopkeeper.” Strict, disciplined Chanel notes that Katarina “corrects” Stravinsky's work. Neither allows their expressions to reveal emotion or vulnerability. My review on KCActive.com.

Cyrus (2010)


Cyrus is a dark and unflinching look at modern family and the non-traditional third wheel. Writer/director brother team Jay and Mark Duplass have distilled the most awkward social moments and infused them with intelligent comedy and heart. Read my review on KCActive.com.

Ace in the Hole (1951)

Scheister journalist exploits a man stuck in a cave to leverage a better salary at a larger newspaper. Billy Wilder exposes the lengths the media may go to sensationalize a story.

Claire Dolan (1998)

Stark high-priced call girl meets troubled cabbie and decides to have a baby. Too many questionable symbols and too little pathos.

The Hole (2001)

A he-said-she-said mystery that uncovers an obsessive teen crush that leads to horror. Although the ending is a bit far-fetched, at least it's unexpected.

Micmacs (2009)


Disguised as cartoonish humanitarianism, Micmacs reveals a confused, mean-spirited meddling in affairs far out of its reach. Read my review here.

Scoop (2006)

Amateur sleuthing leads Woody Allen and lush muse Scarlet Johansson into the upper echelons of British society. The flipside to Match Point, released a year earlier, this film is as charming and funny as that one was dark and disturbing. The notorious writer/director has hit his stride in London and is perhaps better than ever.

Nuts in May (1976)

Differing personalities clash at a Dorset campground in Mike Leigh's endearing and funny film. Pitch-perfect performances highlight the subtle subtext that rises to full-blown crisis.

Pretty Persuasion (2005)

Not nearly dark or clever enough to carry off its tale of a 15-year old's orchestration of revenge. Better to rent 1995's To Die For for sheer ambition and 1999's Jawbreaker for pure delightful spite.

Mother and Child (2009)


The film's candid portrayals of longing and loneliness earn its heartfelt finish. My review on KCActive.com.