Author: Steven Blackman
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Movie Review – Anora
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What is this amazing film? Drumroll, please! The film is called “Anora” after the protagonist, who is a 23-year-old woman (of Russian descent) who is living and working as an exotic dancer in New York City. The opening plot is a simple one. Anora, or “Ani” as she prefers, meets Vanya, a younger Russian national…
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Movie Review-Saturday Night
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Full disclosure, as a lifelong fan of the widely-acclaimed television show, “Saturday Night Live” (now SNL), I was truly looking forward to enjoying this film. My “fandom” dates back to the 1970’s when very few shows, such as “All in the Family” were trying to take a more progressive tack vs. some of the same…
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Movie Review – Strange Darling
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Because of the high critical acclaim (96% Rotten Tomatoes), I approached this Indie film filled with high expectations; and for the most part, it did not disappoint. Strange Darling is about a supposed serial killer who went on a killing spree in the western part of the United States between 2018-2020. It is a horror/thriller…
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Movie Review – Kinds of Kindness
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Make no mistake, this movie is not for the squeamish or meant for most audiences. It is a surreal, dark comedy which might be best categorized in the psychological horror genre. It runs the gamut as to what might disturb the movie-goer including murder, suicide, sexual assault, animal cruelty, cannibalism, etc. As such, movie fans…
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Movie Review – The American Society of Magical Negroes
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“Welcome to the American Society of Magical Negroes!” is said to Aren (Justice Smith) as his world has now completely shifted from the mundane to now possessing magical powers, a la “Men in Black”. (In fact, both films use “erasing your memory” as the ultimate punishment when banished from their respective societies). Anyway, Aren now…
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Movie Review – Maestro
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“I love music so much that it keeps me glued to life,” Leonard Bernstein (Lenny), world-renowned composer, asserts emphatically. This film pays homage to his life, but equally, highlights the blemishes, foibles, and struggles which were inherent in it. I will try to keep this review essentially “spoiler-free” such that you can appreciate the movie…
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Movie Review – American Fiction
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To be sure, this movie is daring and provocative. Done poorly, the film had the potential of being a box office bust. However, this is a directorial masterpiece by Cord Jefferson which is bolstered by acting performances that could bring any screenplay to life. The movie is an adaptation of Everett’s novel, “Erasure” (2001) and…
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Movie Review – Poor Things
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“Are we really just barbarians?”, a character whimsically asks of her friends in the film. This movie is a deeper, philosophical look at the human condition, nature vs. nurture, love, eroticism, and the impact of economic stratification. It is rare that I am truly “hooked” in the first three minutes of a film, but indeed…
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Movie Review – Dream Scenario
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Don’t be fooled by the early trailer for this movie! I was under the impression that it would be more “tame” and “light-hearted” than it is. Make no mistake, while the film has its laughs, it is indeed a dark comedy. As the title suggests, this is truly an “escapist” movie such that it transports…
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Movie Review – Dicks: The Musical
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Wow, OK, here goes nothing in writing my very first movie review for RunPee App fans. It is indeed an honor that the review could, by pure happenstance, be this movie. In the words of one of the creators, “They don’t make movies like this anymore.” I wholeheartedly agree! So, to point out that the…
