Stay up to date on the latest films with Movie Reviews featured in two short segments — Take Two and Freeze Frame. “Freeze Frame” is a two-minute countdown of films reviewed by Russ Simmons, an award-winning film critic, whose work has been featured on television and in print for nearly two decades. “Take Two” hosts Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders, a former psychotherapist, review independently made films and art-house movies currently showing in Kansas City.
Take Two Air Times:
- Friday at 12:32 pm
- Saturday at 5:58 pm
- Wednesday at 12:30 pm
Freeze Frame Air Times:
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 10:58 am
- Sunday at 12:30 pm
- Monday at 12 Noon on “Arts Magazine”
Take Two: “Anatomy of a Fall” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/15/2024 |
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The big winner at the Cannes Film Festival is an involving French courtroom drama that also received an Oscar for it's screenplay.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-anatomy-of-a-fall-r/" title="Take Two: “Anatomy of a Fall” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Love Lies Bleeding” (R), “Arthur the King” (PG-13), “One Life” (PG), “American Dreamer” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/15/2024 |
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A skillfully made midnight movie, a family friendly dog movie, a biopic about a WWII hero, a doc about famed artist Frida Kahlo, a dark comedy based on an episode of "This American Life"...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-love-lies-bleeding-r-arthur-the-king-pg-13-one-life-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Love Lies Bleeding” (R), “Arthur the King” (PG-13), “One Life” (PG), “American Dreamer” (Not rated)"/]Freeze Frame: “Spaceman” (R), “Kung Fu Panda 4” (PG), “Damsel” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/08/2024 |
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Adam Sandler goes to space and leaves the comedy back on Earth. Jack Black returns as an animated panda and Millie Bobby Brown is a maiden in medieval distress. Check out this week's movie reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-spaceman-r-kung-fu-panda-4-pg-damsel-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Spaceman” (R), “Kung Fu Panda 4” (PG), “Damsel” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Spaceman” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/08/2024 |
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Adam Sandler ("Hustle," "Uncut Gems") plays a cosmonaut facing an existential crisis in the Netflix sci-fi offering, "Spaceman."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-spaceman-r/" title="Take Two: “Spaceman” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Dune: Part 2” (PG-13), “Io Capitano” (Not rated), “Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/01/2024 |
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The sci-fi epic "Dune" continues with part two, a contender for the Best International Feature Oscar, and a Netflix erotic thriller from Tyler Perry...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-dune-part-2-pg-13-io-capitano-not-rated-tyler-perrys-mea-culpa-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Dune: Part 2” (PG-13), “Io Capitano” (Not rated), “Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa” (R)"/]Take Two: “Strays” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/01/2024 |
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Will Ferrell ("Barbie") and Jamie Foxx ("The Burial") lend their voices to the R-rated farce, "Strays." It's a talking dog movie where the pooches use language that would make a sailor blush.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-strays-r/" title="Take Two: “Strays” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Ordinary Angels” (PG), “Perfect Days” (PG), “Out of Darkness” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/23/2024 |
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A family friendly drama starring a two-time Oscar winner, an Oscar nominee for Best International Feature and a prehistoric horror thriller are all available in theaters this week. Are they worth your time?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-ordinary-angels-pg-perfect-days-pg-out-of-darkness-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Ordinary Angels” (PG), “Perfect Days” (PG), “Out of Darkness” (R)"/]Tale Two: “Jules” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/23/2024 |
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Ben Kinglsey ("Shindler's List"), Jane Curtain ("SNL") and Harriet Samson Harris ("Licorice Pizza") star in the quirky sci-fi comic drama, "Jules."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/tale-two-jules-pg-13/" title="Tale Two: “Jules” (PG-13)"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Bob Marley: One Love” (PG-13), “Madame Web” (PG-13), “The Taste of Things” (PG-13), “This is Me…Now: A Love Story” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/16/2024 |
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A biopic about a reggae icon, a Marvel superhero origin story, a French gastronomical romance and a J-Lo mini musical...and new this week! Check out our reviews to see what's worth your time.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-bob-marley-one-love-pg-13-madame-web-pg-13-the-taste-of-things-pg-13-this-is-me-now-a-love-story-pg-13/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Bob Marley: One Love” (PG-13), “Madame Web” (PG-13), “The Taste of Things” (PG-13), “This is Me…Now: A Love Story” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Society of the Snow” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/16/2024 |
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The chilling Netflix drama "Society of the Snow" is a survival drama based on a true story. This Spanish language feature is a nominee for this year's Best International Feature Oscar.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-society-of-the-snow-r/" title="Take Two: “Society of the Snow” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Teachers’ Lounge” (PG-13), “Suncoast” (R), “Upgraded” (R), “Genius: MLK/X” (Unrated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/09/2024 |
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An Oscar-nominated German social drama, a Hulu film about grief, a featherweight Netflix rom-com and an Amazon Prime series about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcom X...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-teachers-lounge-pg-13-suncoast-r-upgraded-r-genius-mlk-x-unrated/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Teachers’ Lounge” (PG-13), “Suncoast” (R), “Upgraded” (R), “Genius: MLK/X” (Unrated)"/]Take Two: “Family Switch” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/09/2024 |
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Jennifer Garner ("13 Going on 30") and Ed Helms ("The Hangover") star in the supernatural Netflix comedy, "Family Switch."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-family-switch-pg/" title="Take Two: “Family Switch” (PG)"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Argylle” (PG-13), “Scrambled” (R), “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/02/2024 |
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A very 'meta' spy comedy, a hard R-rated sex comedy, and a new Amazon Prime limited series based on a hitman comedy...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-argylle-pg-13-scrambled-r-mr-and-mrs-smith-r/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Argylle” (PG-13), “Scrambled” (R), “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (R)"/]Take Two: “Oppenheimer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/02/2024 |
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Nominated for thirteen Academy Awards, "Oppenheimer" is an epic biopic about the father of the atomic bomb, written and directed by Christopher Nolan ("Inception.")
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-oppenheimer-r/" title="Take Two: “Oppenheimer” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Zone of Interest” (R), “The Underdoggs” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/26/2024 |
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The favorite to win this year's Oscar for Best International Feature makes its local theatrical debut. On the other side of the cinematic spectrum, Snoop Dogg's foul-mouthed comedy streams on Amazon Prime.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-zone-of-interest-r-the-underdoggs-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Zone of Interest” (R), “The Underdoggs” (R)"/]Take Two: “Joy Ride” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/26/2024 |
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The bawdy comedy "Joy Ride" was released in theaters last summer and is now available to stream at home. It's about four Asian-American women who take a road trip to China where everything goes sideways.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-joy-ride-r/" title="Take Two: “Joy Ride” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Origin” (R), “I.S.S.” (R), “Freud’s Last Session” (PG-13), “True Detective: Night Country” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/19/2024 |
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A biographical drama about the author of a bestselling book about the worldwide caste system, a claustrophobic space thriller, a speculative drama about two intellectual giants in conversation and a lurid detective thriller...all new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-origin-r-i-s-s-r-freuds-last-session-pg-13-true-detective-night-country-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “Origin” (R), “I.S.S.” (R), “Freud’s Last Session” (PG-13), “True Detective: Night Country” (TV-MA)"/]Take Two: “Lift” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/19/2024 |
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Kevin Hart ("Me Time") plays the head of an international group of sophisticated art thieves in the Netflix action comedy, "Lift."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-lift-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Lift” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Killers of the Flower Moon” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/12/2024 |
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Filmmaker Martin Scorsese's long-awaited adaptation of the non-fiction book is now available to screen at home.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-killers-of-the-flower-moon-r/" title="Take Two: “Killers of the Flower Moon” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Mean Girls” (PG-13), “American Fiction” (R), “Lift” (PG-13), “Echo” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/12/2024 |
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A musicalized adaptation of a hit teen comedy, a biting satire of race relations and the publishing world, a wacky Netflix heist movie and a new adult oriented Marvel series on Disney+...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-mean-girls-pg-13-american-fiction-r-lift-pg-13-echo-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “Mean Girls” (PG-13), “American Fiction” (R), “Lift” (PG-13), “Echo” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: The Best Films of 2023 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/05/2024 |
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Happy New Year! It's time to look back on the cream of the cinematic crop for 2023.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-best-films-of-2023/" title="Freeze Frame: The Best Films of 2023"/]Take Two: “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/05/2024 |
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Filmmaker Zack Snyder ("300") gives his take on the sci-fi space opera genre. It's currently streaming on Netflix.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-rebel-moon-part-one-a-child-of-fire-r/" title="Take Two: “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Color Purple” (PG-13), “The Boys in the Boat” (PG-13), “Ferrari” (R), “Society of the Snow” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/29/2023 |
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A cinematic version of a hit Broadway musical, an inspirational sports movie, a biopic about a carmaker and racing mogul and a true-life survival story...all new in theaters or streaming this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-color-purple-pg-13-the-boys-in-the-boat-pg-13-ferrari-r-society-of-the-snow-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Color Purple” (PG-13), “The Boys in the Boat” (PG-13), “Ferrari” (R), “Society of the Snow” (R)"/]Take Two: “Maestro” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/29/2023 |
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Bradley Cooper ("A Star is Born") wrote, produced, directed and stars in the story of famed conductor/director Leonard Bernstein.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-maestro-r/" title="Take Two: “Maestro” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (PG-13), “Poor Things” (R), “The Iron Claw” (R), “Migration” (PG), “Rebel Moon” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/22/2023 |
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The latest DC superhero adventure, a bizarre adult horror comedy, an arthouse pro wrestling movie, an animated flying family feature and a "Star Wars" wannabe...all new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-pg-13-poor-things-r-the-iron-claw-r-migration-pg-rebel-moon-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (PG-13), “Poor Things” (R), “The Iron Claw” (R), “Migration” (PG), “Rebel Moon” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Napoleon” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/22/2023 |
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Filmmaker Ridley Scott ("Gladiator") tries his hand at yet another epic, "Napoleon." Joaquin Phoenix ("The Joker") stars as the French emperor and military genius.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-napoleon-r/" title="Take Two: “Napoleon” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Wonka” (PG), “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” (PG), “The Family Plan (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/15/2023 |
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A prequel to a musical classic, a sequel to a stop-motion animated hit and a hitman movie that only seems like a sequel...all are new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-wonka-pg-chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-pg-the-family-plan-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Wonka” (PG), “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” (PG), “The Family Plan (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Leave the World Behind” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/15/2023 |
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Julia Roberts ("Eat, Pray, Love"), Mahershala Ali ("Green Book") and Ethan Hawke ("Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery") star in the apocalyptic Netflix thriller, "Leave the World Behind," directed by Sam Esmail ("Mr. Robot").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-leave-the-world-behind-r/" title="Take Two: “Leave the World Behind” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Maestro” (R), “Elieen” (R), “Leave the World Behind” (R), “Merry Little Batman” (TV-Y7) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/08/2023 |
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Bradley Cooper's highly anticipated biopic about Leonard Bernstein, a dark psychological thriller with two strong actresses, a Netflix apocalyptic drama and a superhero cartoon for the kids...are all new at theaters or on streaming platforms this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-maestro-r-elieen-r-leave-the-world-behind-r-merry-little-batman-tv-y7/" title="Freeze Frame: “Maestro” (R), “Elieen” (R), “Leave the World Behind” (R), “Merry Little Batman” (TV-Y7)"/]Take Two: “May December” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/08/2023 |
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Two Oscar-winning actresses star in the Netflix drama, "May December." Julianne Moore ("Still Alice") plays a child rapist and Natalie Portman ("Black Swan") plays an actress signed to play her in a movie. "May December" is the latest from acclaimed director, Todd Haynes ("Far from Heaven").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-may-december-r/" title="Take Two: “May December” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Candy Cane Lane” (PG), “May December” (R), “Family Switch” (PG), “Under the Influencer” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/01/2023 |
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A new holiday comedy from Eddie Murphy, a dark drama with two Oscar winners, a broad family body-switch comedy and a timely comic drama from a Kansas City native filmmaker...all coming up for your holiday season.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-candy-cane-lane-pg-may-december-r-family-switch-pg-under-the-influencer-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Candy Cane Lane” (PG), “May December” (R), “Family Switch” (PG), “Under the Influencer” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/01/2023 |
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The quirky short story by Roald Dahl ("The Witches") is now a quirky short film on Netflix directed by Wes Anderson ("Asteroid City").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-wonderful-story-of-henry-sugar-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “Napoleon” (R), “Wish” (PG), “Saltburn” (R), “Dashing Through the Snow” (PG), “Leo” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/24/2023 |
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A historical drama that aims to be an epic, a Disney animated fairy tale, a pitch black British comedy, a holiday fantasy and an animated Adam Sandler production...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-napoleon-r-wish-pg-saltburn-r-dashing-through-the-snow-pg-leo-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Napoleon” (R), “Wish” (PG), “Saltburn” (R), “Dashing Through the Snow” (PG), “Leo” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Miranda’s Victim” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/24/2023 |
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The story behind the Supreme Court's historic Miranda Ruling is the focus of the drama, "Miranda's Victim." Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") plays Trish Weir, who suffered a rape in 1963 and fought a technicality that kept her rapist out of jail.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mirandas-victim-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Miranda’s Victim” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/17/2023 |
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The dark Netflix thriller "The Killer" stars Michael Fassbender ("Next Goal Wins") as a philosophical assassin who scrambles to save himself when a hit goes bad. It's the latest from director David Fincher ("The Social Network," "Gone Girl").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-killer-r/" title="Take Two: “The Killer” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Rustin” (R), “Next Goal Wins” (PG-13), “Trolls Band Together” (PG), “Best. Christmas. Ever!” (TV-PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/17/2023 |
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A dramatic look at a Civil Rights legend, a feel-good sports movie, an animated musical farce and a hokey holiday comedy...all new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-rustin-r-next-goal-wins-pg-13-trolls-band-together-pg-best-christmas-ever-tv-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Rustin” (R), “Next Goal Wins” (PG-13), “Trolls Band Together” (PG), “Best. Christmas. Ever!” (TV-PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Marvels” (PG-13), “Journey to Bethlehem” (PG), “Quiz Lady” (R), “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/10/2023 |
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The latest entry from the Marvel Universe, a musical about the Nativity, a raucous Hulu comedy and a documentary about a brilliant comic mind...all new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-marvels-pg-13-journey-to-bethlehem-pg-quiz-lady-r-albert-brooks-defending-my-life-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Marvels” (PG-13), “Journey to Bethlehem” (PG), “Quiz Lady” (R), “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Nyad” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/10/2023 |
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Annette Bening ("Being Julia") and Jodi Foster ("Silence of the Lambs") star in the Netflix biopic "Nyad." It focuses on famed swimmer Diana Nyad's attempts to swim the Florida Straights at age 63.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-nyad-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Nyad” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Pain Hustlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/03/2023 |
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Emily Blunt ("Oppenheimer") and Chris Evans ("Captain America") star in the Netflix opioid crisis drama, "Pain Hustlers." They play pharmaceutical sales reps who skirt the law by offering bribes to doctors to prescribe their addictive meds.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-pain-hustlers-r/" title="Take Two: “Pain Hustlers” (R)"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Priscilla” (R), “What Happens Later” (R), “The Marsh King’s Daughter” (R), “Nyad” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/03/2023 |
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A biopic about the wife of a rock superstar, a rom-com featuring a comeback actress, a suspense thriller and a biopic about a swimming legend. Here's a quick overview to help with your viewing choices!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-priscilla-r-what-happens-later-r-the-marsh-kings-daughter-r-nyad-pg-13/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Priscilla” (R), “What Happens Later” (R), “The Marsh King’s Daughter” (R), “Nyad” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (PG-13), “The Killer” (R), “Anatomy of a Fall” (R), “Pain Hustlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/27/2023 |
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Murderous animatronic mascots offer Halloween scares, a slick hitman drama, a cerebral French courtroom drama and a Netflix movie about the opioid crisis...all new this week! Check out these reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-five-nights-at-freddys-pg-13-the-killer-r-anatomy-of-a-fall-r-pain-hustlers-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (PG-13), “The Killer” (R), “Anatomy of a Fall” (R), “Pain Hustlers” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Burial” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/27/2023 |
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Oscar winners Jamie Foxx ("Ray") and Tommy Lee Jones ("The Fugutive") star in the Amazon Prime drama, "The Burial," based on a compelling true story.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-burial-r/" title="Take Two: “The Burial” (R)"/]Take Two: “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/20/2023 |
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Three Oscar-winners and an Emmy winner reunite for a sequel to the hit 2018 comedy, "Book Club."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-book-club-the-next-chapter-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour” (PG-13), “Butcher’s Crossing” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/20/2023 |
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Travis Kelsey's girlfriend dominates the box office, but is her concert film all that? Does Nicholas Cage cut it up in "Butcher's Crossing?" Check out this week's movie reviews for the answers.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-taylor-swift-the-eras-tour-pg-13-butchers-crossing-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour” (PG-13), “Butcher’s Crossing” (R)"/]Take Two: “Fair Play” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/13/2023 |
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Phoebe Dynevor ("Bridgerton") and Alden Alden Ehrenreich "Solo: A Star Wars Story") star in the Netflix drama, "Fair Play," a throwback to the erotic thrillers of the 80s and 90s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-fair-play-r/" title="Take Two: “Fair Play” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Burial” (R), “Dear David” (R), “Garden City, Kansas” (Not rated), “Herd” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/13/2023 |
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A crowd-pleasing courtroom drama on Amazon Prime, a horror entry based on a viral Twitter thread, a documentary about an infamous terrorist event in Kansas and a Missouri-lensed horror thriller. All new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-burial-r-dear-david-r-garden-city-kansas-not-rated-herd-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Burial” (R), “Dear David” (R), “Garden City, Kansas” (Not rated), “Herd” (Not rated)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Exorcist: Believer” (R), “Fair Play” (R), “The Royal Hotel” (R), “Totally Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/06/2023 |
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A reboot of a classic horror franchise, a Netflix psychological drama, a disturbing suspense thriller, and a horror comedy on Amazon Prime...are all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-exorcist-believer-r-fair-play-r-the-royal-hotel-r-totally-killer-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Exorcist: Believer” (R), “Fair Play” (R), “The Royal Hotel” (R), “Totally Killer” (R)"/]Take Two: “Nelly Don – The Musical Movie” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/06/2023 |
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The remarkable life of Kansas City dressmaker Nell Donnelly gets musicalized in the locally-made feature, "Nelly Don - The Musical Movie."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-nelly-don-the-musical-movie-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Nelly Don – The Musical Movie” (Not rated)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Creator” (PG-13), “Nelly Don – The Musical Movie” (Not rated), “The Kill Room” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/29/2023 |
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A sci-fi opus about artificial intelligence, a musical about a KC legend and a dark comic satire about the art world...all new in theaters this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-creator-pg-13-nelly-don-the-musical-movie-not-rated-the-kill-room-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Creator” (PG-13), “Nelly Don – The Musical Movie” (Not rated), “The Kill Room” (R)"/]Take Two: “El Conde” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/29/2023 |
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The dark Netflix satire "El Conde" is a horror entry inspired by the late Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. It's the work of noted filmmaker Pablo Larrain ("Jackie.")
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-el-conde-r/" title="Take Two: “El Conde” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “No One Will Save You” (PG-13), “El Conde” (R), “It Lives Inside” (PG-13), “Spy Kids: Armageddon” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/22/2023 |
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A surprisingly original alien invasion movie, a political horror satire, a demonic possession movie and an adventure flick for the kids...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-no-one-will-save-you-pg-13-el-conde-r-it-lives-inside-pg-13-spy-kids-armageddon-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “No One Will Save You” (PG-13), “El Conde” (R), “It Lives Inside” (PG-13), “Spy Kids: Armageddon” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Hypnotic” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/22/2023 |
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Ben Affleck ("Air") stars in "Hypnotic," a sci-fi mystery thriller from filmmaker Robert Rodriguez ("Alita: Battle Angel").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hypnotic-r/" title="Take Two: “Hypnotic” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “A Haunting in Venice” (PG-13), “A Million Miles Away” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/15/2023 |
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The latest Agatha Christie whodunit from Kenneth Branagh and an inspirational Amazon Prime biopic are both new this week. Here's the lowdown.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-a-haunting-in-venice-pg-13-a-million-miles-away-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “A Haunting in Venice” (PG-13), “A Million Miles Away” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Bottoms” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/15/2023 |
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The raunchy sex farce "Bottoms" stars Rachel Sennott ("Bodies Bodies Bodies") and Ayd Edebiri ("The Bear") as lesbians who start a high school fight club.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bottoms-r/" title="Take Two: “Bottoms” (R)"/]Take Two: “Golda” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/08/2023 |
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Helen Mirren ("The Queen") stars as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in "Golda," a drama about the tense days of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-golda-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Golda” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” (PG-13), “Sitting in Bars with Cake” (PG-13), “The Changeling” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/08/2023 |
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The latest big fat offering from filmmaker Nia Vardalos, a four-hankie weeper for the Gen Z generation and a creepy supernatural thriller...all new this week. Are they any good?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-my-big-fat-greek-wedding-3-pg-13-sitting-in-bars-with-cake-pg-13-the-changeling-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” (PG-13), “Sitting in Bars with Cake” (PG-13), “The Changeling” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Equalizer 3” (R), “The Good Mother” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/01/2023 |
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Two-time Oscar-winner Denzel Washington is back for another go-round as an uber-talented vigilante and two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank plays the mother of a murder victim in a dark crime drama. Check out these reviews to see what's worth your while.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-equalizer-3-r-the-good-mother-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Equalizer 3” (R), “The Good Mother” (R)"/]TAKE TWO: “They Cloned Tyrone” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/01/2023 |
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John Boyega ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens"), Teyonah Parris ("WandaVision") and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx ("Django Unchained") star in the Netflix sci-fi satire "They Cloned Tyrone," a pointed social commentary and homage to Blaxploitation movies.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-they-cloned-tyrone-r/" title="TAKE TWO: “They Cloned Tyrone” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Deepest Breath” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/25/2023 |
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The Netflix documentary "The Deepest Breath" focuses on the extreme sport of free diving.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-deepest-breath-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Deepest Breath” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “Gran Turismo” (PG-13), “Bottoms” (R), “Golda” (PG-13), “Retribution” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/25/2023 |
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A video game movie that's not really a video game movie, an edgy teen sex comedy, a historical biopic and a violent action thriller...all new in theaters this week! Check out these reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-gran-turismo-pg-13-bottoms-r-golda-pg-13-retribution-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Gran Turismo” (PG-13), “Bottoms” (R), “Golda” (PG-13), “Retribution” (R)"/]Take Two: “Heart of Stone” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/18/2023 |
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Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") stars as an uber talented double-agent in the new Netflix spy thriller, "Heart of Stone."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-heart-of-stone-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Heart of Stone” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Blue Beetle” (PG-13), “Strays” (R), “Landscape with Invisible Hand” (R), “The Monkey King” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/18/2023 |
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The latest superhero movie from the DC Comics universe, a comedy about foul-mouthed dogs, a sci-fi social commentary and an animated Chinese fantasy...all new in theaters or streaming this week. Check out these reviews before you spend your time and money!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-blue-beetle-pg-13-strays-r-landscape-with-invisible-hand-r-the-monkey-king-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Blue Beetle” (PG-13), “Strays” (R), “Landscape with Invisible Hand” (R), “The Monkey King” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” (R), “Jules” (PG-13), “Heart of Stone” (PG-13), “Red, White and Royal Blue” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/11/2023 |
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Hollywood takes another bite out of Dracula, presents a new take on friendly aliens, recasts Gal Gadot as a super spy and offers a gay rom-com. Check out these reviews to see what's worth your time.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-last-voyage-of-the-demeter-r-jules-pg-13-heart-of-stone-pg-13-red-white-and-royal-blue-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” (R), “Jules” (PG-13), “Heart of Stone” (PG-13), “Red, White and Royal Blue” (R)"/]Take Two: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/11/2023 |
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Tom Cruise ("Top Gun: Maverick") returns for the seventh time as super spy Ethan Hunt in the thriller "Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Happiness for Beginners” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/04/2023 |
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Ellie Kemper ("Unbreakable Kimmie Shmidt") and Luke Grimes ("Yellowstone") star in the Netflix romcom, "Happiness for Beginners," about two people who backpack their way to romance.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-happiness-for-beginners-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Happiness for Beginners” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (PG-13), “Meg 2: The Trench” (PG-13), “Shortcomings” (R), “Dreamin’ Wild” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/04/2023 |
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The latest animated adventure from freaky, pizza loving martial artist tortoises, another giant shark movie, an anti-romcom and a bizarre true musical story....all new in theaters this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-mutant-mayhem-pg-13-meg-2-the-trench/" title="Freeze Frame: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (PG-13), “Meg 2: The Trench” (PG-13), “Shortcomings” (R), “Dreamin’ Wild” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Barbie” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/28/2023 |
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The blockbuster toy becomes the blockbuster movie. Find out what our critics thought about Great Gerwig's "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-barbie-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Barbie” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Haunted Mansion” (PG-13), “Theater Camp” (PG-13), “Earth Mama” (R), “The Beanie Bubble” (R), “Happiness for Beginners” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/28/2023 |
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Disney's latest attempt to adapt an amusement park ride into a movie, a mockumentary about theater folks, a hyper-realistic social drama, a comedy based on a story of corporate greed and a Netlfix romcom...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-haunted-mansion-pg-13-theater-camp-pg-13-earth-mama-r-the-beanie-bubble-r-happiness-for-beginners-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Haunted Mansion” (PG-13), “Theater Camp” (PG-13), “Earth Mama” (R), “The Beanie Bubble” (R), “Happiness for Beginners” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Out-Laws” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/21/2023 |
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Adam DeVine ("Pitch Perfect"), Pierce Brosnan ("The King's Daughter") and Ellen Barkin ("Ocean's Thirteen") star in the wacky farce, "The Out-Laws."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-out-laws-r/" title="Take Two: “The Out-Laws” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Barbie” (PG-13), “Oppenheimer” (R), “They Cloned Tyrone” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/21/2023 |
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It's the bomb vs. the bombshell in theaters this week. Margot Robbie stars as "Barbie" and Cillian Murphy plays "Oppenheimer." There's also a wacky sci-fi farce on Netflix. Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-barbie-pg-13-oppenheimer-r-they-cloned-tyrone-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Barbie” (PG-13), “Oppenheimer” (R), “They Cloned Tyrone” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One” (PG-13), “The Miracle Club” (PG-13), “Bird Box Barcelona” (R), “Sound of Freedom” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/14/2023 |
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The latest in the "Mission Impossible" franchise, a sentimental Irish comic drama, a Netflix horror sequel and a controversial film about child sex trafficking, all new this week. What's worth your time?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one-pg-13-the-miracle-club-pg-13-bird-box-barcelona-r-the-sound-of-freedom-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One” (PG-13), “The Miracle Club” (PG-13), “Bird Box Barcelona” (R), “Sound of Freedom” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Mafia Mamma” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/14/2023 |
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Toni Colette ("Hereditary") takes on a comic role in the gangster spoof, "Mafia Mamma."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mafia-mamma-r/" title="Take Two: “Mafia Mamma” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Joy Ride” (R), “The League” (Not rated), “The Out-Laws” (R), “The Lesson” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/07/2023 |
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A raunchy girl trip comedy, a documentary about the Negro Leagues, a lowbrow Netflix comedy and a dark British mystery thriller...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-joy-ride-r-the-league-not-rated-the-out-laws-r-the-lesson-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Joy Ride” (R), “The League” (Not rated), “The Out-Laws” (R), “The Lesson” (R)"/]Take Two: “To Catch a Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/07/2023 |
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Shailene Woodley ("Divergent") stars in the dark crime thriller, "To Catch a Killer," the tale of a troubled police officer on the trail of a serial killer.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-to-catch-a-killer-r/" title="Take Two: “To Catch a Killer” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (PG-13), “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” (PG), “Run Rabbit Run” (Not rated), “Nimona” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/30/2023 |
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Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones, an animated sea creature swims into theaters, and Netflix offers a new horror film and animated fantasy...all new this week. Here's what you should...and shouldn't...see.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-destiny-pg-13-ruby-gillman-teenage-kraken-pg-run-rabbit-run-not-rated-nimona-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (PG-13), “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” (PG), “Run Rabbit Run” (Not rated), “Nimona” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Extraction 2” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/30/2023 |
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Chris Hemsworth ("Thor") returns as black ops mercenary Tyler Rake in "Extraction 2," the sequel to the hit Netflix action thriller from 2020.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-extraction-2-r/" title="Take Two: “Extraction 2” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Asteroid City” (PG-13), “No Hard Feelings” (R), “The Perfect Find” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/23/2023 |
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The latest offbeat comedy from quirky filmmaker Wes Anderson, a raunchy sex comedy starring Jennifer Lawrence and a bawdy Netflix rom-com starring Gabrielle Lewis are all new this week. But what's worth seeing? Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-asteroid-city-pg-13-no-hard-feelings-r-the-perfect-find-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Asteroid City” (PG-13), “No Hard Feelings” (R), “The Perfect Find” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “80 for Brady” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/23/2023 |
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Take three Oscar-winning actresses (Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field) as well as an Emmy winner (Lily Tomlin), add a Super Bowl-winning quarterback (Tom Brady), and you've got a recipe for a streaming movie hit called "80 for Brady."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-80-for-brady-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “80 for Brady” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Flash” (PG-13), “Elemental” (PG), “The Blackening” (R), “Extraction 2” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/16/2023 |
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Does the latest superhero flick have flash? Is the new Pixar flick elemental? Is "The Blackening" bleak? Is Chris Hemsworth's Netflix action opus epic? Check out this week's movie reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-flash-pg-13-elemental-pg-the-blackening-r-extraction-2-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Flash” (PG-13), “Elemental” (PG), “The Blackening” (R), “Extraction 2” (R)"/]Take Two: “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/16/2023 |
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"How to Blow Up a Pipeline" is a fictional thriller inspired by the non-fiction book of the same name by noted ecology professor, Andreas Malm.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-how-to-blow-up-a-pipeline-r/" title="Take Two: “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (PG-13), “Flamin’ Hot” (PG-13), “The Idol” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/09/2023 |
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The latest in the Hasbro Toy action franchise, a biopic about an American success story, and a drama that caused a major controversy at the Cannes Film Festival...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-pg-13-flamin-hot-pg-13-the-idol-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (PG-13), “Flamin’ Hot” (PG-13), “The Idol” (TV-MA)"/]Take Two: “Moving On” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/09/2023 |
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Jane Fonda ("The Book Club") and Lily Tomlin ("80 for Brady) reunite for a dark revenged comedy, "Moving On."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-moving-on-r/" title="Take Two: “Moving On” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (PG-13), “The Boogeyman” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/02/2023 |
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The sequel to the 2018 Oscar-winning animated Spider-Man feature has finally arrived. So does an adaptation of a creepy 1973 Stephen King short story. Do they hold up? Check out this 2-minute review segment!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-pg-13-the-boogeyman-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (PG-13), “The Boogeyman” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Rare Objects” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/02/2023 |
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Katie Holmes directed and stars in the drama "Rare Objects," which she adapted from the 2016 novel by Kathleen Tessaro.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-rare-objects-r/" title="Take Two: “Rare Objects” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Mother” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/26/2023 |
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The Netflix action thriller "The Mother" stars Jennifer Lopez as a retired assassin. When bad guys threaten the safety of her daughter, J Lo gets back into backside kicking mode.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-mother-r/" title="Take Two: “The Mother” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Little Mermaid” (PG), “Kandahar” (R), “You Hurt My Feelings” (R), “The Starling Girl” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/26/2023 |
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Yet another live-action adaptation of a Disney animated classic hits the big screen. So does yet another Gerard Butler action flick. Two indie films are new, too...a comedy with Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and a drama that gives a glimpse into a rural Christian community. Check out these reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-little-mermaid-pg-kandahar-r-you-hurt-my-feelings-r-the-starling-girl-r-should-disney-continue-its-conversion-of-animated-hits-into-live-action-movies-wel/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Little Mermaid” (PG), “Kandahar” (R), “You Hurt My Feelings” (R), “The Starling Girl” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Fast X” (PG-13), “Carmen” (R), “Rare Objects” (R), “White Men Can’t Jump” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/19/2023 |
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The tenth entry in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise races into theaters, an arthouse re-imagining of "Carmen" changes settings, Katie Holmes updates the novel "Rare Objects," and Hulu reworks a classic basketball comedy...all new in theaters or streaming this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-fast-x-pg-13-carmen-r-rare-objects-r-white-men-cant-jump-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Fast X” (PG-13), “Carmen” (R), “Rare Objects” (R), “White Men Can’t Jump” (R)"/]Take Two: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/19/2023 |
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Judy Bloom's 1970 coming of age novel finally gets the big screen treatment. Abby Ryder Fortson ("Ant-Man and the Wasp") takes the title role, supported by Kathy Bates ("Richard Jewell") and Rachel McAdams ("Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Hypnotic” (R), “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (PG-13), “Blackberry” (R), “Fool’s Paradise” (R), “The Mother” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/12/2023 |
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A Ben Affleck sci-fi thriller, a Hollywood satire, a drama of corporate intrigue, a comedy sequel and a Netflix action thriller starring J Lo...all new this week. What's worth seeing? Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-hypnotic-r-book-club-the-next-chapter-pg-13-blackberry-r-fools-paradise-r-the-mother-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Hypnotic” (R), “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (PG-13), “Blackberry” (R), “Fool’s Paradise” (R), “The Mother” (R)"/]Take Two: “Plane” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/12/2023 |
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Gerard Butler ("Olympus Has Fallen") stars in the thriller "Plane," a disaster movie/action hybrid.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-plane-r/" title="Take Two: “Plane” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” (PG-13), “Love Again” (PG-13), “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/05/2023 |
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The latest blockbuster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a bit of romantic comedy counter-programming, and a new Peacock reality series filmed in Kansas City...all new this week. Check out our reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-pg-13-love-again-pg-13-the-gentle-art-of-swedish-death-cleaning-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” (PG-13), “Love Again” (PG-13), “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Quiet Girl” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/05/2023 |
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An Oscar nominee for Best International Feature, the Irish language drama "The Quiet Girl" is now available on many streaming platforms.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-quiet-girl-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Quiet Girl” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (PG-13), “Showing Up” (R), “Peter Pan and Wendy” (PG), “TNT Jackson” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/28/2023 |
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A 1970YA coming-of-age novel finally gets its movie adaptation. One of our top actresses joins forces for the fourth time with a noted writer/director. A Disney animated classic gets a live-action reboot. A locally produced film pays homage to blaxploitation movies of the 1970s. All new in theaters and streaming this week. Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-pg-13-showing-up-r-peter-pan-and-wendy-pg-tnt-jackson-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (PG-13), “Showing Up” (R), “Peter Pan and Wendy” (PG), “TNT Jackson” (TV-MA)"/]Take Two: “A Tourist’s Guide to Love” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/28/2023 |
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Rachel Leigh Cook ("Josie and the Pussycats) and Scott Ly star in the Netflix offering "A Tourist's Guide to Love," a rom-com set in Viet Nam.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-a-tourists-guide-to-love-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “A Tourist’s Guide to Love” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Air” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/21/2023 |
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Ben Affleck directs old pal Matt Damon in "Air," the dramatic true story about Nike's efforts to land Michael Jordan's basketball shoe endorsement contract.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-air-r/" title="Take Two: “Air” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Beau is Afraid” (R), “Chevalier” (PG-13), “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” (R), “Ghosted” (PG-13), “To Catch a Killer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/21/2023 |
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Brace yourself if you venture to the Joaquin Phoenix horror comedy, "Beau is Afraid." On the other end of the cinematic spectrum is the historical biopic "Chevalier," the Afghan War drama "The Covenant," a spy spoof with Chris Evans and Ana de Armas called "Ghosted" and a thoughtful crime puzzler "To Catch a Killer" starring Shaliene Woodley. Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-beau-is-afraid-r-chevalier-pg-13-guy-ritchies-the-covenant-r-to-catch-a-killer-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Beau is Afraid” (R), “Chevalier” (PG-13), “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” (R), “Ghosted” (PG-13), “To Catch a Killer” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Renfield” (R), “Mafia Mamma” (R), “Suzume” (PG), “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/14/2023 |
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Nicholas Cage as an infamous blood-sucker, Toni Collette as a reluctant mob boss, a colorful anime offering and a drama about sabotage as climate activism...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-renfield-r-mafia-mamma-r-suzume-pg-how-to-blow-up-a-pipeline-r-2/" title="Freeze Frame: “Renfield” (R), “Mafia Mamma” (R), “Suzume” (PG), “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (R)"/]Take Two: “Money Shot: The Pornhub Story” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/14/2023 |
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The Netflix documentary "Money Shot: The Pornhub Story" examines the controversial website and its questionable practices.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-money-shot-the-pornhub-story-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Money Shot: The Pornhub Story” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: “Air” (R), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (PG), “Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/07/2023 |
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Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite for a true story about the people from Nike who managed to sign Michael Jordan to a basketball shoe endorsement contract. Hollywood has yet another go at a video game adaptation. There's a new documentary that critically examines the ethics of a pop art icon. Check out this week's movie reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-air-r-the-super-mario-bros-movie-pg-whaam-blam-roy-lichtenstein-and-the-art-of-appropriation-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Air” (R), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (PG), “Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Murder Mystery 2” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/07/2023 |
