The Cave, like fellow Oscar-nominated documentary, For Sama, is centered on Syrians trying to survive in a war zone. While this one is not autobiographical, it is still impactful, emotional, and harrowing.
Review: Harriet (2019)
We have waited a long time for a full-length film biopic on Harriet Tubman to be released, and unfortunately, we may have to wait a little bit longer for a great one. This film, simply titled Harriet (which is fine) and directed by Kasi Lemmons, shows Harriet from the beginnings of her freedom from slavery (including a brief glimpse into her plantation life) through her amazing work on the Underground Railroad.
Review: The Lion King (2019)
I had put off seeing this new version — is it really a remake? — of The Lion King, as I didn’t want to have to compare it to the original, which was one of the first movies I saw in the theater. I have long loved the animated film, and due to mediocre (at best) reviews of Jon Favreau’s 2019 version, I was reluctant.
Review: Maleficient: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Honestly, this film — the sequel to Maleficent, which I actually enjoyed — was hardly on my radar. When I saw the trailer, I was surprised that there was a sequel, but also semi-interested in seeing legends Angelina Jolie and Michele Pfeiffer go toe to toe.
Review: Pain and Glory (2019)
Pain and Glory, Pedro Almodovar’s latest, is a sort of autobiographical work — with Antonio Banderas as his cinematic replacement/equivalent. Banderas plays Salvador, a retired, esteemed Spanish director who suffers from numerous aches and pains, both physically and emotionally.
Review: Richard Jewell (2019)
Clint Eastwood’s latest, the biopic Richard Jewell, is a powerful, must-see film that explores what it means to be a hero. Real-life heroes don’t wear capes, and usually they don’t look like movie stars.
Review: For Sama (2019)
For Sama is a tremendous achievement. Filmed and directed by journalist Waad al-Kateab, this powerful, haunting, and real documentary is an intimate look at the female experience of War — in particular, a young mother’s experience in the former bustling town of Aleppo.
Review: American Factory (2019)
The first film released by Michelle and Barack Obama’s new production, American Factory, is well worth watching. I knew next to nothing about this story, which centers on a car glass-making factory that opens up in Ohio, a few years after the GM was shut down — putting many people out of work.