Tag: Movie

Schrader and Hawke form a dark, absorbing partnership in ‘First Reformed’

Jeff Mitchell

“First Reformed” – Rev. Toller (Ethan Hawke) isn’t well. He’s hurting both mentally and physically. At 46, he feels lost.  To cope, he drinks.  He drinks too much. Thankfully, he is working.  Reverend Kyles (Cedric the Entertainer) secured him a job at the First Reformed Church.  A small, tourist place of worship, which is known more for its history rather than its present.  The pews remain mostly empty during Rev. Toller’s Sunday sermons, save a handful of followers, but First Reformed was built in 1767, and it is about to…

Indifference is the one word to describe ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

Jeff Mitchell

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” – The Star Wars universe obviously centers around the Skywalker family, and during Episodes IV through VI, Luke was anointed the main protagonist.   His personal Shakespearean journey is the largest thread in the original films’ tapestry, and millions and millions – and perhaps, billions – of kids welded PVC pipes, wooden sticks and purchased plastic lightsabers to emulate Luke Skywalker. On the other hand, if one took an informal poll of Star Wars fans, more boys, young men and grown men would probably want to…

Celebrate John C. Reilly’s May 24th birthday with a triple-feature

Jeff Mitchell

It is hard to believe, but John C. Reilly has been tearing up the silver screen in memorable lead and supporting roles for almost 30 years, and he turns 53 on May 24! Happy Birthday, Mr. Reilly! Perhaps it is just this critic, but this talented character actor with a blessed gift of comedic timing always seems to elevate the big screen air whenever he enters the frame. Reilly’s impressive list of films is longer than a Friday afternoon traffic jam on Interstate 405, as  “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993),…