Tag: Movie

‘Birds of Prey’ might have you praying for a better movie

Jeff Mitchell

“Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey” – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) is a badass broad.  Don’t take this critic’s word for it.  She gave herself that moniker in “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey”, and why not.  She earned a PhD.  She plays roller derby.  She swings a baseball bat when trouble is afoot.  She loves greasy egg sandwiches with a hearty slice of cheese, and she’s Joker’s girlfriend. Well, she was Joker’s girlfriend.  Sometime after Harley Quinn’s previous big screen performance in the dreadful “Suicide Squad” (2016) – where she and…

‘The Assistant’ clearly documents empathy without empowerment

Jeff Mitchell

“The Assistant” –  “Empowerment through empathy.” – Tarana Burke “Tumble out of bed, and I stumble to the kitchen.  Pour myself a cup of ambition and yawn and stretch and try to come to life.   Jump in the shower, and the blood starts pumping.  Out on the street, the traffic starts jumping with folks like me on the job from 9 to 5.” – “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton Jane (Julia Garner) works for a movie production company in New York City.  She’s an entry-level assistant to the top…

Celebrate Chocolate Cake Day with ‘Kings of Pastry’

Jeff Mitchell

Who doesn’t like chocolate cake?  Well, those with allergies, perhaps and those who don’t like chocolate.  Then again, who doesn’t like chocolate? Anyway, Jan. 27 is none other than Chocolate Cake Day, and Art House Film Wire recommends to hit up your local bakery, pick out a humongous slice of chocolate cake, bring it home, and dive into the sugary, buttery goodness while digesting the apropos documentary “Kings of Pastry” (2009). This terrific behind the scenes doc pits several world class bakers and their push to win the coveted Meilleur…