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Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler return in "Murder Mystery 2," a sequel to their 2019 Netflix whodunit farce.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-murder-mystery-2-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Murder Mystery 2” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Murder Mystery 2” (PG-13), “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (PG-13), “Tetris” (R), “Spinning Gold” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/31/2023 |
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A Netflix comic whodunit with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, a Dungeons and Dragons fantasy, a drama about the release of the video game Tetris, and a biopic about the founder of Casablanca Records...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-murder-mystery-2-pg-13-dungeons-dragons-honor-among-thieves-pg-13-tetris-r-spinning-gold-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Murder Mystery 2” (PG-13), “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (PG-13), “Tetris” (R), “Spinning Gold” (R)"/]Take Two: “Creed III” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/31/2023 |
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Michael B. Jordan ("Fruitvale Station") returns as boxer Adonis Creed in the third installment in the "Rocky" spinoff series. Jonathan Majors ("Devotion") plays his nemesis in and out of the ring.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-creed-iii-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Creed III” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “John Wick: Chapter 4” (R), “Last Sentinel” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/24/2023 |
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The latest Keanu Reeves action flick and a VOD dystopian thriller are new viewing options this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-john-wick-chapter-4-r-the-last-sentinel-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “John Wick: Chapter 4” (R), “Last Sentinel” (R)"/]Take Two: “True Spirit” (TV-PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/24/2023 |
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The Netflix family movie "True Spirit" is a dramatic feature about Australian teenager Jessica Watson who in 2009 attempted to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-true-spirit-tv-pg/" title="Take Two: “True Spirit” (TV-PG)"/]Take Two: “Emily: (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/17/2023 |
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"Emily" is a highly fictionalized biopic about the short life of Emily Bronte, the author of the Victorian Era classic, "Wuthering Heights." Emma Mackey takes the title role.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-emily-r/" title="Take Two: “Emily: (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Boston Strangler” (R), “Moving On” (R), “The Magician’s Elephant” (PG), “One Fine Morning” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/17/2023 |
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A Hulu journalistic procedural, another geriatric comedy from Lily Tomiln and Jane Fonda, a colorful Netflix animated fantasy and a winner at the Cannes Film Festival...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-boston-strangler-r-moving-on-r-the-magicians-elephant-pg-one-fine-morning-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Boston Strangler” (R), “Moving On” (R), “The Magician’s Elephant” (PG), “One Fine Morning” (R)"/]Take Two: “Sharper” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/10/2023 |
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Julianne Moore ("Still Alice") and Sebastian Stan ("Pam & Tommy") lead a sharp cast in a twisty Apple TV+ con artist drama, "Sharper."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sharper-r/" title="Take Two: “Sharper” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Scream VI” (R), “Champions” (PG-13), “The Quiet Girl” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/10/2023 |
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The latest in the big box office "Scream" franchise, a feel-good sports comedy and a touching Oscar nominee...all new in theaters this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-scream-vi-r-champions-pg-13-the-quiet-girl-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Scream VI” (R), “Champions” (PG-13), “The Quiet Girl” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Creed III” (PG-13), “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” (R), “They Wait in the Dark” (Not rated), “Turn Every Page” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/03/2023 |
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The latest in the "Creed" boxing series, a James Bond-style action thriller, a locally made horror film and a literary documentary...all new this week. Check out these reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-creed-iii-pg-13-operation-fortune-ruse-de-guerre-r-they-wait-in-the-dark-not-rated-turn-every-page-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Creed III” (PG-13), “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” (R), “They Wait in the Dark” (Not rated), “Turn Every Page” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “All Quiet on the Western Front” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/03/2023 |
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Erich Maria Remarque's acclaimed 1929 WWI novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" gets its fourth movie adaptation. Edward Berger's German-language version won the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for Best Picture.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-all-quiet-on-the-western-front-r/" title="Take Two: “All Quiet on the Western Front” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Cocaine Bear” (R), “Emily” (R), “We Have a Ghost” (PG-13), “Linoleum” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/24/2023 |
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A dark, goofy comedy about a drug-fueled bear, a speculative Victorian Era biopic of Emily Bronte, a supernatural Netflix comedy and an offbeat sci-fi drama are all new in cinemas or streaming this week. Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-cocaine-bear-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Cocaine Bear” (R), “Emily” (R), “We Have a Ghost” (PG-13), “Linoleum” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Your Place or Mine” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/24/2023 |
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Reese Witherspoon ("Wild") and Ashton Kutcher (TV's "That 70s Show") are bi-coastal friends in the Netflix rom-com, "Your Place or Mine."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-your-place-or-mine-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Your Place or Mine” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (PG-13), “Sharper” (R), “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/17/2023 |
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The latest entry in the Marvel Universe, a twisty Netflix psychological thriller and a grisly horror entry inspired by a series of classic children's books...all new this week. Check out these reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-pg-13-sharper-r-winnie-the-pooh-blood-and-honey-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (PG-13), “Sharper” (R), “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” (R)"/]Take Two: “Pamela: A Love Story” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/17/2023 |
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The infamous "Baywatch Babe" Pamela Anderson tries to set the record straight with a new Netflix documentary, providing her with an outlet to tell her own story.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-pamela-a-love-story-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Pamela: A Love Story” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: “Your Place or Mine” (PG-13), “Consecration” (R), “Pamela: A Love Story” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/10/2023 |
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An Oscar winner and a TV sitcom star headline a new Netflix rom-com. A new horror entry joins the box office bandwagon. A Netflix documentary profiles a celebrity who dominated the tabloids in the 1980s. What's worth seeing? Check out these reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-your-place-or-mine-pg-13-consecration-r-pamela-a-love-story-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “Your Place or Mine” (PG-13), “Consecration” (R), “Pamela: A Love Story” (TV-MA)"/]Take Two: “My Father’s Dragon” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/10/2023 |
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The Netflix children's movie "My Father's Dragon" employs traditional, hand-drawn animation to tell the fantastical story of a boy and a dragon who try to save a sinking island.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-my-fathers-dragon-pg/" title="Take Two: “My Father’s Dragon” (PG)"/]Take Two: “You People” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/03/2023 |
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Susan and Russ have completely different takes on the new Netflix romantic comedy called "You People." A commentary on contemporary race relations, it stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Duchovny.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-you-people-r/" title="Take Two: “You People” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “80 for Brady (PG-13), “Knock at the Cabin” (R), “True Spirit” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/03/2023 |
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Four Hollywood icons star in a broad comedy aimed at the older moviegoing demographic. Director M. Night Shyamalan's offers his newest twisty creepfest. Netflix's wholesome family adventure "True Spirit" is about a young girl's dangerous nautical feat. Are any of them worth seeing? Check out this review.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-80-for-brady-pg-13-knock-at-the-cabin-r-true-spirit-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “80 for Brady (PG-13), “Knock at the Cabin” (R), “True Spirit” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “You People” (R), “Infinity Pool” (R), “Living” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/27/2023 |
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A Netflix mix of rom-com and social commentary, a grisly midnight movie and an Oscar-nominated British drama...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-you-people-r-infinity-pool-r-living-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “You People” (R), “Infinity Pool” (R), “Living” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Dog Gone” (TV-PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/27/2023 |
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Rob Lowe (TV's "9-1-1: Lone Star") stars in the Netflix family movie, "Dog Gone," based on a true story about a Virginia family's efforts to locate their lost dog.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-dog-gone-tv-pg/" title="Take Two: “Dog Gone” (TV-PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “Women Talking” (PG-13), “The Son” (PG-13), “Alice, Darling” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/20/2023 |
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Three dark dramas open this week: An award-winning film about victimized Mennonite women, a dark melodrama starring Hugh Jackman and Anna Kendrick coping with a psychologically abusive boyfriend. Are they worth seeing?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-4/" title="Freeze Frame: “Women Talking” (PG-13), “The Son” (PG-13), “Alice, Darling” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Pale Blue Eye” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/20/2023 |
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Christian Bale ("Batman Begins") and Harry Melling ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) star in the gothic murder mystery "The Pale Blue Eye," based on the novel by Louis Bayard.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-pale-blue-eye-r/" title="Take Two: “The Pale Blue Eye” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Plane” (R), “Dog Gone” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/13/2023 |
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Gerard Butler ("300") stars in yet another over-the-top action thriller and Netflix offers a family-friendly dog movie. Check out the reviews before you make your choice.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-plane-r-dog-gone-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Plane” (R), “Dog Gone” (PG)"/]Take Two: “A Man Called Otto” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/13/2023 |
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Tom Hanks ("Elvis") stars as a cantankerous curmudgeon in the comic drama "A Man Called Otto," an Americanized version of the award-winning 2015 Swedish film, "A Man Called Ove."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-a-man-called-otto-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “A Man Called Otto” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “A Man Called Otto” (PG-13), “The Pale Blue Eye” (R), “Corsage” (Not rated), “White Noise” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/06/2023 |
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The latest from America's Dad, Tom Hanks, a gothic Netflix thriller starring Christian Bale, a biopic about Empress Elisabeth of Austria and a Netflix adaptation of Don DeLillo's acclaimed 80s absurdist novel...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-a-man-called-otto-pg-13-the-pale-blue-eye-r-corsage-not-rated-white-noise-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “A Man Called Otto” (PG-13), “The Pale Blue Eye” (R), “Corsage” (Not rated), “White Noise” (R)"/]Take Two: “White Noise” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/06/2023 |
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Filmmaker Noah Baumbach ("Marriage Story") has adapted Don DeLillo's acclaimed 1985 novel "White Noise" for Netflix. It stars Adam Driver ("BlacKKKlansman"), Greta Gerwig ("Frances Ha") and Don Cheadle ("Ocean's Eleven").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-white-noise-r/" title="Take Two: “White Noise” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: The Best Films of 2022 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/30/2022 |
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Time once again to list the best films of the year, the cream of the 2022 cinematic crop.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-best-films-of-2022/" title="Freeze Frame: The Best Films of 2022"/]Take Two: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/30/2022 |
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In a sequel to the popular 2019 whodunit "Knives Out," filmmaker Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") once again offers a decadent mystery featuring wily sleuth Beniot Blanc, played by Daniel Craig ("No Time to Die").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-glass-onion-a-knives-out-mystery-r/" title="Take Two: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Babylon” (R), “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (PG-13), “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (PG), “The Whale” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/23/2022 |
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An old Hollywood epic from the director of "La La Land," a biopic about pop diva Whitney Houston, another animated Puss in Boots movie and a major comeback for Brendan Fraser....all new in theaters or this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-babylon-r-whitney-houston-i-wanna-dance-with-somebody-pg-13-puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-pg-the-whale-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Babylon” (R), “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (PG-13), “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (PG), “The Whale” (R)"/]Take Two: “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/23/2022 |
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Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water) adds some new twists to the classic story in a new stop-motion musical adaptation.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-guillermo-del-toros-pinocchio-pg/" title="Take Two: “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (PG)"/]Take Two: “She Said” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/16/2022 |
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In the journalistic procedural "She Said," Carrie Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") and Zoe Kazan ("The Big Sick") play two NY Times reporters who doggedly pursued the story of Harvey Weinstein's infamous sexual abuse scandals.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-she-said-r/" title="Take Two: “She Said” (R)"/]Take Two: “Slumberland” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/09/2022 |
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"Slumberland" is a live action Netflix adaptation of the old "Little Nemo in Slumberland" comic strip. Jason Mamoa ("Aquaman") leads the cast in this fantasy about a young girl who travels between the real world and the dream world.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-slumberland/" title="Take Two: “Slumberland”"/]Freeze Frame: “Emancipation” (R), “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (PG), “Aftersun” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/09/2022 |
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A new historical drama starring Oscar-winner Will Smith, a stop-motion animated musical from yet another Oscar winner, and an offbeat and low key British family drama...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-emancipation-r-guillermo-del-toros-pinocchio-pg-aftersun-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Emancipation” (R), “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (PG), “Aftersun” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Violent Night” (R), “Bones and All” (R), “The Inspection” (R), “Darby and the Dead” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/02/2022 |
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A horror comedy, a horror romance, a horror bootcamp experience and a horrible movie...all are new movies in theaters or streaming this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-violent-night-r-bones-and-all-r-the-inspection-r-darby-and-the-dead-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Violent Night” (R), “Bones and All” (R), “The Inspection” (R), “Darby and the Dead” (PG-13)"/]Take Two” “Tár” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/02/2022 |
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Cate Blanchett ("Blue Jasmine") makes yet another Oscar bid with "Tár," a drama about a conflicted symphonic conductor. Todd Field ("In the Bedroom") handled the writing and directing chores.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-tar-r/" title="Take Two” “Tár” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Fabelmans” (PG-13), “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R), “Strange World” (PG-13), “Slumberland” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2022 |
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An autobiographical film from Steven Spielberg, a wacky mystery sequel, a Disney animated adventure fantasy and a Netflix live action fantasy...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-fabelmans-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Fabelmans” (PG-13), “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R), “Strange World” (PG-13), “Slumberland” (PG)"/]Take Two: “The Wonder” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2022 |
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Florence Pugh ("Don't Worry Darling") stars in the Irish period drama "The Wonder," from acclaimed director Sebastian Lelio ("A Fantastic Woman").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-wonder-r/" title="Take Two: “The Wonder” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “She Said” (R), “Spirited” (PG-13), “Disenchanted” (PG), “The Menu” (R), “A Christmas Story Christmas” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/18/2022 |
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A journalism procedural, two new holiday musicals, a pitch black comedy for foodies and a long-awaited sequel to a holiday movie classic...all new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-she-said-r-spirited-pg-13-disenchanted-pg-the-menu-r-a-christmas-story-christmas-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “She Said” (R), “Spirited” (PG-13), “Disenchanted” (PG), “The Menu” (R), “A Christmas Story Christmas” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Enola Holmes 2” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/18/2022 |
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Millie Bobby Brown ("Stranger Things") stars in the Netflix mystery sequel "Enola Holmes 2." It's yet another adaptation of the popular novels by Nancy Springer.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-enola-holmes-2-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Enola Holmes 2” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The School for Good and Evil” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/11/2022 |
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Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington play professors at a fairytale academy in the Netflix fantasy, "The School for Good and Evil."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-school-for-good-and-evil-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The School for Good and Evil” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (PG-13), “My Father’s Dragon” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/11/2022 |
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A highly anticipated Marvel sequel and a traditionally hand-drawn animated fantasy are both new this week. But do they make the grade?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-black-panther-wakanda-forever-pg-13-my-fathers-dragon-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (PG-13), “My Father’s Dragon” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: The Banshees of Inisherin” (R), “Enola Holmes 2” (PG-13), “Causeway” (R), “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/04/2022 |
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A pitch black Irish comedy, a lighthearted Netflix mystery, a modest character study and a documentary about a great jazz legend...all new this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-banshees-of-inisherin-r-enola-holmes-2-pg-13-causeway-r-louis-armstrongs-black-and-blues/" title="Freeze Frame: The Banshees of Inisherin” (R), “Enola Holmes 2” (PG-13), “Causeway” (R), “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues”"/]Take Two: “The Good Nurse” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/04/2022 |
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Oscar winners Jessica Chastain ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye") and Eddie Redmayne ("The Theory of Everything") star in the Netflix drama "The Good Nurse," a true story about America's most prolific serial killer.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-good-nurse-r/" title="Take Two: “The Good Nurse” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Till” (PG-13), “The Good Nurse” (R), “Wendell & Wild” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/28/2022 |
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A sobering true story respectfully told, a true crime drama about a prolific serial killer and a stop-motion Halloween horror comedy are all new this week. Are any worth your time. Check out this two-minute movie review segment.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-till-pg-13-the-good-nurse-r-wendell-wild-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Till” (PG-13), “The Good Nurse” (R), “Wendell & Wild” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/28/2022 |
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Movie icons George Clooney ("Ocean's 11") and Julia Roberts ("Pretty Woman") star in the old school rom-com, "Ticket to Paradise."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ticket-to-paradise-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Black Adam” (PG-13), “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13), “The School for Good and Evil” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/21/2022 |
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A new comic book epic starring The Rock, a reunion of two movie superstars and a Harry Potter wannabe...are all new this week. But are they any good? Check out our reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-black-adam-pg-13-ticket-to-paradise-pg-13-the-school-for-good-and-evil-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Black Adam” (PG-13), “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13), “The School for Good and Evil” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Blonde” (NC-17) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/21/2022 |
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The life of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe gets the arthouse biopic treatment with "Blonde." Ana de Armas ("Knives Out") plays the star whose tragic life inspired a novel by Joyce Carol Oates that director Andrew Dominik adapted to film.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-blonde-nc-17/" title="Take Two: “Blonde” (NC-17)"/]Freeze Frame: “Halloween Ends” (R), “Rosaline” (PG-13), “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/14/2022 |
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Does the infamous "Halloween" movie franchise really come to a conclusion? Does a comic re-working of the Romeo and Juliet saga actually work? Can yet another Stephen King movie adaptation provide the chills? Find out in this week's movie reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-halloween-ends-r-rosaline-pg-13-mr-harrigans-phone-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Halloween Ends” (R), “Rosaline” (PG-13), “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/14/2022 |
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Jaeden Martell ("It") and Donald Sutherland ("The Hunger Games") star in "Mr. Harrigan's Phone," a Netflix film adapted from a Stephen King novella. John Lee Hancock ("The Blind Side") provides the screenplay and direction for this supernatural coming-of-age movie.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mr-harrigans-phone-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Amsterdam” (R), “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” (PG), “Hellraiser” (R), “Hocus Pocus 2” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/07/2022 |
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A star-studded period whodunit, an adaptation of a beloved children's book, a reboot of a grisly horror franchise and a sequel to a 29-year-old Disney Halloween movie...all new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-amsterdam-r-lyle-lyle-crocodile-pg-hellraiser-r-hocus-pocus-2-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Amsterdam” (R), “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” (PG), “Hellraiser” (R), “Hocus Pocus 2” (PG)"/]Take Two: “A Jazzman’s Blues” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/07/2022 |
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Filmmaker Tyler Perry ("Madea") offers an old school melodrama, "A Jazzman's Blues." It's a murder mystery romance set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South. It's now on Netflix.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-a-jazzmans-blues/" title="Take Two: “A Jazzman’s Blues”"/]Freeze Frame: “Blonde” (NC-17), “Bros” (R), “Smile” (R), “The Good House” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/30/2022 |
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'Edgy' would be a good word to sum up this week's movies. They include an NC-17 biopic of Marilyn Monroe, a raunchy gay romantic comedy, a creepy horror flick and Sigourney Weaver battling alcoholism. What's worth your time? Check out this week's reviews.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-blonde-nc-17-bros-r-smile-r-the-good-house-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Blonde” (NC-17), “Bros” (R), “Smile” (R), “The Good House” (R)"/]Take Two: “Lou” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/30/2022 |
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Oscar-winner Allison Janney ("I, Tonya") stars in the Netflix action thriller, "Lou."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-lou-r/" title="Take Two: “Lou” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Don’t Worry, Darling” (R), “A Jazzman’s Blues” (R), “Lou” (R), “Sidney” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/23/2022 |
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A controversial sci-fi thriller starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, an new Netflix drama from Tyler Perry, a Netflix action thriller with Allison Janney and an Apple TV+ documentary about the late, great actor Sidney Poitier...new this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-dont-worry-darling-r-a-jazzmans-blues-r-lou-r-sidney-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Don’t Worry, Darling” (R), “A Jazzman’s Blues” (R), “Lou” (R), “Sidney” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Woman King” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/23/2022 |
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Viola Davis ("The Help") stars in the historical epic "The Woman King," the tale of female warriors who defend their African kingdom in the 1800s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-woman-king-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Woman King” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Woman King” (PG-13), “Pearl” (R), “Confess, Fletch” (R), “See How They Run” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/16/2022 |
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A historical action epic starring Viola Davis, a slasher movie prequel, and two comic mysteries...are all new in theaters and streaming this week. Check this out before you decide what to see.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-woman-king-pg-13-pearl-r-confess-fletch-r-see-how-they-run-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Woman King” (PG-13), “Pearl” (R), “Confess, Fletch” (R), “See How They Run” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “End of the Road” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/16/2022 |
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Queen Latifah and Ludacris star in a Netflix action thriller called "End of the Road."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-end-of-the-road-r/" title="Take Two: “End of the Road” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Pinocchio” (PG), “End of the Road” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/09/2022 |
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A live-action remake of Disney's "Pinocchio" starring Tom Hanks and a throwback Netflix action thriller starring Queen Latifah are new streaming options this week. But are they worth your time?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-pinocchio-pg-end-of-the-road-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Pinocchio” (PG), “End of the Road” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Gray Man” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/09/2022 |
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Ryan Gosling ("La La Land") and Chris Evans ("Captain America") star in the Netflix action thriller "The Gray Man."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-gray-man-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Gray Man” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul” (R), “Gigi and Nate” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/02/2022 |
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A satiric mockumentary skewering megachurches starring Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall, and a family-friendly tale of a paraplegic and his service animal...both new in cinemas this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-honk-for-jesus-save-your-soul-r-gigi-and-nate-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul” (R), “Gigi and Nate” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Look Both Ways” (TV-14) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/02/2022 |
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Lili Reinhart (TV's "Riverdale") stars in "Look Both Ways," a comic drama about a woman whose life diverges into two parallel realities, one in which she's pregnant and one in which she is not.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-look-both-ways-tv-14/" title="Take Two: “Look Both Ways” (TV-14)"/]Freeze Frame: “Three Thousand Years of Longing” (R), “Me Time” (R), “Breaking” (PG-13), “Samaritan” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/26/2022 |
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An adult fantasy starring Idris Elba, a buddy comedy with Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg, a heist movie with John Boyega and a superhero movie with...Sylvester Stallone?? They're all new in this week's film review segment.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-three-thousand-years-of-longing-r-me-time-r-breaking-pg-13-samaritan-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Three Thousand Years of Longing” (R), “Me Time” (R), “Breaking” (PG-13), “Samaritan” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Emily the Criminal” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/26/2022 |
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In the social drama "Emily the Criminal," Aubrey Plaza ("Black Bear") stars as a desperate young woman drowning in credit card debt who turns to credit card fraud.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-emily-the-criminal-r/" title="Take Two: “Emily the Criminal” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Beast” (R), “Look Both Ways” (TV-MA), “Prey” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/19/2022 |
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A "when animals attack" movie with Idris Elba, a "what-if" comic drama, and a prequel to the sci-fi "Predator" franchise...all new in theaters or streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-beast-r-look-both-ways-tv-ma-prey-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Beast” (R), “Look Both Ways” (TV-MA), “Prey” (R)"/]Take Two: “Day Shift” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/19/2022 |
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Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), Dave Franco ("Neighbors") and Snoop Dogg ("The House Next Door") star in "Day Shift," a new horror comedy on Netflix.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-day-shift-r/" title="Take Two: “Day Shift” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Day Shift” (R), “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (R), “Emily the Criminal” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/12/2022 |
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Two horror comedies, one on Netflix and one in theaters, compete for your attention against an indie drama starring Aubrey Plaza. Which ones are worth seeing?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-day-shift-r-bodies-bodies-bodies-r-emily-the-criminal-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Day Shift” (R), “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (R), “Emily the Criminal” (R)"/]Take Two: “Bullet Train” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/12/2022 |
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Brad Pitt ("Once Upon a Time in Hollwyood") stars in the over-the-top action comedy, "Bullet Train."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bullet-train-r/" title="Take Two: “Bullet Train” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Bullet Train” (R), “Thirteen Lives” (PG-13), “Easter Sunday” (PG-13), “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/05/2022 |
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An over-the-top action comedy with Brad Pitt, a real life rescue thriller from director Ron Howard, a comedy about a Filipino-American family and a documentary about one of the century's most famous songs...all new in theaters and streaming this week!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-3/" title="Freeze Frame: “Bullet Train” (R), “Thirteen Lives” (PG-13), “Easter Sunday” (PG-13), “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Jurassic World: Dominion” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/05/2022 |
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"Jurassic World: Dominion," the sixth film in the "Jurassic Park" franchise, sees familiar faces and familiar dinosaurs returning for yet another eye-popping action adventure.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-jurassic-world-dominion-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Jurassic World: Dominion” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “DC League of Super Pets” (PG), “Vengeance” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2022 |
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A surprising animated action movie and an R-rated neo-noir thriller are new in theaters this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-dc-league-of-super-pets-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “DC League of Super Pets” (PG), “Vengeance” (R)"/]Take Two: “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2022 |
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"Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" is a whimsical stop-motion animated mockumentary that is based on three award-winning short subjects. Jenny Slate ("Gifted") provides the voice of the titular character.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-marcel-the-shell-with-shoes-on-pg/" title="Take Two: “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “Nope” (R), “The Gray Man” (PG-13), “Alone Together” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/22/2022 |
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The latest creepfest from writer/director Jordan Peele ("Get Out"), a Netflix thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans and a romantic drama from Katie Holmes...all new in theaters and streaming this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-nope-r-the-gray-man-pg-13-alone-together-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Nope” (R), “The Gray Man” (PG-13), “Alone Together” (R)"/]Take Two: “Persuasion” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/22/2022 |
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The seventh dramatic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic 1817 novel "Persuasion" is new on Netflix. Dakota Johnson stars.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-persuasion-pg/" title="Take Two: “Persuasion” (PG)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Royal” (Not rated), “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (PG-13), “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” (PG), “Where the Crawdads Sing” (PG-13), “Persuasion” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/15/2022 |
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A biopic about a former KC Royals first baseman, a stop-motion animated mockumentary and three adaptations of well-known novels are all in the lineup in this week's movie review segment.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-royal-not-rated-marcel-the-shell-with-shoes-on-pg-13-mrs-harris-goes-to-paris-pg-where-the-crawdads-sing-pg-13-persuasion-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Royal” (Not rated), “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (PG-13), “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” (PG), “Where the Crawdads Sing” (PG-13), “Persuasion” (PG)"/]Take Two: “The Forgiven” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/15/2022 |
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Ralph Finnes ("The King's Man") and Jessica Chastain ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye") star in the dark social drama, "The Forgiven," written and directed by John Michael McDonagh ("Calvary").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-forgiven-r/" title="Take Two: “The Forgiven” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Thor: Love and Thunder” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/08/2022 |
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The latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a superhero flick given a comedic twist by filmmaker Taika Waititi and star Chris Hemsworth.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-thor-love-and-thunder-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Thor: Love and Thunder” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Man from Toronto” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/08/2022 |
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Kevin Hart ("Ride Along") and Woody Harrelson ("War for the Planet of the Apes") star in the Netflix action comedy, "The Man from Toronto."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-man-from-toronto-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Man from Toronto” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (PG), “The Forgiven” (R), “Official Competition” (R), “Mr. Malcolm’s List” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/01/2022 |
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Is the new "Minions" movie despicable? How about some actors showcases with Ralph Fiennes, Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas? There's also a period romance that plays like a lost Jane Austin story. Russ covers them all in this week's "Freeze Frame!"
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-minions-the-rise-of-gru-pg-the-forgiven-r-official-competition-r-mr-malcolms-list-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (PG), “The Forgiven” (R), “Official Competition” (R), “Mr. Malcolm’s List” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Elvis” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/01/2022 |
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Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann ("Moulin Rouge") puts his flashy imprint on the life of the King of Rock 'n Roll. "Elvis" stars Austin Butler ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") in the title role and Tom Hanks ("News of the World") portrays his manager, Col. Tom Parker.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-elvis-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Elvis” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Elvis” (PG-13), “The Man from Toronto” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2022 |
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Tom Hanks in a movie bio of Elvis Presley? Is Kevin Hart really a hitman? Check out this week's movie reviews!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-elvis-pg-13-the-man-from-toronto-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Elvis” (PG-13), “The Man from Toronto” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Spiderhead” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2022 |
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The new Netflix sci-fi thriller "Spiderhead" stars Chris Hemsworth ("The Avengers") and Miles Teller ("Whiplash") and was directed by Joseph Kosinski ("Top Gun: Maverick").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-spiderhead-r/" title="Take Two: “Spiderhead” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Lightyear” (PG), “Spiderhead” (R), “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/17/2022 |
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Another gem from Pixar, an oddball sci-fi offering from Netflix, and the winner of the Audience Award at Sundance are covered in this week's movie review segment.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-lightyear-pg-spiderhead-r-cha-cha-real-smooth-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Lightyear” (PG), “Spiderhead” (R), “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (R)"/]Take Two: “Hustle” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/17/2022 |
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The Netflix offering "Hustle" is a sports drama starring Adam Sandler ("Uncut Gems") as a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who discovers and promotes a promising player he discovers playing street ball in Spain.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hustle-r/" title="Take Two: “Hustle” (R)"/]Take Two: “Senior Year” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/10/2022 |
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Rebel Wilson ("Pitch Perfect") stars in the Netflix comedy "Senior Year" about a woman who wakes up from a 20-year coma and believes she's still in high school.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-senior-year-r/" title="Take Two: “Senior Year” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Jurassic World Dominion” (PG-13), “Hustle” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/10/2022 |
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The latest entry in the "Jurassic World" franchise hits the big screen and a basketball drama starring Adam Sandler hits Netflix.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-jurassic-world-dominion-pg-13-hustle-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Jurassic World Dominion” (PG-13), “Hustle” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Hollywood Stargirl” (PG), “Watcher” (R), “Eiffel” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/03/2022 |
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A movie starring a Lenexa, Kansas native, a creepy horror thriller and a lush romantic drama are all new in theaters or streaming this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-hollywood-stargirl-pg-watcher-r-eiffel-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Hollywood Stargirl” (PG), “Watcher” (R), “Eiffel” (R)"/]Take Two: “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/03/2022 |
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After 36 years, Tom Cruise ("Mission Impossible") returns to the role that made him famous, Maverick the hotshot Navy pilot in "Top Gun: Maverick."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-top-gun-maverick-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13), “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” (PG-13), “Montana Story” (R), “The Dreams of Rene Sendam” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/27/2022 |
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The return of Tom Cruise in "Top Gun: Maverick," a feature-length adaptation of an animated TV sitcom, a strong family drama and a locally-shot experimental film are all under Russ' microscope this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-top-gun-maverick-pg-13-the-bobs-burgers-movie-pg-13-montana-story-r-the-dreams-of-rene-sendam-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13), “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” (PG-13), “Montana Story” (R), “The Dreams of Rene Sendam” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Duke” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/27/2022 |
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Jim Broadbent ("Moulin Rouge") and Helen Mirren ("The Queen") star in the low key British comedy, "The Duke." It's the true story of an eccentric who stole an art masterpiece in 1961.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-duke-r/" title="Take Two: “The Duke” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (PG), “Senior Year” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/20/2022 |
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The second feature film from the "Downton Abbey" universe and a Netflix comedy starring Rebel Wilson get the once-over from Russ in this week's movie review segment.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-downton-abbey-a-new-era-pg-senior-year-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (PG), “Senior Year” (R)"/]Take Two: “Operation Mincemeat” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/20/2022 |
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Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") leads the cast in the WWII spy thriller, "Operation Mincemeat," based on a bizarre true story.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-operation-mincemeat-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Operation Mincemeat” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “On the Count of Three” (R), “Operation Mincemeat” (PG-13), “Happening” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/13/2022 |
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Russ covers an edgy comedy about suicide, a WWII cloak-and-dagger melodrama and a French abortion drama, are all new in theaters this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-on-the-count-of-three-r-operation-mincemeat-pg-13-happening-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “On the Count of Three” (R), “Operation Mincemeat” (PG-13), “Happening” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/13/2022 |
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Nicholas Cage ("Pig") plays Nicholas Cage ("Face/Off") in this wacky and very meta comedy.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-unbearable-weight-of-massive-talent-r/" title="Take Two: “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Memory” (R), “The Survivor” (R), “Polar Bear” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/29/2022 |
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Russ covers the latest Liam Neeson action flick, a historical drama on HBO Max and a DisneyNature doc about polar bears.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-memory-r-the-survivor-r-polar-bear-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Memory” (R), “The Survivor” (R), “Polar Bear” (PG)"/]Take Two: “The Bad Guys” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/29/2022 |
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The animated comedy "The Bad Guys" is a sendup of heist movies featuring anthropomorphic animals who have to decide whether or not to go straight.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-bad-guys-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Bad Guys” (PG)"/]FREEZE FRAME: “The Northman” (R), “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” (R), “The Bad Guys” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/22/2022 |
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An ultra-violent take on the legend that inspired "Hamlet," an R-rated sci-fi martial arts action arthouse comedy with overtones of romance and heartfelt family dynamics...and an animated caper movie. They're all covered in this week's movie review segment!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-northman-r-everything-everywhere-all-at-once-r-the-bad-guys-pg/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “The Northman” (R), “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” (R), “The Bad Guys” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Father Stu” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/22/2022 |
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Mark Wahlberg ("The Departed") stars in the true story of boxer-turned-priest, Stuart Long.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-father-stu-r/" title="Take Two: “Father Stu” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (PG-13), “Father Stu” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/15/2022 |
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The latest from the wizarding world of Harry Potter and an inspirational drama starring Mark Wahlberg are both new in theaters this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-fantastic-beasts-the-secrets-of-dumbledore-pg-13-father-stu-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (PG-13), “Father Stu” (R)"/]Take Two:”CODA” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/15/2022 |
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This year's Oscar-winner for Best Picture is the little indie that could. Susan and Russ review the comic drama, "CODA."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-twocoda-pg-13/" title="Take Two:”CODA” (PG-13)"/]FREEZE FRAME: “All the Old Knives” (R), “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (PG), “Agent Game” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/08/2022 |
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Russ covers a couple of new spy thrillers, one starring Chris Pine and the other with Mel Gibson, and a Sega Game movie sequel.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-all-the-old-knives-r-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-pg-agent-game-r/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “All the Old Knives” (R), “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (PG), “Agent Game” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Bubble” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/08/2022 |
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Writer/director Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up") takes aim at Hollywood pomposity in the Netflix satirical comedy "The Bubble." Cast members include Leslie Mann ("Blithe Spirit"), Keegan Michael Key ("The Prom") and Kate McKinnon ("Joe vs. Carol").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-bubble-r/" title="Take Two: “The Bubble” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Morbius” (PG-13), “The Bubble” (R), “Better Nate Than Ever” (PG), “The Devil You Know” (R), “Apollo 10 1/2” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/01/2022 |
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Russ reviews a Marvel horror flick, a Netflix showbiz comedy, a Disney+ musical, a gritty R-rated urban drama and a nostalgic Netflix animated entry. How's that for variety?
