Author: Jeff Mitchell

‘Hostiles’ is a purposely grim, well-acted but incomplete western

Jeff Mitchell

“Hostiles” – “He’s a butcher.” – Capt. Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale) “Then the two of you should get along just fine.” – Jeremiah Wilks (Bill Camp) For decades, Capt. Joseph J. Blocker (Bale) has lived his adult life immersed in violence via his chosen profession in the U.S. Calvary.   After spending a career hunting down and killing Native Americans, he has become hardened and emotionally inhibited – something less than human, without a hint of light or angelic joy – after causing and witnessing so much death. His commanding…

The Bellas are fun, but ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ hits many sour notes

Jeff Mitchell

“Pitch Perfect 3” – “Three Is a Magic Number” – Bob Dorough, “Schoolhouse Rock!” The Barden University Bellas, or better known as the Barden Bellas, hope that three is their magic number in 2017, as these a cappella ladies – led by Beca (Anna Kendrick) and Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) – arrive in theatres in “Pitch Perfect 3”. Their initial leap on the big screen in 2012 was a critical and box office hit, and the 2015 follow-up admittedly meandered, but packed enough jokes and even some Green Bay Packers…

‘The Shape of Water’ and ‘Three Billboards’ share the Phoenix Critics Circle’s Best Picture award

Jeff Mitchell

On Dec. 15, the Phoenix Critics Circle, along with their friends and spouses, enjoyed a festive evening at the Phoenix Film Foundation office and announced its winners for the best films, performances and technical categories of 2017. Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” and Martin McDonagh’s “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” both took the top prize for Best Picture  – via a tie – during an evening of two other ties as well.   “Three Billboards” was the big winner with four wins, closely followed by Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”…