RSS 2.0 Feed“A Dangerous Method” is no Freudian slip
Tue, Jan 31, 2012
The Michael Fassbender movie marathon continues this week with the KC release of “A Dangerous Method,” a character-driven period drama with skillful acting and complicated relationships.
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No “Shame” in this performance
Wed, Jan 25, 2012
Despite an Oscar snub, Michael Fassbender can take only pride in his haunting portrayal of a sex addict in director and co-writer Steve McQueen’s explicit drama.
Streep is golden
Mon, Jan 16, 2012
Like a quarterback at the end of a championship game, Meryl Streep carries "The Iron Lady" on her back towards something less than victory.
Complex web of suspense
Wed, Jan 11, 2012
A superb spy thriller, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" is an intelligently written film adaptation brought to life by a talented British cast under the careful direction of Swedish-born director Tomas Alfredson.
Kansas City Film Critics Circle selects 2011's best cinema
Wed, Jan 11, 2012
"The Descendants," "Tree of Life," and "Beginners" tied with two awards apiece but which films took home KCFCC's top prizes?
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”—and nine other absolute bests
Wed, Jan 04, 2012
KCM’s Film Editor, Michael D. Smith, selects his top ten films of 2011.
"The Artist" proves silence is golden
Wed, Jan 04, 2012
Shot almost entirely without sound, the black-and-white drama "The Artist" is a bold and imaginative work of cinema that may be overlooked by many filmgoers.
Winter 2012 preview: Art house films
Wed, Jan 04, 2012
It’s that time of year when movie theaters are awash with films receiving Golden Globe nods and Academy Award buzz. While there are a few already playing, like "The Artist," "The Descendants," and "Melancholia," there are plenty more quality art house films in the pipeline in the early part of the new year.
Not much to like in "Like Crazy"
Wed, Dec 14, 2011
"Like Crazy" is such an unrewarding work of romantic drama that you might go insane wondering why you spent time watching it.
Depression-fueled apocalypse
Tue, Dec 06, 2011
Kirsten Dunst's performance is a serious Oscar contender in Lars von Trier’s visually stunning "Melancholia."
From opera house to art house
Tue, Nov 29, 2011
Adding world-class opera and ballet broadcasts to his cinema’s offerings are just some of the changes Tivoli owner Jerry Harrington has in store.
Banderas burns up the screen
Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Antonio Banderas steps away from animation and delivers a smoldering performance in the disturbing Pedro Almodovar drama "The Skin I Live In."
“Martha Marcy May Marlene” should begin with marvelous
Wed, Nov 16, 2011
Made famous by their long stint on television, the Olsen twins capitalized on their cuteness and made a ton of money—but it’s their little sister, Elizabeth, who demonstrates she has all the talent with 2011’s biggest breakout performance in the twisting drama “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”
Electric edges of space
Tue, Nov 15, 2011
Kansas City Electronic Music and Arts Alliance’s solid "Electronic Spaces" program on Saturday night was an impressive display of sound and video manipulation aided by soloists Eric Honour and Samuel Wells.
"Mozart’s Sister" is tone deaf
Tue, Nov 08, 2011
Historical fiction can be a terrific genre, but when it is as dreary and factually misleading as Rene Féret's "Mozart’s Sister" then it just results in mediocre cinema.
Comic conversion of “Intergalactic” proportions
Wed, Nov 02, 2011
"The Intergalactic Nemesis" combines the big-screen projection of a classic comic book with narration by three talented voice actors, a special effects expert, and a pianist. The Lied Center of Kansas presented this bombastic treat.
Expect good returns
Tue, Nov 01, 2011
With an outstanding ensemble cast and terrific dialogue, the Wall Street drama "Margin Call" is a film you can invest your time in. First-time feature writer/director J.C. Chandor scores with this debut.
Gérard goes Gump
Wed, Oct 26, 2011
"My Afternoons with Margueritte" is a little French drama about an unlikely friendship. It establishes tender moments, but has too many unbelievable plot points to be something more than average.
“Higher Ground” is grounded in mediocrity
Wed, Oct 19, 2011
Academy Award-nominated actress Vera Farmiga makes her directorial debut with the spiritual drama “Higher Ground,” but there’s little that’s uplifting about this chronicle of one woman’s faith.