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-morbius-pg-13-the-bubble-r-better-nate-than-ever-pg-the-devil-you-know-r-apollo-10-1-2-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Morbius” (PG-13), “The Bubble” (R), “Better Nate Than Ever” (PG), “The Devil You Know” (R), “Apollo 10 1/2” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Lost City” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/01/2022 |
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Sandra Bullock ("Unforgivable") and Channing Tatum ("Dog") star in the wacky rom-com fantasy, "The Lost City."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-lost-city-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Lost City” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Lost City” PG-13, “Infinite Storm” (R), “All My Friends Hate Me” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2022 |
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Russ reviews a Sandra Bullock/Channing Tatum comic romance, a harrowing true survival story and an offbeat British horror comedy...all new in this week's lineup.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-2/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Lost City” PG-13, “Infinite Storm” (R), “All My Friends Hate Me” (R)"/]Take Two: “Windfall” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2022 |
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Jesse Plemons ("The Power of the Dog"), Lily Collins ("Emily in Paris") and Jason Segel ("How I Met Your Mother") star in the new Netflix suspense thriller, "Windfall."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-windfall-r/" title="Take Two: “Windfall” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Deep Water” (R), “Windfall” (R), “Master” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2022 |
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Russ covers an erotic thriller starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, a crime drama with Jason Segel, Lily Collins and Jesse Plemons and a horror entry called "Master."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-deep-water-r-windfall-r-master-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Deep Water” (R), “Windfall” (R), “Master” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Adam Project” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2022 |
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Actor Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy, who recently collaborated on the hit "Free Guy," re-team for the sci-fi time travel movie, "The Adam Project."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-adam-project-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Adam Project” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Adam Project” (PG-13), “Turning Red” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2022 |
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Russ gives the 4-1-1 on two new streaming options, "The Adam Project" on Netflix and "Turning Red" on Disney+.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-adam-project-pg-13-turning-red-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Adam Project” (PG-13), “Turning Red” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Cyrano” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2022 |
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Peter Dinklage ("Game of Thrones") stars in a musical adaptation of the classic French romantic play, "Cyrano."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-cyrano-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Cyrano” (PG-13)"/]“The Batman” (PG-13), “Lucy and Desi” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/04/2022 |
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Russ gives the 4-1-1 on the DC Comics blockbuster "The Batman" and the Amazon Prime documentary "Lucy and Desi."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-batman-pg-13-lucy-and-desi-pg/" title="“The Batman” (PG-13), “Lucy and Desi” (PG)"/]Take Two: “tick…tick…BOOM!” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/04/2022 |
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The Netflix offering "tick...tick...BOOM!" is an adaptation of the Broadway musical autobiography of composer Jonathan Larson ("Rent"). Andrew Garfield ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye") stars.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-tick-tick-boom-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “tick…tick…BOOM!” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Cyrano” (PG-13), “Studio 666” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/25/2022 |
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Russ covers "Cyrano," a new musical adaptation of Rostand's classic romantic play, and "Studio 666," a horror comedy starring Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-cyrano-pg-13-studio-666-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Cyrano” (PG-13), “Studio 666” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Worst Person in the World” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/25/2022 |
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"The Worst Person in the World" is a comic drama from Norway that's been nominated for two Academy Awards, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-worst-person-in-the-world-r/" title="Take Two: “The Worst Person in the World” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Uncharted” (PG-13), “Dog” (PG-13), “The Worst Person in the World” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/18/2022 |
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Russ fills us in on a video game adaptation starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, a man and dog road movie with Channing Tatum, and an Oscar nominee for Best International Feature.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-uncharted-pg-13-dog-pg-13-the-worst-person-in-the-world-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Uncharted” (PG-13), “Dog” (PG-13), “The Worst Person in the World” (R)"/]Take Two: “West Side Story” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/18/2022 |
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Does Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic musical "West Side Story" live up to the original? Susan and Russ have very different opinions.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-west-side-story-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “West Side Story” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Death on the Nile” (PG-13), “Marry Me” (PG-13), “I Want You Back” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/11/2022 |
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Russ gives the lowdown on the latest Agatha Christie whodunit from Kenneth Branagh and a pair of Valentine's weekend rom-coms.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-death-on-the-nile-pg-13-marry-me-pg-13-i-want-you-back-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Death on the Nile” (PG-13), “Marry Me” (PG-13), “I Want You Back” (R)"/]Take Two: “Lotawana” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/11/2022 |
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Local filmmaker Trevor Hawkins makes his feature film debut with the drama "Lotawana," shot at Lake Lotawana, Missouri.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-lotawana-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Lotawana” (Not rated)"/]Freeze Frame: “Lotawana” (Not rated), “Flee” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/04/2022 |
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This week, Russ covers a locally-made feature, "Lotawana" and the Oscar contender "Flee."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-lotawana-not-rated-flee-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Lotawana” (Not rated), “Flee” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Belfast” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/04/2022 |
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Writer/director Kenneth Branagh (:Murder on the Orient Express") offers "Belfast," a semi-autobiographical tale of his youth in his native Norther Ireland.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-belfast-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Belfast” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Parallel Mothers” (R), “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/28/2022 |
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Russ fills us in on the latest from Oscar-winning filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and a new entry in the Ice Age franchise.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-parallel-mothers-r-the-ice-age-adventures-of-buck-wild-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Parallel Mothers” (R), “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Bruised” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/28/2022 |
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Actress Halle Berry stars in the Netflix MMA drama, "Bruised." The film also marks her directorial debut.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bruised-r/" title="Take Two: “Bruised” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “A Hero” (PG-13), “The King’s Daughter” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/21/2022 |
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The latest movie from Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi and a fairytale starring Pierce Brosnan? They're both reviewed in this week's review roundup from Russ Simmons.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-a-hero-pg-13-the-kings-daughter-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “A Hero” (PG-13), “The King’s Daughter” (PG)"/]Take Two: “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/21/2022 |
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Filmmaker Joel Coen ("No Country for Old Men") takes a shot at adapting one of the thornier Shakespeare works, with Denzel Washington ("Fences") and Frances McDormand in the major roles.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-tragedy-of-macbeth-r/" title="Take Two: “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Scream” (R), “Drive My Car” (Unrated), “Belle” (PG), “The 355” (R), “The Tender Bar” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/14/2022 |
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A diverse lineup of movies fills theaters this week. Russ helps sort through the selections that range from a tongue-in-cheek slasher flick to a thoughtful Japanese arthouse entry.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame/" title="Freeze Frame: “Scream” (R), “Drive My Car” (Unrated), “Belle” (PG), “The 355” (R), “The Tender Bar” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Hand of God” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/14/2022 |
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"The Hand of God," the latest opus from Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino ("The Great Beauty"), is a wistful semi-autobiographical tale of his youth in Naples.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-hand-of-god-r/" title="Take Two: “The Hand of God” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: Russ’ Top 10 movies of 2021! ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/07/2022 |
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Check out my annual countdown of the Best Movies of 2021!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-russ-top-10-movies-of-2021/" title="Freeze Frame: Russ’ Top 10 movies of 2021!"/]Take Two: “The Lost Daughter” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/07/2022 |
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Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman ("The Favourite") stars in the psychological drama "The Lost Daughter," the directing debut of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal ("The Kindergarten Teacher").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-lost-daughter-r/" title="Take Two: “The Lost Daughter” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Licorice Pizza” (R), “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (R), “Red Rocket” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/31/2021 |
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"Licorice Pizza," a departure for filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson ("Boogie Nights"), "The Tragedy of Macbeth," a departure for Joel Coen and "Red Rocket," a departure of taste are all new for review this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-licorice-pizza-r-the-tragedy-of-macbeth-r-red-rocket-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Licorice Pizza” (R), “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (R), “Red Rocket” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Matrix Resurrections” (R), “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” (PG), “Don’t Look Up” (R), “A Journal for Jordan” (PG), “Even Mice Belong in Heaven” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/24/2021 |
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Check out Russ' 2-minute review segment for the lowdown on "The Matrix Resurrections," "American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story," "Don't Look Up," "A Journal for Jordan," "Even Mice Belong in Heaven."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-matrix-resurrections-r-american-underdog-the-kurt-warner-story-pg-dont-look-up-r-a-journal-for-jordan-pg-even-mice-belong-in-heaven-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Matrix Resurrections” (R), “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” (PG), “Don’t Look Up” (R), “A Journal for Jordan” (PG), “Even Mice Belong in Heaven” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Unforgivable” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/24/2021 |
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Sandra Bullock ("Birdbox") goes for a total makeover in "The Unforgivable," a Netflix drama about an ex-con looking for redemption. The cast also includes Vincent D'Onofrio, Viola Davis, Rob Morgan, Richard Thomas and Jon Bernthal.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-unforgivable-r/" title="Take Two: “The Unforgivable” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (PG-13), “Nightmare Alley” (R), “Sing 2” (PG), “Swan Song” (R), “The King’s Man” (R), “The Lost Daughter: (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/17/2021 |
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Russ covers new movie options available in theaters or streaming: "Spider-Man: No Way Home," "Nightmare Alley," "Sing 2," "Swan Song," "The King's Man," and "The Lost Daughter."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-spider-man-no-way-home-pg-13-nightmare-alley-r-sing-2-pg-swan-song-r-the-kings-man-r-the-lost-daughter-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (PG-13), “Nightmare Alley” (R), “Sing 2” (PG), “Swan Song” (R), “The King’s Man” (R), “The Lost Daughter: (R)"/]Take Two: “Being the Ricardos” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/17/2021 |
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Susan and Russ take a look at the new behind-the-scenes drama "Being the Ricardos." It stars Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the stars of the classic sitcom "I Love Lucy." Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network") wrote the screenplay and directed.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-being-the-ricardos-r/" title="Take Two: “Being the Ricardos” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “West Side Story” (PG-13), “Being the Ricardos” (R), “The Unforgivable” (R), “National Champions” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/10/2021 |
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Check out Russ' two-minute review segment for the scoop on the new movies "West Side Story," "Being the Ricardos," "The Unforgivable" and "National Champions."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-west-side-story-pg-13-being-the-ricardos-r-the-unforgivable-r-national-champions-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “West Side Story” (PG-13), “Being the Ricardos” (R), “The Unforgivable” (R), “National Champions” (R)"/]Take Two: “House of Gucci” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/10/2021 |
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Director Ridley Scott ("The Last Duel") has assembled an impressive cast (Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek) to tell the true story of intrigue and murder within the famed fashion house.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-house-of-gucci-r/" title="Take Two: “House of Gucci” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Power of the Dog” (R), “The Hand of God” (R), “C’Mon, C’Mon” (R), “Below the Fold” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/03/2021 |
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The gothic arthouse western "The Power of the Dog" is one of those movies that causes critics to flip and general audiences to shrug. Benedict Cumberbatch leads an accomplished cast in director Jane Campion's adaptation of Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel that tells the tragic tale of a despicable cowboy who makes life miserable for everyone on a 1920s Montana cattle ranch. What makes him tick and will he get his comeuppance? This dark character study is beautifully crafted and skillfully acted. It’s all a bit too ambiguous for its own good. Still, "The Power of the Dog" has a quiet power.
“The lavishly filmed coming of age movie "The Hand of God" is Italian director Paolo Sorrentino's gauzy look back at the joy and tragedy of his early teenage years in Napoli. This autobiographical tale is understandably self-indulgent, but it has a wistful nature that may resonate with some viewers.
Joaquin Phoenix and young Woody Norman are utterly believable in Mike Mills' low key but smart comic drama "C'Mon, C'Mon," the tale of a single man and his troubled nephew who bicker and bond when they are thrown together by circumstance. Its approach comes off as a bit preachy and at times, the movie can be as annoying as fingernails on the chalkboard. In other words, it's like real life. Expect some love for these actors at awards time.
Kansas City-based filmmaker Clayton Scott offers his locally lensed movie debut, “Below the Fold,” available on Amazon Prime and VOD. It’s fictional mystery thriller inspired by real life murders in the Skidmore, Missouri area. Davis DeRock and Sarah McGuire star as reporters who dig up new evidence in a decade-old cold case. While it doesn’t break any new ground, “Below the Fold” shows plenty of potential from a promising new talent.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-power-of-the-dog-r-the-hand-of-god-r-cmon-cmon-r-below-the-fold-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Power of the Dog” (R), “The Hand of God” (R), “C’Mon, C’Mon” (R), “Below the Fold” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Power of the Dog” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/03/2021 |
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Benedict Cumberbatch ("Doctor Strange") goes against type in the gothic western, "The Power of the Dog" from filmmaker Jane Campion ("The Piano").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-power-of-the-dog-r/" title="Take Two: “The Power of the Dog” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “House of Gucci” (R), “Encanto” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/26/2021 |
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Infidelity, scandal, intrigue, murder. These are the topics of many a soap opera. They also emerge in the true story “House of Gucci,” currently available in theaters only. Lady Gaga gives a wily performance as the ambitious and cunning wife of fashion house heir Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver. Director Ridley Scott has put together an all-star cast that also includes Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons and Salma Hayek to tell this story of the unscrupulous behavior by members of the famous family. Sometimes the dialogue and performances…especially by Leto…seem awfully campy, and Driver’s character and his actions are very murky. Plus, the film never establishes a consistent tone. “The House of Gucci” is certainly entertaining but is never quite as gripping as it should have been.
“Encanto” is the latest animated fantasy from the folks at Disney and it’s also currently available in theaters only. “Encanto” lives up to its name. It’s a charming musical extravaganza that takes place in the mountains of Columbia, focusing on the enchanted Madrigal family that lives in a magical casita. Each family member imbued with a special supernatural gift. All members, that is, except for one. Young Mirabel Madrigal struggles to understand why she is the one who has been left out. Unlike most Disney fairytales, “Encanto” has no villains, but the characters are still faced with considerable personal obstacles to overcome. The animation is stunning, and the soundtrack is full of catchy tunes written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Encanto” is a Thanksgiving weekend gift that all members of the family can be thankful for.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-house-of-gucci-r-encanto-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “House of Gucci” (R), “Encanto” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Red Notice” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/26/2021 |
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Can Dwayne Johnson ("Jungle Cruise"), Ryan Reynolds ("Free Guy") and Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") save the big budget Netflix comic thriller "Red Notice." Susan and Russ weigh in.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-red-notice-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Red Notice” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “King Richard” (PG-13), “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (PG), “tick…tick…BOOM!” (PG-13), “Bruised” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/19/2021 |
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Time for Will Smith to dust off his shelf and make room for an Oscar. In “King Richard,” he gives a riveting performance as the obsessive and galvanizing Richard Williams, the driving force behind the tennis domination of his daughters Venus and Serena Williams. This wildly entertaining biopic transcends the conventions of the inspiring sports movie genre, thanks to a terrific cast and heartfelt execution. "King Richard" serves up an ace.
Who ya gonna call? How about Kansas City's Paul Rudd for "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," a reboot of the classic movie franchise? Fans of the original movies will feel a twinge of nostalgia watching the brainy granddaughter of one of the original Ghostbusters attempt to save the world from an impending invasion of malevolent spirits. While the formula may be a bit too familiar, there is ample humor and some clever twists to compensate. The finale takes a cringeworthy turn, but "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" is still serves up the spirits.
Lin-Manuel Miranda of "Hamilton" fame makes his movie directorial debut with a sharp and entertaining adaptation of the Broadway musical, "tick...tick...BOOM!" It's the autobiographical story of the late Jonathan Larson, the composer of the smash hit, "Rent." Andrew Garfield plays Larson, experiencing emotional crisis and writer’s block before the ripe old age of 30. It's a well-crafted and well sung celebration of the demanding creative process.
Halle Berry makes her directorial debut with "Bruised" the story of a washed-up MMA fighter attempting redemption. Her strong performance makes up for some filmmaking missteps and stale dialogue. The movie's no knockout, but Halle is.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-king-richard-pg-13-ghostbusters-afterlife-pg-tick-tick-boom-pg-13-bruised-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “King Richard” (PG-13), “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (PG), “tick…tick…BOOM!” (PG-13), “Bruised” (R)"/]Take Two: Passing” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/19/2021 |
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Ruth Negga ("Loving") and Tessa Thompson ("Silvie's Love") star in "Passing," based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. It's the story of two African-American friends, one who is passing as white. The film marks the directorial debut of actress Rebecca Hall ("Vicky Christina Barcelona").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-passing-pg-13/" title="Take Two: Passing” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Belfast” (PG-13), “Passing” (PG-13), “Red Notice” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/12/2021 |
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“Belfast” is a dreamily nostalgic tale from filmmaker Kenneth Branagh, loosely inspired by his own childhood in late 60s strife-torn Northern Ireland. Shot in glorious black-and-white, “Belfast” is a loving tribute to Branagh’s family and the denizens of his close-knit neighborhood as they faced “The Troubles” between Protestants and Catholics. There’s a lot of heart and sentimentality in the story of a young lad whose family faced financial struggles as well as political turmoil. The cast is fine what’s not to like about a score filled with Van Morrison music? “Belfast” is crowd-pleasing Oscar bait.
"Passing" marks the writing/directing debut of acclaimed actress Rebecca Hall. It's a sensitive story set in 1920s New York about the complications that occur between two African American friends, one of whom is passing as white. Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga give strong, subtle performances in this low-key, leisurely paced drama. Hall's approach to the material may be a bit too laid back for full effect, and the finale seems contrived. Still, "Passing" is a thoughtful drama about a particularly thorny subject.
Three big stars use all the charisma that they can muster to save the big-budget action comedy, "Red Notice." It's not enough. The script of this misfire is a mishmash of ideas borrowed from other, better movies from multiple genres. Dwayne Johnson is an FBI agent out to nail rival international art thieves Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot. But The Rock must go on the run when Interpol suspects that he's collaborating with the criminals. The cartoonish tongue-in-cheek approach wears out its welcome as the plot becomes more and more absurd. You can see where Netflix spent its $200 million budget, but they should have spent more on the script and less on the scenery. "Red Notice" should pass without much notice.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-belfast-pg-13-passing-pg-13-red-notice-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Belfast” (PG-13), “Passing” (PG-13), “Red Notice” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Harder They Fall” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/12/2021 |
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"The Harder They Fall" is a Western with an Afro-centric approach. Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors and Regina King star in the feature film directorial debut of British hip-hop star Jeymes Samuel (The Bullitts).
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-harder-they-fall-r/" title="Take Two: “The Harder They Fall” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Eternals” (PG-13), “The Harder The Fall” (R), “Finch” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/05/2021 |
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What would an Academy Award-winning director do with a Marvel movie? “Eternals” provides the answer: More of the same. Chloé JOW Zhao, who won the Oscar for the low-key drama “Nomadland,” mounts an impressive two-and-a-half-hour spectacle with all the over-the-top action one would expect from a Marvel opus. The problem with “Eternals” is its big, unwieldy and convoluted storyline about an immortal alien race of petulant god-like beings charged with protecting mankind from an evil race of alien “Deviants.” It’s hard to tell the players without a program and the players are rather humdrum. While it delivers the action and eye candy, “Eternals” is middling Marvel.
“The Harder They Fall” is an outlandish tongue-in-cheek homage to Spaghetti Westerns with an all-black cast and a torrent of grindhouse violence. Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba and Regina King lead a terrific ensemble in a decadent, but stylish revenge tale set in the remote 19th-century American West. Rival criminal gangs battle for dominance in an impressive first feature directed by British hip-hop star Jeymes Samuel, better known as The Bullitts. “The Harder They Fall” is a fierce guilty pleasure for fans of the genre. Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone would approve.
America’s dad, Tom Hanks, stars in an offbeat post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, “Finch.” He plays a dying scientist, one of the last survivors of a natural cataclysm, who builds an AI robot to care for his beloved dog. The trio jumps in a high-tech Winnebago and embarks on a cross-country road trip in a last-ditch survival effort. Hanks is exactly the right actor for this role, and he elevates what is otherwise a somewhat dour movie. The efforts to tug on our heartstrings don’t always work, but “Finch” is a sweet-natured comic drama about what it means to be human.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-eternals-pg-13-the-harder-the-fall-r-finch-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Eternals” (PG-13), “The Harder The Fall” (R), “Finch” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The French Dispatch” (R), “Last Night in Soho” (R), “Antlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/29/2021 |
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Eccentric filmmaker Wes Anderson's latest exercise in quirkiness, "The French Dispatch," is a lightweight but eye-popping homage to personal journalism, especially a nod to the writers and editors of The New Yorker. An all-star cast is featured in an anthology of three stories from a fictional news magazine's final issue. Although it's wildly imaginative and employs spectacular art direction, "The French Dispatch" will probably only appeal to an audience already attuned to Anderson's offbeat aesthetic. One could argue that it's an example of style over substance, but "The French Dispatch" still has its oddball charms.
"The Last Night in Soho" is yet another visually arresting film with an almost schizophrenic tone. It starts out as an ethereal fantasy and morphs into a full-blown horror film. Tomasin Mackinzie stars as Ellie, a young fashion student who has dreams of an alter-ego named Sandie who exists in London's Mod 60s scene. This free-spirited lass, played by Anya Taylor Joy, becomes Ellie's artistic muse. However, things go very wrong as those dreams become nightmares that affect Ellie's waking life. Is she crazy, or are supernatural events unfolding? These two young actresses are among the best working today and they're each terrific. You've got to give filmmaker Edgar Wright a lot of credit for his style and vision, even though the final act becomes repetitive and conventional. Still, "Last Night in Soho" is an involving experiment in genre-mixing.
Keri Russell and Jesse Plemmons star in the bleak, one-note horror film "Antlers," inspired by the legend of the Wendigo, an evil mythological creature from Native American folklore. It's plenty creepy and has a few effective moments, but ultimately “Antlers” is more dreary than it is scary.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-french-dispatch-r-last-night-in-soho-r-antlers-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The French Dispatch” (R), “Last Night in Soho” (R), “Antlers” (R)"/]FREEZE FRAME: “The Last Duel” (R), “Needle in a Timestack” (R), “The Velvet Underground” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/15/2021 |
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If the classic Japanese film “Rashomon” were set in medieval France, it would have looked a lot like “The Last Duel.” Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodi Comer and Ben Affleck star in the true story of knights who battle to the death when one accuses the other of raping his wife. What’s intriguing about this examination of historical misogyny is that the story is told three times, from three different perspectives: one from that of each knight and one from that of the victim. Ridley Scott directs from a screenplay by Damon, Affleck and Nicole Holofcener. The production values are impressive, and the cast is fine. The pacing, however, is erratic, which hobbles this overlong epic a bit. Even so, “The Last Duel” is an involving costume saga that should resonate with the “Me Too” generation.
Leslie Odom, Jr. and Cynthia Erivo star in the experimental time travel romance, “Needle in a Timestack,” written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley. While the cast is attractive and the premise is interesting, the herky-jerky narrative structure makes one suspect that this one was done in by someone’s misguided editing room tinkering.
If you’re a fan of the late Lou Reed, Todd Haynes’ skillfully made and informative documentary “The Velvet Underground” is right up your alley. The voluminous archival footage, mostly from Andy Warhol’s Factory days, provides an insider’s glimpse into the avant-garde rock band’s troubled history. If you’re not a fan, there’s likely very little in “The Velvet Underground that will change your opinion.
All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-last-duel-r-needle-in-a-timestack-r-the-velvet-underground-r/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “The Last Duel” (R), “Needle in a Timestack” (R), “The Velvet Underground” (R)"/]Take Two: “Last Night in Soho” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/05/2021 |
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Filmmaker Edgar Wright ("Baby Driver") offers a unique, genre-blending opus, "Last Night in Soho." Thomasin McKenzie ("Jojo Rabbit") and Anya Taylor-Joy ("Emma") star in an unusual thriller about a fashion student whose muse appears to her in dreams.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-last-night-in-soho-r/" title="Take Two: “Last Night in Soho” (R)"/]“No Time to Die” (PG-13), “The Many Saints of Newark” (R), “South of Heaven” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/08/2021 |
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What do you want in a James Bond movie? Great Bond girls, nasty villains, fast cars, cool gadgets, exotic locales and plenty of action? Well, if so, the 25th installment in the franchise, “No Time to Die," delivers on all counts. It's a wildly entertaining if overlong saga that showcases a tired and world-weary Bond, forced yet again to save the world from imminent disaster. It's an apt swan song for Daniel Craig's solid tenure as 007 and, under Cary Joji Fukunaga's proficient direction, "No Time to Die" manages to create a real sense of peril. The $250 million production budget is all up on screen, too, so see it in a theater if you can. "No Time to Die" is a good time at the movies.
If you were a fan of the TV series "The Sopranos," the prequel film "The Many Saints of Newark" delivers the goomba goods. Others, beware. Allesandro Nivola leads the cast as the conflicted, amoral mobster Dickie Molisanti, a hero and role model for his young and impressionable nephew Tony Soprano, played by Michael Gandolphini, the son of the late James Gandolphini who created the role. While it's absorbing, the storytelling meanders and will strike many viewers as inconsequential. Still, if a two-hour dip back into the world of "The Sopranos" sounds appealing, then "The Many Saints of Newark" is your cup of compari.
Plot holes, cliches and implausibilities engage in a battle royale to thwart the efforts of a strong cast in the misguided drama, "South of Heaven." Kansas City's own Jason Sudekis is fine in a straight dramatic role as a recent parolee who tries to stay out of trouble for the sake of his dying fiancé, played by Evangeline Lily. No such luck. Dark, violent and frustrating, "South of Heaven" isn't the least bit heavenly.
All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/no-time-to-die-pg-13-the-many-saints-of-newark-r-south-of-heaven-r/" title="“No Time to Die” (PG-13), “The Many Saints of Newark” (R), “South of Heaven” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Guilty” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/08/2021 |
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Jake Gyllenhaal ("Brokeback Mountain") stars in an English language remake of the acclaimed Danish film, "The Guilty." In this thriller, he plays a 911 dispatch officer desperately trying to save a kidnap victim. Antoine Fuqua ("The Magnificent Seven") directs.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-guilty-r/" title="Take Two: “The Guilty” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (PG-13), “The Guilty” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/01/2021 |
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It’s certainly no surprise when a Marvel movie is a box office hit. But the 2018 action flick “Venom,” featuring a villain from the Spider-Man universe, was universally panned. It still drew big crowds anxious to see the deadly alien parasite’s origin story. But “Venom” was an uneasy and absurd mix of gory CGI action and goofy comic bickering between Tom Hardy’s journalist character Eddie Brock and the wisecracking. Brain-eating symbiote that invaded his body. The sequel “Venom: Let There be Carnage” commits many of the same sins as the original movie…and will likely still click with Marvel fans. Go figure. This time out, Eddie attempts to resuscitate his damaged journalistic career by interviewing a notorious serial killer, played by Woody Harrelson. But things get complicated when the killer is invaded by another symbiote and, voilà, Carnage. The A-list cast also includes Michelle Williams and Naomi Harris, but in spite of their efforts, it all seems like retread material.
The 2018 thriller “The Guilty” was a riveting Danish film about a police officer confined to an emergency dispatch room as a disciplinary action. He desperately tries to help a caller who turns out to be a panicked kidnap victim. The Americanized remake stars Jake Gyllenhaal in what is essentially a one-man show. All of the action in “The Guilty” takes place in two rooms at the emergency dispatch center as the officer works to resolve the tense situation while wrestling with his own demons. Gyllenhaal is excellent as the conflicted officer and Antoine Fuqua’s direction is taut. “The Guilty” shows that talent and intelligence are more important than a extensive production values.
Good news for movie buffs, the Liberty-based B&B Theater chain has reopened the Mainstreet Theater downtown in the Power & Light District. More information is available at bbtheaters.com.
All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-venom-let-there-be-carnage-pg-13-the-guilty-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (PG-13), “The Guilty” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Starling” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/01/2021 |
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Melissa McCarthy ("Can You Ever Forgive Me?") stars alongside Chris O'Dowd ("Molly's Game") and Kevin Kline ("Here Today") in the Netflix film "The Starling." It's a comic drama about grief and reconciliation directed by Theodore Melfi ("Hidden Figures").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-starling-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Starling” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Dear Evan Hansen” (PG-13), “The Starling” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/24/2021 |
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The acclaimed Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen" makes a bumpy transition to the big screen. Ben Platt reprises his Tony Award-winning role as a trouble, outcast teen who tries to gain sympathy by pretending to be the friend of a kid who dies by suicide. Oh, what a tangled web we weave. Social media, peer pressure and the generation gap are all subjects of derision. The popular score is intact, and the songs are well sung by a terrific cast that includes Julianne Moore, Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever and Amandla Stenberg. But the inherent artificiality of the musical genre makes dealing with the subject of mental illness seem awkward on film. Some things just work better on the stage. While it doesn't deserve the drubbing it's getting from many critics, "Dear Evan Hansen" is, at best, a well-meaning curiosity. Fans of the show, however, will forgive its flaws. Bring tissues.
Melissa McCarthy gives it her all in the uneven and somewhat heavy-handed comic drama, "The Starling," now streaming on Netflix. She plays a woman suffering from the loss of her child while also dealing with her husband's mental illness. And furthermore, she’s enduring dive bomb attacks from the movie's titular bird. Melissa seeks advice from a veterinarian/psychologist, played with low-key charm by Kevin Kline. While the metaphors and sentiment are all a bit too obvious, McCarthy utilizes both her considerable comic and dramatic chops to help keep "The Starling" grounded, even if it never quite takes flight.
Good news for movie buffs, the Glenwood Arts Theater is finally back in operation. More info is available at fineartsgroup.com.
All of your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-dear-evan-hansen-pg-13-the-starling-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Dear Evan Hansen” (PG-13), “The Starling” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/24/2021 |
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Jessica Chastain ("Zero Dark Thirty") stars as televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in the biopic "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." Andrew Garfield ("Hacksaw Ridge") portrays her husband, Jim.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-eyes-of-tammy-faye-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (PG-13), “Come From Away” (TV-14) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/17/2021 |
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Although she was often the butt of jokes for critics, the late TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker was an inspiration and an icon for many others. With her over-the-top enthusiasm, her warbly singing, her gaudy attire and exaggerated makeup, she became a cultural phenomenon. Jessica Chastain gives an appropriately exuberant performance as Bakker in the new biopic "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." It chronicles her rise and fall as she and her husband Jim Bakker faced both success and scandal. It's the perfect example of a film that relies entirely on the lead performance to carry the day and Chastain's work screams, "Don't forget about me, Oscar." Andrew Garfield is equally good as her ethically challenged husband, Jim. Unfortunately, this conventional film only skims the surface and doesn't provide much insight into Tammy Faye's inner life. But it's got Chastain, and that's enough to merit a "Hallelujah."
"Come From Away" is a filmed recording of a live stage production of the hit Broadway musical now streaming on Apple TV+. It tells the remarkable true story of the tiny island town of Gander, Newfoundland that housed over 7,000 airline passengers from around the world who were stranded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While it doesn't quite provide the same level of energy as an actual live theatrical event, "Come From Away" is cleverly staged and well sung. Like the adaptation of "Hamilton,” the filmmakers utilize creative camera movement and placement to prevent the action of a stage play from becoming too visually static on the screen. "Come From Away" is a warm salute to the kindness and generosity of these stalwart, selfless Canadians.
Good news for movie buffs, the Glenwood Arts Theater is finally back in operation this week. More info is available at fineartsgroup.com.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-eyes-of-tammy-faye-pg-13-come-from-away-tv-14/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (PG-13), “Come From Away” (TV-14)"/]Take Two: “Free Guy” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/17/2021 |
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Ryan Reynolds ("Deadpool") stars as a character in a video game in the over the top action fantasy, "Free Guy." The film also stars Jodi Comer (TV's "Killing Eve") and was directed by Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-free-guy-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Free Guy” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Queenpins” (R), “Kate” (R), “The Lost Leonardo” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/10/2021 |
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The wacky comedy “Queenpins” is, oddly enough, based on a bizarre true story. Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste star as a couple of Phoenix women who made tens of millions of dollars by counterfeiting manufacturers’ coupons and selling them online. The filmmakers turn the story into an offbeat farce that pokes fun at the inept authorities charged with tracking them down. The cast is fun, but Paul Walter Hauser steals the movie as a self-absorbed loss prevention officer for a grocery store chain. “Queenpins” may be ethically indifferent, but it’s an entertaining lark.
The Netflix thriller “Kate,” on the other hand, is a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes the title role in this excessively bloody action flick about a highly skilled assassin who seeks revenge on a man who has poisoned her. Trouble is, Kate only as a few hours to live to exact vengeance. The body count is high, and the believability is low. “Kate” manages to waste the talents of Winstead and Woody Harrelson, who plays her mentor. The only thing the movie has going for it is the interesting Osaka, Japan setting. Coincidentally, the current thriller “The Protégé” covers much of the same territory as “Kate,” but is a much better action option.
The batty world of high-end art gets the face palm treatment in the sharp and enlightening documentary, “The Lost Leonardo.” It deals with the iffy provenance of the famous Da Vinci painting “Salvator Mundi” which brought the highest auction price for any painting in history, $450 million. But the film is really about greed, personal biases, and international financial intrigue. “The Lost Leonardo” is an eye-opening investigative exposé.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-queenpins-r-kate-r-the-lost-leonardo-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Queenpins” (R), “Kate” (R), “The Lost Leonardo” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Worth” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/10/2021 |
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Michael Keaton ("The Protege") portrays lawyer Kenneth Feinberg in "Worth," a Netflix original drama. Feinberg was the head of the 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund, assigned with the unenviable task of deciding what a human life was worth.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-worth-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Worth” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (PG-13), “Worth” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/03/2021 |
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe just got a bit more diverse. Newcomer Simu Liu stars in the rousing adventure “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” an impressive visual spectacle that will ultimately tie in with other movies in the ongoing superhero series following the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Liu plays a martial artist trained to be a reluctant assassin by his estranged father, a powerful criminal obsessed with ten rings which provide him supernatural powers. Can Shang-Chi break the chain of criminality and save his mother’s homeland from destruction? Under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for quiet social dramas, “Shang-Chi” is involving and entertaining for its first hour and a half. But like so many other action films, it becomes repetitious and overblown in the final act. Still, “Shang-Chi” is a diverting popcorn movie that should provide Marvel fans with the action fix they yearn for.
Michael Keaton gives an Oscar-worthy performance in the compelling Netflix drama, “Worth.” In this true story, Keaton plays Ken Feinberg, the lawyer commissioned by the U.S. government to head the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. It was Fienberg’s job to figure out how to set aside the appropriate amount of money to give to victims’ families…and get them to agree not to sue for more. In other words, he had to decide what a human life was worth and essentially get the families to agree to that amount. What could have been a stuffy legal procedural becomes a compelling drama as numbers-cruncher Feinberg is forced to do some soul-searching when confronted with the staggering individual tragedies. “Worth” is an intelligent and empathetic drama that’s definitely worth your time.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-shang-chi-and-the-legend-of-the-ten-rings-pg-13-worth-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (PG-13), “Worth” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Stillwater” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/03/2021 |
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Matt Damon ("The Bourne Identity") and Abigail Breslin ("August: Osage County") play father and daughter in "Stillwater," a drama from Oscar-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy ("Spotlight").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-stillwater-r/" title="Take Two: “Stillwater” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Candyman” (R), “No Man of God” (Not rated), “Vacation Friends” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/27/2021 |
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Who can creep out viewers? The “Candyman” can. Twenty-nine years after the scare-fest “Candyman” dared viewers to “Say my name,” a woke sequel slithers into theaters. This time out, “Candyman” has some social context to go along with the chills, skewering gentrification along with a heap of human bodies. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays a painter whose art obsession with an evil supernatural figure becomes his undoing. While it’s well-acted and disturbing, it can’t quite tie all of its themes together. Still, “Candyman” provides the grisly shocks for horror aficionados.
