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Indie Film Editor
Michael D. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in history at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri followed by a Master of Arts in history at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Inspired by such critics as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, Michael started reviewing films in 1992 for College of the Ozarks's student-run newspaper. After returning to the Kansas City area in 1994, he continued film reviewing by writing for the Cass County Democrat Missourian in Harrisonville.
In 2000 Michael joined Sun Publications in Overland Park, Kansas where he served as its film critic and Arts and Entertainment Editor. During his tenure there, he was also the film critic for the "Fine Arts Radio Hour" and "Celebrity Scoop" radio shows on KXTR. After leaving the Sun in late 2002, he became the A&E writer for the Olathe News in Olathe, Kansas. He also worked as a freelance writer for The Squire in Leawood, Showcase Publishing in Lake Ozark, Missouri and the Kansas City Star.
Michael is currently a member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle, a professional film critic organization established in 1966 by the late Dr. James Loutzenhiser.
Wed, Apr 01, 2009
With an opening sequence that is as startling as getting sucker-punched by a Mack truck, Sunshine Cleaning is a brilliant piece of cinema containing a seamless blend of smartly-written comedy and sincere, emotional drama.
Wed, Feb 25, 2009
Film Review: If you are one of the three or so people left on the planet who does not know anything about Slumdog Millionaire then this is for you.
Wed, Feb 25, 2009
Film Opinion: Let’s face it, I am not the first voice in the wilderness to declare just how unforgettable the late Heath Ledger was as the chaotic Joker in The Dark Knight.
Wed, Mar 25, 2009
Film Review: John Malkovich has always excelled at playing widely diverse characters from the disturbed, would-be presidential assassin in In the Line of Fire to the fired C.I.A. analyst in Burn After Reading. But never has he been more brilliant in such an eccentric, comedic role than as a demanding yet sympathetic mentalist in The Great Buck Howard.
Mon, Mar 16, 2009
Film Review: We know from the moment we meet Leonard (Phoenix) that his desire to continue on with this life is barely more than his desire to move on to the next.
Mon, Apr 13, 2009
Inspired by the 2006 bestseller of the same title, Gomorra is a bleak, oppressive, sometimes bloody look into the all-too real world of organized crime where it’s all about three things — to kill, to score, and to make money.
Wed, Mar 11, 2009
Teachers are the most underpaid professionals in the entire world. It’s hard to comprehend the stress they endure unless you have walked in their shoes, but a realistic glimpse into this noble profession is captured in The Class.
Wed, Apr 15, 2009
In every instance during his travels, Béla Fleck plays and records with some of the best artists that each African nation has to offer, from the well-known to the unknown.
Thu, Jul 02, 2009
The 1920s were a time of change in Europe as American jazz and the avant-garde movement gathered steam, but these influences ran counter to the growing darkness that was fascism. It was in Spain where the first confrontation between these two philosophies collided.
Mon, Mar 09, 2009
Ultimately, as the Doomsday Clock counts down to midnight and Armageddon, it becomes a race against time to find out who is manipulating events that may spark an all-out nuclear war between the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union.
Mon, Feb 16, 2009
Still cramming to get in as many Academy Award-nominated films in before Sunday, February 22nd? If for some odd reason up to this point you have missed Doubt, which has five Oscar nominations to its credit, then mark it down as the next one on your must-see list.
Mon, Feb 02, 2009
Like Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky character, Rourke has come storming back with an unforgettable performance that has earned him a Golden Globe win as best actor and an Oscar nomination in the same category.
Mon, Jan 26, 2009
Academy Award nominations are much like the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in March — there’s always someone left out that many believe should have been invited to the big dance.
Mon, Jan 19, 2009
... it is still a film that shines a brilliant light on a story that should never be forgotten. It is also a film that younger generations not only should - but better yet - must see to appreciate what millions of people endured all across Europe. And to remind them that some did everything they
Sat, Apr 25, 2009
With the feel of an independent film, "The Soloist" sheds light on the plight of inner city homelessness by portraying mental illness, drug abuse, prostitution and a myriad of other social ills while maintaining a sense of realism.
Mon, May 04, 2009
With each inevitable turn of the calendar, events of yesteryear take on an increasingly deeper hue of golden nostalgia. However, director Terence O'Malley's enlightening crime documentary, Black Hand Strawman, reminds us that Kansas City's past was often dark and bloody.
