Category: Reviews

‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ checks out. It’s a light, gratifying 19th-century rom-com.

Jeff Mitchell

“Mr. Malcolm’s List” (2022) – It’s 2022, and dating isn’t easy. Millions of single men and women subscribe to dating apps, type their bios in 500 words or less, choose photos, and then attempt to sort through the madness of endless profiles, looking for a date, relationship, or permanent partner.  Hey, this modern-day courtship process sounds convenient.  A godsend.  Not exactly. Everyone throwing their hat into this smartphone or laptop pursuit is presented with the same infinite choices of potential connections.  After a while, the search through the electronic memoirs…

‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ doesn’t ascend to greatness

Jeff Mitchell

“Minions: The Rise of Gru” (2022) – The 1970s were groovy.  Disco, bell bottoms, Gloria Steinem, The Eagles, and “Star Wars”! However, the “Me Decade” also had the OPEC Crisis, sunken living rooms, and Love Canal. For better or worse, the 1970s happened, and this unique transition between the turbulent 60s and the Reagan years has its cheerleaders and detractors.    Illumination (the studio that brought the world four Minions movies) grabbed pom-poms, a megaphone, and practiced acrobat routines to embrace 1976, the setting for a big-screen adventure with Gru…

You’ll feel “all shook up,” but ‘Elvis’ could have used “a little less conversation.” Maybe a lot less.

Jeff Mitchell

“Elvis” (2022) – Elvis Aaron Presley.  The King of Rock and Roll. He shook his hips and “rattled and rolled” to Earth-shattering success in the 1950s.  He coped with some career dips, but The King “couldn’t help falling in love” with new triumphs – beginning in 1969 – in Las Vegas.  He sold millions of records and inspired worldwide audiences, and his towering, legendary mark remains Herculean, even 45 years after his death, Aug. 16, 1977 at just 42.  Fearless filmmaker Baz Luhrmann – who embraces bold, boisterous projects like…