“No Man of God” purports to be based upon actual recorded interviews between notorious serial killer Ted Bundy and noted FBI profiler, Bill Hagmaier. As such, it promises viewers some insight into the mind of a murderer. Luke Kirby and Elijah Wood are fine as Bundy and Hagmaier and the movie is a respectable effort even though it comes off a bit more like a filmed stage play than a movie. If you’re looking for an understanding of Bundy’s twisted obsessions, “No Man of God” doesn’t quite fulfill that promise. By comparison, “Silence of the Lambs” seems more insightful.
If you’re looking for a dumb comedy so that you can turn off your brain circuits for a couple of hours, the Hulu farce “Vacation Friends” might just fill the bill. John Cena and Lil Rel Howery lead the cast in the story of two couples who meet while on vacation in Mexico. They enjoy a week of unbridled hedonism, but their recklessness comes back to haunt them when they return to the States. “Vacation Friends” is shameless, goofy and forgettable.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-candyman-r-no-man-of-god-not-rated-vacation-friends-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Candyman” (R), “No Man of God” (Not rated), “Vacation Friends” (R)"/]Take Two: “Sweet Girl” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/27/2021 |
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Jason Momoa ("Aquaman") and Isabela Merced ("Dora the Explorer) star in the Netflix action thriller, "Sweet Girl."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sweet-girl-r/" title="Take Two: “Sweet Girl” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Protégé” (R), “The Night House” (R), “Sweet Girl” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/20/2021 |
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Maggie Q plays a super-skillful assassin out for revenge in the slick and sleazy action flick. "The Protégé." Samuel L. Jackson does his usual thing as Maggie’s hired-killer mentor and Michael Keaton goes against type as Maggie's nasty nemesis. There's plenty of bloody mayhem under the workmanlike direction of Martin Campbell who cut his teeth on 007 movies like “GoldenEye” and “Casino Royale.” There's nothing here that we haven't seen before, but " The Protégé " is a tolerable time-waster for action addicts.
"The Night House" commits the cardinal sin for a horror movie: It's dull. Rebecca Hall's stars as a woman whose home may or may not be haunted by the spirit of her late husband who recently committed suicide. The plot offers up some interesting ideas and Hall gives an exceptional, wrenching performance. But none of this prevents "The Night House" from becoming an excruciating and frustrating watch. It wants to be a slow burn, but The Night House” never quite catches fire.
The Jason Momoa action flick “Sweet Girl” is mostly what you’d expect, a by-the-numbers revenge drama. But think again. Momoa chases some baddies whom he believes are responsible for his wife’s death while trying to protect his teenage daughter, played by Isabela Merced. But the filmmaker’s throw some plot twists into this Netflix thriller that are so absurd that you won’t know whether to laugh or throw something at the TV. The real victim here is logic. “Sweet Girl” is a perfect example of a movie that thinks it’s clever but is just too clumsy for its own good.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-protege-r-the-night-house-r-sweet-girl-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Protégé” (R), “The Night House” (R), “Sweet Girl” (R)"/]Take Two: “Beckett” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/20/2021 |
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John David Washington ("Tenet") stars in the Hitchcock-like thriller "Beckett," now streaming on Netflix.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-beckett-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Beckett” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: “Free Guy” (PG-13), “CODA” (PG-13), “Beckett” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/13/2021 |
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The star of "Deadpool" and the director of "Night at the Museum" team up and the results are just what you'd expect. “Free Guy” is a visually elaborate comic fantasy with a snarky PG-13 edge. Ryan Reynolds plays a background character in a violent video game who doesn't know he isn't real. Things get tricky when he achieves artificial intelligence and tries to break out and exert some self-control. Reynolds' charisma and a buoyant tone help make up for some over-the-top silliness. "Free Guy" will seem a lot better if you see it for free.
"CODA" was the big winner at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Emilia Jones plays a teenager, the only hearing member of a deaf family, who runs into resistance when she pursues a scholarship to a music school. Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin plays her confused but empathetic mom. While it’s predictable and a bit earthy for a PG-13 movie, "CODA" is a sweet natured and touching drama with terrific performances. By the way, “CODA” stands for Children of Deaf Adults.
John David Washington again shows his leading man mettle in the Hitchcock-like thriller, "Beckett." Washington plays an American tourist in Greece who experiences a tragic accident. He goes on the run after a series of coincidences puts him deep in a political conspiracy and in the crosshairs of the police and criminals. “Beckett” stretches credibility to the limit but is an entertaining and zippy action flick.
The 21st annual Kansas City Jewish Film Festival is taking place through August 21st in virtual formats, that is, any electronic device with a wi-fi connection. The eclectic lineup includes a number of intriguing titles including nine award-winning films from around the world. More information is available at www.kcjff.org.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-free-guy-pg-13-coda-pg-13-beckett-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Free Guy” (PG-13), “CODA” (PG-13), “Beckett” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Nine Days” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/13/2021 |
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Actor Winston Duke ("Us," "Black Panther") stars in the supernatural arthouse drama, "Nine Days." It marks the feature film debut for writer/director Edson Oda.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-nine-days-r/" title="Take Two: “Nine Days” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Suicide Squad” (R), “Nine Days” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/06/2021 |
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“The Suicide Squad" is a reboot and reimagining of the disappointing 2016 DC Comics movie "Suicide Squad," about super villains manipulated into serving a shady government agency. Writer/director James Gunn of "Guardians of the Galaxy" fame gives this decadent R-rated action flick a wacky, comedic grindhouse edge. Some of the stars from the first film return to their roles, including Margot Robbie in her third go-round as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Col. Rick Flag and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, the head of the government’s shadowy Task Force X program. New to the cast are Idris Elba, John Cena, Sylvester Stallone and Kansas City’s own David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man. The movie’s tone and execution are much different…and much better this time around. Irreverent and funny in a midnight movie way, "Suicide Squad" is a shameless guilty pleasure.
Actor Winston Duke may be best known for his roles in the comic book movie “Black Panther” and the horror entry “Us.” Duke gives a powerhouse performance in the offbeat supernatural arthouse entry, "Nine Days." He plays a conflicted gatekeeper who decides which souls are granted a chance for life on Earth. The thorny philosophical questions that these candidates are faced with are intriguing and provocative. The notable cast also includes Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, and Bill Skarsgard. While it’s slow moving and its reach exceeds its grasp, "Nine Days" is nonetheless a thought-provoking film about the value of life's individual moments. It marks an impressive feature film debut for Brazilian writer/director Edson Oda.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-suicide-squad-r-nine-days-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Suicide Squad” (R), “Nine Days” (R)"/]Take Two: “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/06/2021 |
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Dwayne Johnson ("Jumanji: The Next Level") and Emily Blunt ("A Quiet Place") star in the comic adventure "Jungle Cruise," based on the Disneyland theme park ride.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-jungle-cruise-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13), “Stillwater” (R), “The Last Mercenary” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/30/2021 |
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Turning a theme park ride into a movie worked box office wonders for Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The Mouse House employs the same template with “Jungle Cruise.” Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt bring plenty of personal charisma to their roles of a charming Amazon boat captain and a spunky English explorer. It’s too bad that their efforts are wasted on such a hokey script. There’s a torrent of Disney visual magic on display in this tongue-in-cheek comic adventure, but the efforts are uninspired. Thanks to its stars, “Jungle Cruise” is a pleasantly forgettable voyage. Just promise me that there won’t be an “It’s a Small World” movie!
The controversial case of Amanda Knox provides the inspiration for the fictional drama, “Stillwater.” Matt Damon stars as a good old boy from Oklahoma who travels to Marseille, France to help exonerate his daughter who is serving a prison sentence for murder. Filmmaker Tom McCarthy’s work is smart, sincere, and empathetic. It’s also overlong and erratically paced. Damon leads a strong cast, but Abigail Breslin is a standout as his imprisoned daughter. “Stillwater” is a compelling movie that could have been even better with some judicious editing.
Jean-Claude Van Damme became a star in the 1980s with a string of martial arts action hits. The 60-year-old kickboxer-turned-actor has a bit of fun with his tough guy image in the silly French action comedy, “The Last Mercenary.” He plays a former special agent known as “The Mist” who comes out of hiding to save his son from mobsters. There’s nothing original in this goofy spoof but “The Last Mercenary” may provide a few nostalgic laughs for undemanding JCVD fans.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-jungle-cruise-pg-13-stillwater-r-the-last-mercenary/" title="Freeze Frame: “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13), “Stillwater” (R), “The Last Mercenary”"/]Take Two: “I Carry You With Me” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/30/2021 |
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"I Carry You With Me" won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. This Spanish language entry is based on the true story of the trials and tribulations of a Mexican who flees to the US to pursue his dream as a chef.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-i-carry-you-with-me-r/" title="Take Two: “I Carry You With Me” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Old” (PG-13), “Snake Eyes” (PG-13), “Joe Bell” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/23/2021 |
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Have you ever felt like you’ve aged while watching a movie? That’s the feeling you’ll get if you decide to endure the latest eerie experiment from M. Knight Shyamalan, “Old.” A family goes on a vacation to an island resort only to realize that a strange beach causes them to age a lifetime in a single day. The dialogue is awful, and the plot twists will make your eyes roll. It might have worked as an episode of “The Twilight Zone,” but as a feature-length “Old” just feels, well…old.
“Snake Eyes” is an action thriller that serves as an origin story for the G.I Joe Cinematic Universe. Henry Golding stars as a fighting drifter who joins a Japanese clan and learns the ways of the ninja. His goal is to avenge his father’s murder. Golding is a serviceable hero and some of the fight choreography is impressive. “Snake Eyes” is two-thirds of a pretty good movie, but the plot and action become so absurd in the final third that the whole enterprise goes off the rails.
Good intentions don’t always make for a good movie. Such is the case with “Joe Bell.” Mark Wahlberg is miscast in this true story of a man who decides to go on a nationwide walk to bring attention to the issue of bullying. Reid Miller is very good as his son who was tormented by schoolmates for being gay. But the execution is listless and it’s poorly paced. It’s also unlikely that it will change anyone’s mind on the subject. “Joe Bell” never rings true.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-old-pg-13-snake-eyes-pg-13-joe-bell-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Old” (PG-13), “Snake Eyes” (PG-13), “Joe Bell” (R)"/]Take Two: “A Quiet Place Part II” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/23/2021 |
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The long-awaited sequel is now in theaters. Writer/director John Krasinski ("Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan") teams up once again with Emily Blunt ("Jungle Cruise") for another sci-fi horror entry.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-a-quiet-place-part-ii-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “A Quiet Place Part II” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Pig” (R), “I Carry You With Me” (R), “Deep” (TV-MA), “Die in a Gunfight” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/16/2021 |
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The unconventional career of Oscar-winner Nicholas Cage just got a bit more offbeat.. He gives a brilliant, nuanced performance in his latest film, the eccentric comic drama “Pig.” Cage plays a hermit living in the Oregon woods who goes on a bizarre adventure in an attempt to retrieve his stolen truffle-sniffing pig. Writer/director Michael Sarnoski explores some thought-provoking existential themes, creating a moody, touching and often funny movie. “Pig” flies its oddball flag with honor.
The Spanish language entry “I Carry You With Me” won the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It’s a true story about a gay Mexican man who decides to leave his partner and young son behind, and illegally immigrate to the US to pursue a career as a chef. Throughout most of the film, the roles are played by actors, but in the final segment, the roles are played by the real people the actors portrayed. The movie explores the sacrifices the main character makes and grapples with the question of whether his actions were necessary or selfish. “I Carry You With Me” is a very low-key and dreamlike love story.
“Deep” is a Netflix horror film from Thailand about some young med students who agree to take part in a sleep-depravation experiment. But the people behind the study have nefarious motives. The movie is directed more like a pop music video than a horror film, so the scares are negligible. “Deep” is a horror film for the TikTok generation.
If a Quentin Tarantino wannabe adapted a contemporary comic book version of “Romeo and Juliet,” it might look a bit like “Die in a Gunfight.” Diego Boneta and Alexandra Daddario star in this cynical romance that has flashes of inspired decadence but is a bit too self-satisfyingly hip for its own good.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-pig-r-i-carry-you-with-me-r-deep-tv-ma-die-in-a-gunfight-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Pig” (R), “I Carry You With Me” (R), “Deep” (TV-MA), “Die in a Gunfight” (R)"/]Take Two: “Black Widow” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/16/2021 |
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The latest adventure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe approaches an Avenger from a different angle. Scarlett Johansson ("Marriage Story") takes the title role, joined by Florence Pugh ("Little Women"), Rachel Weisz ("The Favourite") and David Harbour ("Stranger Things"). Australian director Cate Shortland ("Berlin Syndrome") tackles her first action flick.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-black-widow-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Black Widow” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Black Widow” (PG-13), “First Date” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/09/2021 |
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“Black Widow,” The latest extravaganza from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, plays more like an over-the-top spy movie along the lines of James Bond than a superhero adventure. Scarlett Johansson stars in this action-packed movie that takes place sometime between the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” If you don’t follow the MCU that closely, no worries. The film also serves as an origin story thanks to multiple flashbacks. “Black Widow” can stand alone for the uninitiated.
While the film has the spectacular eye candy you’d expect given its $200 million budget, the real value of “Black Widow” comes from its cast. Johansson is solid as Natasha, but the movie is stolen by Florence Pugh who is terrific as her long-lost sister Yelena, a highly trained assassin who has escaped the mind control technology used on her by a KGB breakoff organization.
Director Cate Shortland ably emphasizes the story’ strong feminist angle and establishes a credible sisterly bond between the leads. While some of the fight sequences become a shaky blur, “Black Widow” mostly delivers the action goods.
“Black Widow” has bite.
The indie action comedy “First Date” cost less to make than Scarlett’s makeup budget for “Black Widow.” Tyson Brown stars as an awkward teen whose date with a classmate turns into a nightmare when he unwittingly purchases a stolen car. He finds himself in the crosshairs of the cops, drug smugglers and an assortment of lowlife oddballs. “First Date” becomes a bit repetitious, but fans of decadent drive-in fodder will find much to like.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-black-widow-pg-13-first-date-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Black Widow” (PG-13), “First Date” (Not rated)"/]TAKE TWO: “Summer of Soul” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/09/2021 |
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Known as "The Black Woodstock," the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969 was captured on film for a proposed TV special. It never happened. That 'lost' footage has been complied into a documentary by the noted musician, Questlove. The resulting film is now in theaters and on Hulu.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-summer-of-soul-pg-13/" title="TAKE TWO: “Summer of Soul” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Tomorrow War” (PG-13), “The Summer of Soul” (PG-13), “Boss Baby: Family Business” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/02/2021 |
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Take one part “Terminator” and two parts “Alien,” shake with big budget vigor and you might come up with something like “The Tomorrow War.” Chris Pratt stars in this action-packed sci-fi extravaganza about people transported into the future to save humanity from an extraterrestrial invasion. The trappings are familiar, but “The Tomorrow War” is a fun popcorn movie thanks to great special effects, a likable lead and sharp pacing. Sci-fi fans can check “The Tomorrow War” on Amazon Prime today.
Questlove’s award-winning documentary “The Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not be Televised)” is a stirring and wildly entertaining film that chronicles what was dubbed “The Black Woodstock.” In 1969 the “Harlem Cultural Festival” brought a series of concerts to New York’s Mount Morris Park featuring dozens of top musical artists like Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, the Staples Singers, Sly and the Family Stone and Mahalia Jackson. In addition to bringing the footage to audiences for the first time, Questlove interviews several attendees and artists, and their insights provide substantial cultural, social, and historic context. Great music smartly presented. When it comes to the “Summer of Soul,” what’s not to like?
The animated farce “The Boss Baby: Family Business” is a sequel to the surprise 2014 hit and popular Netflix TV series. It’s a frenetic enterprise that furthers the adventures of two estranged adult brothers, voiced by Alec Baldwin and James Marsden, who’ve been transformed into babies to stop a maniacal educator, voiced by Jeff Goldblum, from turning parents into zombies. Yeah, don’t ask. Though harmless, “The Boss Baby: Family Business” is the cinematic equivalent of a candy-fueled sugar rush.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, and fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-tomorrow-war-pg-13-the-summer-of-soul-pg-13-boss-baby-family-business-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Tomorrow War” (PG-13), “The Summer of Soul” (PG-13), “Boss Baby: Family Business” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Fatherhood” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/02/2021 |
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Comedian Kevin Hart ("Ride Along") takes a dramatic turn in "Fatherhood." Writer/director Paul Weitz ("About a Boy") has adapted the book by Matt Logelin into a Netflix original comic drama.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-fatherhood-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Fatherhood” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “F9: The Fast Saga” (PG-13), “False Positive” (R), “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” (PG-13), “The Ice Road” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/25/2021 |
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In a scene from the latest in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “F9,” a character played by Ludacris aptly says, “Nobody’s gonna believe this!” Exactly. Entries in the 20-year-old 10-film franchise have morphed into preposterous over-the-top action fantasies that make “Transformers” movies seem credible by comparison. The script is awful, but you can still enjoy “F9.” Just forget the laws of physics, throw logic out the window and go with the action flow.
Comedian Ilana Glazer makes a big leap into full blooded horror with the unsettling entry “False Positive.” Glazer and Justin Theroux play a couple who have trouble conceiving. They consult a fertility doctor played by Pierce Brosnan who uses a new invitro technique and, voila, pregnancy. But Ilana begins to believe that something is amiss…and she’s right. The tension and paranoia slowly build in this well acted drama. Although the climax leaves much to be desired, for horror fans, “False Positive” offers true creepiness.
She’s an EGOT, having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. Eighty-nine-year-old actress Rita Moreno has had a memorable life and career and the documentary “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” covers her triumphs and failures, both personal and professional. Alternately shocking and inspiring, it’s an involving, eye-opening showbiz documentary.
She endured the rampant sexism of Hollywood in the 50s and 60s, but was additionally challenged as a woman of color, never quite able to break through to the kind of roles she yearned for.
Liam Neeson may be long in the tooth, but he still has action movie mojo. Too bad his talents are wasted in the nonsensical adventure “The Ice Road.” Neeson plays a trucker who hauls heavy equipment over thin ice to try to save some workers trapped in a Canadian mine. Mother Nature and bad guys complicate matters. Creaky dialogue and sketchy special effects make “The Ice Road” a route to avoid.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-f9-the-fast-saga-pg-13-false-positive-r-rita-moreno-just-a-girl-who-decided-to-go-for-it-pg-13-the-ice-road-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “F9: The Fast Saga” (PG-13), “False Positive” (R), “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” (PG-13), “The Ice Road” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/25/2021 |
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Actress Rita Moreno ("West Side Story") has had a colorful life and career. The highs and lows of her life and career are examined in the documentary "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-rita-moreno-just-a-girl-who-decided-to-go-for-it-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Luca” (PG), “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (R), “Fatherhood” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/18/2021 |
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Even lesser Pixar offerings are better than most of their competitors’ work. Such is the case with “Luca,” a sweet and beautifully animated fantasy about the adventures of some nice sea monsters. Two young ocean dwellers near the Italian Riviera venture onto land and discover they turn human whenever they’re out of the water. It’s no classic, but “Luca” has just enough warmth and humor to appeal to both adults and kids and has a gentle message of tolerance. “Luca” is a minor charmer.
“The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” is a sequel to the 2017 comic action flick “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.” Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek are back in another goofy, over-the-top and chaotic extravaganza of violence and mayhem. At least they get to riff and blow people away against the background of dozens of beautiful European locales. If your idea of a good time is a high body count, sarcastic banter and a script that bludgeons you with F-bombs, then “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” may be the movie for you. To others, it will feel like being mugged on a rickety roller coaster.
Comedian Kevin Hart goes for a serious change of pace with the comic drama “Fatherhood.” He plays a man struggling to bring up his daughter alone after his wife tragically dies shortly after giving birth. There’s a lot that seems derivative in the familiar beats of the plot, but an appealing cast and the film’s tender nature enable it to gloss over some of its flaws. The real litmus test is one’s reaction to Hart’s performance. Is it earnest or affected? In any case, “Fatherhood” is a tender homage to those who embrace the paternal challenge.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-luca-pg-the-hitmans-wifes-bodyguard-r-fatherhood-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Luca” (PG), “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” (R), “Fatherhood” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Awake” TV-MA ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/18/2021 |
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Gina Rodriguez ("Jane the Virgin") stars in the Netflix sci-fi apocalyptic thriller, "Awake." She plays a woman who tries to save her children after a solar flare causes nearly all of humanity to lose the ability to sleep.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-awake-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Awake” TV-MA"/]Freeze Frame “Awake” (TV-MA), “Queen Bees” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/11/2021 |
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The new Netflix offering “Awake” is yet another apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with a gimmick. After the radiation from solar flares bombards the earth, people lose their ability to sleep. After a few days of universal insomnia, chaos reigns and civilization begins to crumble. A young mother, played by Gina Rodriguez, attempts to protect her children, one of whom is still able to sleep. Seems a shady government agency wants to dissect the little girl to see if they can find a cure. Rodriguez provides a solid performance that anchors the movie, but the action and plot elements seem to be cribbed from a number of other movies in the genre. “Awake” has an intriguing setup but doesn’t live up to its unique promise. If you’re suffering from insomnia, watching “Awake” just might provide the cure.
The lightweight comedy “Queen Bees” could have been called “Mean Girls: The Geriatric Edition.” “Queen Bees” features a sturdy cast of movie veterans doing the best they can to make something memorable out of a very tired premise. Eighty-eight-year-old Ellen Burstyn, one of the greatest actresses of her generation, stars as a woman who reluctantly takes up temporary residence at a luxury retirement home. To her dismay, she discovers that the cliques are worse than those from high school. To her delight, she also finds romance. The venerable cast includes James Caan, Ann-Margret, Loretta Devine, Jane Curtain and Christopher Lloyd, but the limp, overly familiar script and sluggish direction stymie their efforts. It’s like an episode of the “Love Boat” set in a senior center. The cast gets A’s, but “Queen Bees” gets a C-.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-awake-tv-ma-queen-bees-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame “Awake” (TV-MA), “Queen Bees” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Cruella” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/11/2021 |
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Disney offers yet another live action origin story for one of its animated villains. Emma Stone ("La La Land") and Emma Thompson ("Saving Mr. Banks") lead the cast in a PG-13 rated comedy set in London's Mod 70s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-cruella-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Cruella” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Spirit Untamed” (PG), “Endangered Species” (R), “Chasing Wonders” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/04/2021 |
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Pre-teen girls comprise the target audience for “Spirit Untamed,” a big-screen adaptation of the animated Netflix TV series “Spirit Riding Free.” Set in the 19th century American west, it tells the story of a young girl who befriends a wild Mustang stallion after she relocates to a small frontier town. They team up to thwart a group of shady wranglers who want to exploit the wild herd. There is nothing notable in the movie’s story or execution, but the voice cast is strong and the theme of female empowerment is prominent. While harmless, “Spirit Untamed” is for undemanding youngsters only.
A dysfunctional upper class American family is hunted by both wild animals and poachers when an African safari goes awry in the action thriller "Endangered Species." Rebecca Romijn leads the cast in this iffy enterprise. While the scenery is spectacular and intentions pure, the CGI animals are a bit sketchy, and the family is so spoiled and annoying that you start rooting for the animals to take them out. Talk about making bad choices. In this movie, logic is the endangered species.
The road to the Outback is paved with good intentions in the low-key coming-of-age story, “Chasing Wonders.” A bright young Australian lad from a family of Spanish immigrants can’t seem to understand why his father is so cold and distant. The family dutifully tends their vineyard makes their wine, but never discuss the reasons dear old dad seems so troubled. This leisurely paced film takes its time to uncover the tragedy at the core of the family dynamic. While very sweet and lovingly filmed, “Chasing Wonders” never quite hits the emotional soft spot it was aiming for.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-spirit-untamed-pg-endangered-species-r-chasing-wonders-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Spirit Untamed” (PG), “Endangered Species” (R), “Chasing Wonders” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Blue Miracle” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/04/2021 |
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The inspirational Netflix movie "Blue Miracle" is based on a true story. A group of Mexican orphans takes on a big task. They team up with a washed-up former fishing champ (Dennis Quaid, "The Right Stuff") in an attempt to win a lucrative fishing contest in a last-ditch attempt to save their orphanage.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-blue-miracle-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Blue Miracle” (Not rated)"/]Freeze Frame: “A Quiet Place: Part II” (PG-13), “Cruella” (PG-13), “Blue Miracle” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/28/2021 |
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The long-delayed sequel to filmmaker John Krasinski’s wildly original sci-fi horror thriller has finally arrived in theaters. “A Quiet Place: Part II” is a worthy follow-up that seems even more timely as we emerge from quarantine. The blind aliens with acute hearing continue to wreak havoc on humanity as one family tries desperately to remain out of earshot. This PG-13 horror film succeeds thanks to earnest acting, a smart script and sharp editing. “A Quiet Place: Part II” sounds like a winner to me.
Disney has created yet another origin story for one of their most memorable villains. The PG-13 rated offering “Cruella” stars Oscar winner Emma Stone as the titular fashionista we first met in “101 Dalmatians.” Set in London’s Mod 70s, “Cruella” shows how this orphaned waif became a stylish street criminal trying to break into the world of haute couture. While Stone is fine in the role, Oscar winner Emma Thomas steals the movie as a nasty baroness who controls the fashion industry by hook or crook. While the look of the film is sumptuous, “Cruella” is overlong and dramatically clunky. Thank goodness for Thompson. Her presence makes “Cruella” a Disneyfied version of “The Devil Wears Prada.”
“Blue Miracle” is yet another feel-good movie based on an inspiring true story. Dennis Quaid and Jimmy Gonzales star in the tale of a Cabos San Lucas orphanage on the verge of financial ruin. In a long-shot attempt to save their home, the orphans and their guardian enter a lucrative fishing contest, partnering with an aging, has-been former fishing champ. Can they beat the odds? Hey, I said it was a feel-good story, right? Yes, it’s very predictable, but this likable family-friendly fishing movie just might hook you.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-a-quiet-place-part-ii-pg-13-cruella-pg-13-blue-miracle-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “A Quiet Place: Part II” (PG-13), “Cruella” (PG-13), “Blue Miracle” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Oxygen” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/28/2021 |
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Melanie Laurent ("Inglorious Basterds") stars in the French sci-fi thriller "Oxygen," about a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic pod with no idea how she got there. It's the latest effort from director Alexendre Aja ("Crawl").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-oxygen-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Oxygen” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: “Army of the Dead” (R), “Dream Horse” (PG), “Four Good Days” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/21/2021 |
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You can always expect dynamic visuals and plenty of breakneck action from filmmaker Zach Snyder. You can also expect his movies to be overblown, self-indulgent and overlong. “Army of the Dead” is no exception. Dave Bautista stars in this grisly and bloody hybrid movie that plays like “Ocean’s 11” meets “World War Z.” After an alien spreads a zombie infection that infests Las Vegas, a ragtag group of thieves attempts to break into a casino vault and make off with a fortune before they become zombie food. The whole affair is silly, illogical and lacks obligatory humor. But if two-and-a-half hours of visceral gore sounds appealing to you, then by all means, sign up for “Army of the Dead.”
Toni Colette and Damien Lewis star in the heartfelt comic drama, “Dream Horse.” It’s a family-friendly true story about a small-town British grocery store worker who talks her fellow villagers into buying and raising a racehorse. The fact that no one involved had any experience in the field was only a minor deterrent. Yes, this feel-good crowd pleaser is formulaic and totally predictable, but thanks to its veteran cast, genial good nature and well-filmed race scenes, “Dream Horse” avoids becoming too saccharine. If you hear folks complain that they just don’t make ‘em like they used to, tell them that “Dream Horse” is an odds-on favorite.
Glenn Close and Mila Kunis star in “Four Good Days,” a drama now available to stream that was inspired by a true story. Close plays the long-suffering mom of a heroin addict, played by Kunis, who makes multiple agonizing attempts at sobriety. The cast is fine, but the film is a one-note affair that lacks a dramatic arc. “Four Good Days” is well intentioned, but an excruciating watch.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-army-of-the-dead-r-dream-horse-pg-four-good-days-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Army of the Dead” (R), “Dream Horse” (PG), “Four Good Days” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Woman in the Window” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/21/2021 |
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Amy Adams ("Hillbilly Elegy") stars in a new Netflix suspense thriller from director Joe Wright ("Darkest Hour"). The supporting cast includes Gary Oldman ("Mank") and Julianne Moore ("Gloria Bell").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-woman-in-the-window-r/" title="Take Two: “The Woman in the Window” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Woman in the Window” (R), “Spiral” (R), “Oxygen” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/14/2021 |
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Alfred Hitchcock is long gone, but filmmakers continue to try to recapture the signature style of the master of suspense. “The Woman in the Window,” based on A.J. Finn’s novel, is one of the best and most involving of the many Hitchcock imitations. Amy Adams is excellent as an emotionally disturbed agoraphobic psychologist who may or may not have witnessed a murder out of her front window. A terrific cast, sharp dialogue by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Tracy Letts and skillful direction by Joe Wright all add up to a solid and involving thriller. Hitchcock would have approved.
If you thought that the grisly torture porn “Saw” franchise had run its course, think again. “Spiral” is the ninth installment in the series with a Jigsaw Killer copycat taking over the bloody mayhem. This time out, Chris Rock stars as a police detective who tries to figure out why his colleagues are being mutilated in a mysterious revenge spree. Although skillfully directed by Overland Park native Darren Lynn Bousman, “Spiral” adds little to the genre in spite of its attempts at social relevance. “Spiral” is for hardcore “Saw” fans only.
“Oxygen” is a taut French sci-fi thriller that is definitely not for the claustrophobic. Melanie Laurent stars as a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic pod with no idea why she’s there. In fact, she doesn’t even know who she is. With her pod running out of oxygen, she must quickly try to figure out what’s going on and regain her memory. The only entity she can interact with is with an artificial intelligence named MILO. Laurent gives an enterprising performance and director Alexandre Aja does a commendable job of making the confined space cinematically interesting. “Oxygen” is an appropriately breathless thriller.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-woman-in-the-window-r-spiral-r-oxygen-tv-ma/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Woman in the Window” (R), “Spiral” (R), “Oxygen” (TV-MA)"/]Take Two: “Monster” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/14/2021 |
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A teen is accused of being an accomplice to a botched robbery that left a man dead. Was he involved, or just an innocent bystander? The drama "Monster" stars Kelvin Harrison, Jr. ("Waves"), Jennifer Hudson ("Cats"), Jennifer Ehle ("The King's Speech") and Jeffrey Wright ("Westworld").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-monster-r/" title="Take Two: “Monster” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Here Today” (PG-13), “Monster” (R), “The Human Factor” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/07/2021 |
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The teaming of Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish promised to be a combo of comic gold. Instead, “Here Today” is a sweetly sentimental drama written and directed by Crystal about an aging comedy writer who relies on a newfound friend when his struggles with dementia become increasingly difficult to hide. The stars are appealing, and the movie has a warm heart even though the schmaltz is laid on a bit too thickly. “Here Today” will have cynics rolling their eyes while others dab a tear or two from them.
Kelvin Harrison, Jr. gives a solid, well-rounded performance in the dark social drama, “Monster.” Harrison plays a teenager who goes on trial as an accessory to murder after a botched convenience store robbery. Was he actually involved, or just an innocent bystander? The answer is slowly revealed in a series of flashbacks as viewers are pulled in and forced to draw their own conclusions before the final reveal. While the filmmaking is sometimes awkward and a number of other films have covered this territory more successfully, “Monster” is a respectable and somber critique of our imperfect justice system.
“The Human Factor” is an informative documentary about the confounding difficulties that U.S. negotiators have faced as they’ve tried in vain to secure peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The filmmakers get the lowdown directly from those who toiled in the shadows for over three decades through multiple presidential administrations. The complications range from profound to petty. The negotiators’ frustrations are palpable as successes come close only to have their hopes dashed time and again. “The Human Factor” is an instructive behind-the-scenes look at a seemingly intractable problem.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-here-today-pg-13-monster-r-the-human-factor-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Here Today” (PG-13), “Monster” (R), “The Human Factor” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Things Heard and Seen” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/07/2021 |
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Amanda Seyfried ("Mank") stars in the ghost story "Things Heard & Seen," a Netflix adaptation of the novel All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage. The supporting cast includes James Norton ("Little Women"), Natalia Dyer ("Stranger Things"), Rhea Seehorn ("Better Call Saul"), F. Murray Abraham ("Amadeus") and Karen Allen ("Raiders of the Lost Ark"). It's from the writing/directing team of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini ("American Splendor").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-things-heard-and-seen-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Things Heard and Seen” (TV-MA)"/]Freeze Frame: “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse” (R), “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (PG), “Things Heard and Seen” (TV-MA), “Four Good Days” (R), “YouthMin” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/30/2021 |
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Michael B. Jordan steps into the role of Navy Seal and CIA operative John Clark in the involving action drama, “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse.” The plot has been updated from the Viet Nam era to contemporary times to provide an origin story for Clark, who attempts to thwart a plot to instigate war between the US and Russia. Jordan fits the role well and while the plot requires considerable suspension of disbelief, “Without Remorse” is a rousing, high voltage thriller.
“The Mitchells vs. the Machines” is an energetic and snappy animated sci-fi farce about how one nerdy dysfunctional family attempts to save mankind from a robo-apocalypse. It’s a goofy but entertaining family feature infused with a surprising amount of heart.
“Things Heard & Seen” is a creepy, well-acted ghost story. Amanda Seyfried stars as a woman who begins to see apparitions when her self-absorbed husband takes a professor’s job at a small, rural college. The filmmakers create an eerie atmosphere that carries the movie even as it goes a bit off the rails in the finale.
Glenn Close and Mila Kunis star in “Four Good Days,” a drama inspired by a true story. Close plays the long-suffering mom of a heroin addict, played by Kunis, who makes multiple agonizing attempts at sobriety. The cast is fine, but the film is a one-note affair that lacks a dramatic arc. “Four Good Days” is well intentioned, but an excruciating watch
The dotty comedy “YouthMin” is a mockumentary about an inept and egocentric youth minister who takes a diverse group of teens to a Christian summer camp. It doesn’t all work, but it’s a genial indie that could provide inspiration to budding filmmakers who need an example of what can be done on a meager budget.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-tom-clancys-without-remorse-r-the-mitchells-vs-the-machines-pg-things-heard-and-seen-tv-ma-four-good-days-r-youthmin-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse” (R), “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (PG), “Things Heard and Seen” (TV-MA), “Four Good Days” (R), “YouthMin” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Minari” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/30/2021 |
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A Korean-American family starts a small farm in Arkansas in the 1980s. Yuh-Jung Youn won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this sweet, subtle family film.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-minari-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Minari” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Mortal Kombat” (R), “Together Together” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/23/2021 |
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Ben Franklin famously said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Today, he could add, “and movies adapted from video games will be bad.” That’s certainly true of the reboot of the franchise “Mortal Kombat.” They tried to make something cinematic out of the game’s plot and themes in 1995 and 1997 to no avail, but Hollywood keeps on trying. This time out, Lewis Tan leads the cast in a well-produced but idiotic and brutally bloody R-rated martial arts extravaganza. An MMA fighter with a strange dragon marking is recruited to help save the world from the evil fighters of the Outworld who intend to enslave humanity. That setup is little more than an excuse to set up a series of fight scenes that become more monotonous as they go along. While the visuals are impressive, “Mortal Kombat” is fatally flawed. If you’re a “Mortal Kombat” fan, your best bet is to stick to the video game.
