A welcome homecoming for a new 4K digital restoration of a landmark independent film that’s attained cult status.
Betsy Sherman
Film Review: “Polar Bear” — A Mother’s Tale of Survival in the Arctic
The protagonist of this engrossing, and troubling, story must draw on all her accumulated knowledge in order to cope with degradations to her habitat caused by what we, the viewers, know as global warming/climate change.
Arts Remembrance: Homage to Gilbert Gottfried — One of America’s Most Original Stand-ups
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried’s passing has hit me harder than most deaths of my celebrity faves: it’s a deprivation I can feel in my stomach.
Film Review: “The Great Postal Heist” — Clear and Present Danger to a Great American Institution
This effective advocacy documentary charts the 21st-century decline of a great American institution (one established in the U.S. Constitution). It’s also a wake-up call alerting us that things didn’t have to happen this way.
Arts Reconsideration: The 1971 Project — Celebrating a Great Year in Film (Part Four)
More homages to 1971’s magnificent bursts of cinematic iconoclasm, from McCabe & Mrs. Miller to The Music Lovers and Walkabout.
Arts Reconsideration: The 1971 Project — Celebrating a Great Year in Film (Part Three)
More homages to 1971’s magnificent bursts of cinematic iconoclasm.
Film Review: “Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché” — Courage and Artistry Relevant to Our Moment
The documentary strikes a remarkably rich vein, covering not only music, fashion and a late-1970s social critique, but also matters of race, class, gender, mental health and spirituality.
Film Review: 1930’s “Ingagi” — An Elusive Beast from the Dark Shadows of American Cinema Emerges
In its day, Ingagi raked in the crowds with a promise of weird African animals and “wild” women, and a teasing of bestiality.
Film Review: “News of the World” — An Intimate Two-Shot of a Western
The filmmakers use their story to point towards a way to help us navigate through our own polarization; it has something to do with each of us widening our perspective to take in more than just our immediate experience.
Arts Feature: Best Movies (With Some Disappointments) of 2020
Our demanding critics choose the best films (along with some disappointments) of the year.