All articles by David Kempler

A young woman’s sexual awakening is not ordinary because the actress behind the central character gives a performance that matches anything you will see this year, or any other.

Silent films are back! Maybe not, but Michael Hazanavicius has done a sweet job of pulling this one off, even if silents will be silenced again quickly.

Alexander Payne falls far short of his best, descending into this contrived tale of a family dealing with the mother in a coma.

Lars Von Trier’s latest is divided into two sections. Part One is a dysfunctional wedding. Part Two is about the possible end of life on Earth. Oddly, Part One is more depressing.

Werner Herzog’s latest examines the death penalty, particularly how it pertains to a triple-homicide in Texas. While no Herzog film is bad, this is not one of his best.

A younger sister of the Olsen twins shines as a troubled young lady who has experienced some time down on the farm. However, the farm is more a Charlie Manson ranch than heartland.

Young and stupid love is on display, although I question the love part a bit, in this tale of two twenty somethings that don’t have a clue about life.

A man is either going insane, can see the future, or both. Michael Shannon is the man and Jeff Nichols directs. The result proves again why Shannon is one of the best, and director Nichols is every bit as magnificent.

Three estranged brothers, led by WWE wrestler John Cena, are brought back together at the wishes of their recently dead dad. It’s not half as bad as it should be because newcomer Boyd Holbrook might be an actor to keep an eye on.

The birth of NCAA basketball for women is chronicled in syrupy form as we watch the underdogs conquer against all odds.