“Together Together” is the kind of movie the word ‘quirky’ was coined for. Ed Helms stars in this gentle comedy as a single middle-aged man who hires a woman in her twenties, played by Patty Harrison, to be a surrogate mother and give birth to his first child. The movie tracks the ups and downs of their platonic friendship throughout the nine-month gestation period. Both characters are kind-hearted, but more than a bit neurotic. While it’s very low key and doesn’t all ring true, “Together Together” is warm little movie about two lonely souls whose complicated relationship develops in an unconventional way.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-mortal-kombat-r-together-together-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Mortal Kombat” (R), “Together Together” (R)"/]Take Two: “Thunder Force” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/23/2021 |
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Melissa McCarthy ("Spy") and Octavia Spencer ("The Help") co-star in a Netflix superhero spoof, "Thunder Force." It co-stars Jason Bateman (TV's "Ozark") and was written and directed by McCarthy's husband, Ben Falcone ("Superintelligence").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-thunder-force-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Thunder Force” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Vanquish” (R), “In the Earth” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/16/2021 |
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The action thriller "Vanquish" represents the nadir in the distinguished career of Morgan Freeman. The Oscar-winning actor can't save this ridiculous, over-directed mess about a corrupt police commissioner who blackmails a skilled assassin, played by Ruby Rose, into conducting a series of bloody revenge crimes. Writer/director George Gallo uses every filmmaking technique in the handbook of movie cliches in an ill-fated attempt to shore up his terrible script. Absurd and sleazy, "Vanquish" manages to vanquish two hours of your time and innumerable brain cells.
"In the Earth" is a very creepy and unsettling paranoia thriller from noted British horror director, Ben Wheatley. Filmed during and inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, the plot involves a pair of researchers who venture deep into the woods while the world around them is in lockdown due to a deadly virus. But there are some things that are even scarier in the woods. Wheatley plays on our current fears about the virus as well as our concerns about what’s happening in the natural environment. The cast is solid and Wheatley manages to squeeze more than you might expect from his very modest budget. It's smart and well-crafted, but "In the Earth" is an uneasy and awkward blend of art house horror and grisly midnight movie schlock.
The 25th annual Kansas City Film Fest International is a virtual event once again this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organizers have coordinated an eclectic lineup of films and events that will appeal to both hard core cinephiles and popcorn movie fans. Movies, Q&As and other events can be screened online through April 17th. More information is available at www.kcfilmmfest.org.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-vanquish-r-in-the-earth-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Vanquish” (R), “In the Earth” (R)"/]“Thunder Force” (PG-13), “Concrete Cowboy” (R), “Voyagers” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/09/2021 |
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Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer are forces of nature. It’s their personal appeal that propels “Thunder Force,” a silly superhero spoof written and directed by McCarthy’s husband, Ben Falcone. McCarthy and Spencer play two friends who become a dynamic duo when Spencer develops a method to imbue them with superpowers. In many ways, the force with “Thunder Force” is very weak, but its stars find a way to inject the comic into this dotty comic book movie.
“Concrete Cowboy” is a coming-of-age movie with a unique twist. Caleb McLaughlin stars in the story of a delinquent kid whose long-suffering mother sends him to live with his estranged father, played by Idris Elba. He discovers that his dad is a part of a subculture of skilled Black horsemen who live in inner-city Philadelphia. Many of the supporting cast members play slightly fictionalized versions of themselves. While uneven, “Concrete Cowboy” is an engaging tale that benefits greatly from its singular cast and setting.
The sci-fi tale “Voyagers” is like a version of “Lord of the Flies” set in outer space. Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp and Colin Farrell star in the story of an 80-year mission to colonize an Earth-like planet. Divisions begin to emerge in the young crew and their small civilization disintegrates as some members try to exert their dominance. While the premise is intriguing, the characters are dull and the movie itself starts to feel like an 80-year voyage.
The annual Panic Film Festival returns virtually and in person at the Screenland Armour April 8th through the 18th. The fest features over 60 new sci-fi, horror and film thrillers from around the world for two weekends! Plus, special events, meet-ups, live trivia and much more. More info is available at panicfilmfest.com.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/thunder-force-pg-13-concrete-cowboy-r-voyagers-pg-13/" title="“Thunder Force” (PG-13), “Concrete Cowboy” (R), “Voyagers” (PG-13)"/]“Concrete Cowboy” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/16/2021 |
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Idris Elba ("The Wire") and Caleb McLaughlin ("Stranger Things") star in "Concrete Cowboy," a coming-of-age tale set in the real-life world of Philadelphia's inner city horsemen.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/concrete-cowboy-r/" title="“Concrete Cowboy” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Courier” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/09/2021 |
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Benedict Cumberbatch ("Doctor Strange") stars in a '60s era spy thriller based on a true story. "The Courier" deals with a friendship that develops between a businessman, recruited to spy for the British secret service, and a Russian mole. They worked together during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-courier-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Courier” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Godzilla Vs. Kong” (PG-13), “French Exit” (R), “The Unholy” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/02/2021 |
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Thanks to its childlike enthusiasm and spectacular special effects, “Godzilla Vs. Kong” is a fun popcorn movie adventure even though its storyline and dialogue are below par. “Kong: Skull Island” is still the best of the Legendary Studios MonsterVerse series that has successfully revived the giant monster genre. Ultimately, ”Godzilla vs. Kong” is like watching a WWE smackdown with power lines and skyscrapers instead of ropes and turnbuckles. For maximum enjoyment, try to channel your inner 7-year-old and just go along for the goofy ride.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s icy smooth performance is the main attraction of the eccentric comic drama, “French Exit.” It asks that eternal question, what happens to the idle rich when the money runs out? Pfeiffer plays a New York socialite who escapes to Paris with her shiftless son as her once substantial inheritance dwindles. Once in the City of Lights, she recruits the help of a fortune teller and makes contact with her dead husband, whose spirit has inhabited the body of her cat. The tone of this film is inconsistent and its charm ephemeral. But it’s got Michelle Pfeiffer, and that may be enough for some.
It may be far too early to speculate about what the worst movie of the year will be, but “The Unholy” is probably a viable candidate. Jeffrey Dean Morgan stars as a washed up, alcoholic journalist who hopes to resuscitate his career by covering and exploiting a small-town supernatural phenomenon. A teenage girl, deaf and mute from birth, begins to speak and prophesy after supposedly seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary. Is this miracle the product of good or evil? Even though the dialogue and execution are terrible, the most disappointing thing about “The Unholy” is that it isn’t campy enough to be unintentionally funny. It’s just an unholy mess.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-godzilla-vs-kong-pg-13-french-exit-r-the-unholy-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Godzilla Vs. Kong” (PG-13), “French Exit” (R), “The Unholy” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Bad Trip” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/02/2021 |
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Comedians Eric André ("Rough Night", Lil Rel Howery ("Get Out") and Tiffany Haddish ("Girls Trip") star in the hybrid movie, "Bad Trip." It combines elements of a buddy comedy and a 'Punked'-stye hidden-camera show.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bad-trip-r/" title="Take Two: “Bad Trip” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Zach Snyder’s Justice League” (R), “Nobody” (R), “Bad Trip” (R), “City of Lies” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/26/2021 |
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Director Zach Snyder’s superpower is that there’s no ‘quit’ in him…even when there should be. His bloated superhero movie “Zach Snyder’s Justice League” drones on and on for over four hours of spectacular but mind-numbing action featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg. Is it better than the original 2017 version that was half as long? Maybe, but Snyder has hauled the DC Comics universe to the R-rated dark side kicking and screaming…and done it oh so slowly.
Bob Odenkirk proves he’s got action movie mojo in the ultra-violent dark comedy, “Nobody.” He plays a disrespected suburban dad who has suppressed his unique past for years. The truth comes out when fate puts him in the crosshairs of the Russian mob. Obviously inspired by the success of the “John Wick” movies, “Nobody” is a wild ride that goes a bit too far but is bolstered by terrific stunt work.
“Bad Trip” is a hybrid movie, a mixture of a buddy comedy and a “Punked”-style hidden camera show. Eric André and Lil Rel Howery are pals on a road trip, pursued by vengeful prison escapee, Tiffany Haddish. Long dull stretches are punctuated by a few hilarious moments in this shamelessly raunchy farce.
Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker do their best, but they can’t save the disjointed crime thriller, “City of Lies,” a movie that’s been sitting on the shelf for five years. Was the truth behind the murder of Biggie Smalls in 1997 covered up due to a police corruption scandal in Los Angeles? That’s the premise of this story about a former detective and a journalist who tirelessly attempt to uncover the facts, even in a police system designed to protect itself. The fractured, herky-jerky narrative prevents “City of Lies” from becoming the compelling experience it should have been.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-zach-snyders-justice-league-r-nobody-r-bad-trip-r-city-of-lies-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Zach Snyder’s Justice League” (R), “Nobody” (R), “Bad Trip” (R), “City of Lies” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Father” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/26/2021 |
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Oscar winners Anthony Hopkins ("Silence of the Lambs") and Olivia Coleman ("The Favourite") star in "The Father," a drama about a profound struggle with dementia. It marks the directorial debut of French playwright, Florian Zeller.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-father-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Father” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Courier” (PG-13), “Rush to Judgement” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/19/2021 |
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“The Courier” is an understated, workmanlike spy thriller, based on a true story. In the run-up to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the British spy agency MI6 recruited a reluctant businessman named Greville Wynne, solidly played by Benedict Cumberbatch, to travel to Moscow and secretly work with a mole in the Russian government. The aim was to provide the West with info on Soviet Union’s plans for their mobile nuclear missiles. The film’s a slow burn, methodically ratcheting up the tension as well as providing an interesting take on the friendship that developed between the businessman and the mole. That friendship, as it happens, had a profound impact on history. Under the direction of Dominic Cooke, “The Courier” is a bit listless at first but ultimately finds its footing as it builds to a nail-biting conclusion. Well cast and informative, “The Courier” is a modestly engaging cloak-and-dagger history lesson.
“Rush to Judgement” is a skillfully made documentary about an infamous viral video from 2019. Teenager Nick Sandmann and classmates from the Covington Catholic High School were at the Lincoln Memorial after the March for Life in Washington, D.C. At that time, a phone video was shot that appeared to show the kids confronting and intimidating an elderly Native American man. When the video was posted on twitter, news outlets amplified misconceptions about the incident without applying appropriate journalistic scrutiny. Filmmaker Steve Oldfield exposes these missteps through probing interviews and additional video context. Available on Vimeo and video on demand, “Rush to Judgement” is thought-provoking and appropriately titled.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-courier-pg-13-rush-to-judgement-not-rated/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Courier” (PG-13), “Rush to Judgement” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Nomadland” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/19/2021 |
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Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand ("Fargo") stars in the drama "Nomadland." It's a drama based on a non-fiction book about indigent senior citizens who travel around the U.S. in trailers in search of employment. The director is Chloé Zhao ("The Rider").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-nomadland-r/" title="Take Two: “Nomadland” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The Father” (PG-13), “Cherry” (R), “Moxie” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/12/2021 |
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Oscar winners Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman add significant gravitas to the heartbreaking drama, “The Father.” Hopkins plays an elderly gent tortured by dementia and Coleman is his long-suffering daughter who does her best to help him. Writer-director Florian Zeller uses some clever dramatic tricks to give us a sense of the mental confusion and emotional disorientation that Hopkins’ character is experiencing. “The Father” is a touching and empathetic portrait of the painful personal crises of both the patient and his family.
The Russo Brothers have achieved massive success by directing films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They go for something completely different with the edgy crime drama, “Cherry,” based on Nico Walker’s semi-autobiographical novel. Tom Holland plays an Iraq War veteran suffering from PTSD who becomes a drug addict and bank robber. He manages to get his girlfriend hooked, too, while on his predictable downward spiral. It’s a gritty and well-acted drama, but the flashy direction draws attention to itself rather than the characters, weakening the story’s impact. “Cherry” is an over-directed near miss.
The comic coming-of-age drama “Moxie” is a likable if only modestly successful YA movie directed by Amy Poehler. Hadley Robinson plays Vivian, an introverted 16-year-old girl who just tries to get along. However, a new classmate arrives who shakes up her “let’s not make waves” worldview. Vivian is inspired to anonymously create an underground magazine called “Moxie” that addresses the sexism, racism and injustice she sees at her high school. The movie’s heart is in the right place even if all of the puzzle pieces seem a bit too obvious. “Moxie” is an amiable tale of female empowerment.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-father-pg-13-cherry-r-moxie-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Father” (PG-13), “Cherry” (R), “Moxie” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Moxie” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/12/2021 |
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Amy Poehler ("Wine Country") directs an adaptation of "Moxie," a 2015 YA novel of the same name by Jennifer Mathieu.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-moxie-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Moxie” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Coming 2 America” (PG-13), “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG), “I Care a Lot” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/05/2021 |
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It’s been 33 years since Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall teamed up for the memorable comedy, “Coming to America.” They join forces once again in “Coming 2 America.” Newly crowned King Akeem of Zamunda, played by Murphy, returns to America when he learns he’s got an illegitimate son living in Queens who is the rightful heir to the throne. There’s plenty elaborate makeup and splendiferous costumes to go along with the broad and goofy gags. While it doesn’t all work, those with fond recollections of the original will find “Coming 2 America” worth the return trip.
There’s a lot of heart to go along with a wealth of Disney magic in the new animated action fantasy, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Set in a fictional Southeast Asian country, “Raya and the Last Dragon” tells the tale of a teenage warrior who goes on a quest to gather some magical gemstones and revive an enchanted dragon in order to save her country from destructive monsters. Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina lead the voice cast in this stunner that works both as a ripping adventure tale as well as an emotionally satisfying fable. Plus, it embraces female empowerment and diversity. “Raya and the Last Dragon” is another gem in the Disney canon.
There isn’t a single redeeming character in the darkly cynical comedy, “I Care a Lot.” Rosamund Pike gives a Golden Globe-winning performance as Marla, a professional guardian who is appointed by courts to oversee the care of elderly citizens. But Marla effectively drains them of all their assets. Things get complicated when she takes advantage of the mom of a ruthless gangster. It’s unnerving to watch as you hope that each character gets their comeuppance. Still, “I Care a Lot” is a sharp takedown of our warped system of elder care.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-coming-2-america-pg-13-raya-and-the-last-dragon-pg-i-care-a-lot-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Coming 2 America” (PG-13), “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG), “I Care a Lot” (R)"/]Take Two: “I Care a Lot” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/05/2021 |
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Rosamund Pike ("Gone Girl") won a Golden Globe for her performance in the dark comic film, "I Care a Lot." It concerns a corrupt, court-appointed guardian who drains the elderly of their life savings. Other notable cast members include Peter Dinklage ("Game of Thrones") and Dianne Weist ("Let Them All Talk").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-i-care-a-lot-r/" title="Take Two: “I Care a Lot” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (Not rated), “Minari” (PG-13), “The Vigil” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/26/2021 |
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Andra Day makes an auspicious and striking feature film debut in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” It isn’t so much a biopic about the iconic jazz vocalist as it is about Holiday’s contentious relationship with the FBI which used her drug abuse as an excuse to censor her performance of the classic protest song, “Strange Fruit.” Sadly, the movie doesn’t live up to Day’s performance. As directed by Lee Daniels, it’s disjointed, meandering and lacks the focus necessary for it to work on an emotional level. But “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” is worth seeing for Day’s acting as well as her choice renditions of Holiday’s classic songs.
“Minari” is the very definition of a pleasant surprise. This low-key family drama from filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung is a semi-autobiographical story about a Korean American family that tries to start a farm in rural Arkansas in the 1980s. Steven Yeun and Han Ye-ri are excellent as the parents of two young kids who face formidable, emotionally wrenching challenges adapting to life in the Ozarks. Most of the story is told through the eyes of David, a seven-year-old boy. “Minari” is a warm and affectionate tale that serves as an apt salute to the fortitude of family.
If the opportunity to be creeped out for a few hours beckons you, then “The Vigil” is right up your alley. A young Jewish man, played by Dave Davis, has distanced himself from his Orthodox culture after experiencing an emotionally wrenching tragedy. He reluctantly agrees to keep vigil over a dead man’s body for a few hours at night, only to be visited and harassed by an evil spirit. This intelligent and unnerving film creates an eerie atmosphere and provides us a final, impressive performance from the late Kansas City native, Lynn Cohen.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-united-states-vs-billie-holiday-not-rated-minari-pg-13-the-vigil-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (Not rated), “Minari” (PG-13), “The Vigil” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Dig” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/26/2021 |
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Can a movie about an amateur British archeological dig in 1939 be compelling? Susan and Russ fill us in on this period piece that stars Carey Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman") and Ralph Fiennes ("The Hurt Locker").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-dig-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Dig” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Nomadland” (R), “Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence” (NR), “Rock Camp” (NR), “Blithe Spirit” (PG-13), “Flora and Ulysses” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/19/2021 |
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Expect multiple Oscar nominations for “Nomadland,” a drama based on a non-fiction book about indigent senior citizens who travel around the U.S. in trailers in search of employment. Frances McDormand is solid, as always, and director Chloé Zhao uses a number of non-actors to play versions of themselves. It’s slow-moving, but “Nomandland” is elegantly understated and effective.
“Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence” is a compelling documentary about a Kansas City woman named Bobbi Jo Reed. A former addict and prostitute, she got clean after years of struggle and founded Healing House, a local charity that has helped over 8,000 people in our area who have had similar struggles. “Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence” is an inspiring, challenging film.
“Rock Camp” is a much more light-hearted documentary. For 25 years, Rock impresario David Fishof has produced the annual Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, where amateur rock wannabes live out their dreams by being mentored by actual rock stars. The movie follows the stories of four such campers. The talking heads include Roger Daltry, Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Sammy Hagar and Joe Perry, all of whom seem to be having fun…just like viewers of this movie.
“Blithe Spirit” is a spiritless version of Sir Noel Coward’s 1941 supernatural comic play. The gifted cast includes Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher, Judy Dench and Leslie Mann, but under Edward Hall’s direction, it all seems a bit too forced and calculated. For a much better adaptation, seek out the classic 1945 film version directed by David Lean.
“Flora & Ulysses” is a Disney+ adaptation of the Newberry Award-winning children’s novel. It’s the tale of a young girl and a squirrel with superpowers. There’s a lot of slapstick and broad humor that saps “Flora & Ulysses” of much of its heart.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-nomadland-r-bobbi-jo-under-the-influence-nr-rock-camp-nr-blithe-spirit-pg-13-flora-and-ulysses-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Nomadland” (R), “Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence” (NR), “Rock Camp” (NR), “Blithe Spirit” (PG-13), “Flora and Ulysses” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/19/2021 |
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The new documentary film "Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence," was shot here in Kansas City. It tells the remarkable true story of a woman who was once a drug addict living on the streets of KC. She turned her life around and opened Healing House, a charity that has provided housing and services for more than 8,000 people.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bobbi-jo-under-the-influence-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence” (Not rated)"/]Freeze Frame: “Judas and the Black Messiah” (R), “The Mauritanian” (R), “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/12/2021 |
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Another dark chapter in American history is the focus of the riveting drama, “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Daniel Kaluuya is electrifying as Chicago Black Panther leader Fred Hampton whose organization was infiltrated in the 1960s by a self-serving FBI informant, well played by Lakeith Stanfield. Writer/director Shaka King effectively depicts the personal passions of the story’s central characters as well as the feds’ attempts to undermine their organization. “Judas & the Black Messiah” is an illuminating and instructive social statement.
A strong cast is the main attraction of “The Mauritanian,” yet another true story about injustice. Adapted from the best-selling memoir "Guantánamo Diary" by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, it depicts his detention and torture for fourteen years at Guantánamo Bay without ever having been charged with a crime. Tahar Rahim gives a compelling lead performance and the strong supporting cast includes Jody Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley. Director Kevin McDonald’s approach to the material lacks the drive and urgency that the story deserves, but “The Mauritanian” is still an enlightening and thought-provoking watch.
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who co-wrote the bawdy hit comedy “Bridesmaids,” return with the goofy surreal farce, “Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” They play friends who leave their small midwestern town for the first time for a vacation at a Florida resort. They get embroiled in an unforeseeable adventure that involves spies, killer mosquitos and Jamie Dornan. ‘’Wacky’ may be the operative word for this work of offbeat PG-13 absurdity. In order to enjoy “Barb & Star,” you have to have an affinity for the surreal sense of humor that Wiig brought to many of her roles on SNL. Just be prepared for a broad, two-hour sketch.
Robin Wright’s assured performance is the best thing about “Land,” which is also the actress’ directorial debut. Emotionally unmoored by a tragedy, a woman retreats to the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and it proves to be a challenging move.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-judas-and-the-black-messiah-r-the-mauritanian-r-barb-and-star-go-to-vista-del-mar-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Judas and the Black Messiah” (R), “The Mauritanian” (R), “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Malcolm and Marie” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/12/2021 |
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John David Washington ("Tenet") and Zendaya ("The Greatest Showman") star in the dark interpersonal drama "Malcolm & Marie." It was written and directed by Sam Levinson, creator of the TV series, "Euphoria."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-malcolm-marie-r/" title="Take Two: “Malcolm and Marie” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Malcolm & Marie” (R), “Falling” (R), “Rams” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/05/2021 |
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John David Washington stars along with Zendaya in the dark and talky drama, “Malcolm & Marie.” Following a movie premier, a filmmaker and his girlfriend muse intermittently argue, make up, make love and argue again. The actors are terrific, but writer/director Sam Levinson’s bitter film plays out like a lesser version of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf.” It’s smart, but it lacks the incendiary humor that could have elevated it. “Malcolm & Marie” is observant but frustratingly repetitious.
Actor Viggo Mortensen makes his directorial debut with the heartbreaking drama, “Falling.” Mortensen, who also wrote and produced, plays John, a gay man whose brutish and abusive father Willis, played by Lance Henriksen, is suffering from dementia. Longstanding issues resurface as the elderly man spews homophobic and misogynist nonsense causing John to recall difficult memories from his childhood. While the film is very well acted and well intentioned, it is a slog to sit through. Henriksen’s character is so unlikeable that he sabotages any potential empathy for his plight. You have to give Mortensen credit though for his uncompromising viewpoint. Still, “Falling” is an agonizing watch.
Sam Neill and Michael Caton play feuding brothers in the lightweight Australian comic drama, “Rams.” Although they live side by side on their family sheep ranch, Colin and Les haven’t spoken to one another for 40 years. When a rare disease appears among their flocks, their relationship is strained further and puts the entire local agriculture community in jeopardy. This is the type of movie that relies on homespun rural charm for its appeal. And, while it doesn’t all work, the capable cast gives the low-key “Rams” a much-needed punch.
Your local art house theaters are offering online viewing options for a number of intriguing movie titles. More information is available at nelson-atkins.org, Screenland.com, fineartsgroup.com and drafthouse.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-malcolm-marie-r-falling-r-rams-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Malcolm & Marie” (R), “Falling” (R), “Rams” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Penguin Bloom” (TV-14) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/05/2021 |
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Naomi Watts ("Birdman") stars in "Penguin Bloom," an Australian family drama based on the book by Cameron Bloom. Watts plays a woman, paralyzed in a freak accident, whose emotional trauma is affected by her son's wild pet.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-penguin-bloom-tv-14/" title="Take Two: “Penguin Bloom” (TV-14)"/]Take Two: “The White Tiger” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/29/2021 |
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The White Tiger" is a Netflix adaptation of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel by Arivind Adiga. It's a Dickensian tale about a poor Indian lad who uses his wits to rise above his lower caste station.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-white-tiger-r/" title="Take Two: “The White Tiger” (R)"/]Take Two: “Mank” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/22/2021 |
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Director David Fincher ("The Social Network") focuses on Old Hollywood with his new feature "Mank." Gary Oldman plays acclaimed screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz in this 'warts-and-all" biopic, now showing on Netflix.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mank-r/" title="Take Two: “Mank” (R)"/]Take Two: “Pieces of a Woman” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/15/2021 |
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Vanessa Kirby ("The Crown"), Shia LaBeouf ("Honeyboy") and Ellen Burstyn ("Requiem for a Dream") star in the harrowing drama, "Pieces of a Woman."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-pieces-of-a-woman-r/" title="Take Two: “Pieces of a Woman” (R)"/]Take Two: “I Am Woman” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/08/2021 |
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Seventies pop music star Helen Reddy gets the biopic treatment in “I Am Woman.” Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey plays the singer who went through many personal struggles before hitting it big and writing the number one hit “I Am Woman” that became the anthem for the women’s movement.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-i-am-woman-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “I Am Woman” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Holidate” (TV-MA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/01/2021 |
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Emma Roberts ("The Hunt") and Luke Bracey ("Hacksaw Ridge") star in the Netflix rom-com, "Holidate."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-holidate-tv-ma/" title="Take Two: “Holidate” (TV-MA)"/]Take Two: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/25/2020 |
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The late Chadwick Boseman ("Black Panther") stars in the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's acclaimed play, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." The cast also includes Viola Davis ("The Help"), Glynn Turman ("The Way Back") and Coleman Domingo ("Lucy in the Sky"). The director is George C. Wolfe ("Nights in Rodanthe").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ma-raineys-black-bottom-r/" title="Take Two: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (R)"/]Take Two: “Another Round” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/18/2020 |
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Acclaimed Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg ("The Celebration") and actor Mads Mikkelsen re-team for the first time since their noted 2012 film, "The Hunt." "Another Round" is a comic drama about an experiment that four high school teachers embark upon. They toy with their blood alcohol content to see how it impacts their daily performance.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-another-round-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Another Round” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “I’m Your Woman” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/11/2020 |
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Rachel Brosnahan ("The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel") stars in the 70s era neo-noir crime thriller, "I'm Your Woman." Brosnahan plays Jean, a twenty-something whose gangster husband crosses his associates and then goes missing. Jean then is forced into hiding. The film was written and directed by Julia Hart ("Stargirl").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-im-your-woman-r/" title="Take Two: “I’m Your Woman” (R)"/]Take Two: “Sound of Metal” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/04/2020 |
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Riz Ahmed ("Venom") and Olivia Cooke ("Ready Player One") star in "Sound of Metal." Written and directed by Dariius Marder ("Loot"), it's a drama that deals with a rock musician suffering from hearing loss.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sound-of-metal-r/" title="Take Two: “Sound of Metal” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Last Vermeer” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/27/2020 |
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Guy Pearce ("Prometheus") portrays the world's most renowned art forger, Dutch artist Han van Meegeren, in the post WWII drama, "The Last Vermeer." This drama explores the time when van Meegeren was on trial for collaborating with the Nazis. Was he a traitor or was he outfoxing the enemy? This historical drama also stars Claes Bang ("The Square").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-last-vermeer-r/" title="Take Two: “The Last Vermeer” (R)"/]Take Two: “Ammonite” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/20/2020 |
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Kate Winslet ("Blackbird") and Saoirse Ronan ("Little Women") star in "Ammonite," a tale of forbidden romance set in 1800s England. Winslet portrays palaeontologist Mary Anning and Ronan is geologist Charlotte Murchinson in this speculative bit of historical fiction from director Francis Lee ("God's Own Country").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ammonite-r/" title="Take Two: “Ammonite” (R)"/]Take Two: “Let Him Go” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/13/2020 |
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Kevin Costner ("Yellowstone") and Diane Lane ("Paris Can Wait") reunite for a big screen revenge thriller, "Let Him Go." It's based on the Neo-Western novel by Larry Watson and has been adapted to film by Thomas Bezucha ("The Family Stone").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-let-him-go-r/" title="Take Two: “Let Him Go” (R)"/]Take Two: “American Selfie: America Shoots Itself” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/06/2020 |
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Filmmaker Alexendra Pelosi takes a snapshot of a divided America in the unnerving Showtime documentary "American Selfie."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-american-selfie-america-shoots-itself-r/" title="Take Two: “American Selfie: America Shoots Itself” (R)"/]Take Two: “Radium Girls” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/30/2020 |
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"Radium Girls" is a very well meaning period drama, but it takes a rather bland approach to a topic that should have been riveting. Actress Joey King ("The Kissing Booth") leads a likable cast in this tale about the young women who brought suit against their employer in the 1920s when they were exposed to deadly levels of radiation while painting clock faces.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-radium-girls-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Radium Girls” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/23/2020 |
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Oscar winning filmmaker Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network") turns his attention to a notorious legal case. The cast of "The Trial of the Chicago 7" includes Sacha Baron Cohen ("Borat") as Abby Hoffman, Eddie Redmayne ("The Theory of Everything") as Tom Hayden, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II ("Watchmen") as Bobby Seale and Mark Rylance ("Bridge of Spies") as William Kuntzler.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-trial-of-the-chicago-7-r/" title="Take Two: “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (R)"/]Take Two: “Yellow Rose” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/16/2020 |
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A young Philippine-American girl evades Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while trying to break into the Austin, Texas country music scene. Broadway star Eva Nobelzada makes her movie debut in this coming of age comic drama.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-yellow-rose-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Yellow Rose” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Eternal Beauty” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/09/2020 |
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British actress Sally Hawkins ("The Shape of Water") plays a woman suffering from schizophrenia in the offbeat comic drama, "Eternal Beauty." The cast also includes David Thewlis ("I'm Thinking of Ending Things") and Penelope Wilton ("Downton Abbey"). It was written and directed by actor Craig Roberts ("The Current War").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-eternal-beauty-r/" title="Take Two: “Eternal Beauty” (R)"/]Take Two: “Kajillionaire” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/02/2020 |
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"Kajillionaire" is comic drama from filmmaker Miranda July ("Me, You and Everyone We Know"). Evan Rachel Wood ("Westworld") leads the cast in the story of a young woman who works with her parents as petty scam artists. The ensemble also includes Richard Jenkins ("The Shape of Water"), Debra Winger ("The Lovers") and Gina Rodriguez ("Miss Bala").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-kajillionaire-r/" title="Take Two: “Kajillionaire” (R)"/]Take Two: “All In: The Fight for Democracy” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/25/2020 |
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"All In: The Fight for Democracy" is a new documentary about voter suppression, both in the past and in the present. Susan and Russ review this new film that focuses on Stacey Abrams and the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-all-in-the-fight-for-democracy-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “All In: The Fight for Democracy” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Broken Hearts Gallery” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/18/2020 |
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Susan and Russ cover "The Broken Hearts Gallery." Does this romantic comedy for millennials speak to all generations? Geraldine Viswanathan ("Bad Education") and Dacre Montgomery star in the first feature film from writer/director Natalie Krinsky.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-broken-hearts-gallery-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Broken Hearts Gallery” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Words on Bathroom Walls” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/11/2020 |
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"Words on Bathroom Walls" is a comic drama about teen schizophrenia, adapted from a popular YA novel by Julia Walton. Charlie Plummer ("All the Money in the World"), Taylor Russell ("Waves") and Andy Garcia ("Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again") lead the cast. Thor Freudenthal ("Diary of a Wimpy Kid") directs.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-words-on-bathroom-walls-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Words on Bathroom Walls” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Personal History of David Copperfield” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/04/2020 |
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Susan and Russ share very different opinions about the latest big screen adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, "David Copperfield." Dev Patel ("Slumdog Millionaire"), Hugh Laurie (TV's "House") and Tilda Swinton ("Suspiria") star in this new version from writer/director Armando Iannucci, the man behind HBO's "Veep."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-personal-history-of-david-copperfield-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Personal History of David Copperfield” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/28/2020 |
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Susan and Russ cover (uncover?) a new documentary that lives up to its title.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-skin-a-history-of-nudity-in-the-movies-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Big Fur” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/21/2020 |
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A new documentary from KC-based director Dan Wayne focuses on World Champion taxidermist Ken Walker and his efforts to 're-create' a creature he's convinced actually exists...a Sasquatch. This movie works because it's as likably quirky as its subject.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-big-fur-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Big Fur” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Endless” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/14/2020 |
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Alexandra Shipp ("Love, Simon") and Nicholas Hamilton ("It") star in a romantic paranormal fantasy called "Endless." It's the latest film for young audiences from filmmaker Scott Speer ("Midnight Sun"). Susan and Russ are of one mind on this one.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-endless-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Endless” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “The Secret Garden” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/07/2020 |
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Susan and Russ review what is at least the seventh movie or TV adaptation of the beloved children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett ("The Little Princess"). The cast features Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") and Julie Walters ("Mamma Mia!") and newcomer Dixie Egerickx ("Watcher in the Woods"). Marc Munden ("Mirand") handles the directing chores.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-secret-garden-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Secret Garden” (PG)"/]Take Two: “The Tobacconist” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/31/2020 |
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The well known novel by Austrian writer Robert Seethaler provides the basis for the pre-WWII drama, "The Tobacconist" (Der Trafikant ). The film version is directed by Nikolaus Leytner and features one of the final performances from the late Swiss actor Bruno Ganz ("The Manchurian Candidate.")
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-tobacconist-r/" title="Take Two: “The Tobacconist” (R)"/]Take Two: “Waves” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/24/2020 |
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A family drama starring Sterling K. Brown, Taylor Russell and Kelvin Harrison, Jr. merits a big agreement between Russ and Susan. "Waves" is the third feature film written and directed by Trey Edward Shults.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-waves-r/" title="Take Two: “Waves” (R)"/]Take Two: “Never Too Late” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/17/2020 |
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“Never Too Late” is a comic import from down under starring James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver. Russ and Susan are on the same page on this one.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-never-too-late-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Never Too Late” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/10/2020 |
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The documentary "Denise Ho: Becoming the Song" focuses on a famous pop star from Hong Kong who used her fame to take a stand on the democracy movement. This comes as the prevailing compromise known as "One country, two systems" was approaching its end.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-denise-ho-becoming-the-song-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Lucy in the Sky” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/03/2020 |
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Natalie Portman ("Black Swan"), Jon Hamm ("Richard Jewell") and Ellen Burstyn ("Interstellar") star in "Lucy in the Sky," a drama about an astronaut's emotional difficulties. Directed by Noah Hawley (TV's "Fargo"), it is loosely based on an infamous incident that involved astronaut Lisa Nowak who attempted to kidnap a romantic rival. Susan and Russ don't see eye to eye on this one.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-lucy-in-the-sky-r/" title="Take Two: “Lucy in the Sky” (R)"/]Take Two: “Ford v Ferrari” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/26/2020 |
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Matt Damon ("Jason Bourne") and Christian Bale ("Vice") star in the action biopic, "Ford v Ferrari," directed by James Mangold ("Walk the Line"). Damon plays legendary race car designer Carroll Shelby and Bale plays driver Ken Miles. The story involves the efforts of the Ford team to upset perennial champion Ferrari in the 1966 Le Mans endurance race.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ford-v-ferrari-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Ford v Ferrari” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Ad Astra” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/19/2020 |
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The sci-fi epic "Ad Astra" involves an astronaut sent on a mission to find his long lost father on a space station in a remote part of the solar system. Brad Pitt ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") stars along with Tommy Lee Jones ("Jason Bourne"). Writer/director James Gray is best known for his crime dramas "The Yards" and "We Own the Night" as well as the adventure "The Lost City of Z."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ad-astra-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Ad Astra” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Official Secrets” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/12/2020 |
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Keira Knightly ("The Aftermath) and Ralph Fiennes ("The Grand Budapest Hotel") start in the true life whistleblower drama, "Official Secrets." It's the story of Katherine Gun, a British intelligence specialist who had to decide whether or not to risk her life by exposing incriminating evidence leading up to the invasion of Iraq. Fiennes plays noted lawyer Ben Emmerson who came to Gun's aid. Director Gavin Hood is best known for his acclaimed South African drama, "Tsotsi."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-official-secrets-r/" title="Take Two: “Official Secrets” (R)"/]Take Two: “Ophelia” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/05/2020 |
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Daisy Ridley ("Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"), Naomi Watts ("The Loudest Voice"), Clive Owen ("Gemini Man") and George MacKay ("1917") star in an unusual spin on Shakespeare's "Hamlet." With the story told from Ophelia's point of view, the tale gets a feminist spin from filmmaker Claire McCarthy ("The Turning").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ophelia-pg-13-2/" title="Take Two: “Ophelia” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Military Wives” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/29/2020 |
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Kristen Scott Thomas ("Tomb Raider") stars in "Military Wives," a gentle comedy based on a true story about the spouses of British soldiers who try to cope with their husbands' absence by forming a choir. It's directed by Peter Cattaneo, best known for "The Full Monty."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-military-wives-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Military Wives” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Paradise Hills” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/22/2020 |
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"Paradise Hills" marks the filmmaking debut of celebrated Spanish photographer and designer Alice Waddington. Emma Robers ("The Hunt") stars in this sci-fi thriller about a remote island where uncontrollable young women are sent to be reprogrammed into the perfect bride.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-paradise-hills-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Paradise Hills” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Sorry We Missed You” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/15/2020 |
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"Sorry We Missed You" is a working class kitchen sink drama from British filmmaker Ken Loach ("I, Daniel Blake"). The plot involves the modern gig economy in Britain and the difficulties faced by one debt-ridden family.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sorry-we-missed-you-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Sorry We Missed You” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Sword of Trust” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/08/2020 |
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"Sword of Trust" stars Marc Maron (TV's "GLOW"), Jillian Bell ("Brittany Runs a Marathon") and Michaela Watkins ("The Way Back"). This broad ensemble comedy is about the efforts of several people to sell a sword that may prove that the South won the Civil War. It's the latest from director Lynn Shelton ("Outside In").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sword-of-trust-r/" title="Take Two: “Sword of Trust” (R)"/]Take Two: “Bad Education” (TVMA) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/01/2020 |
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Since our local theaters are still temporarily closed, this week's "Take Two" focuses on a new film now playing on HBO. Hugh Jackman ("The Greatest Showman") and Allison Janney ("I, Tonya") star in "Bad Education," a bizarre true story about school district corruption.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bad-education-tvma/" title="Take Two: “Bad Education” (TVMA)"/]Take Two: “The Upside” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/24/2020 |
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Brian Cranston ("Breaking Bad") and Kevin Hart ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle") star in "The Upside," and Americanized remake of the French film, "The Intouchables." The cast also includes Nicole Kidman ("Bombshell") and was directed by Neil Burger ("Divergent").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-upside-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Upside” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Big Time Adolescence” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/17/2020 |
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"Big Time Adolescence" is a new Hulu comedy. Pete Davidson of "Saturday Night Live" fame stars as an irresponsible and immature man in his twenties whose best friend is an impressionable teen.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-big-time-adolescence-r/" title="Take Two: “Big Time Adolescence” (R)"/]Take Two: “Good Boys” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/10/2020 |
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Jacob Tremblay ("Room") leads a cast of youngsters in the raunchy, R-rated comedy, "Good Boys," now available to screen on HBO. The supporting cast includes Lil Rel Howery ("Get Out"), Will Forte ("Booksmart") and Retta (TV's "Good Girls").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-good-boys-r/" title="Take Two: “Good Boys” (R)"/]Take Two: New on HBO-“The Kitchen” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/03/2020 |
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Since our local cinemas are temporarily closed, this week's episode focuses on a movie new to HBO. "The Kitchen" is a drama set in the 1970s about three women who take over mob in New York's Hell's Kitchen when their husbands wind up in jail. It has been adapted from the DC/Vertigo comic book series. It stars Melissa McCarthy ("Spy"), Elizabeth Moss ("The Invisible Man") and Tiffany Haddish ("Girls' Trip").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-kitchen-r/" title="Take Two: New on HBO-“The Kitchen” (R)"/]Take Two: “Anna” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/27/2020 |
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Due to the fact that our local cinemas are temporarily closed, Russ and Susan give their reviews of a new action thriller now screening on HBO. "Anna" is the latest from filmmaker Luc Besson ("Lucy") about a supermodel/female assassin played by newcomer Sasha Luss. The supporting cast includes Helen Mirren ("The Queen"). Luke Evans ("Beauty and the Beast") and Cillian Murphy ("28 Days Later").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-anna-r/" title="Take Two: “Anna” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (not rated), “Blow the Man Down” (R), “Big Time Adolescence” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/20/2020 |
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Due to the fact that most of our local cinemas are temporarily closing in reaction to the coronavirus outbreak, this week’s Freeze Frame will focus on brand new movies that are available to stream on home streaming services.
