‘The Inspection’: Bratton’s personal movie is worth a careful look

“The Inspection” (2022) – “Many people think of perfectionism as striving to be your best, but it is not about self-improvement; it’s about earning approval and acceptance.” – Brene Brown Yearning for acceptance might be a universal trait.  You could argue that counter-culture types buck this prevalent trend by “defining themselves in opposition to the mainstream.”   However, individuals living outside convention also covet their like-minded, eccentric soulmates, so seeking out recognition – for public or personal audiences – seems like a unanimous feature of the human spirit.  Ellis French (Jeremy…

‘The Menu’ is a smorgasbord of surprises

“The Menu” (2022) – “Welcome to Hawthorne.  It will be our pleasure to feed you.” – Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) What a welcoming invitation!  Let’s eat! Not so fast.  Julian Slowik – who only wishes to be called, Chef – runs a restaurant, an exclusive eatery.  Hawthorne is located on an island, but no problem.  A boat will shuttle you ashore. What’s the total price tag for the trip, meal, experience, and overall ambiance? Just $1,250 per person. By charging such an expensive rate, Chef doesn’t want you to…

‘She Said’ effectively tells a troubling story and historic journalistic event

“She Said” (2022) – Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor. These women might not be household names for many folks (including this critic), but director Maria Schrader’s historical drama might change all that.  The German filmmaker (“I’m Your Man” (2021)), British thespian Carey Mulligan, and American actress Zoe Kazan recreate Twohey and Kantor’s heroic efforts in writing their explosive Oct. 5, 2017 The New York Times article, “Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades”, a piece that kicked off the viral, worldwide #MeToo Movement.  (If you aren’t familiar with…