Movie Reviews

Films in review – “The Monuments Men” & “That Awkward Moment”

Actually, they could switch titles.  “That Awkward Moment” is supposed to be one of those guy gross-out comedies disguised as a rom-com. ..

Film in review – “Labor Day”

Adele (Kate Winslet) is one of those emotionally wounded single moms who’s clinging to her only child, a pre-pubescent boy named Henry..

Film in review – “Gloria”

It’s not easy being an empty-nester divorcee when there’s no “significant other.”  You can just go to work, then go home to..

Film in review – “The Legend of Hercules”

Yes, this one just as cheesy as you would expect it to be, in the proud tradition of Steve Reeves as Hercules. ..

Film in review – “Ride Along”

You know, there aren’t many active comedy teams in the movies any more, though we could all probably name several from times..

Film in review – “Narco Cultura”

This is a documentary about the encroachment of the “narcotics culture” and the way it has pervaded not only all of Mexico,..

Roundtable interview with Ronald Krauss & Kathy Difore, director of “Gimme Shelter” & “real-life” homeless shelter owner

  Dallas, Texas, January 9, 2014 Ronald P. Salfen for “The Presbyterian Outlook”     Presbyterian Outlook (to Kathy Difore):  I have..

Film in review – “Gimme Shelter”

First, a couple of complaints.  (Well, after all, I am a critic.)  Great title to this film.  So why not get the..

Roundtable interview with Vanessa Hudgens, star of “Gimme Shelter”

                       Dallas, Texas, January 9, 2014 Ronald P. Salfen for “The Presbyterian..

Film in review – “Lone Survivor”

This is a high-impact, emotionally charged film that will have you waving the American flag in one hand and wielding a hanky..

Film in review – “The Invisible Woman”

Though the title would imply that this film is about Charles Dickens’ long-rumored lover, Ellen Turnan, “Nellie” (Felicity Jones) isn’t actually the..

Films in review – “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” & “August: Osage County”

They both owe their origins to previous literature.  “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was a short story written by James Thurber..

Film in review – “Her”

Isn’t it true that we all project upon our loved one their idealized version?  And was part of whom we fell in..

Film in review – “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”

Viktor Cherevin: You Americans like to think you are direct.  Perhaps you're just rude. Jack Ryan:  You Russians like to think you..

Film in review – “The Wolf of Wall Street”

“Jesus said to them, “Take care!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in..

Film in review – “American Hustle”

This movie is like “The Sting,” where you find yourself rooting for the con-artists.  Except we’re not nearly as courtly in demeanor..

Film in review – “Saving Mr. Banks”

Film in review – “Inside Llewyn Davis”

“Fare thee well my own true love And farewell for a while. I’m going away, but I’ll be back If I go..

Film in review – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”

Film in review – “Night Train To Lisbon”

Raimund Gregorius (Jeremy Irons) is an aging schoolteacher living by himself in a small apartment in Bern, Switzerland.  He gets up in..

Film in review – “Philomena”

Film in review – “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

  The first criticism is that this is the second in a trilogy, and it really does not stand alone.  Without having..

Behind the scenes: “The Book Thief” Q & A

Click here to read the Outlook film review of “The Book Thief”   Q & A with Brian Percival (director), Markus Zusak..

Film in review – “The Book Thief”

Not many films begin with a voiceover narration by the voice of Death (Roger Allam).  It was the 1930s, in Germany, and..

Film in review – “Thor: The Dark World”

Yes, Hollywood has fallen completely in love with its impressive capacity to present to us stunning images on the screen, using the..