At what point does burning ambition have to step aside for the pressing responsibilities of adulthood? Taking to heart Harlan Howard’s “three chords and the truth” analogy,…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: Wild Rose Movie Review: Jessie Buckley shines bright”

Even in a summer that’s already been marked by soulless callbacks pandering to established fanbases (Aladdin, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Dark Phoenix, Men in Black International,…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: Shaft Movie Review: A dated and soulless return”

It’s nearly impossible to discuss Olivia Wilde’s directorial feature debut Booksmart without slipping into hyperbole. Bursting with confidence and personality, it avoids nearly all of the pitfalls…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: Booksmart Movie Review: A new coming-of-age classic”

With his 30+ year career as one of China’s prominent cinematic voices, director Zhang Yimou’s résumé plays like an eclectic stew, a series of seemingly random darts…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: Shadow Movie Review: Another stunning epic from Zhang Yimou”

When John and Molly Chester fled the big city with the impulsive dream of creating a self-sustaining farm, they knew they were taking on an immense task,…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: The Biggest Little Farm Movie Review: A Celebratory tale of back-to-nature triumph”

Each year, usually sometime around Mother’s Day weekend, Hollywood churns out a well-meaning if bland offering specifically designed for older audiences. Rising above the comfortable charm of…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: Poms Movie Review: A thoughtful and sincere film about aging and friendship”

More so than most genres, romantic comedies demand that their audience check their preconceived notions of sensibility at the door, instead adopting a wide-eyed innocence in the…… Read more “New from Brian Thompson on The Young Folks: Movie Review: Long Shot”