Wed, May 13, 2009
It's that time of year again when big budget, commercial films explode across every multiplex screen. But if you look hard enough you can sometimes find something that’s a nice break from the typical “summer” fair. The new Michael Caine vehicle, 'Is Anybody There?', attempts to provide that with only limited success.
Tue, May 19, 2009
Did Rocky Balboa quit when Ivan Drago was crushing him in the ring? No. Did Roy Hobbs quit his baseball team when an old bullet wound started bleeding? No. The word quit wasn't in their vocabulary. However, in the case of aspiring baseball pitcher Miguel "Sugar" Santos, quitting is the best thing to do in the face of adversity.
Tue, May 26, 2009
CORRECTION: In the May 27th review of "Cowtown Ballroom," it was incorrectly written that the El Torreon eventually served as the location for The Vanguard when in actuality the latter was at a separate location at 4305 Main St. Here it is again...
Eccentric. Of all the brilliant adjectives in the English vernacular, eccentric is, in the opinion of this ever so humble writer, the best one to describe the interesting con artist comedy Brothers Bloom.
Tue, Jun 09, 2009
It's a story that's as old as Cain and Abel - In the comedic drama "Rudo Y Cursi," two brothers, or in this case half-brothers, are pitted against one another in the fan-crazed world of Mexican soccer.
Mon, Jun 22, 2009
"A Chorus Line's" premise of looking into the personal lives of Broadway performers as they audition is mirrored in this movie by the prominent featuring of a talented young dancer from New Jersey named Jessica Lee Goldyn.
Tue, Jun 30, 2009
It's a hard thing to continuously walk a thin line between drama and comedy for 98 minutes and be successful at both, but that's exactly what Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes deftly achieves with Away We Go.
Mon, Aug 24, 2009
War is hell, but first there's political hell to pay in the often profane comedy "In The Loop" when a lowly British cabinet minister opens a Pandora's box during an interview and endangers secretive efforts by America and the United Kingdom to launch a war.
Sun, Jul 05, 2009
Set during pre-World War I France, "Chéri" stars 3-time Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer as Lea de Lonval, the equivalent of a modern-day cougar who has gone through a countless number of much younger men during her lifetime.
Wed, Aug 12, 2009
Written, directed and produced by legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, "Tetro" is a captivating, brilliantly acted, half-English/half-Spanish drama that contains a heightened sense of mystery and intrigue thanks to being filmed almost entirely in black and white.
Tue, Sep 01, 2009
Let's face it, romance on the silver screen often follows a plodding, predictable format that's given a nice, big red bow at the end to help insure that everyone leaves satisfied. It may upset some apple carts, but the new romance "Adam" pushes the crayons outside the lines with a colorful, heartfelt presentation of a complicated relationship.
Mon, Sep 14, 2009
Imagine having the most repulsive, disrespectful, moronic, perverted and dishonest teenager that has possibly ever lived in modern history. Now imagine that teenager is your son and you're a single parent whose feelings of loneliness and professional rejection make you feel like a punching bag.
Mon, Sep 21, 2009
They say that silence is golden, but there is nothing golden about the Belgian drama "Lorna's Silence." Even though it received a best screenplay win at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, it is a tremendously slow-paced work that left at least yours truly wondering why he had wasted a small part of his life.
Mon, Sep 28, 2009
Rock icon and self-described poet Jim Morrison once wrote, "Did you have a good world when you died? Enough to base a movie on?" While early 19th century poet John Keats, a tragic figure in his own right, may not have thought he had a good world when he died at the age of 25, his life and love were epic enough to inspire this drama.
Tue, Oct 06, 2009
What is your soul worth to you? Is it worth putting in cold storage at a warehouse somewhere in New Jersey so you can live more carefree, or perform better in a play? Paul Giamatti, as Paul Giamatti, gambles with his soul and almost loses it in the lackluster comedy/drama "Cold Souls."
Mon, Oct 12, 2009
Rarely does an opening scene involve a smiling father driving his SUV along a public beach with his laughing six-year-old sitting precariously on the hood. Despite this Britney Spears-like parenting moment, "The Boys Are Back" soon becomes a wonderful drama with enough emotional punch to make your eyes water and your face smile.