Strife in Sudetenland
Tue, Oct 11, 2011
The German-language war drama "Habermann" takes a little known aspect of World War II history and turns it into an intriguing, yet sometimes faltering work about ethnic hatred and class envy.
"Point Blank" is an entertaining popcorn flick
Wed, Oct 05, 2011
A brisk, French action thriller, “Point Blank” grabs your attention right away with a story about a normal guy thrust into chaos because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"The Hedgehog" is a bittersweet tale
Wed, Sep 28, 2011
Thanks to a wise Japanese businessman and a self-loathing concierge, a young girl realizes that life isn’t as absurd as she thought it was in this entertaining but unsophisticated French film.
Guide to the Kansas International Film Festival
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
Each year, The Kansas International Film Festival selects an eclectic line-up of films, from quirky comedies to political documentaries. Many of the films in the festival have received international recognition and awards, further cementing the KIFF’s reputation as a heavy hitter within the festival circuit. KCM’s Calli Parker recently had the opportunity to speak with Brian Mossman, the co-founder and owner of the Glenwood Arts Theatre about all things festival.
Not just about the checkered flag
Wed, Sep 21, 2011
Triumph, tragedy and a little of everything in between permeate "Senna," a brilliant biographical documentary about one of the greatest Formula One race car drivers in history.
Glenwood Arts to host Manhattan Short Film Festival
Tue, Sep 20, 2011
With past finalists achieving the ultimate in recognition by being nominated and even winning the Oscar in the short film category, the Manhattan Short Film Festival has become known as a breeding ground for the next big thing. Glenwood Arts is hosting a viewing/voting session for local audiences on September 29.
Earliest efforts meet latest visions
Tue, Sep 20, 2011
Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City in collaboration with CinemaKC present the inaugural First & Last Film Festival revealing the artistic progress of area movie-makers.
"Terri" is an unconventional gem
Tue, Aug 30, 2011
Teen angst has often been cinematic fodder for filmmakers who usually miss the mark by relying upon or creating new stereotypes. With a handful of titles to his credit, director Azazel Jacobs ("Momma’s Man") has done what few have by making an unconventional teen gem, "Terri."
Unlocking human tragedy and triumph
Wed, Aug 24, 2011
Any story, fiction or non-fiction, dealing with the Holocaust is likely to evoke a strong emotional response. "Sarah’s Key" is no exception as a modern-day journalist unlocks a family secret that puts her on a mission to find a little girl lost during the summer of 1942.
Fall 2011 preview: Film festivals
Tue, Aug 23, 2011
With grit, wit, romance, and revelation, two impressive local film festivals, the Best of the Kansas City Urban Film Festival and Kansas International Film Festival, start the fall season off right.
Another you, another possibility?
Tue, Aug 16, 2011
What if you had the chance to visit a duplicate of yourself? What would you say? In the somber science fiction drama "Another Earth," a damaged girl pursues a chance to confront her mirror self while trying to apologize to the man who lost his family due to her recklessness.
Comedic trip for any Anglophile
Tue, Aug 09, 2011
"The Trip" takes British funnymen, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, on a tour of northern England's finest restaurants. Hilarity, hijinks, and hookups ensue as can be expected from the creative team behind "Tristam Shandy."
Film on the Fringe
Wed, Jul 27, 2011
The Independent Filmmaker’s Coalition of Kansas City, one of the nation’s oldest independent film organizations, compiled the best of their recent short films and teasers for the 2011 KC Fringe Festival.
"Page One" is not much of a page turner
Tue, Jul 26, 2011
The death-knoll of print media has been ringing for quite some time but many stalwart bastions attempt to soldier on, among them the New York Times. Documentary filmmaker Andrew Rossi gained access to the Times for one year resulting in "Page One: Inside the New York Times."
Seasoned movie-making in "Beginners"
Tue, Jul 12, 2011
Starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, “Beginners” is a delightful film with moving drama, clever humor and authentic performances.
FILM REVIEW: Burn down this "Tree"
Tue, Jun 28, 2011
Directed and written by Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life" is nonsensical, dysfunctional cinema that somehow generates 40 minutes of superb acting by leads Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain. The remaining 99 minutes will leave you seeking answers as to why you spent that much of your life in the dark.