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker” is a 3-hour Netflix miniseries about America’s first self-made female millionaire. Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer takes the title role of the woman who used her tenacity and sales skills to build a business empire of hair care products for African American women. Based on a book by Walker’s granddaughter, the story focuses on the formidable personal and societal obstacles Ms. Walker had to overcome in the early part of the 20th Century.
Spencer is ideally cast in the title role. This enlightening, well-produced drama falters only when it indulges in some fantasy scenes that seem artificial and unnecessary.
“Blow the Man Down” is a wicked and pitch-black mystery new on Amazon. It’s a thriller that exposes the unseemly underbelly of a small, sleepy fishing village in coastal Maine. Sophie Lowe and Morgan Saylor plays sisters who unwittingly uncover their town’s dark secrets when one of them kills a man in self-defense and then they attempt to cover up the incident. The style and tone are very similar to the work of the Coen Brothers, so if their comically dark vision appeals to you, then “Blow the Man Down” is right up your alley.
Pete Davidson from “Saturday Night Live” stars in the Hulu comedy, “Big Time Adolescence,” the story of a charismatic but irresponsible man in his twenties who has the emotional maturity of a juvenile. Appropriately, his best friend is an impressionable 16-year-old, well played by Griffin Gluck. The duo gets into trouble through casual drug dealing. “Big Time Adolescence” is a slight but often amusing cautionary tale.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-self-made-inspired-by-the-life-of-madam-c-j-walker-not-rated-blow-the-man-down-r-big-time-adolescence-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (not rated), “Blow the Man Down” (R), “Big Time Adolescence” (R)"/]Take Two: “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/06/2020 |
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An Oscar nominee for Best International Film this year, "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is a French period drama about forbidden love. Noémie Merlant ("Return of the Hero") and Adèle Haenel ("BPM") star in this costume opus set in 1760.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-portrait-of-a-lady-on-fire-r/" title="Take Two: “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Call of the Wild” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/28/2020 |
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"The Call of the Wild" is at least the eighth screen adaptation of Jack London's famous adventure novel. Harrison Ford ("Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens") stars in this new version directed by Chris Sanders ("How to Train Your Dragon").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-call-of-the-wild-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Call of the Wild” (PG)"/]Take Two: “The Photograph” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/21/2020 |
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Issa Rae (HBO's "Insecure") and LaKeith Stanfield ("Uncut Gems") star in the romantic drama, "The Photograph," written and directed by Stella Meghie ("The Weekend"). The story focuses on the relationship between a museum curator and a journalist that develops when the curator finds a mysterious photo of her late mother that sends her on a mission of discovery.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-photograph-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Photograph” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Les Miserables” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/14/2020 |
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The Jury Prize winner at last year's Cannes Film Festival, "Les Miserables" is NOT based on Victor Hugo's classic novel. It's set in contemporary France in the same place where the action of Hugo's novel unfolded 150 years earlier.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-les-miserables-r/" title="Take Two: “Les Miserables” (R)"/]Take Two: “Bad Boys for Life” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/07/2020 |
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Will Smith ("Aladdin") and Martin Lawrence ("Big Momma's House") reunite for the first time in 17 years in the third entry in the "Bad Boys" franchise, "Bad Boys for Life."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bad-boys-for-life-r/" title="Take Two: “Bad Boys for Life” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Gentlemen” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/01/2020 |
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In the decadent gangster comedy "The Gentlemen," Matthew McConaughey ("Dallas Buyers Club") stars as an American expat in London running a lucrative marijuana business. Things get tricky when he tries to cash out. The latest R-rated action flick from Guy Ritchie ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels") also stars Charlie Hunnam ("Papillon"), Michele Dockery ("Downton Abbey"), Henry Golding ("Crazy Rich Asians") and Hugh Grant ("Florence Foster Jenkins").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-gentlemen-r/" title="Take Two: “The Gentlemen” (R)"/]Take Two: “1917” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/24/2020 |
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Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes ("American Beauty," "Skyfall") obtained the story for his WWI epic "1917" from stories told to him by his grandfather. Opting to employ a single "point of view" shot for the entire film, Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins ("Bladerunner 2049") create an immersive atmosphere.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-1917-r/" title="Take Two: “1917” (R)"/]Take Two: “Uncut Gems” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/11/2020 |
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Comedian Adam Sandler ("Murder Mystery") takes a dramatic turn in "Uncut Gems," a violent character study about a New York jeweler with a gambling addiction. This arthouse thriller was written and directed by the Safdie Brothers ("Good Time").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-uncut-gems-r/" title="Take Two: “Uncut Gems” (R)"/]Take Two: “Bombshell” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/04/2020 |
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Oscar winners Charlize Theron ("Atomic Blonde") and Nicole Kidman ("Boy Erased") play Fox News anchors Megan Kelly and Gretchen Carlson in "Bombshell," a drama about sexual harassment at the cable giant. Margot Robbie ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") plays a fictional role as a naive reporter and John Lithgow ("Late Night") portrays the late Fox News honcho Roger Ailes.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bombshell-r/" title="Take Two: “Bombshell” (R)"/]Take Two: “Richard Jewell” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/28/2019 |
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Director Clint Eastwood ("The Mule") focuses on a controversial true story about a sad sack hero of Atlanta's 1996 Olympics. Paul Walter Hauser ("I, Tonya") plays Richard Jewell, a security guard and wannabe cop who became a suspect in the deadly Centennial Park bombing. Sam Rockwell ("Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"), Kathy Bates ("Misery"), Jon Hamm ("The Report") and Olivia Wilde ("Her") round out the supporting cast.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-richard-jewell-r/" title="Take Two: “Richard Jewell” (R)"/]Take Two: “Dark Waters” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/21/2019 |
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In the social drama "Dark Waters," Mark Ruffalo ("Avengers: Endgame") stars as real-life corporate lawyer Robert Bilott who waged a 20-year war with chemical giant DuPont. The company was accused of knowingly poisoning the people of a small West Virginia town with chemicals that leaked from its plant that manufactured Teflon. The cast also includes Anne Hathaway ("The Hustle") and Tim Robbins (TV's "Castle Rock") and was directed by Todd Haynes ("Carol").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-dark-waters-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Dark Waters” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Queen & Slim” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/14/2019 |
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First-time filmmaker Melina Matsoukas has taken an original script by Lena Waith ("Dear White People") and turned it into a harrowing road movie that deals with contemporary racism. Daniel Kaluuya ("Get Out") and newcomer Jodi Turner-Smith star as a couple who go on the run after a horrible incident occurs while they're on their first date.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-queen-slim-r/" title="Take Two: “Queen & Slim” (R)"/]Take Two: “Knives Out” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/06/2019 |
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"Knives Out" is a whodunit written and directed by Rian Johnson ("Looper"), that features an all-star cast that includes Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans and Christopher Plummer.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-knives-out-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Knives Out” (PG-13)"/]“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”(PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/29/2019 |
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Although it's being marketed as a biopic about legendary children's TV icon Fred Rogers, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" is really about a single incident in the life of a journalist and his encounters with the genial PBS host. Tom Hanks ("The Post") portrays Rogers and Matthew Rhys (TV's "The Americans") plays a writer from Esquire magazine. Marielle Heller ("Can You Ever Forgive Me") directs.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhoodpg/" title="“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”(PG)"/]Take Two: “The Irishman” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/22/2019 |
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Director Martin Scorsese (“The Departed”) brings his considerable talents to his latest project, a Netflix release also seen in theaters. “The Irishman” stars Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull”), Al Pacino (“The Godfather”) and Joe Pesci (“Goodfellas”) in the tale of a truck driver (and hitman) who serves as a go-between linking the mob and the Teamsters Union.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-irishman-r/" title="Take Two: “The Irishman” (R)"/]Take Two: “Parasite” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/08/2019 |
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A dark social satire from South Korea, "Parasite" was the winner of this year's top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Director Bong Joon-ho ("Okja") is a leader of the Korean New Wave. Susan and Russ let us know if the film lives up to the hype.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-parasite-r/" title="Take Two: “Parasite” (R)"/]Take Two: “Joker” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/01/2019 |
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Joaquin Phoenix portrays Batman's mad nemesis in “Joker,” undoubtedly one of the more controversial and provocative movies of the year. This character study serves as an ultra-violent origin story. Writer/director Todd Phillips, who is best known for his broad comedies like “Old School” and the “Hangover” trilogy, makes an unorthodox approach in this drastic change of pace.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-joker-r/" title="Take Two: “Joker” (R)"/]Take Two: “Downton Abbey” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/25/2019 |
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Fans of the PBS TV series "Downton Abbey" finally have a big screen to get their fix. In this episode that picks up where the series ended, the King of England travels to Downton to pay a visit. Most of the cast members have returned, including Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern and Maggie Smith. Series creator Julian Fellows penned the screenplay.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-downton-abbey-pg/" title="Take Two: “Downton Abbey” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Hustlers” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/18/2019 |
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Jennifer Lopez (TV's "World of Dance") and Constance Woo ("Crazy Rich Asians") play strippers who rip off their Wall Street clients during the financial crisis of 2008 in the drama, "Hustlers." Based on a true story, "Hustlers" was written and directed by Lorene Scafaria ("The Meddler").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hustler-r/" title="Take Two: “Hustlers” (R)"/]Take Two: “Judy” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/27/2019 |
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Renée Zellweger gets the role of a lifetime in "Judy," the story of the last sad months in the life of entertainment legend, Judy Garland. The movie is an adaptation of the Broadway play End of the Rainbowby Peter Quilter. The film also features Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell and Michael Gambon in supporting roles and is directed by Rupert Goold ("True Story").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-judy-r/" title="Take Two: “Judy” (R)"/]Take Two: “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/20/2019 |
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Susan and Russ take a look at a documentary focusing on one of the most popular recording artists of all time. "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice" is a musical overview of the singer whom Bonnie Raitt described as "the Beyonce of her day." Talking heads include Raitt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Peter Asher, JD Souther, Jackson Brown and many more.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-linda-ronstadt-the-sound-of-my-voice-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Hustlers” (R), “Official Secrets” (R), “Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken” (PG-13), “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/13/2019 |
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Jennifer Lopez gives an assured and charismatic performance in “Hustlers,” the true story of some Manhattan strippers who, during the financial crisis of 2008, began drugging and ripping off their Wall Street clients. Constance Wu plays a stripping newbie J-Lo takes under her wing. The ethics of this female empowerment story are dubious, but “Hustlers” takes an appropriately cynical stab at our money mad culture.
“Official Secrets” is a taut true-life thriller about an incident that occurred in Britain during the leadup to the 2003 Gulf War. Keira Knightly plays an intelligence specialist who leaks a classified document which could have proven that the invasion of Iraq in was illegal. Ralph Fiennes plays her lawyer. The actors are fine and ethical questions are intriguing even though the movie’s pacing falls short.
Documentary filmmaking firebrand Morgan Spurlock is back skewering the fast food industry in “Supersize Me 2: Holy Chicken!” This time, he sets out to open his own fried chicken franchise and raise his own poultry, exposing some of the more outrageous and unsettling aspects of the industry’s farming and marketing methods. It serves up a spicy combo of information, humor and outrage.
“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” is a very entertaining documentary that allows the pop music icon to tell her own story as well as providing insight from a number of people who were an integral part of her remarkable career. While it doesn’t delve too deeply, it’s still involving overview packed with terrific music.
Also opening this week, “Freaks” is a sci-fi thriller with Emile Hirsch. “The Goldfinch” is a thriller based on the bestselling novel. Teen gangs battle one another after all adults have perished in the thriller, “Riot Girls.” “Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles” is a documentary about the classic Broadway musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.”
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-hustlers-r-official-secrets-r-super-size-me-2-holy-chicken-pg-13-linda-ronstadt-the-sound-of-my-voice-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Hustlers” (R), “Official Secrets” (R), “Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken” (PG-13), “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Brittany Runs a Marathon” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/13/2019 |
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Comedian Jillian Bell ("Sword of Trust") gives an impressive performance as an overweight Manhattan party girl who makes some dramatic lifestyle changes in the comic drama "Bittany Runs a Marathon." The cast also includes Michaela Watkins (TV's "Transparent") and Lil Rel Howery ("Get Out").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-brittany-runs-a-marathon-r/" title="Take Two: “Brittany Runs a Marathon” (R)"/]Take Two: “After the Wedding” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/06/2019 |
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Two of America's finest actresses offer an English language remake of an acclaimed 2006 Danish film, "After the Wedding. Michelle Williams ("Fosse/Verdon") and Julianne Moore ("Gloria Bell") star in the gender-flipped adaptation directed by Moore's husband, Bart Freundlich ("The Myth of Fingerprints").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-after-the-wedding-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “After the Wedding” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/30/2019 |
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Shia LaBeouf ("Transformers"), Dakota Johnson ("Fifty Shades of Grey"), Bruce Dern ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"), John Hawkes ("Winter's Bone") and Thomas Hayden-Church ("Sideways") are the 'name' cast members of "The Peanut Butter Falcon," an indie drama from newcomers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. But the title role belongs to Zack Gottsagen, a newcomer with Down Syndrome. He plays an escapee from a nursing home who befriends a fugitive (LaBeouf) and embarks on a river raft adventure.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-peanut-butter-falcon-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Maiden” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/23/2019 |
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"Maiden" is a documentary about Tracy Edwards and the first all-female crew to enter the harrowing and dangerous Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race in 1989. Many thought they wouldn't survive, let alone finish the grueling race.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-maiden-pg/" title="Take Two: “Maiden” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Them That Follow” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/16/2019 |
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Trouble among some snake-handling Pentecostals in Appalachia is the subject of the unsettling drama "Them that Follows." Walton Goggins ("Tomb Raider") plays a strict pastor of a small mountain flock. His daughter is portrayed by Alice Englert ("Beautiful Creatures") and other members of the flock include Olivia Coleman ("The Favourite"), Jim Gaffigan ("Super Troopers 2") and Kaitlyn Dever ("Booksmart").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-them-that-follow-r/" title="Take Two: “Them That Follow” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Farewell” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/09/2019 |
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Awkwafina ("Crazy Rich Asians") stars in the comic drama, "The Farewell," inspired by the true story of the filmmaker Lulu Wang and her ailing grandmother. A young woman travels to China when she learns her beloved grandmother is terminally ill. Problem is, the family has decided to hide the truth from the elderly lady and to stage a sham marriage to make her feel better.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-farewell-pg/" title="Take Two: “The Farewell” (PG)"/]Take Two: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/02/2019 |
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"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," the latest effort from writer/director Quentin Tarantino ("Django Unchained"), is an homage to the city and art form he loves. Leonardo DiCaprio ("The Revenant") plays the former star of a TV Western who tries to navigate the changes going on in Tinsletown in 1969. His best friend is a stuntman, played by Brad Pitt ("World War Z") who also serves as his driver. The impressive cast also includes Margot Robbie ("I, Tonya") and Al Pacino ("Paterno").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-r/" title="Take Two: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (R)"/]Take Two: “Under the Silver Lake” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/26/2019 |
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Andrew Garfleld ("The Amazing Spider-Man") stars in a neo-noir mystery, "Under the Silver Lake." Garfield plays a paranoid man whose beautiful neighbor goes missing. As he tries to solve the puzzle of her disappearance, things get weirder and weirder. The film was written and directed by David Robert Mitchell ("It Follows"). The cast also includes Riley Keough ("American Honey) and Topher Grace ("BlacKKKlansman").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-under-the-silver-lake-r/" title="Take Two: “Under the Silver Lake” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/19/2019 |
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The drama "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2019, where it won awards for Best Directing and a Special Jury Prize for Creative Collaboration. It marks the debut of writer/director/producer Joel Talbot, based on the true story of his childhood friend, Jimmie Fails. Fails plays himself in this arthouse entry about a man who tries to save the Victorian house his grandfather built.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-last-black-man-in-san-francisco-r/" title="Take Two: “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (R)"/]Take Two: “Yesterday” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/12/2019 |
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In "Yesterday," Himesh Patel from the BBC TV series "Eastenders" plays an unsuccessful musician who, through a cosmic fluke, becomes the only living person to know the songs of The Beatles. This high-concept romantic fantasy also features Lily James ("Mama Mia: Here We Go Again"), and Kate McKinnon (TV's "Saturday Night Live"). The film was written by Richard Curtis ("Love Actually") directed by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-yesterday-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Yesterday” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Shaft” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/05/2019 |
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That bad 'you-know-what' Shaft has returned to the big screen. Samuel L. Jackson ("Captain Marvel") is the titular private dick hero, John Shaft...or does the title also refer to his son JJ Shaft ("Jessie T. Usher from "Ride") and John Shaft, Sr. (Richard Roundtree from "Seven")? This action comedy was directed by Tim Story ("Barbershop").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-shaft-r/" title="Take Two: “Shaft” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Yesterday” (PG-13), “Ophelia” (PG-13), “Annabelle Comes Home” (PG-13), “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/28/2019 |
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What if the Beatles never existed but you knew all of their songs? That’s the high-concept behind the comic romantic fantasy, “Yesterday.” Himesh Patel plays a wannabe singer who, mystically, is the only person who remembers the songs of the Fab Four and becomes an overnight sensation. An appealing cast, sharp direction and great music help overcome some of the story’s corny elements. As for me, I believe in “Yesterday.”
And speaking of high-concept, how about re-telling “Hamlet” from Ophelia’s point of view? That’s the feminist approach to the involving drama, “Ophelia.” Daisy Ridley plays the tragic heroine who is smarter and more resourceful than Shakespeare would ever have envisioned. Some elements of this revision are downright silly and will no doubt outrage Shakespearian purists. Still, “Ophelia” is an interesting experiment in fan-fiction conjecture.
“Annabelle Comes Home” is the eighth film in the “Conjuring” horror universe. This time out, an unsuspecting teen releases the demonically-possessed doll from her case and evil spirits begin to wreak havoc. It plays like a compendium of horror clichés. “Annabelle Comes Home” is a little too subdued for its own good, but “Conjuring” fans should like it.
“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” won a special jury prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. This critical darling focuses on class struggles and gentrification as a young man tries to save the Victorian house built by his grandfather. Jimmy Fails plays himself in an adaptation of his own story. This arty, slowly-paced film requires patient viewing, but has occasional flashes of brilliance.
Also opening this week, “The Last Whistle” is a drama about s controversial high school coach’s reaction to the death of one of his football players after an intense practice. “The Other Side of Heaven 2: Fire of Faith” is a faith-based Mormon sequel.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-yesterday-pg-13-ophelia-pg-13-annabelle-comes-home-pg-13-the-last-black-man-in-san-francisco-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Yesterday” (PG-13), “Ophelia” (PG-13), “Annabelle Comes Home” (PG-13), “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (R)"/]Take Two: “Ophelia” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/28/2019 |
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The new film "Ophelia" is a fan fiction-style bit of conjecture based on Lisa Klein's novel that reworks Shakespeare's "Hamlet," but from Ophelia's point of view. Daisy Ridley ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") takes on the title role with George MacKay ("Captain Fantastic") as Hamlet, Naomi Watts ("Insurgent") as Gertrude and Clive Owen ("Children of Men") as Claudius. It was directed by Claire McCarthy ("The Turning") and written by Semi Chellas ("American Woman").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ophelia-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Ophelia” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Toy Story 4” (G), “Child’s Play (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/21/2019 |
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It’s nothing less than a cinematic miracle. The folks at Pixar have gone back to an old mine and found more gold. “Toy Story 4” is a brilliantly conceived and executed animated story that works as a comedy, as an action adventure and as an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the series. As usual, Pixar’s animation is flawless, but they’ve focused their efforts on creating a meaningful screenplay that tackles some complex issues. Involving and entertaining, “Toy Story 4” is the best movie of 2019 so far. Expect the box office to go to infinity and beyond.
And speaking of toys, everyone’s favorite homicidal doll has returned. Chuckie is back in a reboot and reimagining of the modern horror classic, “Child’s Play.” Aubrey Plaza plays a single mom who gives her son a Buddi doll and all heck breaks loose. This time out, instead of being possessed by the spirit of a serial killer, Chucky is the product of artificial intelligence gone awry. Mark Hamill…yes, that Mark Hamill…provides the voice of the evil doll. With its emphasis on mordant humor, this version may not play well with some fan boys, but the movie builds enough steam in the wacky, apocalyptic final act to please undemanding fans.
Also opening this week, “Anna” is yet another action thriller about a female assassin from French director Luc Besson. “Pavarotti” is a documentary about the famed Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti from director Ron Howard. “5B” is a documentary about the caregivers who risked all to help AIDS patients in the early 1980s. “The Spy Behind Home Plate” is a documentary about Moe Berg, the professional baseball catcher who was also a spy during WWII. “Thjs One’s for the Ladies” is a documentary about male strippers and the women who love them. And, we’re being offered two different horror anthologies, “V/S/H 2” and “Nightmare Cinema.”
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-toy-story-4-g-childs-play-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Toy Story 4” (G), “Child’s Play (R)"/]Take Two: “Late Night” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/21/2019 |
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"Late Night" is a social comedy from writer Mindy Kaling ("The Office") about an aging talk show host played by Emma Thompson ("Howard's End") who faces forced retirement while her young protégé (Kaling) battles sexism and racism in the writers' room.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-late-night-r/" title="Take Two: “Late Night” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Men in Black International” (PG-13), “Shaft” (R), “Late Night” (PG-13), “The Dead Don’t Die” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/14/2019 |
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Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson last co-starred in the hit “Thor: Ragnarok,” They re-team to reboot the “Men in Black” franchise with “Men in Black International.” While this wacky sci-fi action comedy lacks the freshness of the previous entries, it retains the goofy spirit of the series. That may not be enough to satisfy fan boys.
After a 19-year hiatus, Samuel L. Jackson returns as the bad ‘you-know-what’ in “Shaft.” The original Shaft, Richard Roundtree returns with newcomer Jessie T. Usher as three generations of tough guys battle a nasty drug lord. “Shaft” is rude and crude and almost plays like a cheap self-parody. I can’t dig it.
The comedy “Late Night” plays like a reworking of “The Devil Wears Prada” but set in the world of late-night TV. Emma Thompson plays an aging talk show host facing forced retirement. Mindy Kaling, who also wrote the screenplay, plays a wannabe comedy writer who invades the largely white, male bastion of the writers’ room, battling sexism, ageism and racism with her comic barbs. It’s a bit too conventional for its own good, but the stars make it work.
Art film icon Jim Jarmusch takes a low-key comic approach to zombie genre with “The Dead Don’t Die.” Bill Murray and Adam Driver lead the cast in the tale of a small town suffering from a living dead apocalypse. The cast and crew probably had a much better time making this self-referential movie than the audience will watching. It’s for indie insiders only.
Also opening this week, Gina Carano and Richard Dreyfuss star in “Daughter of the Wolf,” a thriller about a military vet who tracks down her kidnapped son. Sienna Miller stars in “American Woman” the story of a woman whose teen daughter goes missing. “Perfect” is a sci-fi thriller about troubles at a genetic engineering clinic.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-men-in-black-international-pg-13-shaft-r-late-night-pg-13-the-dead-dont-die-r/" title="Freeze Frame: “Men in Black International” (PG-13), “Shaft” (R), “Late Night” (PG-13), “The Dead Don’t Die” (R)"/]Take Two: “All is True” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/14/2019 |
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Kenneth Branagh ("Murder on the Orient Express") takes on the role of the aging Bard of Avon in "All is True." Judi Dench ("Red Joan") plays his long-suffering wife and Ian McKellan ("The Lord of the Rings") portrays his benefactor, the Earl of Southampton.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-all-is-true-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “All is True” (PG-13)"/]Freeze Frame: “Dark Phoenix” (PG-13), “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (PG), “All is True” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/07/2019 |
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Ever wonder if it’s possible for excellent actors to save stilted dialogue? A game cast gives it their all but there’s only so much they can do with the latest X-Men prequel, “Dark Phoenix.” Jennifer Lawrence, Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain nearly work miracles with the script, but it’s still a big disappointment. It takes real filmmaking skill to create tension in a story when the audience already knows the fate of the characters. “Dark Phoenix” isn’t quite able to rise from the ashes.
The loveable critters from the 2016 animated hit are back in “The Secret Life of Pets 2.” Patton Oswalt takes over the voice role of Max vacated by Louis C.K. Max and his pal Duke, voiced by Eric Stonestreet, go on a memorable trip to a farm with their family. This beautifully animated movie is sweet and clever but doesn’t quite capture the magic of the first entry and loses steam in the final act. Still, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” will no doubt please the kids.
The sad final days in the life of William Shakespeare are the focus of the melancholy drama, “All is True.” Kenneth Branagh stars as the Bard of Avon as well as serving as director. Judi Dench plays his longsuffering wife Anne and Ian McKellen portrays his wealthy benefactor, the Earl of Southampton. It probably goes without saying that “All is True” is beautifully acted and produced. Trouble is, it’s quite mournful and slow moving. It’s for Shakespeare aficionados only.
Also opening this week, Olivia Cooke stars in “Katie Says Goodbye” a drama about a naïve young woman who becomes a prostitute. “The Child Remains” is a horror film about a haunted inn. John Lithgow and Blythe Danner star in an eccentric senior love story, “Tomorrow Man.”
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-june-7/" title="Freeze Frame: “Dark Phoenix” (PG-13), “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (PG), “All is True” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Rocketman” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/07/2019 |
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Actor Taron Egerton ("Kingsman") portrays pop superstar Elton John in this full-blown musical about the singer's personal and professional ups and downs. Jamie Bell ("The Fantastic Four") plays lyricist Bernie Taupin and Bryce Dallas Howard ("The Help") is John's unsympathetic mother.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-rocketman-r/" title="Take Two: “Rocketman” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: New on Netflix Edition-“When They See Us” (R), “The Perfection” (R), “I Am Mother” (NR) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/31/2019 |
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With the rise of Netflix, I’ve been asked to occasionally depart from our usual Freeze Frame format of reviewing movies in local theaters to cover some of the newest releases available for streaming viewing. So, here goes.
Harrowing and skillfully acted, the Netflix miniseries "When They See Us" is a powerful indictment of one of America’s most notorious miscarriages of justice.
In 1989, a group of teenagers known as the Central Park Five were falsely convicted of rape in a case of police overreach and sensationalization by the press. Written and directed by Ava Duvernay, best known for the Martin Luther King film “Selma,” “When They See Us" may be disturbing…but it’s still enlightening and important viewing.
Allison Williams and Logan Browning give it their all, but their efforts can't save the ugly and exploitive horror thriller, "The Perfection." The talented actresses play cello prodigies whose lives are upended by a violent incident. I suppose that the filmmakers were trying to be campy, but they are never able to hit the right notes. “The Perfection” could have been titled "The Flawed" as gets progressively sillier and absurd with each passing moment.
"I Am Mother" is a well-produced and involving sci-fi effort starring Hillary Swank and Clara Ruggard. In a post-apocalyptic world, artificial intelligence attempts to save humanity...from itself. Naturally, not everything is what it seems. While the premise is very intriguing and the actors are fine, "I Am Mother" never quite gels dramatically.
Opening in theaters this week, “Rocketman” is a musical extravaganza with Taron Egerton starring as Elton John. “Ma” is a horror thriller starring Octavia Spencer as a woman obsessed with some small-town teens. “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” is a big-budget Hollywood special effects spectacle that also features Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-new-on-netflix-edition-when-they-see-us-r-the-perfection-r-i-am-mother-nr/" title="Freeze Frame: New on Netflix Edition-“When They See Us” (R), “The Perfection” (R), “I Am Mother” (NR)"/]Take Two: “Booksmart” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/31/2019 |
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Actress Olivia Wilde ("Her") makes her directorial debut with "Booksmart," a raunchy comedy starring Beanie Feldstein ("Lady Bird") and Kaitlyn Dever ("Detroit"). They play well-behaved, high-achieving high school seniors who decide to cut loose on the night before graduation. Susan and Russ are on the same page on this whip-smart farce.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-booksmart-r/" title="Take Two: “Booksmart” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Intruder” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/24/2019 |
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Actor Dennis Quaid ("A Dog's Journey") takes a turn to the dark side in the throwback thriller, "The Intruder." Michael Ealy ("Think Like a Man") and Megan Goode ("Shazam!") play a young couple who buy Quaid's home and get more than they bargained for. "The Intruder" was written and directed by Deon Taylor ("Traffik").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-intruder-pg-13-2/" title="Take Two: “The Intruder” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Red Joan” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/17/2019 |
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Dame Judy Dench takes a supporting role in "Red Joan," an adaptation of a novel loosely based on the true story of a woman who gave British nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. Sophie Cookson plays the character in flashbacks. Russ and Susan disagree about the effectiveness of this drama.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-red-joan-r/" title="Take Two: “Red Joan” (R)"/]Take Two: “Amazing Grace” (G) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/03/2019 |
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Aretha Franklin's classic 1972 gospel album "Amazing Grace" is the subject of this documentary by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sidney Pollack ("Out of Africa"). Russ and Susan disagree about this chronicle that captures footage as the songs were recorded live at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. The Reverend James Cleveland and the church choir performed as well. Franklin refused to allow the film to be released during her lifetime. The family agreed on the release months after her death.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-amazing-grace-g/" title="Take Two: “Amazing Grace” (G)"/]Take Two: “The Best of Enemies” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/12/2019 |
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Critics' Choice Award-winner Taraji P. Henson (TV's "Empire") and Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell ("Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri") star in the true story of Civiil Rights worker Ann Atwater and her unlikely friendship with KKK leader Claiborne Paul Ellis. They confronted one another over the issue of school desegregation in North Carolina in 1971.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-best-of-enemies-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “The Best of Enemies” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Hotel Mumbai” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/05/2019 |
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"Hotel Mumbai" is a harrowing true story of the bloody terrorist takeover of the Taj Palace Hotel in 2008. This violent reenactment stars Dev Patel ("Slumdog Millionaire"), Armie Hammer ("Call Me by Your Name"), Nazanin Boniadi ("Ben-Hur") and Jason Isaacs ("The Death of Stalin"). This Indian/Australian production is the feature film directorial debut of Anthony Maras.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hotel-mumbai-r/" title="Take Two: “Hotel Mumbai” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Mustang” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/29/2019 |
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"The Mustang" is a Belgian-American drama about a Nevada prison rehab program where convicts tame wild horses for sale to the public. The film project was developed through the Sundance Institute, so founder Robert Redford is given producer credit. Matthias Schoenaerts ("Far from the Madding Crowd") plays Roman, a convict who blooms when given the chance to work with the animals. Bruce Dern, Connie Britton and Jason Mitchell are among the supporting cast members. "The Mustang" marks the feature film debut of writer/director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-mustang-r/" title="Take Two: “The Mustang” (R)"/]Take Two: “Finding Steve McQueen” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/22/2019 |
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he strange true story about an attempt to rob $30 million from Richard Nixon's secret illegal campaign fund becomes a strange comic movie. Aussie actor Travis Fimmel ("Lean on Pete") plays Harry Barber, a fan of actor Steve McQueen, who tries to look and act like the famous actor. He joins in a plot with his uncle (William Fichtner from "Quiz Show") to loot a California bank filled with Nixon's cash. Detective Forest Whitaker ("Black Panther") and Lily Rabe ("Vice") are in hot pursuit.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-finding-steve-mcqueen-r/" title="Take Two: “Finding Steve McQueen” (R)"/]Take Two: “Greta” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/08/2019 |
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Acclaimed French actress Isabel Huppert ("Elle") and Chloë Grace Moretz ("Kick Ass") star in the new Hitchcock-like suspense thriller "Greta." It was written and directed by Neil Jordan ("The Crying Game").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-greta-r/" title="Take Two: “Greta” (R)"/]Take Two: “Captain Marvel” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/15/2019 |
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Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson ("Room") stars alongside Samuel L. Jackson ("Glass"), Annette Bening ("The Kids Are All Right") and Jude Law ("Fantastic Beasts") in yet another Marvel origin story, this time set in the 1990s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-captain-marvel-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Captain Marvel” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Fighting With My Family” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/01/2019 |
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Based on a true story, "Fighting With My Family" is about the life of WWE Superstar, Paige. This comedy focuses on the struggles of a British teenager as she rises to pro wresting fame. The film was written and directed by Stephen Merchant, co-creator of TV's "The Office." Francis Pugh ("Lady Macbeth") portrays Paige, and the film also features Lena Heady ("Game of Thrones"), Vince Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers") and Nick Frost ("Hot Fuzz"). It was produced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle") who also appears as himself.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-fighting-with-my-family-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Fighting With My Family” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Capernaum” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/22/2019 |
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The Lebanese film "Capernaum" is a social drama about a poor boy who does the best he can to survive on the streets of Beirut. Written and directed by Nadine Labaki, the film is a nominee for this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-capernaum-r/" title="Take Two: “Capernaum” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (PG), “Fighting With My Family” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/22/2019 |
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“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” brings the wildly popular animated adventure trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. Hiccup and his faithful dragon Toothless are forced to lead the Viking villagers to a new home when an evil dragon hunter brings an armada to enslave the flying reptiles. While the visuals and action are every bit as spectacular as you might expect, the real surprise is the story. It’s actually quite moving. John Powell’s lush score is a big plus, too, complimenting the impressive visuals with an evocative atmosphere. The filmmakers didn’t quit while they were ahead. They timed it just right.
