Review

WATCH CLOSELY: “Minx” is Sexy, Funny and Oh So Seventies

June 19, 2022
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This clever, funny, sexy series from HBO Max is my pick for the best new feel-good retro comedy of 2022.

Theater Review: “Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie” — Pretty Much the Greatest Hits

June 18, 2022
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Woody Sez falls short as a compelling chronicle of Guthie’s life and times. It becomes a sort of “greatest hits” round-up and the steady stream of music is moving and then some.

Film Review: The 2022 Tribeca Film Festival — Where the Yellow Brick Road Leads to David Lynch

June 18, 2022
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As always, the documentaries at the Tribeca Film Festival were where you found the best films. Here are four I would recommend.

Book Review: “The Star-Spangled Screen” — How Hollywood Makes War Acceptable

June 17, 2022
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One comes away a trifle numb: in part due to the sheer number of films made; but in part both awed and terrified by Hollywood’s ability to use what were, for the most part, mediocre films to make the ravages of war not only so acceptable to the American public, but glorious.

Television Review: “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” — Marriage Cult

June 15, 2022
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Rachel Dretzin’s superb documentary delves into a baffling question: why didn’t these cult members just get up and leave?

Book Review: “Translating Myself and Others” — The Air We Breathe

June 15, 2022
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The cumulative effect over the course of Jhumpa Lahiri’s book sharpens our view of what the imperfect art of translation can, in fact, do.

Film Commentary: More Memorable Movies Turning 50

June 13, 2022
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The clamor to do justice to 1972 did not cease, so here are salutes to four additional films, The Getaway, Last House on the Left, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, and What’s Up Doc?.

Book Review: “Building 46” — Much More than a Chinese Ghost Story

June 13, 2022
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Author and journalist Massoud Hayoun’s novel Building 46 probes behind the air-brushed image of China’s capital city to offer a fascinating (and incisive) look into the everyday lives of Beijing dwellers.

Classical Album Review: Pittsburgh Symphony plays Beethoven & Stucky

June 13, 2022
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We’ve got ourselves another winner in this ongoing Pittsburgh/Beethoven series. Warmly recommended.

Theater Review: “The Light” — Squeeze Play

June 12, 2022
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This is a quicksilver drama about how a loving couple reacts as devastating bolts of lightning strike.

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