Author: Jeff Mitchell

10 Quirky Comedies: ‘The Great Buck Howard’

Jeff Mitchell

Halloween is in our rear-view mirror, and November is here!  That means the holidays are almost upon us, and while we are busy with year-end work schedules, planning Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixins and buying presents for December festivities, we could also use a good laugh! Art House Film Wire has you covered.  Over the next 10 workdays, we’ll feature 10 quirky comedies and each one is just about guaranteed to bring you a smile during a most stressful month.   Ready, set…let’s get started! “The Great Buck Howard” (2008)…

At first pass, ‘Suspiria’ is a gorgeous work of art and a confusing mess

Jeff Mitchell

“Suspiria” – Dario Argento’s “Suspiria” (1977) is a divisive, arthouse horror film that plays long on style, sound and shimmering imagery of neon pinks and greens, but short of scares.  Inside this Munich dance studio, mysteries rule the nest of long hallways, staircases and dark secrets in hidden rooms.  Not entirely palatable, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that deserves accolades for its unique presentation. Director Luca Guadagnino (“I Am Love” (2009), “Call Me by Your Name” (2017)) took on the Herculean task of heading a “Suspiria” remake in 2018 and succeeds…

‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ is not as fun as it looks

Jeff Mitchell

“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” – Santa Claus at the nearest shopping mall, big-box store sales, holiday music, and television broadcasts of “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) and “A Christmas Story” (1983). These are sure things that one can expect at Christmastime each year, and add ballet productions of “The Nutcracker” to this exclusive holiday list.  In fact, Phoenix’s Symphony Hall will host “The Nutcracker” performances beginning on Dec. 13. Get your tickets! On Nov. 2, one can also purchase movie tickets to “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”,…