brad pitt

REVIEW: The Big Short 

/ Chris Luckett / Leave a comment
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Photo: Paramount Pictures

Chris Luckett

Many of the characters in The Big Short are hotshot brokers and bankers who trade in millions daily (before the financial crisis of 2008). Two, though, are younger guys who’ve never had the chance to land a big deal and just want a shot at the grown-ups table.

Adam MacKay is a talented director who’s always been held back a bit by the comedies he’s made: Step Brothers, The Other Guys, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and both Anchormans. He wasn’t the logical choice to direct a movie that has no shrieking, streaking, or Will Ferrell. The Big Short is his big shot. Continue reading →

REVIEW: 12 Years a Slave

/ Chris Luckett / Leave a comment
Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Chris Luckett

There are lots of great movies that aren’t very fun to watch. Nobody watches Schindler’s List or Requiem for a Dream and says, “That was fun!” Dark or depressing movies can serve a very important purpose, though, as they can make for the most powerful films. 12 Years a Slave is one of the most powerful of the year.

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