Tue, Oct 20, 2009
Imagine living without your automobile, electricity, plastic bottles or anything else that might have an environmental impact. In an effort to inspire people to save the planet, Manhattan-based author Colin Beavan subjected his family to a spartan lifestyle for a year in the less than impactful documentary, No Impact Man. My question is: where is Al Gore when you need him?
Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Although "Amelia" is interspersed with flashes of her 1937 attempt to fly around the world, the story itself begins in 1928 when Amelia Earhart (Hilary Swank) meets publisher/publicist George Putnam (Richard Gere) in New York. As a result of their meeting, she becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, but as a passenger.
Mon, Oct 26, 2009
The title alone, "More Than a Game," says it all. This glorious, honest documentary is more than a film about basketball. It's more than the rise of LeBron James to superstar status in the NBA. Instead, it's a captivating glimpse into the formative years of five boys whose deep friendship, with the positive influence of their coaches, carries them through trials and tribulations and on into manhood.
Tue, Nov 03, 2009
Larry wants to think of himself as a serious man, however, he cannot figure out what God is trying to tell him as a myriad of bad things continue happening to him. So he goes through a trio of rabbis in search of guidance but to no avail. His son's pot-hazed Bar Mitzvah provides a brief glimmer of hope to a better tomorrow but nothing is easy, or good in Larry's world.
Tue, Nov 10, 2009
You don't have to be a great lover of fashion to appreciate the rags-to-riches story of legendary designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel - or to appreciate the wonderful performance of French actress Audrey Tautou as the lead in "Coco Before Chanel."
Tue, Nov 17, 2009
Long live rock n'roll! That sums up the theme for the new British offbeat comedy "Pirate Radio," an irreverent look back at a period in time when anyone who listened to rock was labeled as a degenerate.
Tue, Nov 24, 2009
Revenge is a dish best served cold. While the merits of that proverb have been debated ad nauseam, there is nothing cold about the devastatingly tragic tale depicted with raw emotion and brutal honesty in the 2008-released Austrian film, "Revanche."
Mon, Nov 30, 2009
To receive news that a loved one has died in military combat would be a painful and tragic experience. The impact it has on a pair of soldiers who have to relay such news on a near-daily basis is depicted with unwavering brilliance in the military drama "The Messenger," one of 2009's best films.
Tue, Dec 08, 2009
America is supposed to be a shining beacon of hope to the world, but the emotionally intense drama "Precious," with a memorable performance by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, reminds us that there are plenty here at home whose American dream is a hellish nightmare instead.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Director John Woo set out on a path paved with good intentions. His plan was to create an epic film which would depict a famous battle from the pages of ancient China history.
Tue, Dec 29, 2009
Of course there is a little dramatic license taken here and there during the course of the story, but only one attains a little historical blasphemy and it involves an assassination attempt. Otherwise, The Young Victoria will leave you saying, "God Save The Queen!"
Tue, Jan 05, 2010
The Japanese family drama "Still Walking" is an interesting, well-acted slice of cultural insight, but is in places, as flat as many once thought the world was.
Tue, Jan 12, 2010
A longtime maid's psyche begins to unravel as she desperately tries to remain a part of her Chilean upper class "family."
Tue, Jan 19, 2010
With all the smoldering sexual energy of Sophia Loren and sophisticated elegance of Audrey Hepburn, Academy Award-winner Penelope Cruz delivers a brilliant, emotional performance in the well-paced Spanish drama "Broken Embraces."
Tue, Jan 26, 2010
Jeff Bridges delivers the best performance of his long career as an alcoholic country singer in "Crazy Heart."
Tue, Jan 26, 2010
Better late than never. Your humble, yet incredibly insightful film critic has created a list of the ten best films of 2009.
Tue, Feb 16, 2010
Generations collide when a bitter, elderly Tennessee widow returns to his farm only to discover it's been rented to an enemy from his past. "That Evening Sun" is a tense, superbly written drama with a performance by Hal Holbrook that shows he is still on top of his game.
Tue, Mar 02, 2010
No, I didn't pick nine categories because there happened to be a 2009 musical titled "Nine" starring Penélope Cruz. There are 24 categories after all, so I have instead focused on those that you - the average, cinema-loving person - really cares about.
Tue, Mar 02, 2010
An instant classic, "The White Ribbon"is an unsolvable black-and-white mystery set in a pre-World War I German village where children are brutalized and an age-old class structure is threatened.
