Welcome to the Family Captures Chaos & Coolness of One of Hollywood’s Most Memorable Franchises
A review of a great new book about the Fast and the Furious franchise.
Archives
Netflix’s “The Abandons” Leaves Its Capable Stars Behind in a Weak, Weary Western
it’s a right shame that the nuggets of melodrama can’t make up for the feeling that we’ve seen so much of this kind of show before.
Female Filmmakers in Focus: Tamara Kotevska on “The Tale of Silyan”
The filmmaker of the new National Geographic documentary talks about her observational approach and defining success beyond material gain.
Joy in Racing to Keep Up: Tom Stoppard (1937-2025)
A tribute to one of the best playwrights who ever lived. And he just happened to write Brazil, Indiana Jones, and part of a Star Wars movie too.
Short Films in Focus: Off the Face of the Earth (with Michael Pantozzi)
An interview with the filmmaker behind the intriguing new short about death and digital life.
Starz Returns to Form With Brutal and Brilliant Spin-Off “Spartacus: House of Ashur”
A spin-off series that not only honors the legacy of its predecessor, but one that, at times, rivals it.
What I Know is What I Am: Jimmy Cliff (1944-2025)
A tribute to the legendary Jimmy Cliff.
The Unloved, Part 144: River Queen
It’s the 12th anniversary of The Unloved. Let’s go for a ride with Vincent Ward’s last fiction film.
“Stranger Things” Sets Up Its Endgame with Quartet of New Episodes
While these four episodes stumble a bit in terms of pacing and urgency, especially early on, they end on such a satisfying, long-awaited note that fans who have literally grown up watching this show are unlikely to care.
Reflections on the 2025 Tailinn Black Nights Film Festival
A recounting of time spent at the Estonian film festival.
Home Entertainment Guide November 2025: “Familiar Touch,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Splitsville”
The latest on streaming and VOD includes Criterion editions of Eyes Wide Shut, Hell’s Angels, and Burden of Dreams, along with recent releases like Splitsville, Caught Stealing, and Familiar Touch.
Actors Superbly Channel Siskel and Ebert Onstage in Chicago
A report from a very special event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Siskel & Ebert.
No Good Deed Will Go Unpunished: Kleber Mendonça Filho and Wagner Moura on “The Secret Agent”
We speak to the writer/director and star of this year’s Cannes favorite about censorship, artistic collaboration, and more.
“Dispatch” is a Superhero Drama Equally Mighty and Emotional
“Dispatch” not only saves the day but also may save Telltale’s entire legacy.
Swan Song: Udo Kier (1944-2025)
A tribute to the prolific character actor, who played vampires and Nazis and outcasts until the age of 81.
My Dinner with Gene & Roger
A Chicago critic remembers the Chicago critics who changed everything.
Wong Kar-wai’s Gorgeous, Captivating “Blossoms Shanghai” Arrives on the Criterion Channel
Wong Kar-wai’s Blossoms Shanghai is finally here. It was worth the wait.
