Movie and TV show reviews

Actor Bouchez, fresh from his role in “Beating Hearts,” will showcase two films at Cannes’ Directors Fortnight – “Enzo” under the direction of Robin Campillo and the late Laurent Cantet, as well as “Classe Moyenne” by Anthony Cordier. Sitting next to him were Oscar-nominated producer Marie Ange Luciani (“Anatomy of a Fall”), who produced “Enzo” along with Laura Wandel’s “Adam’s Sake,” set to open Critics’ Week, and Alexandra Henochsberg, president of Ad Vitam, slated to distribute seven films from the Official Selection in France, including “The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho, “Romeria” by Carla Simón, “La Petite Dernière” by Hafsia Herzi, “Vie Privée,” starring Jodie Foster and directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, and “Enzo,” among others.

Pulling off a movie like this requires a particular flair, as it balances bombast with playfulness in a star vehicle. Joe Carnahan’s film offers an acceptable distraction for a couple of hours, but the enjoyment is somewhat restricted due to unimaginative action sequences, lackluster dialogue, and a sentimental tone that leans heavily on the “It’s all about family!” theme. It seems more likely that Lionsgate’s theatrical release will find its main audience when it becomes available in home formats.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that the upcoming film I’ll be watching is produced by the same team behind “Marnie’s World” and “The 7th Dwarf.” Moreover, it’s brought to life by the animation studios known for creating magical worlds in “The Ogglies,” “My Fairy Troublemaker,” and “Giants of La Mancha.” The director is none other than Toni Weiss.

In ‘Below the Clouds’, I find myself back in my hometown Naples, nestled amidst its suburbs, a place that has, for millennia, lived side-by-side with the towering Mount Vesuvius. This region’s history is intricate and often tumultuous, shaped by its complex past, making it a unique blend of challenges from the modern era. As I revisit this city, I can’t help but feel the weight of its rich, layered story unfold before me.

For the Netflix lineup in 2025, there’s an abundance of fantastic films set for release this year, many of which are included in our broader 2025 film calendar. However, amidst the diverse array of genres, there are times when we long for a movie that simply uplifts our spirits.

As a seasoned movie critic, I recently watched “Low Expectations,” a captivating tale that follows Maja, a 29-year-old artist who once basked in the limelight of success. However, her world crumbles when she hits rock bottom, leaving her despondent and penniless. With no other options, Maja is compelled to return home and take a teaching job at a local high school. This thought-provoking film delves into Maja’s personal odyssey as she grapples with the unforgiving realities of everyday life, ultimately embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

In addition to Season 2 of Ahsoka , Ahsoka Tano’s comeback isn’t limited to just Disney+ shows. The iconic Clone Wars heroine is set to appear in a four-part prequel series titled LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy: Pieces of the Past, premiering on September 19. What makes this series special is that it presents an older Ahsoka Tano, but in a way that’s quite different from what we’re used to.

Although traditional Italian cuisine is often passed down rather than created or credited, Hazan’s work comes closest to being considered as her own by many practitioners. For instance, her signature tomato sauce, a combination of tomatoes, butter, salt, and a single onion, cooked to an extraordinary level that tastes both like the essence of pasta sauce and unlike any other you’ve tasted before. While Hazan may not have originated this recipe, she perfected it and shared it globally: To countless home cooks, her recipes are indelibly associated with her in the same way a mother’s spaghetti is associated with her. If this description underplays Hazan’s extensive technical expertise and academic research, the movie “Marcella” does not: The film features numerous experts from the gastronomy elite who are undeniably captivated by her knowledge and impact.

India’s Night Shift Studios has unveiled “The Day of Wrath” as the title for their upcoming second feature film. This Malayalam-language horror-thriller features Pranav Mohanlal in the main role, and is scripted and directed by Rahul Sadasivan, who previously led the team behind the critically praised debut “Bramayugam.

In episode 6 of season 4 titled “Mrs. Table,” Rosie O’Donnell made an unexpected appearance on the TV series “Hacks.” This came after she had been a guest on the official “Hacks” podcast in June 2022. Notably, this was her first role in a scripted TV comedy since her stint on Showtime’s “The L Word: Generation Q” in 2023. In the Emmy-winning series, she portrayed herself and interacted with Jean Smart’s character Deborah Vance. During their scenes together, Deborah was introduced to an award called “Courage in Comedy,” which she perceived as a strategic move by the network to boost her late-night ratings.