Melanie Dishman's archive

Portman’s performance sets a new standard

Jackie

‘Jackie’

Starring: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard

Directed by: Pablo Sarrain

Rated: PG-13

 

shadow

Even death has no time for Will Smith’s Oscar attempt

If I want to indulge in some Christmas treats, I’d prefer the real thing over this treacle. It’s like having high fructose corn syrup via an IV. Unpleasant, and, definitely not good for you. This movie shamelessly tugs at your heart, something it has no business doing, even if Will Smith is trying for an Oscar nomination — again. So, fair warning: I’m about to go all Ebenezer Scrooge on this one.

shadow

Train wreck of an office party makes for holiday laughs

‘Office Christmas Party’

Starring: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, T.J. Miller

Directed by: Josh Gordon and Will Speck

Rated: R

 

shadow

Fashion designer Tom Ford proves he can direct

‘Nocturnal Animals’

Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal

Directed by: Tom Ford

Rated: R

 

shadow

Mixed review for kickoff of new J.K. Rowling franchise

Recalling that J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series became darker and darker as the sequels wore on, don’t be surprised if you find that same element in this latest, promising new world created by the famed author. Directed by David Yates (who directed the last four “Potter” movies), this is Rowling’s first screenplay, and its flaws can’t override that these “Beasts” and their collector, Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) will have a lengthy run as at least three or four more films are in the works.

shadow