Chuck Koplinski

In adapting Jordan Harper’s novel, She Rides Shotgun, a couple of happy accidents took place during its prolonged production. A change of locale and the discovery of a brilliant young actress helped transform this story of urban crime into something more meaningful and poignant. Charting the cross-country journey of recently paroled convict Nathan Mcclusky (Taron […]

Together a graphic look at love and dependency Curiously paced and at times a bit overt, Michael Shanks’ Together ultimately overcomes these faults to deliver an entertaining, albeit disturbing examination of co-dependency. Intimate in setting and scope, the couple at the center of this ever-devolving relationship enact a relatable situation for married viewers who find […]

Shakman and cast finally do Four justice One of the more vexing things for fans of Marvel Comics is the inability to successfully translate the initial property of the four-color universe to the big screen. Hitting newsstands during the fall of 1961, The Fantastic Four was the first superhero-based comic created by Stan Lee and Jack […]

Aster’s Eddington provides an uncomfortable reflection The first film to take a deep dive into how the Covid-19 crisis affected the U.S., Ari Aster’s Eddington is an uncompromising examination of the divisions that tore communities apart and its continuing repercussions. Though a piece of fiction, Aster and his cast capture the sense of angst that […]

On the basis of his films Hereditary and Midsommer, it would be tempting to pigeonhole Ari Aster as a director of horror films. However, his third movie, Beau is Afraid, was an indication that his primary focus is human behavior, which is at times more inexplicable and terrifying than anything that might go bump in […]

There’s a great deal riding on James Gunn’s Superman. Not only is this the initial entry of what promises to be a revitalized, expansive cinematic universe featuring the DC Comics’ characters, but it is also an opportunity to remind people what the Man of Steel represents. Gunn has stated the timing couldn’t be better for […]

Rebirth may be familiar, but it still has bite Do we need another Jurassic Park movie? I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’d reply in the affirmative to that question, other than the executives at Universal Pictures. While the studio has had their share of misses at the box office over the last year, […]

Pitt drives F1 into winner’s circle The very definition of a star vehicle, Joseph Kosinski’s FI features Brad Pitt, really fast cars, Brad Pitt, international locations, Brad Pitt, a pedestrian plot, Brad Pitt, dynamic filmmaking, Brad Pitt and a sleek visual approach. Brad Pitt is in it as well. With a budget north of $250 million, […]

Elio eventually finds its footing Much like its titular character, Pixar’s Elio gradually wins you over. Directed by Adrian Molina and Domee Shi, the film gets off to an awkward start, clumsily executing the all-too-familiar plot points found in these coming-of-age stories. And, while I shouldn’t say this, the kid is less than engaging. Yet, as […]

Anderson’s Scheme on firm footing When the films of Wes Anderson are discussed, his distinct, meticulously rendered, symmetrical stylings are often front of mind. As such, the thematic thread that runs through his work is often overlooked. Invariably, the focal point of his stories concerns a character intent on reinventing himself, either in an effort […]

De Armas in over her head in Ballerina If there was ever a scene-stealing moment, it occurred when Ana de Armas made a brief appearance in the 2021 James Bond adventure, No Time to Die. As Paloma, she claims to be a fresh-faced spy with only minimal training. This proves to be a modest assertion […]

Unflinching Back pushes viewer to the limit The Philippou Brothers’ Bring Her Back is likely to be a divisive film, primarily because it’s so well-made. Like their impressive 2022 debut, Talk to Me, it pulls no punches where its violent content is concerned, yet what makes it resonate is its emotional pull. A bracing examination of […]