The Tokyo Night Sky Is Always the Densest Shade of Blue

Film Review: ‘The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue’

The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue is directed by Yuya Ishii, who also directed Sawako Decides in 2010. This latest film stands out both for its imaginative cinematography by Yoichi Kamakari and for the unusual source of its dialogue – the poetry of Tahi...
Step Film Review

‘Step’ will restore your faith in the human spirit

Uplifting film documents girls' high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore.
Hally Berry in 'Kidnap' - Film Review

‘Kidnap’ Film Review: Halle Berry is relentless in pursuit of her goal

Halle Berry’s latest film causes us to see her in a new light, perhaps in keeping with this summer’s other action films – a woman relentless in pursuit of her goal. She is not Wonder Woman or an MI-6 agent in the Cold War (Charlize Theron), but she is...
The Beguiled - Film Review

Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Beguiled’ complex, haunting, impressive (Review)

Sofia Coppola received the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film version of The Beguiled, adapted from a 1966 southern gothic novel by Thomas Cullinan. Her intriguing interpretation is complex and haunting, and impressive. Barely had her film been released when critics and the viewing public...
Film Review: Mali Blues

Film Review: ‘Mali Blues’ a standout documentary

Director Lutz Gregor's film was a special highlight at the Mendocino Film Festival.
Twin Peaks The Return Review

Twin Peaks Returns: David Lynch doubles down on Lynchian (Review)

It is happening again, this time on Showtime. And legions of David Lynch and Twin Peaks fans are welcoming the director's swan song with open arms (and cherry pies).
King Arthur Film Review: Jude Law

Film Review: An entertaining ‘King Arthur’ (Legend of the Sword)

Guy Ritchie's 'King Arthur' (Legend of the Sword) opens today. Film critic Jeanne Powell has a first look review for Stark Insider. The new Warner Brothers film based on the legend of King Arthur has potential to be a blockbuster this summer. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the picture clearly targets...
The Long Excuse - Film Review

‘The Long Excuse’ and the refusal to acknowledge loss (Film Review)

Stark Insider indie film review: The Long Excuse which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Writer-director Miwa Nishikawa’s thoughtfully woven film is a reflection on the challenges of marriage. Nishikawa’s previous films gave us characters operating in a world of dubious ethics or no ethics at all...
A scene from Rahmatou Keïta's THE WEDDING RING, playing at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival, April 5 - April 19, 2017.

SFFILM: ‘The Wedding Ring’ a welcome and joyous remembrance (Review)

Stark Insider indie film review: The Wedding Ring (original title: (HAWSA) ZIN'NAARIYÂ!) which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Director Rahmatou Keïta has given us a delicious and timeless film in The Wedding Ring. It is a 2016 release from Niger, Burkina Faso and France under the original...
Tara Lee and Seána Kerslake in Darren Thornton's A DATE FOR MAD MARY, playing at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival, April 5 - April 19, 2017.

Strong directing and Seana Kerslake win us over in ‘A Date for Mad Mary’ at San Francisco Film Festival

Stark Insider indie film review: A Date for Mad Mary which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Director Darren Thornton’s 2016 comedy drama was named best film at the Irish Film Academy awards in Dublin earlier this month, and it has been a favorite at the San...