January 15, 2021 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “One Night in Miami” (R), “Outside the Wire” (R), “MLK/FBI” (Not rated), “The Marksman” (R)

On the night the Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston for the heavyweight boxing crown in 1964, he met up with NFL running back Jim Brown, pop music superstar Sam Cooke and civil rights activist Malcom X. The film “One Night in Miami” is a fictionalized account of that event. Kingsley Ben-Adire, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge and Leslie Odom, Jr. are all solid in this absorbing movie that marks an impressive directorial debut for Oscar-winning actress, Regina King. It’s a thought-provoking speculation about the cultural, spiritual and political issues that the African American community was struggling with. “One Night in Miami” is entertaining and timely.

“Outside the Wire” is an action-packed sci-fi thriller set in the near future that is nearly undone by some preposterous plot holes. Anthony Mackie plays a cyborg soldier on a mission to stop Ukrainian terrorists from detonating a nuclear device. The movie delivers plenty of violent commotion for action fans, but stumbles with its plot. “Outside the Wire” doesn’t adhere to its own reality, so it’s a frustrating misfire.

It’s been well established that the FBI considered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be an enemy of the state, keeping him under nearly constant surveillance. The documentary “MLK/FBI” tells this ignominious story through a wealth of archival footage and voice-over observations from historians, former FBI agents and civil rights activists. While the film adds nothing new to this story, “MLK/FBI” is a good primer for those who may be unaware of this dark chapter of our history.

Liam Neeson stars in yet another generic action flick. In “The Marksman” he plays an aging Arizona rancher protecting a Mexican boy from a drug cartel. With more plot holes as bullet holes, this marksman misses the target.

January 8, 2021 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Silvie’s Love” (PG-13),”Pieces of a Woman” (R), “Stars Fell on Alabama” (PG-13), “Shadow in the Cloud” (R)

Are you a fan of the sweeping melodramatic Hollywood romances of the 1950s that often show up on Turner Classic Movies? If so, then "Silvie's Love" is right up your alley. Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha star in the story of a rocky romance between a wannabe TV producer and a jazz sax player. “Silvie’s Love” echoes those popular, soapy 50s movies that filmmakers like Douglas Sirk made mainly for a female audience. One significant difference is that writer/director Eugene Ashe and his leads are African American, giving the story a unique perspective. The cast is appealing and the score by Fabrice Lecomte is a big help, too. “Silvie’s Love is beautifully shot, lush and lyrical.

Outstanding performances from Vanessa Kirby, Shia LeBeouf and Ellen Burstyn propel the heartbreaking drama, "Pieces of a Woman," the story of how a traumatic home birth affects the lives of a woman, her partner and her mother. It's admittedly hard to endure but is a distinctive acting showcase that thrusts Kirby into this year’s Oscar race.

“Stars Fell on Alabama” is a low budget indie romcom that follows an overly familiar path. James Maslow plays a Hollywood agent who travels to his hometown for his 15-year high school reunion. He talks one of his clients, a starlet played by Ciara Hanna, to pretend to be his girlfriend in order to impress his old friends. The likable cast can’t quite overcome the script’s glaring cliches.

Chloë Grace Moretz stars in the wacky, over-the-top sci-fi horror film, “Shadow in the Cloud.” During WWII, a mysterious female captain flies boards a B-17 bomber on a rainy New Zealand runway. She carries a classified package. She and the crew battle Japanese fighter planes and something far more bizarre. “Shadow in the Cloud” is zippy, well directed midnight movie fodder.

January 1, 2021 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: Russ’ Top Ten Movies of 2020

As we begin a new year, it’s time to look back at the best movies of 2020. Here’s the cream of the year’s cinematic crop.

10) End of Sentence (Not rated)
John Hawkes and Logan Lerman star in a sweetly sentimental comic drama about the attempted reconciliation of an estranged father and son.

9) Nomadland (R)
Frances McDormand stars in Chloe Chow’s effective low-key drama about homeless seniors who travel from one part-time job to another.

8) The Outpost (R)
“The Outpost” is a gripping and completely immersive account of US troops ambushed in Afghanistan’s Battle of Kamdesh in 2009.

7) News of the World (PG-13)
America’s dad Tom Hanks stars in his first Western. It plays like a combination of “True Grit” and “The Searchers.”

6) Minari (PG-13)
Stephen Yeun stars in the touching and realistic drama “Minari,” the story of a Korean American who attempts to start a small farm in 1980s Arkansas.

5) The Social Dilemma (PG-13)
The important and harrowing documentary "The Social Dilemma" focused a searing spotlight on how in spite of its founders’ good intentions, social media has evolved into a nightmare of misinformation.

