
Nowhere to Run or Hide in ‘Before I’m Dead’
The aftermath of a mass shooting is the timely and chilling context to this psychological thriller. There is also the film’s setting —...

'Touch' explores two strangers in their own land
A unique, carefully crafted film that blends exotic locale, forbidden romance and thriller, “Touch” is an accomplished feature from...

“Paint”: Portrait of the artists as young neurotics
The three young artists at the center of the dark comedy “Paint” are alternately sympathetic, self indulgent and insufferable. That seems...

Veterans at center of gritty, powerful ‘This is Not a War Story’
In one of many powerful moments in “This is Not a War Story,” Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Will (Sam Adegoke) dismisses much-heralded...

Stylish neo-noir lacks substance
Director Carlos Boellinger’s futuristic thriller “Clay’s Redemption” is long on atmosphere but short on story. At just 76 minutes, the...

Gritty ‘Crossroads’ signals rising young talent
Director Gabrielle Muller’s Midwest-set drama “Crossroads of America” centers on a fragmented family in the aftermath of trauma. It’s a...

‘Donna’ is son’s valentine to his determined mom
What a powerful tribute to maternal love and strength that young actor/filmmaker Jaret Martino has created with “Donna: Stronger than...

‘Minor Premise’ is a taut sci-fi thriller
It’s no small accomplishment to fashion a taut thriller with a complex science experiment as its central plot point. But Eric Schultz’s...

‘The Ringmaster’ is an irresistible cautionary tale
“The Ringmaster” is an engaging documentary about moviemaking. It follows nascent filmmaker Zachary Capp’s obsession with a subject so...

Small Film, Big Heart
This modest, earnest film is about the power of faith and how those struggling may find it in unlikely places. In the case of Tommy...

Fresh ‘Flytrap’ Puts Clever Twist on Sci-Fi Thriller
A taut psychological thriller with a droll sense of humor, “Flytrap” works on several levels. Shot in the claustrophobic confines of a...

‘Effigy – Poison And The City’: Macabre Crimes, Handsome Film
Udo Flohr’s period drama, “Effigy – Poison And The City” dramatizes the bizarre true crime story of Gesche Gottfried (Suzan Anbeh) who...

‘IRL’ is a Layered Tale of Modern Romance
For the uninitiated, “IRL” is text-speak for “in real life.” The film, with an often fearless mix of boldness and intimacy, offers a very...

Fascinating ‘Chasing Einstein’ not just for science buffs
The challenges of the present time may make it the perfect one to remind us of the infinite mysteries of the universe. “Chasing...

Short Film is Long On Love For High Heels
Mixing fashion and cultural history, the short documentary “High On Heels” is a brief but entertaining look at one of the most iconic of...

You’re Sure to Fall in Love with This Cape Cod
The Cape Cod of “Give or Take” isn’t the typical sand dunes and salty air. Shot in Orleans, it’s a Cape Cod that will be familiar to...

Art is Life and Life is Art: ‘Man in Camo’ is a lively look at Ethan Minsker
For those not familiar with artist, writer and filmmaker Ethan Minsker — and unless you’re plugged into the New York underground art...

‘The Mentor’ gets mired in its big ideas
Pretentious filmmaker-wanna-bes, the kind who quote Werner Herzog and reference John Ford, are insufferable and ripe for skewering. The...

‘Unprescribed’ an impassioned plea for medical marijuana
Numerous veterans battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other war-related afflictions have found relief from their mental...
Loren King
Journalist and Film Critic
