drakulich
-
Fate vs. free will in ‘The Adjustment Bureau’
★★1/2 I’m miffed by a trend in some movies that dramatize the machinations of God, or whatever higher being some choose to believe in. Films such as the ridiculous “Legion” with Paul Bettany dramatize mere mortals outsmarting, outwitting or otherwise “punking” an omnipotent being. Doesn’t …Read More
-
‘Hall Pass’ littered with stereotypes
★1/2 You could hire the consensus top acting cast in the world but they aren’t going to be able to carry a film concept that is completely void of worth. The Farrelly brothers have been fairly decent filmmakers. They’re known for taking chances where other …Read More
-
SouthtownStar film critic shares his Oscar picks
The Oscars are the most celebrated of film award programs but they inspire love-hate feelings in me almost every year. I often witness the Academy members choose winners not with pure achievement in mind but with what seemed to be their future self interests. I …Read More
Search recent columns
More Columns
‘I Am Number Four’ familiar to ‘Smallville’ fans
★★ There is a clear reason why Alfred Gough and Miles Millar were attracted to adapting the novel of “I Am Number Four” into a feature film. A high schooler is forced to conceal his identity. He possesses extraordinary abilities but cannot show them. He …
‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ features artistry
★★★ I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when writer-director Kelly Asbury pitched the concept of this movie to studio execs. I imagine it went something a little like, “We’re going to take the story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and …
Flick Pick: Run-of-the-mill story in ‘Sanctum’
★★ I’ve often been critical of films that are made simply because of a new advancement in technology. Computer-generating life on a distant planet, a robot that moves as fluidly as a human or a panoramic shot of ancient Rome, will elicit a few oohs …
Quick Flicks including ‘Sanctum’
Wondering whether to see a movie? Then check out what film critics have to say about some of the box office's top flicks including "Sanctum."
Flick Pick: ‘Mechanic’ not typical hit man film
When a film sets up one set of circumstances, then seems to go against everything it tries to establish, it can be joltingly illogical. The outcome is enough to anger audiences more than just baffle them. Jason Statham plays Arthur Bishop, the quintessential loner hit …
Quick Flicks including ‘The Rite’
Wondering whether to see a movie? Then check out what film critics have to say about some of the box office’s top flicks including “The Rite.”
Drakulich picks 2010's worst films
They are like thieves. Were they actual criminals, perhaps the most fitting charge would be grand larceny. These 10 films have swindled audiences across the country and sometimes across the globe into actually paying money to see them. The have done this to the tune …
Lack of real feel in 'No Strings Attached'
Play it safe. Take no chances and see what you get: milquetoast, eh, blah. With a film that has Ivan Reitman as director and a cast with Kevin Kline and Natalie Portman, chances are better than average it will be a decent film. So I …
Quick Flicks including ‘No Strings Attached’
Wondering whether to see a movie? Then check out what film critics have to say about some of the box office’s top flicks including "No Strings Attached."
Convoluted mess makes 'Dilemma' not so hot
I can’t count how many times a film character learns something about a close friend’s spouse or significant other and has to decide whether to say something or keep quiet. So I wonder how something new can be introduced to such a dilemma. Certainly if …
Flick Pick: 'Season of the Witch' not authentic
Nicolas Cage has had a career that’s been hard to figure out. For every time he turns in a performance that really makes audiences sit up and take notice like “Adaptation,” “Leaving Las Vegas” or “Lord of War,” there are three or four on his …
Firth shows such skill in ‘The King’s Speech’
Some have greatness thrust upon them. “The King’s Speech” opens with the man who would become King George VI attempting to speak before the British Empire Exhibition in the mid-1920s. He stands before a massive crowd that has fallen dead silent so they can hear …
Drakulich's top 10 films of 2010
The summer’s movies taught me something. Sure there was the utter garbage that comes out every year between Memorial Day and Labor Day (“Furry Vengeance” comes to mind). But there was a spate of good comedies and action pictures that came out during that time, …
Flick Pick on new take of 'True Grit'
The presumption for so many about “True Grit” is that Rooster Cogburn is the embodiment of the film’s title. There is a convincing argument out there to be made. Cogburn is a U.S. Marshal whose job it is to keep order. But he’s a lone …
Flick Pick says ‘Tron: Legacy’ not so deep
If we are to believe “Tron: Legacy,” there may be an alternate universe within our computer networks and digital devices for us to visit one day. Actually we’ll be able to inhabit the alternate universe, not just see it on our computer screens. It is …
Quick Flicks including ‘True Grit’
Wondering whether to see a movie? Then check out what film critics have to say about some of the box office’s top flicks including “True Grit” and “Little Fockers.”
Flick Pick takes a look at ‘The Tourist’
“The Tourist” is like the classic reverse play in football. The ball goes to one player in one direction. Then there’s a quick flip to another going in the opposite direction — all to throw off the defense. “The Tourist” does something similar. In the …