4) Soul (PG)
“Soul” is Pixar’s heartfelt and intelligent animated fantasy about finding one's purpose in life.

3) Mank (R)
Gary Oldman stars in the outstanding showbiz drama, “Mank," about alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, the scribe of “Citizen Kane.”

2) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (R)

“The Trial of the Chicago Seven" is Aaron Sorkin’s surprisingly timely courtroom drama concerning the legal troubles of peace activists in1968. The verdict: It’s ‘compelling,’ beyond a reasonable doubt.’

1) Hamilton (PG-13)
“Hamilton” is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s clever, absorbing and inventive hip-hop history lesson about a founding father, perhaps the most unlikely hit musical of all time.

Well, that’s it for this edition of Freeze Frame. Until next time, I’m Russ Simmons with Fox 4 and KKFI-FM.

December 25, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Soul” (PG), “News of the World” (PG-13), “The Midnight Sky” (PG-13), “Promising Young Woman” (R), “Monster Hunter” (PG-13)

The folks at Pixar continue to show their golden touch. “Soul” is a Disney+ feature that again demonstrates that animation can be a powerful way to tell a compelling story that would be difficult for live action. Jamie Fox voices the lead character, a jazz piano player who is accidentally transported to the pre-life realm and winds up helping another person find life’s purpose. “Soul” is heartfelt, funny and intelligent and is one of the year’s best films.

America’s dad, Tom Hanks, delivers again with his first Western, “News of the World.” It’s a post-Civil War story about a man who attempts to deliver a 10-year-old German girl, raised by Kiowa people, back to the family she was kidnapped from. They endure many hardships as they travel across the Texas wilderness. “News of the World” plays like a mix of “True Grit” and “The Searchers,” and I mean that in the best way.

George Clooney gives a strong performance in the post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, “The Midnight Sky.” After a global catastrophe, a scientist tries to warn astronauts on a returning spacecraft to steer clear of Earth. Clooney also directed this moody philosophical thriller that is more than competent, but a bit too unhurried for its own good.

Carrie Mulligan gives a fierce and potent performance in the subversive pitch-black feminist comedy, “Promising Young Woman.” Provoked by a friend’s tragic death, a woman pretends to be drunk at singles bars in order to entrap aggressive men who would take advantage. The plot goes places you probably won’t expect. The title “Promising Young Woman” could also describe first-time filmmaker Emerald Fennell.

“Monster Hunter” is more fantasy action nonsense based on a video game. Milla Jovovich is a soldier transported to an alternate dimension where she battles giant creatures. Somehow, it’s both action packed and boring.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of  intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

December 18, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (R), “Fatale” (R), “Another Round” (Not rated), “The Bee Gees: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart” (Not rated)

The valedictory performance from the late Chadwick Boseman may well earn him an Oscar. He’s dynamic as a troubled trumpet player in the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s acclaimed play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” It tells the tragic story of an ill-fated blues recording session in 1927 and touches on themes of racism, sexism, faith and disparity. Viola Davis is impressive, too, supported by a solid ensemble. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is a challenging drama that hits some resonant notes.

Oscar-winner Hilary Swank stars alongside Michael Ealy in the neo-noir thriller, “Fatale.” A one-night stand with an obsessive woman leads to nothing but trouble for successful entrepreneur. Director Deon Taylor and screenwriter David Loughery mix in a few surprises to the formula to keep viewers off base. The sharp cinematography from award-winner Dante Spinotti is a big help, too. Although it’s overly familiar, “Fatale” provides some welcome chills for fans of the genre.

The Danish dramedy “Another Round” was the big winner at the recent European Film Awards, taking Best Picture, Director and Actor. Mads Mikkelsen stars in Thomas Vinterberg’s story about four high school teachers who agree to test a noted psychiatrist’s theory that maintaining a blood alcohol content of 0.050 results in maximum performance. Naturally, things get very complicated. “Another Round” is a thoughtful exploration of its bizarre hypothesis.

“The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is an informative documentary about the pheromonally successful Australian pop music trio that successfully traversed a number of musical genres. It touches on some of the difficulties and family squabbles the group endured while mostly focusing on the music. You don’t have to be a Bee Gees fan to appreciate the talent and skill that the brothers brought to their music. For fans, it proves their success is more than jive talkin’.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

December 11, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “The Prom” (PG-13), “Let Them All Talk” (R), “Wander Darkly” (R), “I’m Your Woman” (R), “The Stand-In” (R), “Wild Mountain Thyme” (PG-13), “Safety” (PG)

Meryl Streep, James Cordon and Nicole Kidman headline Ryan Murphy’s energetic adaptation of the wacky Broadway musical, “The Prom.” They play narcissistic theater folk who decide to take up the cause of a small-town lesbian teenager for the sake of publicity. It’s overlong and it’s message as subtle as a sledgehammer, but a great cast makes this frantic prom worth attending.

