Chuck Koplinski

Movies are about moments – big moments that erase our cynicism about cinema and remind us of its capacity to dazzle as well as touch us. This happens in a way only possible with a medium that seamlessly combines so many other art forms. These are instances that prompt us to consider things in a […]

Complex Juror an intriguing morality tale Clint Eastwood is on firm ground with his latest fim, Juror #2, a film that requires a huge leap of faith, but once it’s established, the drama that plays out is on par with its most obvious antecedent, 12 Angry Men. Nicholas Hoult takes on the titular role as […]

Jolie’s powerhouse performance allows Maria to sing A bracing reminder of the power she brings to the screen, Angelina Jolie delivers a deeply moving performance in Pablo Larrain’s Maria, the director’s third biopic focused on a significant female figure of the 20th century. Much like Jackie and Spencer, this feature examines the withering effects of being […]

Emilia Perez: A fierce, distinctive vision of independence A vital, vibrant piece of cinema, Jacques Audard’s Emilia Perez is a gleeful mashup of a variety of genres that, much like its titular character, creates its own proud identity. And while the title refers to a single character, three women drive the story, each blazing their […]

Murphy devastating in year’s best Small Things Though is seems more pressing now than usual, the question regarding adhering to one’s personal principles in the face of differing societal beliefs and institutional oppression has always been with us. Right or wrong, each of us will eventually be faced with the choice of mindlessly going with […]

Emotionally, Here never gets there As an art installation, Robert Zemeckis’ Here might have worked. As a movie, it’s a noble failure. From the prehistoric era to modern day, the film touches upon various stories that occur over this period, all of them taking place in the same spot, which would eventually become a spot […]

Pugh, Garfield overcome Live’s gimmick It’s fortunate director John Crowley has Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in his new film We Live in Time. Though its story goes down a well-worn path, we’re invested in the outcome thanks to the genuine, poignant work the duo delivers. Their ability to bring forth intimate details about their […]

Keaton, cast excel in moving Goodrich In Goodrich, Michael Keaton gives a standout performance as a man finding hope, when reason tells him there is none. A California gallery owner, Goodrich’s wake-up call comes when he gets a phone call from his wife (Laura Benanti), telling him she’s checked into a 90-day rehab center, and […]

Apprentice: A portrayal of narcissism run amok Donald Trump and his advisers have made it very clear they would sue any film company that would have the temerity to distribute Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice. Credit Briarcliff Entertainment for taking a flyer on the film, which is taking advantage of some fortuitous timing, releasing it only […]