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
The Film Noir Series at the Tivioli Cinemas included the grandaddy of all heist films — the black-and-white 1955 Jules Dassin classic "Rififi." The Series continues through March 25 with four more iconic classics of the genre.
Mon, Mar 22, 2010
Beautifully shot, the German film "North Face" is a gut-wrenching story based upon real events in 1936, but bad pacing hinders it from achieving greatness.
Mon, Mar 29, 2010
The French film "The Girl on the Train" attempts to take dramatic license with a false accusation about an anti-Semitic attack, but ends up derailing in the process.
Tue, Apr 06, 2010
It's not just a prophecy. It's a fact. "A Prophet" is an epic French prison drama that should not be missed by anyone who has a passion for cinema.
Mon, Apr 12, 2010
Amanda Seyfried steals the show as the title character, but director Atom Egoyan and rest of the cast fail to take "Chloe" to a higher level.
Tue, Apr 20, 2010
Ben Stiller delivers the best acting performance of his career as a dysfunctional ex-band member in the dark comedy "Greenberg."
Tue, Apr 27, 2010
Two lead performances dominate wildly paced Italian drama "Vincere," which depicts the alleged first marriage of Benito Mussolini and the brutality his first wife and son are put through as a consequence.
Sun, May 02, 2010
Nominated earlier this year for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary category, The Most Dangerous Man in America is a well-made, thoroughly researched work that for years to come will be an important tool to show future generations the tragedy that was the Vietnam War. It will also prove to them that there are always inspirational Americans like Daniel Ellsberg who are willing to sacrifice everything in order for truth to prevail.
Tue, May 11, 2010
Impressive documentary details how high society greed and governmental power led to the controversial moving of the greatest individual art collection ever assembled.
Tue, May 18, 2010
Overflowing with lush, vibrant colors and infused with traditional Celtic music that heightens its mythical qualities, "The Secret of Kells" is a nicely paced animated feature, yet has difficulty deciding what its target audience will be.
Mon, May 24, 2010
South Korean film offers up great suspense with an odd blend of humor and creepiness that will keep you guessing.
Mon, May 31, 2010
This year's Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film doesn't disappoint with a richly written story that combines edgy suspense, perfectly placed humor and unspoken love to create a true masterpiece of cinematic art.
Mon, Jun 14, 2010
This lifeless documentary focuses more on sheep than the supposed cowboys who shepherd them.
Mon, Oct 11, 2010
Two Oscar nominees and the next Spider-Man attempt to breathe life into a love triangle set in a depressing alternate reality in "Never Let Me Go."
Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Filmmaker Neil Jordan delivers an Irish cinematic gem in the form of the drama/fairy tale "Ondine" starring Colin Farrell.
Tue, Aug 03, 2010
Set in the Missouri Ozarks, "Winter’s Bone" is an intelligently written piece with a break-out, potentially Oscar worthy performance and should be on your must-see list.
Wed, Aug 25, 2010
French film "Wild Grass" ("Les herbes folles") is less than wild with an aimless, poorly paced storyline and odd characters who are difficult to like, much less understand.
Tue, Aug 31, 2010
Robert Duvall and Bill Murray deliver terrific performances in the 1930s era drama "Get Low."
Tue, Sep 14, 2010
Cold War espionage brought to life on silver screen in the French/Russian thriller "Farewell."
Tue, Sep 21, 2010
Joaquin Phoenix turns himself and potentially his career into a train wreck via his performance in the Casey Affleck-helmed 'documentary' "I’m Still Here."
Wed, Sep 29, 2010
Oscar winner Kevin Kline is remarkable in the otherwise unremarkable comedy, "The Extra Man."
Thu, Sep 30, 2010
"Lebanon" is an emotionally raw, intense war film set entirely within a tank manned by four, untested Israeli soldiers who are pushed to the breaking point and beyond during an invasion.
Sat, Oct 16, 2010
Documentary "Waiting for Superman" makes the case that America’s public school system needs a superhero to save it.
Tue, Jan 11, 2011
The road to Oscar is often paved with gold and this year will be no different as KCM’s Michael D. Smith wades through seven, key Golden Globe categories. And no worries, neither "Hot Tub Time Machine" nor "Gulliver’s Travels" received nods.