Streep appears once again as a self-absorbed author on an ocean voyage with estranged friends Candice Bergen and Dianne Wiest in Steven Soderberg’s astute comic drama, “Let Them All Talk.” It’s an easy-going tale that unfolds as leisurely as a senior cruise.

Sienna Miller and Diego Luna are excellent in the imaginative and aptly titled, “Wander Darkly,” the tale of a woman in a state of confusion after suffering head trauma in a car wreck. It takes viewers to intriguing, unexpected places.

Rachel Brosnahan gives a sharp performance in the ‘70s era crime drama, “I’m Your Woman.” She plays a naïve twenty-something who goes into hiding with her adopted son when her gangster husband goes missing. It’s an involving and disturbing thriller.

Drew Barrymore plays dual roles as a petulant movie star and her manipulative stand-in who attempts to take over the star’s career…in the raunchy comedy, “The Stand-In.” Drew is appealing, but the jokes in this showbiz farce miss more often than they hit.

There’s an excessive amount of blarney in John Patrick Shanley’s rural Irish romance, “Wild Mountain Thyme.” Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan are appealing as the emotionally conflicted leads, but the movie’s attempts at homespun charm seem strained.

“Safety” is an inspirational Disney+ sports drama based on the true story of Ray Ray McElrathbey, a Clemson football player who hid is little brother in his dorm while their mom battled addiction. “Safety” is sweet and utterly predictable.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

December 4, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Godmothered” (PG), “Black Bear” (R), “Wander” (R), “76 Days” (NR)

Disney plays around with its own fairytale tropes with the lighthearted comic fantasy, “Godmothered.” Jillian Bell plays a fairy godmother-in-training who is called upon to save the motherland by granting the wish of a jaded TV journalist, played by Isla Fisher. Bell is perfectly cast as the bungling but good-hearted fairy. While this Disney+ offering never quite achieves its comic potential, “Godmothered” is a warm and entertaining lark.

Aubrey Plaza shows impressive dramatic acting chops in the raw and scathing behind-the-scenes drama, “Black Bear.” Plaza plays an emotionally fragile actress who is manipulated and gaslighted by her director/boyfriend in order to achieve a believable performance in a low budget indie film. It’s a very smart and intriguing movie, but “Black Bear” nearly outsmarts itself with its multiple contrivances and plot layers.

Aaron Eckhart and Tommy Lee Jones star in the tangled and meandering thriller, “Wander.” Eckhart plays a private detective who co-hosts a podcast with a conspiracy theory enthusiast, played by Jones. A caller asks Eckhart to investigate a murder in a tiny desert town. Does he uncover a vast criminal scheme, or is he suffering from paranoid delusions. “Wander” is extremely well acted, but its outlandish twists and turns will have you rolling your eyes in disbelief.

“76 Days” is a harrowing fly-on-the-wall documentary about the lockdown of Wuhan, China during the Covid-19 pandemic. It focuses on the yeoman’s work done by the frontline healthcare professionals and shows the unprecedented challenges that they faced. Presented without narration, the film provides an enlightening and heart-wrenching snapshot of what these people endured. “76 Days” serves as an empathetic salute to all frontline workers.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

November 27, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Black Beauty” (NR), “The Croods: A New Age” (PG), “Superintelligence” (PG), “Happiest Season” (PG-13), “The Christmas Chronicles 2” (PG), “Uncle Frank” (R)

The updated Disney+ adaptation of the classic children’s novel “Black Beauty” takes many liberties with the original plot. Kate Winslet provides Beauty’s voice and Mackenzie Foy is the girl who loves her. While this version of “Black Beauty” is uninspired and the filmmaking is sometimes clumsy, it’s still a harmless, winsome distraction for kids.

Watching the animated caveman sequel “The Croods: A New Age” is a bit like watching a runaway dinosaur stampede. Nicholas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds lead the voice cast in the story of prehistoric people who stumble upon an oasis. It’s a well-produced but hyperactive comedy.

Average human Melissa McCarthy takes on an all-powerful artificial intelligence bent on world domination in the comedy, “Superintelligence.” It’s predictably broad and silly but benefits greatly from McCarthy’s considerable personal appeal.

Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis play a lesbian couple who have to decide whether or not to come out to the family at Christmastime in the clever, sweet-natured holiday offering “Happiest Season.” It doesn’t all ring true, but it’s an amiable and funny romantic comedy.

