Film Reviews Archives

Film Reviews

‘The Long Excuse’ and the refusal to acknowledge loss (Film Review)

BY JEANNE POWELL — 04.25.2017

Stark Insider indie film review: The Long Excuse which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Writer-director Miwa Nishikawa’s thoughtfully woven film is…

A scene from Rahmatou Keïta's THE WEDDING RING, playing at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival, April 5 - April 19, 2017.

Film Reviews

SFFILM: ‘The Wedding Ring’ a welcome and joyous remembrance (Review)

BY JEANNE POWELL — 04.17.2017

Stark Insider indie film review: The Wedding Ring (original title: (HAWSA) ZIN’NAARIYÂ!) which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Director Rahmatou Keïta has…

Tara Lee and Seána Kerslake in Darren Thornton's A DATE FOR MAD MARY, playing at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival, April 5 - April 19, 2017.

Film Reviews

Strong directing and Seana Kerslake win us over in ‘A Date for Mad Mary’ at San Francisco Film Festival

BY JEANNE POWELL — 04.17.2017

Stark Insider indie film review: A Date for Mad Mary which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Director Darren Thornton’s 2016 comedy…

Culture

‘The Comedian’ Film Review: De Niro leads all-star cast with convincing performance

BY JEANNE POWELL — 01.31.2017

Director Taylor Hackford has been creating critically acclaimed films for decades, and The Comedian is no exception. Starring Robert De Niro, Edie Falco, Patti LuPone and…

Film Reviews

‘The Eagle Huntress’ a captivating, radiant documentary about perseverance

BY JEANNE POWELL — 11.11.2016

What would it be like if your daughter or younger sister – or you – could reach for the stars with parental support? There would…

Film Reviews

‘Loving’ a forgotten but vitally important part of American history (Film Review)

BY JEANNE POWELL — 11.04.2016

Loving is director Jeff Nichols’ most acclaimed film yet and the one most likely to win Academy awards. It has been featured in film festivals…

Culture

The Neon Demon a surreal perfume commercial with blood, electronica, geometry (Review)

BY CLINTON STARK — 09.08.2016

Smash or trash? Nicolas Winding Refn probably doesn’t care which you choose. My guess is the Danish director is content with you just having the very…

Film Reviews

Haunting “Neither Heaven Nor Earth” not to be missed

BY JEANNE POWELL — 08.05.2016

While on a mission in Afghanistan, a French captain's men begin to disappear. Clément Cogitore's war mystery features a thoughtful script, and brilliant performance by…

Culture

Minimalist ‘Taste of Cherry’ a fascinating life and death journey (Film Review)

BY CLINTON STARK — 08.01.2016

Mr. Badii drives randomly across the Tehran countryside looking for someone — anyone — who would do him one simple job. And pay well it will.…

Film Reviews

Zero Days: There are no rules of engagement for cyber weapons

BY JEANNE POWELL — 07.09.2016

As you watch Alex Gibney's latest documentary, prepare to be transported, just as you were with 'Inside Job' narrated by Matt Damon in 2010.