REVIEW: ‘Joker’ reveals classic character’s dark backstory


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Arthur Fleck twirls, twirls and twirls a sign, enclothed in full clown attire — he dances and smiles without a worry in the world. Everyone walks by him, creeped out more than anything.  But that doesn’t matter to Fleck, who is enjoying himself as he forgets how he’s perceived by the world. When a group […]

‘First Love’ furthers director’s stylistic trademarks


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“Don’t you know? What matters the most is keeping humanity.”  That line in the film may have been delivered as a moral declaration, but it is also a basic question of screenwriting 101: How can we best bring a character to life, as a believable and three-dimensional person without relying on tropes that render them […]

REVIEW: ‘It Chapter Two’ terrifies with impressive finale to saga


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On a warm Wednesday night, crowds poured into the School of Cinematic Arts’ George Lucas Building 30 minutes early in anticipation of  the “It Chapter Two” early screening. Spirits were high, and chatter filled the concourse. Doors finally opened at 6:30 p.m., and they were promptly closed six minutes later as the room had already […]

REVIEW: USC alumni-produced horror film blends thrills with satire


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In the post-“Get Out” era of horror-comedy, it’s difficult to see new films without the veil of the movies’ shadow. “Ready or Not,” a horror comedy produced by USC alumnis Tripp Vinson and James Vanderbilt, is no freer of that burden than any other new horror film. From the moment the camera pulls away from […]

REVIEW: ‘Toy Story 4’ sends off beloved characters


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When audiences saw Andy give away Woody and the rest of the gang to Bonnie at the end of “Toy Story 3,” many fans likely  assumed it was the perfect swan song for the beloved characters. That’s why skepticism lingered over the idea of another entry in the “Toy Story” franchise. However, “Toy Story 4” […]
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