Author: Jeff Mitchell

‘The Menu’ is a smorgasbord of surprises

Jeff Mitchell

“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

Jeff Mitchell

“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…

‘Aftersun’: Don’t miss this trip

Jeff Mitchell

“Aftersun” (2022) – Summer vacations are (mostly) pleasing breaks from the daily grinds of school, work, and everyday life.  Years later, many of us tend to look back on those escapes with fond recollections of amusement park rides, snow cones, unfamiliar hotel lobbies, and ocean, lake, or swimming pool plunges.  Perhaps the best moments are when our parents let their guards down and allow their inner child-flags to fly.  Good times. On the other hand, these getaways aren’t all smiles, rainbows, and lollipops.  Conflict and mishaps can arise – out…