Feb 19 2016

The Witch

A New England family in the 1630’s is cast out of their colony and forced to homestead on the edge of a deep wooded area just before winter. Tormented by what appears to be the forces of witchcraft and black magic, Father William (Ralph Ineson), and mother Katherine (Kate Dickie) are tested in their faith while their children Caleb, Mercy, Jonas, and teenaged Thomasin (Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson, Anya Taylor-Joy) dance ever closer to the fire, finding the seduction and guiding hand of Satan.TheWitch Written and Directed by Robert Eggers, this slow burn period piece of dark folklore accurately manages to capture much of the imagery that’s depicted in the tales of witchcraft from early American history. A vision that may come as less thrilling to modern audiences with preconceived notions as to where witches come from; but, is more akin to discovering the horror in the writing of authors such as Edgar Allen Poe or H.P. Lovecraft, to that end Eggers has pure success. Stark and haunting as it should be, the imagery contained within The Witch will not leave you quietly but rather prey upon you at night as you lay in bed pondering the silence outside your own bedroom window. Fans of horror, this is victory. The Witch is rated R.


Feb 19 2016

Touched With Fire

Two poets, Carla and Marco (Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby), who both happen to be bipolar, find each other in a mental hospital and ignite a passionate affair that burns twice as bright but is also destined to burn out twice as fast and hard on the downside of mania. Finding their art and supporting each other will not be easy, will they find their balance?touched Written and directed by Paul Dalio this relatively conventional yet unconventional little love story contains a personal edge that seems strongly evident in the degree to which the accuracy of bipolar disorder is portrayed throughout; and, performances from Holmes and Kirby truly feel well fleshed out and dimensional. Still, a bit small in its scope, not much new information is brought to light about the bipolar world, perhaps more could have been offered? As it is, this drama will fit nicely on the shelf with a handful of other smaller titles on the Lifetime network. Perhaps a matinee but really more of a rental later, Touched With Fire is rated R


Feb 19 2016

Risen

Following the tale of Christ’s (Cliff Curtis) resurrection as told through the eyes of a Roman non-believer Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), the questioning of gods, faith, and what can be believed is strong at hand in this vision of the new testament. risen For director Kevin Reynolds (Waterworld, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), who’s been largely out of the Hollywood spotlight for the last 20 years, the grand scope of a biblical spectacular is totally something that doesn’t feel too out of reach, and, as far as ecumenical tales go, this moderately budgeted film in fact maintains a pedigree that feels polished and not thrown together. A thoughtful and pensive performance from Fiennes shines throughout, meanwhile it’s a bit disappointing that Curtis and the apostles don’t really seem to have much to say post resurrection; but, instead seem more driven by wide eyed smiles and gazing into the heavens. Dare I say, perhaps a bit more dialogue could give substance and clarity to those not as familiar with the story? Worthy of a matinee for believers and the curious, otherwise perhaps wait for this one on rebroadcast later. Risen is rated PG-13.