Tag archives: film review

‘Dream Scenario’
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   December 12, 2023

“Have you been dreaming about me?” It’s a question asked by Paul Matthews, played to perfection by Nicolas Cage, in Kristoffer Borgli’s newest surreal dark comedy, Dream Scenario. And the answer to that question? Yes. In fact, millions of people around the world have! In a bizarre, Luis Buñuel-esque turn of events, Paul Matthews – […]

‘Monica’ Explores Deep Wounds With Mother and Daughter
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   August 15, 2023

Monica’s mother is dying. Monica hasn’t seen her mother in years. In fact, Monica’s mother doesn’t even recognize Monica. And that’s because she hasn’t seen her daughter since she fully transitioned and was cast out from the family. It’s been a long time. And a difficult one. In Andrea Pallaoro’s latest film, Monica, Trace Lysette […]

‘Enys Men’
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   April 18, 2023

Have you ever been stuck in a rut? Doing the same thing day in, day out. The same rituals, the same tasks, the same autopilot life? Now imagine that – but you’re on some uninhabited island off the coast of England where your only friends are a group of rare flowers. If you weren’t on […]

The Conformist
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   March 28, 2023

Readers, movie lovers; we’re in for a serious treat. Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1970 masterpiece, The Conformist, is coming to a theater near you. Oh, count our lucky stars! Based on the book of the same name by Alberto Moravia, The Conformist is about a young Fascist, Marcello Clerici (played by Jean-Louis Trintignant) who is ordered to […]

Fire of Love
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   March 21, 2023

For all of you that got to see Fire of Love in theaters, I truly envy you. But for those of you who didn’t get the chance, like myself, there’s hope yet! The must-see 2022 documentary by Sara Dosa has finally made it to streaming! Fire of Love tells the story of two daring volcanologists, […]

‘The Runner’ (1984) Review
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   December 20, 2022

Every once in a while, a movie will cross your path and just absolutely rock you. One that overwhelms with emotions and ideas. The Runner by Amir Naderi is one of those movies. This powerful 1984 film – one of the first films post-Iranian Revolution to attract worldwide acclaim – follows Amiro, a young orphan […]

‘Decision to Leave’ at the Riviera
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   November 1, 2022

“You need murder and violence in order to be happy.” That cutting line, said by a wife to her depressed detective husband cleverly describes the protagonist of Park Chan-wook’s new film, Decision to Leave, and at the same time, Park Chan-wook himself. Or does it?  The South Korean “provocateur” is well known for his violent […]

Something New to Stream: Watcher Review
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   October 25, 2022

This week we’re getting into the spirit of the season! Because there’s no doubt about it, 2022 has been huge for horror. From franchise favorites Michael Myers and Pinhead making a return to the big (and small) screen, to a major outpouring of original works that have got horror fans drooling. Ti West’s Xand Pearl, […]

‘Carnal Knowledge’ at the Riviera
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   October 11, 2022

Who has Doc Brown’s number? He lives around here, right? We could use his DeLorean right about now, ‘cause we’re taking a ride back to the ‘70s! This week at the Riviera is a 4K Restoration of Mike Nichols’ 1971 film, Carnal Knowledge starring Jack Nicholson, Art Garfunkel, Candice Bergen, and Ann-Margret. Really, how could […]

‘Hold Me Tight’ at the Riviera
By Christopher Matteo Connor   |   October 4, 2022

New life motto: devour everything Vicky Krieps is in. You only need to see Mathieu Amalric’s most recent movie, Hold Me Tight, to adopt this new rule for yourself. And if Amalric’s name doesn’t ring a bell, his face will surely make you go “Oh yeah! That guy!” He was a Bond villain, after all. […]