FILM REVIEW: "Murder Songs" lacks punch to be the next "Fargo"
Tue, Jun 14, 2011
Peter Stormare isn't the only similarity between "Small Town Murder Songs" and "Fargo." But whereas "Fargo" redefined the modern crime thriller, "Murder Songs" only imitates with gimmicks.
2011 Kansas City Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Tue, Jun 14, 2011
Fourteen feature films are included in the 12th annual Kansas City Gay and Lesbian Film Festival at the Tivoli June 24–30. Preview festivities include the Midwest premiere of "Going Down in LA-LA Land" sponsored by the Castro Movie Nights and Screenland Armour Theater on June 16.
FILM REVIEW: "Incendies" will leave you breathless
Tue, Jun 07, 2011
Oscar-nominated "Incendies" balances shifts in time with its well-written script, gritty performances, and a heightened, gut-wrenching climax.
FILM REVIEW: "Winter in Wartime" is tragic tale of youth lost
Tue, May 31, 2011
Set against the oppressive backdrop of Nazi-occupied Holland in January 1945, "Winter in Wartime" is a chilling, suspenseful drama in which a young teenage boy discovers the hard way the harsh realities of war.
FILM REVIEW: "In a Better World" couldn’t be any better
Tue, May 24, 2011
Every once in a blue moon devoted cinema patrons have the opportunity to savor a work of art on the silver screen like a finely aged wine or a slice of rich chocolate cake. One of those rare opportunities can now be witnessed in the Kansas City area with the current running of "In A Better World," the 2011 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film.
FILM REVIEW: "Earthwork" connects locally
Tue, May 17, 2011
KU alumnus, Chris Ordal, directs last year's Best Supporting Actor Oscar Nominee, John Hawkes in the real-life story of Midwestern earth artist, Stan Herd.
FiLM REVIEW: "I Am" wrong and right
Tue, May 10, 2011
"I Am" is a philosophical documentary from the director of such heady fare as "Ace Ventura," "The Nutty Professor," and "Bruce Almighty." What is wrong with this world?! This films attempts to discern that very concept.
FILM REVIEW: Dreary pacing undoes "Of Gods and Men"
Wed, May 04, 2011
Nine brave souls try to weather the storm when confronted by crises of faith brought on by violent religious extremists in "Of Gods and Men."
LIVE THEATRE IN HD comes to the Tivoli
Mon, Apr 25, 2011
This spring, the Tivoli Cinemas in Westport will begin high-definition screenings of live performances digitally captured from Broadway and London stages. Through an exclusive area arrangement, the Tivoli will be showcasing two new productions: In May, the series will feature FRANKENSTEIN, directed by Slumdog Millionaire’s Danny Boyle, and performed by London’s prestigious National Theatre. In June, it will premiere the new production of Brian Bedford in Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, by the Roundabout Theatre Company.
FILM REVIEW: Certifiably dull
Tue, Apr 19, 2011
Juliette Binoche's latest film, "Certified Copy," is pointless and, indeed, unoriginal despite the Tuscan scenery and the cinematic debut of opera baritone William Shimell.
FILM REVIEW: A "Win Win" in any situation
Tue, Apr 12, 2011
"Win Win." It sounds like a film about the erratic life of Charlie Sheen, but thankfully it’s far from it as Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, and newcomer Alex Shaffer deliver solid performances.
FILM REVIEW: Rock On, Amadeus
Tue, Apr 05, 2011
The “new” (2006) documentary “In Search of Mozart” reveals the man behind some of humanity’s greatest compositions.
Do Something Reel Film Festival at the Tivoli
Wed, Mar 30, 2011
Six films focusing on the Coal River Valley of West Virginia to the inner city of Detroit, from vanishing bee populations to the evolution of the National School Lunch Program, from farmers and active everyday citizens to doctors and scientists, DO SOMETHING REEL provides a moving, eye-opening look at how choices can have a huge impact on our bodies, our economy, and our environment.
FILM REVIEW: Bountiful intergenerational "Harvest"
Wed, Mar 30, 2011
Blood is thicker than water, a lesson-in-family a young college student learns in "Harvest" as his unforgettable grandfather slowly loses his battle with pancreatic cancer.
FILM REVIEW: "Phil Ochs" strikes generational note
Tue, Mar 22, 2011
New documentary seeks to give influential 1960s folksinger/songwriter his due respect. Exploring his passion for activism, "Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune" traces Ochs' rise in folk music and civil rights scenes.