Mon, Oct 25, 2010
Fans of writer Allen Ginsberg should love "Howl," a cinematic interpretation of the man and his best-selling work.
Tue, Nov 02, 2010
Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell are Oscar caliber in the true-life drama "Conviction."
Tue, Nov 09, 2010
"Nowhere Boy" is a timely piece about the formative years of a late Beatles legend.
Tue, Nov 16, 2010
Enlightening documentary "Inside Job" should serve as a call-to-arms as it unravels the nation’s 2008 economic collapse.
Tue, Nov 30, 2010
James Franco delivers the performance of a lifetime as a reckless daredevil who becomes trapped in "127 Hours." Based on Aron Ralston's harrowing ordeal near Moab, Utah, Franco's performance is Oscar-worthy.
Wed, Dec 08, 2010
"Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould" is a documentary that’s nothing less than pure genius with its examination of the life of this classical pianist.
Tue, Dec 07, 2010
Just in time for the Christmas season, the Tivoli is once again hosting a special weekend matinee series featuring Hollywood classics, "Charade" (Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant) and "Holiday Inn" (Bing Crobsy, Fred Astaire)
Mon, Dec 13, 2010
Philosophies of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are used with great effect by a Palestinian community organizer to defeat a proposed Israeli wall in the documentary "Budrus."
Tue, Dec 21, 2010
Director Darren Aronofsky delves into the ballet world with "Black Swan," a superb dramatic thriller amplified by Natalie Portman in perhaps the best performance of her career.
Tue, Jun 07, 2011
Oscar-nominated "Incendies" balances shifts in time with its well-written script, gritty performances, and a heightened, gut-wrenching climax.
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.
Tue, Jan 04, 2011
The Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) met at the Screenland Theater and handed out its annual Loutzenheiser Awards in twelve categories to nine worthy films.
Tue, Jan 04, 2011
"Black Swan," "True Grit," "Social Network," "Toy Story 3," "Inception," or perhaps "Piranha 3D" or "Hot Tub Time Machine"? Did your favorite film of the year make KCM's Michael D. Smith's top 10 of 2010 list?
Mon, Jan 17, 2011
Kevin Spacey doesn’t roll sevens with his portrayal of a disgraced Washington, D.C. lobbyist in "Casino Jack."
Tue, Jan 25, 2011
It may be rabbit season, but Nicole Kidman will target Oscar gold in late February thanks to a brilliant performance in John Cameron Mitchell's dark drama "Rabbit Hole."
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.
Wed, Feb 02, 2011
Two-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling burn up the screen with sadness and pain as their ill-fated marriage crumbles into dust in "Blue Valentine."
Tue, Feb 08, 2011
No one is irreplaceable in the corporate world of "The Company Men," a drama starring four Oscar winners, and headlined by Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, and Kansas City’s own Chris Cooper.
Tue, Feb 15, 2011
With his shining turn in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s dark film, Oscar-nominated Javier Bardem is a must-see before the Academy Awards
Tue, Feb 22, 2011
On Sunday night, Firth and Portman will lead the way to Oscar gold. What other movies and stars will join this year's crop of Oscar winners?
Wed, Mar 02, 2011
A woman’s well-planned suicide on Passover annoys her ex-husband and leads to the accidental discovery of a dark secret from her past in the Mexican drama "Nora’s Will"—one of several films featured at the Kansas City Jewish Film Festival, March 5–13.
Tue, Mar 08, 2011
The small, independent "Cold Weather" starts sluggish, shifts into being entertaining, and then stops abruptly, causing many to scratch their heads in bewilderment.
Mon, Mar 14, 2011
Strong performance by lead actress Isabelle Huppert cannot save French war drama "White Material."
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.
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.
Tue, Apr 05, 2011
The “new” (2006) documentary “In Search of Mozart” reveals the man behind some of humanity’s greatest compositions.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tue, Jul 12, 2011
Starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, “Beginners” is a delightful film with moving drama, clever humor and authentic performances.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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."
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.
Tue, Dec 06, 2011
Kirsten Dunst's performance is a serious Oscar contender in Lars von Trier’s visually stunning "Melancholia."
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.
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?
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.
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.
Wed, Jan 04, 2012
KCM’s Film Editor, Michael D. Smith, selects his top ten films of 2011.
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.
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.
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.
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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