Review
Review: "Saving Mr. Banks"
We’ll never forget the notable childhood memory of Mary Poppins singing, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” An emotionally dynamic film and current Oscar contender, “Saving Mr. Banks” recounts the true story of "Mary Poppins" author, P.
Review: "Twice Born"
“Twice Born” is a drama set in a series of beautiful locations about people discovering the beauty of love, motherhood and forgiveness in the middle of the Bosnian War’s Siege of Sarajevo. There are a few problems, however, with this cinematic ode to sweeping violins, flashback narration and endless, impossibly blue shots of the ocean. The primary setting of the location—one which drives the heart of much of the drama—feels trite and, at times, even tasteless.
Review: "Baptized"—Daughtry
“Baptized” debuted last week from “American Idol” fourth–runner–up Chris Daughtry and his band, Daughtry.
Review: Rodin at the Arthur Ross Gallery
The human presence is this single Rodin-lined room of the Arthur Ross Gallery’s most startling feature.
Review: "Small Sound"—Tennis
Tennis, like its namesake game, is easy to follow. Any release by the gentle pop group tends to hinge upon relatively simple vocal harmonies and twee lyrics marred by a twinge of longing.
Review: "The Marshall Mathers LP 2"—Eminem
Most Eminem fans were skeptical, especially given his last effort, when they heard that his new album was going to be titled “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.” His last full–length album, “Recovery,” was filled with a lot of shouting, cringe–worthy punchlines and collaborations with people he would’ve joked about killing in his golden age.
Review: "Matangi"—M.I.A
It is evident from the intro song, “Karmageddon,” that M.I.A’s new album “Matangi” is not just a grouping of songs; it is a lyrical and instrumental experience.
Review: "Blue is the Warmest Color"
In Abdellatif Kechiche’s recently debuted French drama, blue is not only the warmest color, but it is also the most heart–warming one.
Philly Film Festival Review: "Caucus"
A typical Northeastern Obama-supporting Liberal, I strived for an open mind in watching "Caucus." Though I’d like to claim objectivity, it was immediately apparent I had failed.
Philly Film Festival Review: "Miele"
What is a good reason to want to die? The eponymous main character of “Miele” has built a career out of avoiding that question.
Review: "No Blues"—Los Campesinos!
“No Blues” is the fifth studio album by the Welsh indie rock group Los Campesinos! The album sort of sounds like one long 42–minute song, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The Round Up: 10.31.2013
Trick–or–treat, lovelies! Actually, you don’t have to pick, because Highbrow has a real treat this ’Ween.
Review: "Reflektor"—Arcade Fire
"Reflektor," Arcade Fire's fourth album, has been hugely hyped—and while it's not an instant classic, it satisfies.
Philly Film Festival Review: "Let The Fire Burn"
The first person we meet in Jason Osder’s documentary, “Let the Fire Burn,” is a young child introduced to us as Michael Moses Ward.
Philly Film Festival Review: "Ilo Ilo"
There is a scene in “Ilo Ilo” where the maid and the only child of the Singaporean family run up to the roof of their apartment complex to watch the sunset. “The view is so beautiful here.
Philly Film Festival Review: "The Art of the Steal"
The film takes time to set up the backstory and illustrate the setting of the new heist, but it eventually finds the right tempo and tone for the rest of the movie.
Review: "Carrie"
It’s no surprise that the latest interpretation of Stephen King’s “Carrie” comes after a summer of superhero flicks like “Man of Steel” and “The Wolverine.” Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), who spends most of the movie developing her psychic powers while being ostracized by the popular high school crowd, could very well be the newest member of the X–men.
Philly Film Festival Review: "Before Snowfall"
In the opening moments of “Before Snowfall,” a sixteen–year–old boy is wrapped in plastic and tossed into a fuel can in order to evade border security.
Album Review: "Guilt Trips"—Ryan Hemsworth
It’s hard out here for a DJ.
