Film Review: Denzel Washington memorable in ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’
And don’t forget the classic soundtrack ranging from Duke Ellington and Pharoah Sanders to George Clinton Jr. and Marvin Gaye.
Film Reviews
Film reviews covering indie, arthouse, and mainstream cinema.
Film Review: ‘Victoria and Abdul’ makes point without bashing viewer over the head
Stephen Frears’ latest film, Victoria and Abdul, is a sequel of sorts to John Madden’s Mrs. Brown from 1997. Both films feature the incomparable Judi…
Film Review: ‘The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue’
The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue is directed by Yuya Ishii, who also directed Sawako Decides in 2010. This latest…
‘Step’ will restore your faith in the human spirit
Uplifting film documents girls' high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore.
‘Kidnap’ Film Review: Halle Berry is relentless in pursuit of her goal
Halle Berry’s latest film causes us to see her in a new light, perhaps in keeping with this summer’s other action films – a woman…
Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Beguiled’ complex, haunting, impressive (Review)
Sofia Coppola received the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film version of The Beguiled, adapted from a 1966 southern gothic…
Film Review: ‘Mali Blues’ a standout documentary
Director Lutz Gregor's film was a special highlight at the Mendocino Film Festival.
Film Review: An entertaining ‘King Arthur’ (Legend of the Sword)
Guy Ritchie’s ‘King Arthur’ (Legend of the Sword) opens today. Film critic Jeanne Powell has a first look review for Stark Insider. The new Warner…
‘The Long Excuse’ and the refusal to acknowledge loss (Film Review)
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…
SFFILM: ‘The Wedding Ring’ a welcome and joyous remembrance (Review)
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…