“The Christmas Chronicles 2” is a sequel to the surprise 2018 Netflix holiday hit. Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn play Santa and Mrs. Clause who recruit two kids to help them save Christmas from being sabotaged by a particularly naughty elf. It’s likable but may leave the kids with a sugar rush.

“Uncle Frank” is a well written and beautifully acted story that takes place in the uptight 70s. Paul Bettany portrays a gay literature professor in New York who goes on a road trip with his young niece to attend his estranged dad’s funeral in South Carolina. The cast is first-rate in this heartfelt cry for tolerance from Oscar-winning filmmaker Alan Ball.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

November 20, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Mank” (R), “Hillbilly Elegy” (R), “Sound of Metal” (R), “Collective” (NR), “Vanguard” (NR), “The Last Vermeer” (R), “Christmas on the Square” (NR), “I Am Greta” (NR)

Gary Oldman stars in David Fincher’s outstanding showbiz drama, “Mank.” Filmed in glorious black-and-white, “Mank” showcases the difficulties that infamous alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz experienced while writing Orson Welles’ classic, “Citizen Kane.” It’s a shrewd, top-notch Hollywood biopic that crackles with great dialogue. “Mank” is pure Oscar bait.

“Hillbilly Elegy” is a disappointing, disjointed adaptation of J. D. Vance’s acclaimed memoir about Vance’s efforts to transcend his backwoods family roots to pursue a career in law. Fine turns from Amy Adams and Glenn Close are wasted in this wrong-headed and awkward social drama.

Riz Ahmed gives an outstanding performance as a rock drummer who goes deaf in the realistic and harrowing drama “Sound of Metal.” It’s hard to watch, but “Sound of Metal” is a well-made, empathetic and heart-wrenching cautionary tale.

“Collective” is a shocking documentary that exposes the political corruption in the Romanian healthcare system. “Collective” is a riveting indictment that demonstrates the enormous value of a free press as well as exposing its obvious limitations.

Sixty-six-year-old Jackie Chan proves he can still kick some backside in the goofy martial arts action flick, “Vanguard.” It’s ridiculous and absolutely action packed.

Guy Pierce gives a flamboyant performance as the world’s greatest art forger in the post WWII drama, “The Last Vermeer.” While it feels like an imitation of a work of art, it’s still an entertaining forgery.

The corn is as high as an elephant’s eye in the mawkish musical, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.” A wealthy curmudgeon makes life miserable for some small-town folks and angel Dolly intercedes. It’s for Dolly’s hardcore fans musical aficionados only.

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is profiled in the behind-the-scenes, fly-on-the-wall documentary, “I Am Greta.” While informative, “I Am Greta” takes a sheepish, non-committal approach to its subject that saps it of some its intended impact.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.

November 13, 2020 Arts & Culture, Podcast, Short Segment

Freeze Frame: “Freaky” (R), “Fatman” (R), “Ammonite” (R), “The Life Ahead” (PG-13), “Wolfwalkers” (PG)

“Freaky Friday” meets “Friday the 13th” in the bloody R-rated horror comedy, “Freaky.”  Vince Vaughn plays a deranged serial killer who supernaturally switches bodies with a mousey teenager. While “Freaky” doesn’t quite live up to its wacky promise, Vaughn milks his dual role for all its comic worth.

Mel Gibson plays Santa Claus…you heard that right…in yet another wacky, violent R-rated comedy, “Fatman.” A spoiled, wealthy kid sends a hired killer to knock off Saint Nick when he gets a lump of coal for Christmas. Intended as a pitch-black satire, “Fatman” is bleak and annoying instead of campy and amusing. It’s a lump of coal in your cinematic stocking.

Impressive, nuanced performances from Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan add strength to the slow-moving period romance, “Ammonite.” Winslet plays a reclusive paleontologist who begins a forbidden romance with the wife of a fellow scientist in 1840s England. “Ammonite” should have caught emotional fire, but instead merely simmers.

Eighty-six-year-old screen legend Sophia Loren returns in the sentimental Netflix drama, “The Life Ahead.” Loren plays an elderly Italian Holocaust survivor who reluctantly takes in a troubled 12-year-old Sudanese refugee. Loren is getting all the attention, but young Ibrahima Gueye carries the movie with his savvy, convincing performance.

Stunning, beautifully hand drawn animation is the main attraction of the Irish offering, “Wolfwalkers.” In 17th century Ireland, a young English lass befriends a free-spirited girl who lives in the woods. Turns out, the Irish girl is part of a tribe that transforms into wolves at night. It doesn’t all work, but “Wolfwalkers” is a pleasant bit of visual poetry.

Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of  intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.