“Fighting With My Family” is a very pleasant surprise. This funny and heartfelt comedy tells the true story of Raya Knight, a British teenage girl who, through grit and determination, became a WWE Superstar named Paige. Florence Pugh plays Paige, the young girl mentored by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and trained by Vince Vaughn. Writer/director Stephen Merchant and a spot-on cast give this Rocky-style underdog tale enough humanity to overcome some of the sports movie clichés that are inherent in the story. You don’t have to know a piledriver from a cactus clothesline to enjoy it. It’s strange that a movie about scripted matches has such genuine emotion. “Fighting With My Family” is a real crowd-pleaser.
Also opening this week, “Run the Race” is a faith-based movie about the strains and bonds of athletic brothers. “Arctic” is a survival drama about a man stranded in the Arctic after an airplane crash. Mads Mikkelsen stars. “The Wandering Earth” is a Chinese sci-fi opus about the attempt to move Earth when the Sun is about to become a red giant. It’s one of the biggest hits in Chinese cinema history. “The Changeover” is a supernatural thriller from New Zealand.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-how-to-train-your-dragon-the-hidden-world-pg-fighting-with-my-family-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (PG), “Fighting With My Family” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “They Shall Not Grow Old” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/15/2019 |
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Director Peter Jackson ("The Lord of the Rings") has taken old WWI film footage, given it a high-tech restoration for the documentary, "They Shall Not Grow Old." The resulting movie is an immersive, involving history lesson.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-they-shall-not-grow-old-r/" title="Take Two: “They Shall Not Grow Old” (R)"/]Take Two: “Stan and Ollie” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/08/2019 |
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Steve Coogan ("The Trip to Spain") and John C. Reilly ("The Sisters Brothers") play the legendary comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy in the gentle biopic, "Stand & Ollie."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-stan-and-ollie-pg/" title="Take Two: “Stan and Ollie” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Shoplifters” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/25/2019 |
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Acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda offers a gentle glimpse into the lives of a ragtag group of petty thieves who form something of a family in "Shoplifters." It is a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film at this year's Oscar ceremony.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-shoplifters-r/" title="Take Two: “Shoplifters” (R)"/]Take Two: “If Beale Street Could Talk” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/18/2019 |
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Director Barry Jenkins ("Moonlight") has adapted James Baldwin's acclaimed novel "If Beale Street Could Talk" for the big screen. Young actors Kiki Layne ("Native Son") and Stephen James ("Semna") lead the cast in this love story that's also a potent social commentary. Regina King ("This Christmas") won a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for her supporting performance.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-if-beale-street-could-talk-r/" title="Take Two: “If Beale Street Could Talk” (R)"/]Take Two: “Vice” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/04/2019 |
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Writer/director Adam McKay ("The Big Short") offers a tongue-in-cheek portrait of former Vice President, Dick Cheney. "Vice" starts Christian Bale ("The Dark Knight") as Cheney, Amy Adams ("Sharp Objects") as his wife, Lynn Cheney, Steve Carell ("Welcome to Marwen") as Donald Rumsfeld, Sam Rockwell ("Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri") as George W. Bush and Tyler Perry ("Madea's Family Reunion") as Colin Powell.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-vice-r/" title="Take Two: “Vice” (R)"/]Take Two: “Ben is Back” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/28/2018 |
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Filmmaker Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April") has fashioned a drama about how drug addiction affects a family. "Ben is Back" stars Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges in the story of a teenager who leaves rehab and shows up on his mom's doorstep on Christmas Eve. The film also stars Courtney B. Vance.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ben-is-back-r/" title="Take Two: “Ben is Back” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Mary Poppins Returns” (PG), “Aquaman” (PG-13), “Ben is Back” (R), “Vox Lux” (R), “Mary Queen of Scots” (R), “Shoplifters” (R), “Welcome to Marwen” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/21/2018 |
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The 1964 classic “Mary Poppins” was practically perfect in every way. Although Disney’s cheery sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns” I nearly a slavish remake, Emily Blunt is delightful. “Mary Poppins Returns” goes down nicely with or without a spoonful of sugar.
Jason Momoa is a likably lunky lead in “Aquaman.” Sadly, he has to battle a leaden script and enough CGI overkill to fill an ocean. He may be in the Justice League, yet his movie isn’t quite in the same league as “Wonder Woman.”
“Ben is Back” is half of a great movie. Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges are excellent in the story of a teen in drug rehab who shows up on his mom’s doorstep on Christmas Eve. The first half examines some intriguing family dynamics. The second half loses its way as it morphs into an improbable thriller.
“Vox Lux” is an interesting idea in search of a movie. Natalie Portman stars as a self-indulgent pop star who rose to fame as the result of a tragedy. It’s ambitious, but a bit dull and off-putting.
Saorise Ronan and Margot Robbie give “Mary Queen of Scots” the royal treatment, but their performances can’t make up for the movie’s inconsistent tone.
“Shoplifters” is a Japanese entry about a likable family of petty thieves. This sweet-natured and sad film is also a heartfelt and touching social commentary.
Steve Carell stars in the quirky drama, “Welcome to Marwen” which incorporates animated dolls to tell the tragic story of real-life photographer Mark Hogancamp. It’s an interesting experiment but a movie misfire.
Also opening this week, “American Renegades” is an action flick about Navy Seals and sunken treasure. “Second Act” is a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez. “Bumblebee” is the latest in the Transformers franchise. “Anna and the Apocalypse” is a zombie Christmas musical!
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-mary-poppins-returns-pg-aquaman-pg-13-ben-is-back-r-vox-lux-r-mary-queen-of-scots-r-shoplifters-r-welcome-to-marwen-pg-13/" title="Freeze Frame: “Mary Poppins Returns” (PG), “Aquaman” (PG-13), “Ben is Back” (R), “Vox Lux” (R), “Mary Queen of Scots” (R), “Shoplifters” (R), “Welcome to Marwen” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Maria By Callas” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/14/2018 |
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Celebrated operatic diva Maria Callas tells her own story in the documentary "Maria By Callas." Footage from home movies, interviews and film and television appearances are edited together to allow the tempestuous star to profile herself. Her letters are read by another celebrated soprano, Kansas City's own Joyce DiDonato.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-maria-callas-pg/" title="Take Two: “Maria By Callas” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Widows” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/07/2018 |
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Director Steve McQueen ("12 Years a Slave") and screenwriter Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl") join forces for a gritty, realistic heist film, "Widows." Viola Davis plays a woman whose husband (Liam Neeson) leads a successful crime ring. Things get complicated when one of their robberies goes wrong and the wives are blackmailed by a ruthless gangster. The cast also includes Robert Duvall, Danile Kaluuya, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, Brian Tyree Henry, Cynthia Erivo and Elizabeth Debicki.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-widows-r/" title="Take Two: “Widows” (R)"/]Take Two: “Beautiful Boy” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/23/2018 |
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Duel memoirs by father and son writers David and Nicholas Sheff provide the basis for this drama that marks the first English-language film by Belgian director Felix Van Groeningen. Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet star in this story of drug addiction and redemption.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-beautiful-boy-r/" title="Take Two: “Beautiful Boy” (R)"/]Take Two: “Wildlife” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/16/2018 |
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If understatement is a virtue, then "Wildlife," a film adaptation of Richard Ford's 1990 novel, has virtue to spare. This drama about the dissolution of a marriage marks the directorial debut of actor Paul Dano ("There Will be Blood"), who wrote the screenplay with his partner, Zoe Kazan ("Ruby Sparks"). Jake Gyllenhaal ("Brokeback Mountain"), Carey Mulligan ("Mudbound") and Ed Oxenbould ("Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day") play members of a family in crisis.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-wildlife-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Wildlife” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/09/2018 |
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Comedienne Melissa McCarthy makes a rare dramatic turn as famed author Lee Israel in the intriguing story, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" The screenplay is based on Israel's book that details her time as a forger. Although she'd had success as a biographer, Israel took to forging letters from other authors such as Dorothy Parker and Noel Coward to make ends meet. Her ability to mimic their voices allowed her to succeed for some time. British actor Richard E. Grant plays Israel's partner in crime, Jack Hock. The film was directed by Marielle Heller ("Diary of a Teenage Girl").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-can-ever-forgive-r/" title="Take Two: “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (R)"/]Take Two: “First Man” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/02/2018 |
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"First Man" is the first collaboration between writer/director Damien Chazelle and actor Ryan Gosling since their acclaimed work on "La La Land." This biopic is about Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, and the buildup to the launch of the Apollo 11.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-first-man-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “First Man” (PG-13)"/]“The Hate U Give” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/26/2018 |
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Amandla Stenberg ("Everything, Everything") stars in a Young Audiences story of a young African American girl who lives in the ghetto and attends an upscale school on the white side of town. It was written by the late Audrey Wells ("Under the Tuscan Sun") and directed by George Tilllman, Jr. ("Soul Food").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/hate-u-give-pg-13/" title="“The Hate U Give” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Colette” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/19/2018 |
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Infamous French writer Colette (1873 – 1954) is the focus of this well-produced biopic starring Kiera Knightly ("Atonement") and Dominic West (TV's "The Wire). It was written and directed by Wash Westmoreland ("Still Alice").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-colette-r/" title="Take Two: “Colette” (R)"/]Take Two: “A Star is Born” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/12/2018 |
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The fourth big screen adaptation of the old Hollywood backstage story is both a critical and box office hit. Bradley Cooper ("The Hangover") and pop music's Lady Gaga play romantically linked musicians in "A Star is Born." Cooper produced, directed and co-wrote the film as well as providing his own music.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-star-born-r/" title="Take Two: “A Star is Born” (R)"/]Take Two: “The Children Act” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/05/2018 |
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Two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson stars in "The Children Act," based on the novel by Ian McEwan. Thompson plays an English judge whose marriage to her professor husband (Stanley Tucci) is on the rocks. This complicates her work presiding over the case of an underage cancer patient, played Fionn Whitehead, whose Jehovah's Witness parents refuse to allow him a life-saving blood transfusion.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-children-act-r/" title="Take Two: “The Children Act” (R)"/]Take Two: “Crazy Rich Asians” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/28/2018 |
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The surprise box office hit "Crazy Rich Asians" features an international cast of actors, all of Chinese ancestry. This familiar but fun romantic comedy treads new ground only in one way: It's the first US production that features an all asian cast since 1993's "Joy Luck Club."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-crazy-rich-asians-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Crazy Rich Asians” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “A Simple Favor” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/21/2018 |
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A new film noir thriller has a comic touch. "A Simple Favor" stars Anna Kendrick ("Pitch Perfect") as a widowed housewife and Blake Lively ("The Shallows") as a femme fatal with a dark secret. Director Paul Feig ("Bridesmaids," "Spy") departs from his usual comedy genre.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-simple-favor-r/" title="Take Two: “A Simple Favor” (R)"/]Take Two: “Searching” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/14/2018 |
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The new thriller "Searching" stars John Cho ("Star Trek") and Debra Messing (TV's "Will and Grace"). Cho plays a father whose teenage daughter goes missing. He breaks into her computer and uses the internet and online tools in a desperate attempt to find her. The film is unique in that no movie cameras were used, only online technology. It was written and directed by newcomer Aneesch Chaganty.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-searching-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Searching” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Operation Finale” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/07/2018 |
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"Operation Finale" is a historical drama from filmmaker Chris Weitz ("About a Boy"). It tells the true story of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad and their efforts to capture the Nazi SS officer Adolph Eichmann, the architect of the Holocaust, who was hiding out in Argentina after WWII. Sir Ben Kingsley ("Schindler's List") plays Eichmann and Oscar Isaac ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") plays Peter Malkin, one of his pursuers.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-operation-finale-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Operation Finale” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/31/2018 |
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Chloë Grace Moretz ("The Equalizer") stars in a coming of age drama adapted from Emily M. Danforth's novel,"The Miseducation of Cameron Post," that received acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. Moretz plays a lesbian teen sent by her family to a Christian conversion therapy camp. The film also stars Jennifer Ehle ("Zero Dark Thirty) and John Gallagher, Jr. ("10 Cloverfield Lane") and was adapted for the screen by Desiree Akhavan.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-miseducation-cameron-post-r/" title="Take Two: “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” (R)"/]Take Two: “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/24/2018 |
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Scotty Bowers published a book in 2012 called "Full Service" that claimed to have chronicled his life as a pimp during Hollywood's golden age and how he operated a brothel out of a gas station that catered to gay men. He also alleges that he had carried on a ménage à trois with Cary Grant and Randolph Scott AND Lana Turner and Ava Gardner! Now, at age 95, he relates these stories and more in the documentary "Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood" because none of the other participants are alive to defend themselves.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-scotty-secret-history-hollywood-r/" title="Take Two: “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood” (R)"/]Take Two: “BlacKkKlansman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/17/2018 |
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The remarkable true story of Ron Stallworth has been brought to the big screen by director Spike Lee and co-writer Kevin Willmott, who is professor of film at KU. John David Washington ("Ballers") plays Stallworth, a black Colorado police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Adam Driver ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") plays a Jewish police officer who posed as Stallworth in his face-to-face encounters with the Klan. Topher Grace ("That 70s Show") plays Klan leader, David Duke.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-blackkklansman/" title="Take Two: “BlacKkKlansman”"/]Take Two: “Eighth Grade” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/10/2018 |
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Writer/director Bo Burnham who achieved celebrity through is internet postings, offers his first feature-length dramatic film, "Eighth Grade," the story of an angst-ridden teen in the age of social media. Elsie Fisher ("McFarland, USA") plays a 15-year-old who posts helpful advice on the internet. If only she'd listen to her own counsel. Josh Hamilton ("Frances Ha") is her ineffectual dad.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-eighth-grade-r/" title="Take Two: “Eighth Grade” (R)"/]Take Two: “Three Identical Strangers” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/27/2018 |
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A remarkable true story is at the core of "Three Identical Strangers," a documentary about Robert Shafran, Edward Galland and David Kellman, identical triplets separated at birth. They were part of a scientific experiment in the "nature vs. nurture" debate and only discovered each other...by chance...when they were 17 years old.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-three-identical-strangers-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Three Identical Strangers” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Sorry to Bother You” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/20/2018 |
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Weird, comic and sometimes off-putting, the social satire "Sorry to Bother You" features LaKeith Stanfield as an African-American telemarketer who uses a "white" voice to get ahead. Then, Boots Riley's bizarre film turns into a sci-fi melodrama! Susan and Russ have very different takes on this edgy movie.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sorry-bother-r/" title="Take Two: “Sorry to Bother You” (R)"/]Take Two: “American Animals” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/13/2018 |
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Is it a documentary or a drama? In the case of "American Animals," the answer to both is, "Yes." This unique hybrid from filmmaker Bart Layton ("The Imposter") is a true crime drama about a group of college students who decide to rob a college library of some valuable books. Barry Keoghan ("Dunkirk") and Evan Peters ("X-Men: Days of Future Past") play Spencer Reinhard and Warren Lipka, two of the inept thieves. The real Reinhard and Lipka appear to provide often contradictory narration.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-american-animals-r/" title="Take Two: “American Animals” (R)"/]Take Two: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/06/2018 |
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Susan and Russ cover the acclaimed documentary about Fred Rogers, host of the longtime PBS children's show, "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood." This overview includes clips featuring Yo Yo Ma, Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Koko the Gorilla and was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville ("20 Feet from Stardom").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-wont-neighbor-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/22/2018 |
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The fifth entry in the "Jurassic Park" franchise reprises a lot of what's come before. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and an army of special effects magicians return to wreak more dinosaur havoc. Directed by J. A. Bayona ("A Monster Calls") and written by Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly ("Safety Not Guaranteed"), this episode sees our heroes attempt to save the dinosaurs from a volcanic eruption.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “First Reformed” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/15/2018 |
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Faith has played a major role in a number of movies from filmmaker Paul Schrader. He's responsible for the screenplays of "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull." He's also both writer and director of "Hardcore," "Dominion," "Affliction" and "American Gigolo."
"First Reformed" stars Ethan Hawke as a protestant pastor whose crisis of faith dovetails with the suicide of one of his parishioners, an environmentalist. The cast also includes Amanda Seyfried, Cedric the Entertainer and Van Hansis.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-first-reformed-r/" title="Take Two: “First Reformed” (R)"/]Take Two: “Adrift” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/08/2018 |
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A true-life survival story is at the core of the new film, "Adrift." Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin star as a couple who contract to sail a private boat from Tahiti to San Diego, only to hit a monster storm, blow way off course. They battle the elements in an epic fight for life.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-adrift-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Adrift” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Disobedience” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/25/2018 |
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Susan and Russ have two very different takes on "Disobedience," starring Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola. The director is Sebastian Lielio, whose Chilean film "A Fantastic Woman" won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this year. Weisz plays a worldly photographer who returns to her stifling Orthodox Jewish community upon the death of her father. She rekindles a lesbian romance with McAdams, the wife of a young rabbi.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-disobedience-r/" title="Take Two: “Disobedience” (R)"/]Take Two: “RBG” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/18/2018 |
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The liberal lion of the US Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is the subject of a loving documentary "RBG." The film focuses on her rise to prominence and her feminist perspective. While it can be a bit fawning, Russ and Susan agree that it's a compelling look at a fascinating individual.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-rbg-pg/" title="Take Two: “RBG” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Tully” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/04/2018 |
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Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody is reunited with Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron in "Tully," an offbeat comic drama about, of all things, postpartum depression. Theron plays a woman who delivers her third child. Because of exhaustion, she agrees to let her wealthy brother pay for a night nanny, played by Mackenzie Davis. The plot focuses on the relationship that develops between these two.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-tully-r/" title="Take Two: “Tully” (R)"/]Take Two: “I Feel Petty” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/27/2018 |
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The topic of body image takes center stage in the new Amy Schumer comedy, "I Feel Pretty." The story involves an insecure woman who falls, bumps her head, and imagines that she's a raging beauty, giving her newfound confidence. While Susan found its social message muddled, Russ enjoyed Schumer's performance.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-feel-petty-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “I Feel Petty” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Isle of Dogs” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/20/2018 |
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Eccentric filmmaker Wes Anderson ("Rushmore," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Moonlight Kingdom") tackles his second stop-motion animation effort, following up on the success of "The Fantastic Mr. Fox." "Isle of Dogs" is a whimsical story set in the near future in Japan. Because of a canine flu, all dogs are banished to a garbage island and one young boy tries to save them. The voice cast includes Brian Cranston, Bill Murray, Yoko Ono, Scarlett Johansson and Edward Norton.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-isle-dogs/" title="Take Two: “Isle of Dogs” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “The Leisure Seeker” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/13/2018 |
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An elderly couple take a final Winnebago trip in the road movie, "The Leisure Seeker." Two of our best actors, Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren, give a big boost to this story involves dementia, family squabbles and other issues that older Americans contend with.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-leisure-seeker/" title="Take Two: “The Leisure Seeker” (R)"/]TAKE TWO: “The Death of Stalin” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/30/2018 |
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Armando Iannucci, the satirist behind TV's "Veep," focuses his cynical eye on 1953 Russia in the nasty, pitch black comedy, "The Death of Stalin." When the dictator dies in 1953, his underlings begin their back-stabbing manipulations to replace him. Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor and a crack cast of British actors reenact the mayhem.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-death-stalin-r/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Death of Stalin” (R)"/]Take Two: “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story” (Not rated) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/16/2018 |
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Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous Hollywood star of the 1940s and 50s. Often cited as the most beautiful woman in the world, she's probably best known for the Cecil B. DeMille classic, "Samson and Delilah." She had a unusual secret. She was also a brilliant inventor who developed 'frequency hopping' technology and donated it to the US military during WWII, never receiving a dime. That technology enables cell phones, bluetooth, wi-fi...an industry worth $64 billion today. It's a story stranger than fiction.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-bombshell-hedy-lamarr-story-not-rated/" title="Take Two: “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story” (Not rated)"/]Take Two: “Red Sparrow” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/09/2018 |
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Jennifer Lawrence ("The Hunger Games") stars in a spy thriller based on the novel by ex-CIA agent, Jason Matthews. Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons, Charlotte Rampling, Matthias Schoenaerts and Mary Louise Parker co-star.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-red-sparrow-r/" title="Take Two: “Red Sparrow” (R)"/]Take Two: “Black Panther” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/02/2018 |
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The Marvel superhero juggernaut "Black Panther" has been setting box office records around the world. Chadwick Boseman ("Marshall") plays the king of a secretive, technologically advanced African nation. He's called upon to defend his country and thw world from internal and external threats. Directed by Ryan Coogler ("Creed"), the film also stars Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett and Sterling K. Brown.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-black-panther-pg-13/" title="Take Two: “Black Panther” (PG-13)"/]Take Two: “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/16/2018 |
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The last days of Oscar-winning actress Gloria Grahame are the focus of "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool." Graham won fame in the 1940s and 50s for her femme fatale roles in film noir thrillers like "The Big Heat" and "Sudden Fear" and won an Academy Award for "The Bad and the Beautiful." Annette Bening ("20th Century Women") plays Grahame in the last days of her life while dating a much younger man, played by Jamie Bell ("King Kong").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-film-stars-dont-die-liverpool-r/" title="Take Two: “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” (R)"/]TAKE TWO: “Molly’s Game” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/09/2018 |
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"Molly's Game" tells the true story of an Olympic hopeful who, after an injury, hosted big money poker games that featured Hollywood stars, business tycoons and Russian mobsters. Jessica Chastain stars as Molly Bloom in this film written by Aaron Sorkin who makes his directorial debut here. Idris Elba plays her lawyer and Kevin Costner portrays Molly's dad.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mollys-game-r/" title="TAKE TWO: “Molly’s Game” (R)"/]TAKE TWO: “Hostiles” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/02/2018 |
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"Hostiles" is a revisionist Western that hews more closely to the truth than most. Christian Bale stars as an Army captain who is ordered to escort a group of Cheyenne prisoners on a torturous journey from New Mexico to Wyoming. Wes Studie plays a dying Cheyenne war chief and Rosamund Pike is a woman whose family was brutally murdered by renegades. The film was written and directed by Scott Cooper ("Black Mass:).
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hostiles-r/" title="TAKE TWO: “Hostiles” (R)"/]Take Two: “Call Me by Your Name” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/26/2018 |
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"Call Me by Your Name" is a coming of age drama based on the novel by André Aciman. The film has garnered an Oscar nomination for the screenplay adaptation by James Ivory ("Remains of the Day") and was directed by Luca Guadagnino ("A Bigger Splash.) Timothee Chalamet is also an Oscar nominee for his performance as a teenager who falls in love with a grad student (Armie Hammer) who visits his parents' 17th Century Italian villa in the 1980s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-call-name-r/" title="Take Two: “Call Me by Your Name” (R)"/]TAKE TWO: “I, Tonya” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/19/2018 |
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The bizarre true story of American ice skater Tony Harding is given the black comedy treatment by filmmaker Craig Gillespie. Margot Robbie ("Goodbye, Christopher Robin") produced and stars as Harding. Allison Janney (TV's "Mom") won a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress as Harding's pushy, lowlife mom.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-tonya-r/" title="TAKE TWO: “I, Tonya” (R)"/]TAKE TWO: “The Post” (PG-13) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/12/2018 |
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The true story of the Pentagon Papers gets the Steven Spielberg treatment in the involving drama, "The Post." Tom Hanks stars as The Washington Post's gritty editor Ben Bradlee and Meryl Streep portrays the newspaper's troubled owner, Katharine Graham.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-post-pg-13/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Post” (PG-13)"/]FREEZE FRAME: Russ’ Top Ten Movies of 2017 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/05/2018 |
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As we leap into 2018 it’s time to look back the best movies the year had to offer. Here’s my list of the cream of the cinematic crop.
10) THE FLORIDA PROJECT (R)
The poor who live on the fringes of society are the focus of “The Florida Project,” a realistic slice of life drama set in the seedy shadow of Disney World.
9) WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (PG-13)
I’m not monkeying around. The third installment in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise reboot, “War for the Planet of the Apes,” is a visually spectacular and riveting drama.
8) WIND RIVER (R)
Jeremy Renner stars in Taylor Sheridan’s smart contemporary Western, a very dark and disturbing thriller about a murder of a Native American woman on a frigid, remote reservation.
7) BABY DRIVER (R)
Decadent, violent, profane…and wildly entertaining, “Baby Driver” is a zippy heist film fueled by a kinetic soundtrack that should appeal to both Baby Boomers and Millennials.
6) LADY BIRD (R)
"Lady Bird" is a funny, realistic and insightful comic drama about teenage angst. It's beautifully acted and a welcome entry in the coming-of-age genre.
5) THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI (R)
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” has a very dark “show me” attitude. Expect multiple Oscar nominations for this bitterly funny and profane comic drama that's smart, disturbing and vividly told.
4) GET OUT (R)
Jordan Peele's horror entry "Get Out" is an effective social commentary as well as a potent creepfest. “Get Out” is this generation’s answer to “The Stepford Wives.”
3) DUNKIRK (PG-13)
“Dunkirk” is an engrossing WWII epic from filmmaker Christopher Nolan about the evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of France. Instead of a tidy plot, Nolan immerses the audience into the action to provide a visceral, impressive 'you are there' experience.
2) THE POST (PG-13)
It's hard to imagine a timelier movie about freedom of the press. Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep star in Steven Spielberg's riveting drama about the Washington Post's publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971.
1) THE BIG SICK (R)
My favorite movie of the year may not make it to the top on other lists, but "The Big Sick" is a smart, hilarious and touching comic drama with a terrific cast. If it doesn't move you, maybe YOU need to check into the hospital.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-russ-top-ten-movies-2017/" title="FREEZE FRAME: Russ’ Top Ten Movies of 2017"/]TAKE TWO: “All the Money in the World” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/05/2018 |
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The latest film from Ridley Scott is based on a true story. In 1973, the grandson of billionaire J. Paul Getty was kidnapped in Rome. The notoriously greedy oil baron refused to pay ransom. Christopher Plummer stars as the miserly Getty, Michelle Williams portrays his daughter-in-law who was the kidnapped boy's mother and Mark Whalberg plays an ex-CIA agent hired by Getty to try to retrieve his grandson without paying ransom.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-money-world-r/" title="TAKE TWO: “All the Money in the World” (R)"/]Take Two: “Darkest Hour” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/22/2017 |
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Gary Oldman applies a ton of latex for his performance as Winston Churchill in the new historical drama "Darkest Hour." Directed by Joe Wright ("Atonement"), the film also features Kristen Scott Thomas, Lily James and Ben Mendelsohn in a story that illustrates the political wrangling that occurred behind the scenes in the buildup to WWII.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-darkest-hour-pg/" title="Take Two: “Darkest Hour” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/15/2017 |
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It was shot in North Carolina, but Martin McDonagh's searing comic drama "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri" has a show-me attitude. Susan and Russ agree that Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell give award-worthy performances in this dark tale concerning the aftermath of a murder.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri/" title="Take Two: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri”"/]Take Two: “Big Sonia” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/08/2017 |
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Sonia Warshawski is a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor who ran a tailor shop in the now-demolished Metcalf South Shopping Center for over 30 years. Her story, and that of her quest to inform people about the Holocaust is chronicled in "Big Sonia" a documentary about her life directed by her granddaughter Leah Warshawski and Leah's husband, Todd Soliday. Susan and Russ agree that it's well worth seeing.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-big-sonia/" title="Take Two: “Big Sonia”"/]Take Two: “The Florida Project” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/24/2017 |
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Writer/director Sean Baker ("Tangerine") brings his hyper-realistic style to "The Florida Project," a look at those who live on the fringes of society directly in the shadow of Disney World. Susan and Russ review this unusual comic drama about a motel manager (Willem DeFoe) and the under-supervised transient kids who live there. Young Brooklynn Prince gives a terrific child performance as Moonee in this plotless movie about the poor in America.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-florida-project-r/" title="Take Two: “The Florida Project” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Justice League” (PG-13), “Lady Bird” (R), “Wonder” (PG) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/17/2017 |
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It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s “The Avengers!” Er, no, it’s “Justice League.” The DC cinematic universe plays catch up with Marvel by finally getting its superhero coalition to the big screen. Thankfully, it’s a competent offering, written and partially directed by Joss Whedon, the man who gave us the big screen version of The Avengers. While offering little that's original, "Justice League" is a reliably familiar franchise entry, a marked improvement from “Batman v Superman” and Ezra Miller adds a welcome spark as The Flash.
Greta Gerwig has been making an impression for the last few years for her acting work in low-budget art house indie flicks. With “Lady Bird,” she proves her greatest talent lies behind the camera. Saorise Ronan stars as Christine, a Sacramento girl loosely based on Gerwig during her teenage years. Christine faces adolescent challenges in the early 2000s and acts out against her mother, brilliantly played by Laurie Metcalf. The cast is terrific and the dialogue is sharp and realistic. “Lady Bird” is a funny, insightful and fresh take on the coming-of-age genre.
If you decide to see “Wonder,” the big screen adaptation of the bestselling children’s novel, be sure to take along the Kleenex. Young Jacob Tremblay is solid as Augie, a boy born with a serious facial deformity. His parents, played by Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, home school him to protect him from the cold, cruel world. Augie has some tough challenges when his folks finally decide to send him to public school, While the movie is emotionally manipulative, it’s so well made and acted that you probably won’t mind. It gently promotes its message of kindness and is a welcome relief from Hollywood cynicism.
Also opening this week, “I Remember You” is an Icelandic supernatural thriller based on the novel, “Queen of Icelandic Crime.”
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-justice-league-pg-13-lady-bird-r-wonder-pg/" title="Freeze Frame: “Justice League” (PG-13), “Lady Bird” (R), “Wonder” (PG)"/]Take Two: “Lady Bird” (R) ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/17/2017 |
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Actress Greta Gerwig steps behind the camera and, as a writer/director, proves her mettle. Russ and Susan agree that "Lady Bird" is a beautifully acted, written and directed coming-of-age story set in the early 2000s. Saoirse Ronan plays a young girl coping with adolescence in a Catholic school in Sacramento, CA. Laurie Metcalf is her put upon mom.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-lady-bird-r/" title="Take Two: “Lady Bird” (R)"/]Freeze Frame: “Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Florida Project” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/10/2017 |
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Kenneth Branagh’s take on the classic Agatha Christie whodunit “Murder on the Orient Express” is like its namesake: Luxurious, workmanlike…and just a bit stodgy. Branagh plays Belgian detective Hercule Poirot who is pressed into service when a gangster, played by Johnny Depp, is murdered on a train traveling from Istanbul to London. The long list of suspects includes Judi Dench, Penélope Cruz, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer and Willem Dafoe. While the termination isn’t particularly memorable, the journey on this Orient Express is pleasant enough.
The poor who live on the fringes of society are the focus of “The Florida Project,” a realistic slice of life drama set in the seedy shadow of Disney World. Willem Dafoe plays the manager of a low rent motel catering to families with mischievous, potentially delinquent kids who lack supervision. Most of the focus is on Moonee, played by young Brooklyn Prince, and her prostitute mom, played by newcomer Bria Vinaite (Vin-EYE-tay). The cast is spot-on, particularly Prince, who gives one of the best juvenile performances you’re likely to see. Writer/director Sean Baker offers little in the way of plot, opting to fill the gritty R-rated film with a slowly unfolding series of vignettes. It builds, however, to an emotionally gripping finale. “The Florida Project” is definitely not for everyone, but it’s an observant examination of modern American poverty.
Also opening this week, “Mayhem” in an R-rated action/adventure/horror film starring Steven Yeun. In a film with the title of a female dog, Marianna Palka plays a poorly treated housewife who goes psychotic and assumes the identity of a dog. “My Friend Dahmer” is a drama about one of America’s most infamous serial killers. “Daddy’s Home 2” is a sequel to the 2015 comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. “Wonderstruck” is a drama based on Brian Selznick’s acclaimed novel involving two stories about runaway kids, spaced 50 years apart.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-murder-orient-express-florida-project/" title="Freeze Frame: “Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Florida Project”"/]Take Two: “Jane” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/10/2017 |
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Famed simian expert Jane Goodall is the subject of the documentary, "Jane" that features footage shot by her former husband, acclaimed wildlife photographer Hugo van Lawick. Susan and Russ take a peek.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-jane/" title="Take Two: “Jane”"/]Take Two: “Suburbicon” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/03/2017 |
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Does George Clooney + the Coen Brothers + Matt Damon = a hit? Not so fast. Susan and Russ take a look at a very edgy, pitch black comedy that that dares to shake up our conception of the idyllic American suburbia of the 1950s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-suburbicon/" title="Take Two: “Suburbicon”"/]Freeze Frame: “Suburbicon,” “Goodbye Christopher Robin,” “All I See is You” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/27/2017 |
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“Suburbicon,” a twisted collaboration between director George Clooney and the Coen Brothers, is a satiric poke in the eye to the idea of an idyllic 50s American suburbia. This pitch black comedy stars Matt Damon and Julianne Moore in a violent tale of murder and racism. In spite of its interesting sociological subtext, it never quite works.
The troubled relationship between Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne and his son is at the heart of the low-key drama, “Goodbye Christopher Robin.” Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie and young Will Tilston star in this well meaning but slow and manipulative weeper. It’s competent, but bittersweet.
“All I See is You” is a pretentious drama starring Blake Lively as a blind woman who, after a sight-restoring operation, discovers her married life isn’t what she perceived it to be. It’s a gimmicky example of visual overkill from director Marc Forster.
Also opening this week, “Thank You For Your Service” is about the struggles that U.S. soldiers’ encounter upon returning from Iraq. Miles Teller stars. “Walking Out” is a father-son drama set during a hunting trip in the wilderness. Matt Bomer and Bill Pullman star. “A Silent Voice” is a Japanese anime offering about teen bullying. “Human Flow” is a documentary about refugees from famed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. “Breathe” stars Andrew Garfield in the true story of a man suffering from crippling polio who traveled the world with his wife to help others like him. “Jigsaw” is the latest entry in the grisly “Saw” horror franchise. “Tragedy Girls” is a horror comedy about teens who pursue a serial killer.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-suburbicon-goodbye-christopher-robin-see/" title="Freeze Frame: “Suburbicon,” “Goodbye Christopher Robin,” “All I See is You”"/]Take Two: “Blade Runner 2049” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/27/2017 |
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A sequel released 35 years after the original has struggled at the box office. But, the 1982 original struggled in theaters, too. "Blade Runner" became a classic thanks to home video. Susan and Russ take a look at "Blade Runner 2049" starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, directed by Denis Villeneuve ("Arrival").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-blade-runner-2049/" title="Take Two: “Blade Runner 2049”"/]Take Two: “American Made” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/20/2017 |
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"American Made" tells the remarkable true story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who was recruited by the CIA to do aerial reconnaissance over Central America in the 1980s. Tom Cruise plays Seal, who became a drugs and arms smuggler and eventually established a secret training ground for Nicaraguan Contras in Mena, Arkansas. The movie was directed by Doug Liman ("The Bourne Identity").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-american-made/" title="Take Two: “American Made”"/]TAKE TWO: “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/13/2017 |
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Four Oscar-winners (Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry) join Taron Edgerton, Channing Tatum and Sir Elton John(!) in Matthew Vaughn's wacky comic book sequel to the 2015 hit about a secret British society of super agents that make James Bond look tame. Rated R.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-kingsman-golden-circle/" title="TAKE TWO: “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”"/]TAKE TWO: “Different Flowers” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/06/2017 |
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Morgan Dameron, a KC native who worked as assistant to director J. J. Abrams ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens"), shot her first film as writer/director, a gentle comedy called "Different Flowers." The film stars Emma Bell ("The Walking Dead") and Hope Lauren ("Supergirl") as sisters who take off on a road trip when one of them gets cold feet at the alter. They visit the farm of their grandmother (Shelly Long from "Cheers") while deciding what to do with the rest of their lives. The film was shot in and around the Kansas City area.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-different-flowers/" title="TAKE TWO: “Different Flowers”"/]Take Two: “Battle of the Sexes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/29/2017 |
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The infamous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs was viewed on TV by 90 million people. The new film "Battle of the Sexes" is a comic drama that places it in the context of the social change of that era. Oscar winner Emma Stone and Steve Carell star in the movie directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris ("Little Miss Sunshine") and written by Simon Beaufoy ("Slumdog Millionaire"). Susan and Russ share their views.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-battle-sexes/" title="Take Two: “Battle of the Sexes”"/]FREEZE FRAME: “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/22/2017 |
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Is the third time the charm for Lego's animated franchise? Well, even though the novelty is wearing a bit thin, "The Lego Ninjago Movie" is, for the most part, cheeky, colorful fun.
