Poker, an ancient yet universal game of skill and strategy has attracted millions globally. While some are drawn in by high-stakes tournaments’ allure, few understand what goes on inside professional players’ heads when creating successful
ROAD HOUSE– 3 STARS Short of being chosen for historical preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress (and come on, Librarian of Congress, get on that already, jeez), 1989’s
SLEEPING DOGS– 2 STARS Sleeping Dogs is one of those murder mystery thrillers where motive construction and character placement is the whole kit and caboodle. Simply put, it’s one of those movies where every main
FREE TIME– 2 STARS For better or worse, Free Time operates like an audience tolerance test on the topic of the Millennial lifestyle. Little events and narrative turns occur that viewers will either identify with
RIDDLE OF FIRE– 3 STARS Every now and again, that old classic W. C. Fields quote of “Never work with animals or children” is recited in reference to a movie. People often misuse W. C.’s
THE LISTENER— 4 STARS If one were to research, the qualifications to be a crisis line counselor or dispatcher are fascinating. Citing one criteria example, the professional qualities of a “clear telephone voice” and “strong
IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS– 2 STARS LESSON #1: WHAT SHOULD WE CALL AN IRISH WESTERN?— This isn’t meant to sound like a cheeky pub joke, but maybe it works that way too.
THE GREATEST HITS– 4 STARS Hopefully, any long-term couple out there has “their song,” the one that defines their relationship and evokes the most memories. Back in the day, it was probably the record with
MONKEY MAN– 4 STARS The footprints of the archetypal “hero’s journey” have criss-crossed every continent and culture on this planet. Those who idolize or worship those divine stories of myth carry those inspirations into the
WICKED LITTLE LETTERS– 4 STARS LESSON #1: THE EXCITEMENT OF A GOOD CURSE WORD– From the prudish who don’t cuss to the proficient who do, there’s something unmistakably invigorating about dropped profanity. From appalling shock