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Quester Hannah's <em>'King of Guangzhou.'</em> (Photo courtesy of BlackStar)

Fifth annual BlackStar film festival, part one

Black, white, and in between

In part one of Trish McFadden's review of the BlackStar film festival's "Diasporic Encounters" selection of shorts, she enjoyed both the local and global connections in its lineup.

Trish McFadden

Aug 09, 2016 Articles 2 minute read

Fight night at Philly's Legendary Blue Horizon. (Photo via Creative Commons/Wikimedia)

'Ray Donovan' packs an unexpected punch

The writing on the wall

Some props on Showtime's boxing drama 'Ray Donovan' led Bob Levin to dig up Philly's boxing history and his own memories.

Bob Levin

Aug 08, 2016 Articles 3 minute read

Viggo Mortensen, Annalise Basso, Shree Crooks, and Charlie Shotwell. (Photo by Eric Simkins, courtesy of Bleeker Street)

'Captain Fantastic,' directed by Matt Ross

Long hair, don't care

Viggo Mortenson is the patriarch of a back-to-nature family forced to return to the world of modern conveniences. It's not a smooth transition.

Angela Harmon

Jul 29, 2016 Articles 2 minute read

Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg talk the talk, but does Woody Allen walk the walk? (Photo courtesy of Lionsgate Films)

'Café Society,' directed by Woody Allen

Too much foam, not enough java

In Woody Allen's 'Café Society,' love looks the same whether you're climbing up or down the social ladder.

Michael Fisher

Jul 29, 2016 Articles 4 minute read

The film's real-life inspiration, Madeleine Pauliac. (Photo via Creative Commons/Wikimedia)

'Les Innocentes' ('The Innocents'), directed by Anne Fontaine

Ungodly acts in a wartime convent

In 'Les Innocentes' ('The Innocents'), director Anne Fontaine draws from the story of Madeleine Pauliac, a WWII-era doctor called to assist a convent filled with pregnant, traumatized nuns.

Victor L. Schermer

Jul 22, 2016 Articles 3 minute read

Samuel L. Jackson as <em>'Do the Right Thing'</em> DJ Mister Señor Love Daddy. (Photo by Elias Schewel via Creative Commons/Flickr)

BSR's #GetWoke racial justice/law enforcement film starter pack

Seven films to watch and discuss when the news isn't enuf

Our film critic Trish McFadden lists her top seven films for furthering discussion around racial justice and law enforcement. How many have you seen?

Trish McFadden

Jul 12, 2016 Articles 5 minute read

Julian Dennison as foster child and "bad egg," Ricky. (Photo courtesy of Piki Films)

Taika Waititi's 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople'

Little boy lost and found

New Zealand director Taika Waititi’s new comedy/adventure pairs a foster child with an interesting family. It’s also, to use a word the film coins, a "majestical" summer treat.

Rachel Bellwoar

Jul 07, 2016 Articles 2 minute read

Paltrow, De Palma and Baumbach. (Photo via EPK.tv)

'De Palma,' a documentary by Jake Paltrow and Noah Baumbach

This time, the camera is on him

Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow's new documentary features director Brian De Palma discussing his life and career — including his Philadelphia childhood.

Stephen Silver

Jun 20, 2016 Articles 4 minute read

Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz find forbidden love. (Photo by Despina Spirou)

'The Lobster,' by writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos

Love in the time of The Lobster

'The Lobster's' central question sounds hypothetical: If you were turned into an animal because you couldn't find love, what animal would you be? In Yorgos Lanthimos' film, the answer can change your life.