Jackie Chan leads the voice cast as Master Wu, who serves as mentor and inspiration for a group of wisecracking ninjas who protect their city from a none-too-bright evil warlord. Dave Franco, Fred Armisen, Olivia Munn and Justin Theroux lend voice support.
It plays a bit like a video game hyped up on caffeine. Adults may find the whole enterprise too noisy and familiar, but the kids who know the toys and the video games should revel in the zippy action.
The decadent comic book spy movie "Kingsman: The Secret Service" was an over-the-top surprise hit in 2015. The word "over" can apply a lot to, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," as well. It's overlong, overly silly and an exercise in overkill.
Four Oscar winning actors get mired in a plot so absurd that it makes James Bond look austere by comparison.
Also opening this week, Jake Gyllenhaal stars in “Stronger,” a true story about a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. “Rebel in the Rye” is a drama about author J. D. Salinger and his relationship with socialite Oona O’Neill. Nicholas Hoult and Zoey Deutch star. “Friend Request” is a teen horror flick involving social media. “Dayveon” is a drama about an orphaned boy who falls in with gang members in rural Arkansas. “Zoology” is a Russian drama about a woman who suddenly sprouts a tail. “Trophy” is a documentary about big game hunting. “Lost in Paris” is a whimsical French comedy about a librarian and a bum. Ben Stiller stars in “Brad’s Status,” a comic drama about a man who compares his life to that of his ultra successful friends.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-lego-ninjago-movie-kingsman-golden-circle/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”"/]TAKE TWO: “mother!” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/22/2017 |
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Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky's new horror allegory "mother!" provides meaty roles for Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer. But how good is this controversial thriller? Susan and Russ give us the lowdown.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-mother/" title="TAKE TWO: “mother!”"/]Freeze Frame: “American Assassin,” “13 Minutes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/15/2017 |
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Filmmakers have been trying for years to adapt the political thrillers by the late author Vince Flynn. His CIA super agent Mitch Rapp finally makes his big screen appearance in “American Assassin,” a noisy thriller that introduces us to Rapp in hopes of creating a new franchise.
Actor Dylan O’Brian, best known for the “Maze Runners” movies, plays Rapp, a young man who seeks revenge on terrorists who gunned down his girlfriend. He becomes a black ops recruit and goes into training with no-nonsense agent Stan Hurley, played by Michael Keaton. The training is cut short when a former CIA agent called “Ghost,” played by Taylor Kitsch, helps some rogue Iranians steal a nuclear weapon.
The movie has plenty of action and manages to rev up the audience with its violent revenge tale, but there are leaps of logic in the script that was written by committee, eroding the story’s credibility and dulling its impact. Still, “American Assassin” is lively enough to please most action fans.
Just when you thought every story about Nazi Germany had been told, along comes “13 Minutes.” Christian Friedel stars as Georg Elser, a German carpenter who, in November of 1939, created a time bomb all on his own that missed killing Hitler by a mere thirteen minutes. While the movie may not quite achieve the emotional resonance it was working for, it’s a fascinating account of a little-known piece of WWII history.
Also potentially opening this week, “All I See is You” is a Marc Forster drama about a blind woman, played by Blake Lively, who suddenly regains her sight and discovers things that put a strain on her marriage. And “mother!” is a hallucinatory psychological thriller from filmmaker Darren Aronofsky starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem and Michelle Pfeiffer. Lawrence plays a woman whose marriage is disrupted when unwanted strangers arrive on the scene.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-american-assassin-13-minutes/" title="Freeze Frame: “American Assassin,” “13 Minutes”"/]Take Two “Crown Heights” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/15/2017 |
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Susan and Russ focus on a "Crown Heights," a true story about a miscarriage of justice that gained attention through an episode of the NPR show, "This American Life." LaKeith Stanfield plays a man wrongly convicted of murder. His friends work tirelessly for years to free him and clear his name.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-crown-heights/" title="Take Two “Crown Heights”"/]Freeze Frame: “Patti Cake$,” “I Do…Until I Don’t” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/01/2017 |
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A white, plus-sized female rapper from a depressed New Jersey suburb may be the most unlikely movie lead of the year. In “Patti Cake$,” Australian actress Danielle Macdonald plays a young woman derisively called ‘Dumbo’ who tries to make her mark by entering a rap contest. Macdonald is very good and the movie initially strikes a realistically gritty, R-rated tone. But “Patti Cake$” succumbs to some “Rocky”-type movie clichés that prevent it from being a complete success.
And speaking of clichés, the romantic comedy “I Do…Until I Don’t” has its share as well. A terrific cast that includes Ed Helms, Mary Steenburgen, Paul Reiser, Wyatt Cenac and Amber Heard lends able support to the talented Lake Bell who wrote, produced, directed and stars in this raunchy but sentimental sitcom. Dolly Wells plays a British documentarian who recruits some married couples to prove her theory that marriage is an outdated institution. Although its heart is in the right place, “I Do…Until I Don’t” is a movie about contemporary marriage that seems divorced from reality.
Also opening this week, Oscar-winners Alicia Vikander and Christoph Waltz star in “Tulip Fever,” a romantic costume drama written by Tom Stoppard set in 17th Century Amsterdam. “Columbus” is a romantic drama starring John Cho as a Korean book translator who is stranded in a small American town. James Franco stars in a horror/bank heist movie, “The Vault.” “Lemon” is an absurdist comic drama about a struggling actor and his dysfunctional relationships. “Menashe” is a drama set amidst the New York’s Hasidic Jewish community. The Irish-American film festival takes place during KC Irish Fest Sept. 1-3rd at Crown Center. More info is available at kcirishfest.com. The 26th annual Latin American Film Festival begins Sept. 2nd at the Rio Theatre in Overland Park. Information is available at fineartsgroup.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-patti-cake-dont/" title="Freeze Frame: “Patti Cake$,” “I Do…Until I Don’t”"/]Freeze Frame: “Good Time,” “Ingrid Goes West,” “Leap!” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/25/2017 |
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Robert Pattinson works hard to shake his “Twilight” image in “Good Time,” a gritty crime drama that takes place in one night. He plays a none-too-bright bank robber who tries to get his mentally challenged brother released from jail. While the movie has an energetically sordid spirit, the incessant use of ultra close ups gets old very fast.
Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen are terrific in the unnerving and very disturbing comedy, “Ingrid Goes West.” Plaza plays a wacko who becomes obsessed with and stalks a social media star, played by Olsen. The movie is schizophrenic in tone and the finale is dubious, but it serves as a wry commentary about life in the Instagram age.
In spite of its title, the animated dance movie “Leap!” doesn’t take any chances. In 1800s France, a young girl escapes from an orphanage and heads to Paris with dreams of becoming a ballerina. Everything about “Leap!” is strictly by the numbers. It’s a colorful but uninspired tale of female empowerment that will appeal only to very undemanding youngsters.
Also opening this week, “The Trip to Spain” is the third movie in a comic series starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon about two pals and their gastronomical journeys. “Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story” is a documentary about Harold and Lillian Michelson, a storyboard artist and film researcher who worked on a number of classic movies. “Women Who Kill” is a comedy about former lesbian lovers who think they’ve met a serial killer. “Birth of the Dragon” is a biopic about marital arts star Bruce Lee. “All Saints” is a faith-based film starring John Corbett as the pastor of a struggling church. The Arts & Crafts Craft Beer and Indie Film Festival runs through August 31st at the Screenland Armour. More information is available at Screenland.com.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-good-time-ingrid-goes-west-leap/" title="Freeze Frame: “Good Time,” “Ingrid Goes West,” “Leap!”"/]Take Two: “The Glass Castle” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/25/2017 |
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The big screen adaptation of Janette Walls' bestselling memoir gets the once-over from Susan and Russ. Oscar-winner Brie Larson stars alongside Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts in the story of an exceptionally dysfunctional family. Writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton re-teams with Larson after their critically acclaimed collaboration, "Short Term 12."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-glass-castle/" title="Take Two: “The Glass Castle”"/]Take Two: “Detroit” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/18/2017 |
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Perhaps the most controversial film of the year, "Detroit" recounts story of the infamous Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 riots in Motor City. Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker") re-teams with screenwriter ("Zero Dark Thirty") to tell the tale of police brutality and murder.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-detroit/" title="Take Two: “Detroit”"/]Take Two: “Lady Macbeth” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/11/2017 |
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Susan and Russ take on an adaptation of a Russian novel whose setting has been relocated to Victorian England in 1865. Newcomer Florence Pugh plays Katherine, a young woman stuck in a loveless marriage to a nasty landowner. Things get complicated when she has a torrid affair with a virile workman, played by Cosmo Jarvis. When Katherine’s loutish husband gets wise, Katherine gets homicidal.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-lady-macbeth/" title="Take Two: “Lady Macbeth”"/]TAKE TWO: “A Ghost Story” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/04/2017 |
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Oscar-winner Casey Affleck ("Manchester by the Sea") and Oscar-nominee Rooney Mara ("Carol") star in a new art house entry from writer/director David Lowery ("Ain't Them Bodies Saints"). Susan and Russ cover this melancholy effort that, in spite of its title, is not a horror film.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ghost-story/" title="TAKE TWO: “A Ghost Story”"/]Take Two: “Atomic Blonde” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/28/2017 |
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Based on a popular graphic novel, "Atomic Blonde" is a decadent and violent spy thriller. Oscar-winner Charlize Theron portrays a highly skilled British spy sent on a dangerous mission in Germany just prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The cast also includes James McAvoy, John Goodman and Sophia Boutella. The director is famed stuntman-turned director, David Leitch ("John Wick," "John Wick 2").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-atomic-blonde/" title="Take Two: “Atomic Blonde”"/]Take Two: “Baby Driver” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/21/2017 |
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Susan and Russ take on the latest film from writer/director Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead"), a violent and profane action comedy. Ansel Elgort ("The Fault in our Stars," "Divergent") plays the title role, a getaway driver who uses music to help him concentrate and cope with tinnitus. Things get tricky when he double-crosses mob boss Kevin Spacey ("House of Cards) and thugs Jamie Foxx ("Django Unchained") and Jon Hamm ("Mad Men").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-baby-driver/" title="Take Two: “Baby Driver”"/]Take Two: “War for the Planet of the Apes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/14/2017 |
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Susan and Russ have a slight disagreement about the third installment of the franchise reboot that began in 2011. The tentpole summer blockbuster has more depth than one might expect from a Hollywood entry, but Susan had a few qualms about certain aspects of this sequel. Andy Serkis (with the aid of special effects wizards) plays Caesar, the intelligent ape, and Woody Harrelson portrays a nasty human colonel who wants to wipe out all of the non-human simians.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-war-planet-apes/" title="Take Two: “War for the Planet of the Apes”"/]Take Two: “The Beguiled” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/07/2017 |
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Director Sophia Coppola won the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival for "The Beguiled," a remake of Clint Eastwood's 1971 Civil War drama. Colin Farrell stars as a wounded Union deserter who takes shelter in a small Virginia girl's boarding school run by Nicole Kidman. Sexual tensions run high. The cast also includes Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning. Russ and Susan weigh in.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-beguiled/" title="Take Two: “The Beguiled”"/]TAKE TWO: “Paris Can Wait” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/30/2017 |
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At the age of 81, filmmaker Eleanor Coppola (wife of Francis Ford Coppola and mother of Sophia) wrote and directed her first dramatic film "Paris Can Wait." Diane Lane plays the wife of a successful Hollywood producer (Alec Baldwin). While in France, she goes on a cross-country drive with one of her husband's associates (Aranud Viard). Does a romance evolve? Susan and Russ find common ground in their reaction to this romantic road
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-paris-can-wait/" title="TAKE TWO: “Paris Can Wait”"/]Take Two: “Megan Leavey” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/23/2017 |
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Susan and Russ check out "Megan Leavey," the true story of a Marine and her bomb-sniffing dog who served with distinction in Iraq. Kate Mara ("The Fantastic Four") takes the title role, supported by Edie Falco, Common, Bradley Whitford and Ramone Rodriguez. It is the first dramatic film from director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, best known for her award-winning documentary, "Blackfish."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-megan-leavey/" title="Take Two: “Megan Leavey”"/]Take Two: “My Cousin Rachel” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/16/2017 |
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Susan and Russ review a new adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's classic gothic mystery, "My Cousin Rachel." Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz ("The Constant Gardener") takes on the title role of a widow who may or may not have murdered her husband. Sam Claflin ("The Hunger Games") plays a young heir who falls under her spell. The film co-stars Iain Glen ("Game of Thrones") and Holliday Grainger ("Cinderella") and was directed by Roger Michell ("Notting Hill").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-cousin-rachel/" title="Take Two: “My Cousin Rachel”"/]TAKE TWO: “Wonder Woman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/09/2017 |
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Is the new feminist take on superhero movies really super? Susan and Russ take on the DC Comics adaptation that stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine and was directed by Lawrence, Kansas native Patty Jenkins.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-wonder-woman/" title="TAKE TWO: “Wonder Woman”"/]Take Two: Movies today vs yesterday ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/02/2017 |
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Susan and Russ take a break from reviewing current movies to discuss the difference between today's cinematic fare and that of the depression era. Fantasy is still the focus, but it plays out in different ways.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-movies-today-vs-yesterday/" title="Take Two: Movies today vs yesterday"/]TAKE TWO: “Norman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/26/2017 |
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Susan and Russ have different takes on "Norman," a character study starring Richard Gere, Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi. Gere plays a wheeler dealer who uses his relationship with an Israeli government official to ingratiate himself with the Jewish business elite of New York City.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-norman/" title="TAKE TWO: “Norman”"/]Take Two: “The Circle” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/19/2017 |
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Susan and Russ check out "The Circle," a high tech thriller adapted by screenwriter Dave Eggers from his own novel. Emma Watson and Tom Hanks star in the story of a powerful Silicon Valley company (think Google) that may have insidious plans. The film was directed by James Ponsoldt ("The Spectacular Now," "The End of the Tour").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-circle/" title="Take Two: “The Circle”"/]TAKE TWO: “Snatched” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/12/2017 |
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Susan and Russ review the raunchy comedy, "Snatched," a farce about a mother-daughter trip to Equador that goes terribly awry. The cast includes Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn, Wanda Sykes and Joan Cusack.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-snatched/" title="TAKE TWO: “Snatched”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Promise” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/28/2017 |
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It’s no accident that “The Promise” is the second war drama to open in the last few weeks that’s set in Turkey during the run up to WWI. The earlier film, “The Ottoman Lieutenant,” gives the Turkish point of view, minimizing the cost of the conflict to the Armenian people. “The Promise” supports the view of an Armenian genocide. “The Promise” is a romantic triangle about an Armenian medical student, played by Oscar Isaac, who falls for an Armenian nanny, played by Charlotte Le Bon. Problem is, the nanny’s boyfriend is an American journalist, played by Christian Bale, and the Turks are about to wipe them all out.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-promise/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Promise”"/]TAKE TWO: “Going in Style” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/21/2017 |
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Susan and Russ check out the new comedy from director Zach Braff. "Going in Style" is a loose remake of the 1979 comic drama that starred George Burns. This new version is much lighter, starring Oscar winners Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin as three retirees who, faced with financial difficulties, decide to rob a bank. The film also features Ann-Margaret in a supporting role.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-going-style/" title="TAKE TWO: “Going in Style”"/]TAKE TWO: “Land of Mine” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/07/2017 |
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A Danish Oscar nominee is the focus of this week's segment. Susan and Russ share their thoughts on this bleak post WWII drama based on actual events. The story is about German soldiers captured by the Danish military, forced to deactivate the thousands of mines that the Germans had placed along Danish beaches. This was, essentially, a suicide mission and the German soldiers were teenagers, most too young to shave. The film was directed by Martin Zandviet.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-land-mine/" title="TAKE TWO: “Land of Mine”"/]TAKE TWO: “Wilson” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/31/2017 |
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Susan and Russ take on a comic drama based upon a popular graphic novel. "Wilson" stars Woody Harrelson as a misanthrope whose ex-wife informs him that he has a teenage daughter. Director Craig Johnson ("The Skeleton Twins") and the story's creator, Daniel Clowes ("Ghost World") stay true to the story's dour tone.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-wilson/" title="TAKE TWO: “Wilson”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Sense of an Ending” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/24/2017 |
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Can a youthful mistake be amended in one’s old age? What if the memory of it is unreliable? These are the central questions behind the British art house entry, “The Sense of an Ending.” Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent plays a man whose former girlfriend’s mother leaves him a mysterious diary in her will. Problem is, the old girlfriend refuses to give it to him. While the movie never quite mines the depth it seeks, it’s an interesting effort that’s impeccably acted.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sense-ending/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Sense of an Ending”"/]TAKE TWO: “Kong: Skull Island” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/17/2017 |
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In an unusual turn, Susan and Russ take a look at a Hollywood blockbuster, "Kong: Skull Island." This is the second in a series of 'reboots' that started with the remake of "Godzilla" in 2014. (Look for "Kong vs Godzilla" in the near future.) Tom HIddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly lead the stellar cast in this big budget monster fli
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-kong-skull-island/" title="TAKE TWO: “Kong: Skull Island”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Salesman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/03/2017 |
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Famed Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi received his second Best Foreign Language Film Oscar for the insightful and involving drama, "The Salesman." Susan and Russ take a look at this story about two actors, a man and wife, who are appearing in a production of Arthur Miller's classic play, "The Death of a Salesman." Things get tricky when they move into a new apartment and one of them is accosted by a stranger.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-salesman/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Salesman”"/]TAKE TWO: “I Am Not Your Negro” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/24/2017 |
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Raoul Peck's Oscar-nominated documentary "I Am Not Your Negro" is a compelling work about the late African-American writer James Baldwin and his relationship with three Civil Rights workers who were all assassinated: Medgar Evers, Malcom X and Martin Luther King. Using archived footage and the voice of Samuel L. Jackson to read Baldwin's words, this is a very timely, resonant movie.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-not-negro/" title="TAKE TWO: “I Am Not Your Negro”"/]Take Two: “A Dog’s Purpose” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/17/2017 |
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Susan and Russ review a sentimental adaptation of W. Bruce Cameron's bestselling novel. It's the story of a dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who is reincarnated a number of times until he discovers the reason for his existence. The film was directed by Lasse Hallstrom ("Chocolate") and stars Dennis Quaid and Peggy Lipton.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-dogs-purpose/" title="Take Two: “A Dog’s Purpose”"/]TAKE TWO: “Julieta” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/10/2017 |
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Russ and Susan take a look at the latest melodrama from acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar. "Julieta" has all of the splashy color and over-the-top flourishes that are the hallmark of Almodovar's films. It's the story of a mother-daughter relationship. In a series of flashbacks, we learn how the two became estranged. Emma Suarez plays the elder Julieta and Adriana Ugarta plays her younger self.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-julieta/" title="TAKE TWO: “Julieta”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Founder” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/03/2017 |
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Susan and Russ take on "The Founder," a biopic about Ray Kroc, the man who turned the fast food pioneer McDonald's into an American behemoth. Michael Keaton plays Kroc, a struggling salesman who achieved success by stabbing people in the back. The movie chronicles Kroc's manipulation of Richard and Maurice McDonald, the men who were the restaurant's actual founders. Laura Dern, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch and B.J. Novak co-star. "The Founder" was directed by John Lee Hancock ("The Blind Side").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-founder-2/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Founder”"/]TAKE TWO: “20th Century Women” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/27/2017 |
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Susan and Russ explore the latest film from writer/director Mike Mills, the man behind the award-winning 2011 movie, "Beginners." This semi-autobiographical tale is a coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old boy being brought up in bohemian fashion by his liberal mom, played by Annette Bening.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-20th-century-women/" title="TAKE TWO: “20th Century Women”"/]TAKE TWO: “Elle” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/25/2017 |
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Susan and Russ cover a controversial film that won the Best Foreign Language Film prize as well as Best Actress at this year's Golden Globes. Isabelle Huppert ("Amour") plays a successful businesswoman who is brutally raped, and then begins a strange relationship with her attacker. "Elle" represents a bit of a return to form for director Paul Verhoeven, known for "Basic Instinct," "RoboCop" and the notorious "Showgirls."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-elle/" title="TAKE TWO: “Elle”"/]TAKE TWO: “Collateral Beauty” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/30/2016 |
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The great cast includes Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kiera Knightly, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet and Naomi Harris. The director is David Frankel ("The Devil Wears Prada") and the writer is Allan Loeb ("Things We Lost in the Fire"). So, what happened?? Russ and Susan agree that this dour drama is a hokey mess.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-collateral-beauty-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Collateral Beauty” #filmreview #podcast"/]FREEZE FRAME: Russ’ 10 Best Movies of 2016 list. ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/30/2016 |
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At the close 2016, it’s time to look back the best movies the year had to offer. Here’s my list of the cream of the cinematic crop.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-russ-10-best-movies-2016-list/" title="FREEZE FRAME: Russ’ 10 Best Movies of 2016 list."/]TAKE TWO: “Nocturnal Animals” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/16/2016 |
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Fashion designer Tom Ford's second effort as a filmmaker is "Nocturnal Animals." Susan and Russ examine this difficult film, which is rated "R" even though it might have deserved an "NC-17" rating. A very dark and violent tale of revenge, "Nocturnal Animals" stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-nocturnal-animals-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Nocturnal Animals” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Manchester by the Sea” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/09/2016 |
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Manchester by the Sea is an American drama film directed and written by Kenneth Lonergan and starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Gretchen Mol and Lucas Hedges. The plot follows an uncle who has to look after his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-manchester-sea/" title="TAKE TWO: “Manchester by the Sea”"/]TAKE TWO: “Allied” #filmreview podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/02/2016 |
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Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in a "Casablanca" wannabe called "Allied." This romantic WWII drama features Pitt as a Canadian intelligence officer who falls in love with a French Resistance fighter (Cotillard) who may -or may not- be a Nazi spy. While Susan and Russ found some things to admire, they agreed about the movies weaknesses as well.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-allied-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Allied” #filmreview podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Arrival” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/18/2016 |
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Susan and Russ celebrate the arrival of an intelligent, thought-provoking sci-fi movie. "Arrival" stars Amy Adams as a linguist who is recruited by the US military to help them communicate with aliens who have come to Earth in a dozen gigantic space pods. What is their intent? This movie from French Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve may not be for those who hate ambiguity.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-arrival-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Arrival” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Hacksaw Ridge” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/11/2016 |
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Oscar-winner Mel Gibson returns to the director's chair for "Hacksaw Ridge," the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during WWII who wound up winning the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving 75 men on a battlefield in Okinawa. Andrew Garfield ("The Amazing Spider-Man") plays Doss and Vince Vaughn is his drill sergeant. Susan and Russ agree that the grisly battle scenes are among the most authentic captured on screen.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hacksaw-ridge-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Hacksaw Ridge” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Certain Women” #FilmReview Podcat ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/04/2016 |
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Susan and Russ agree that the subtle charms of the austere drama "Certain Women" won't appeal to everyone. Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart and Lily Gladstone star in this slice-of-life film that features three intertwining stories about small town Montana life. The low key film comes from writer/director Kelly Reichardt ("Meek's Cutoff"), based on short stories by Maile Meloy.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-certain-women-filmreview-podcat/" title="TAKE TWO: “Certain Women” #FilmReview Podcat"/]TAKE TWO: “Denial” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/28/2016 |
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An important British legal case is at the heart of "Denial," a true story that pits an American historian against a British Holocaust denier. Deborah Lipstadt (Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz) is sued by writer David Irving for libel when she calls him a liar for his antisemitic claims. Susan and Russ have very different takes on this drama written by David Hare ("The Hours") and directed by Mick Jackson ("Live from Baghdad").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-denial-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Denial” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “American Honey” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/21/2016 |
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The realistic Shia LaBeouf drama "American Honey" was largely shot in the Kansas City area. It won the Jury Prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Susan and Russ give their reactions to this story about a wandering band of bohemian teenagers who travel around the midwest selling magazines. It's from acclaimed British filmmaker Andrea Arnold.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-american-honey-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “American Honey” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “The Birth of a Nation” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/14/2016 |
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The story of Nat Turner's slave revolt of 1831 hasn't been dramatized on film...until now. Susan and Russ discuss the merits and flaws of this intriguing historical drama. Nate Parker wrote, directed, produced and takes the lead role in this opus that shines a spotlight on the horrors of American slavery.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-birth-nation-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Birth of a Nation” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “The Girl on the Train” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/07/2016 |
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Susan and Russ check out a Hitchcock wannabe, a thriller based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hopkins. The terrific cast includes Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Edgar Ramirez, Lisa Kudrow and Laura Prepon. This suspense flick was directed by Tate Taylor, best known for "The Help."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-girl-train-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Girl on the Train” #FilmReview"/]TAKE TWO: “Masterminds” #filmreview podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/30/2016 |
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Susan and Russ take a look at a wacky comedy produced by Loren Michaels of "Saturday Night Live" that features a number of SNL alums. Zach Galifankis stars in the true story of a group of inept thieves who make off with millions only to make idiotic decisions that come back to haunt them. It was directed by Jared Hess, the man behind "Napoleon Dynamite."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-masterminds-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Masterminds” #filmreview podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “The Magnificent Seven” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/23/2016 |
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Susan and Russ have different takes on the remake of the western classic from 1960. The location, motives and back stories have changed, but the David vs. Goliath elements remain the same. This is the first time that Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke and director Antoine Fuqua have worked together since Washington's Oscar-winning turn in "Training Day."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-magnificent-seven-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Magnificent Seven” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Sully” #FilmReview #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/16/2016 |
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With Clint Eastwood behind the camera and Tom Hanks in front, "Sully" was deemed a surefire box office hit. Indeed, the true story of the airline captain who steered a jet to a successful emergency landing in the Hudson River has captured the imagination of eager audiences. Susan and Russ agree that it's a crowd pleaser.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sully-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Sully” #FilmReview #Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Morgan” #Podcast #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/09/2016 |
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Luke Scott, the son of director Ridley Scott, makes his directorial debut with "Morgan," a creepy sci-fi entry about a clandestine corporate effort to create a superior artificial human. The cast includes Kate Mara, Toby Jones, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Paul Giamatti. Susan and Russ are in agreement that this is a thriller with some inherent flaws.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-morgan-podcast-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “Morgan” #Podcast #FilmReview"/]TAKE TWO: “Hands of Stone” #FilmReview Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/02/2016 |
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A biopic about one of the greatest boxers of all time, "Hands of Stone" highlights the ups and downs in the life of Roberto Duran. Edgar Ramirez portrays the Panamanian brawler, Robert De Niro is his trainer, Ray Arcel, and Usher Raymond is Duran's nemesis, Sugar Ray Leonard. Susan and Russ have very different perspectives on this one.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hands-of-stone-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Hands of Stone” #FilmReview Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Ben-Hur” #FilmReview #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/26/2016 |
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The powerhouse production duo of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have taken on the daunting task of remaking a movie classic, "Ben-Hur." Jack Huston plays the title role in this epic based on the novel by General Lew Wallace. So, how does it stack up against the 1959 Charlton Heston version that won 11 Academy Awards including "Best Picture?" Susan and Russ are of one mind about this reboot that makes some changes to the original story.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ben-hur-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Ben-Hur” #FilmReview #Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Hell or High Water” Film Review #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/19/2016 |
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Oscar bait? Susan and Russ chat about a new contemporary Western thriller starring Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Gil Birmingham. The screenwriter is responsible for last year's hit thriller, "Sicario." Pine and Foster play bank robbers who are taking revenge on the financial institutions that ruined their family ranch. Bridges and Birmingham play the cops who are on their trail.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hell-high-water-film-review-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Hell or High Water” Film Review #Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Café Society” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/12/2016 |
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Is Woody Allen's latest movie among his best? The story involves a young New Yorker (Jesse Eisenberg) who goes to Hollywood in the 1930s to work with his uncle (Steve Carell), a top Tinseltown agent. Complications arise when they start romancing the same woman (Kristen Stewart). Lackluster or blockbuster? Susan and Russ fill us in.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-cafe-society/" title="TAKE TWO: “Café Society”"/]TAKE TWO: “Captain Fantastic” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/05/2016 |
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Susan and Russ cover a drama that, in spite of its title, is not the latest superhero movie, Viggo Mortensen ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) stars as a father who attempts to raise his children completely 'off the grid.' When his wife dies, her family attempts to take the children away from him. This film was written and directed by actor Matt Ross, best known for for playing Gavin on the HBO TV series, "Silicon Valley."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-captain-fantastic/" title="TAKE TWO: “Captain Fantastic”"/]TAKE TWO: “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2016 |
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The BBC sitcom ran, off and on, for 21 years. Susan and Russ check out the big screen version starring Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders as aging, clueless fashionistas. As Susan puts it, they're like female versions of Donald Trump, shallow and materialistic.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-absolutely-fabulous-movie/" title="TAKE TWO: “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie”"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Jason Bourne,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Nerve,” “Cafe Society” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2016 |
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If you’re looking for frenetic action, car chases and general paranoid mayhem then look no further than “Jason Bourne.” Matt Damon returns for the fourth time as Robert Ludlum’s CIA super assassin seeking revenge against those who stole his identity. Director Paul Greengrass’ herky-jerky camera style gets a bit tedious at times and the whole enterprise seems all too familiar, but most fans will get exactly the cinematic chaos they expect.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-jason-bourne-captain-fantastic-nerve-cafe-society/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Jason Bourne,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Nerve,” “Cafe Society”"/]TAKE TWO: “Finding Dory” Movie Review Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/22/2016 |
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It's taken 13 years, but Pixar has finally delivered a sequel to their wildly popular animated entry, "Finding Nemo." Susan and Russ give their thoughts on "Finding Dory," and compare its quality with that of the original aquatic hit.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-finding-dory-movie-review-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Finding Dory” Movie Review Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “The Infiltrator” Movie Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/15/2016 |
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He was one of the first to say, "Follow the money" when trying to break up a drug cartel. Robert Mazur was an undercover federal agent who helped bring down Pablo Escobar's cocaine empire in the 1980s. Bryan Cranston plays Mazur in this dramatic true story that gets split opinions from Susan and Russ.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-infiltrator-movie-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Infiltrator” Movie Review"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Ghostbusters,” “The Infiltrator,” “The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble,” “Weiner-Dog” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/15/2016 |
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When you wanna laugh, who you gonna call? Guess what, all you misogynistic Internet trolls who were certain that an all-female version of "Ghostbusters" would be a disastrous rip-off. The new "Ghostbusters" is actually good, goofy fun.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-ghostbusters-the-infiltrator-the-music-of-strangers-yo-yo-ma-and-the-silk-road-ensemble-weiner-dog/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Ghostbusters,” “The Infiltrator,” “The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble,” “Weiner-Dog”"/]TAKE TWO: “Free State of Jones” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/08/2016 |
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Susan and Russ are on the same page about this Civil War drama. Matthew McConaughey plays Newton Knight, a Confederate deserter who forms a rag-tag army of deserters and escaped slaves that rebel against the Rebels. Based on a true story, this drama was directed by Gary Ross ("The Hunger Games") and also stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Keri Russell as Knight's wives.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-free-state-jones/" title="TAKE TWO: “Free State of Jones”"/]TAKE TWO: “Weiner” – film review podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2016 |
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons take a look at a 'warts-and-all' documentary about former New York congressman Anthony Weiner whose career was undone by a sexting scandal. The filmmakers follow Weiner as he attempts a comeback by running for mayor of New York. It's shows his rise and fall and rise and fall again, and the toll it took on his family and associates.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-weiner-film-review-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Weiner” – film review podcast"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Free State of Jones” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2016 |
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Ever seen a movie that should have been great but just missed the mark? Such is the case with “Free State of Jones,” an earnest and well-meaning historical drama undone by a jagged structure that prevents it from being the gripping experience it should have been.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-free-state-of-jones/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Free State of Jones”"/]TAKE TWO: “Maggie’s Plan” film review-podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/17/2016 |
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons are of one mind about "Maggie's Plan," a new comedy from writer/director Rebecca Miller ("Personal Velocity)" and starring Greta Gerwig ("Frances Ha"), Ethan Hawke ("Boyhood") and Julianne Moore ("Still Alice"). Gerwig plays a college professor who wants to have a child...but not, necessarily, get married. It aims at charm and whimsy over substance.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-maggies-plan/" title="TAKE TWO: “Maggie’s Plan” film review-podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Love & Friendship” #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/10/2016 |
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Susan and Russ give an overview of a unique adaptation of Jane Austen's "Lady Susan." Kate Beckinsale stars in this comic period piece about a manipulative woman in 1790s England. It was written and directed by American filmmaker Whit Stillman, best know for his offbeat flicks like "Metropolitan" and "The Last Days of Disco."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-love-friendship-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Love & Friendship” #Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Me Before You” #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/03/2016 |
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Susan and Russ have slightly different takes on the romantic drama based on the bestselling novel. Emilia Clark and Sam Claflin star in this tearjerker that marks the film directing debut of noted theater auteur Thea Sharrock. Jo Jo Moyes adapted the screenplay from her book.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-me-before-you-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Me Before You” #Podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “The Man Who Knew Infinity” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/27/2016 |
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Susan and Russ take on the story of self-taught Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, a pioneer who made major contributions to the field. “The Man Who Knew Infinity” is an earnest and well-meaning biopic starring Dev Patel as the mathematical genius and Jeremy Irons as his British mentor, professor G. H. Hardy. Both Susan and Russ agree on the merits and demerits of this earnest biopic.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-man-who-knew-infinity/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Man Who Knew Infinity”"/]TAKE TWO: “Money Monster” Podcast Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/20/2016 |
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Three Oscar winners (George Clooney, Julia Roberts & Jodi Foster) join forces to bring a financial thriller to the big screen. Clooney plays a cable TV financial 'expert' who is taken hostage on the air by a disgruntled viewer who lost all of his money by following the pundit's advice. Russ and Susan have different takes on this suspense flick.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-money-monster-podcast-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Money Monster” Podcast Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Papa: Hemingway in Cuba” #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/13/2016 |
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Susan and Russ take on a biopic about famed author Ernest Hemingway (stage actor Adrian Sparks) and his mentorship of novice writer Denne Bart Peticlerc, played by Giovanni Ribisi. The script was written by Peticlerc, based on his experiences with the tortured author. This was the first Hollywood film shot in Cuba in over 50 years.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-papa-hemingway-cuba-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Papa: Hemingway in Cuba” #podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Louder Than Bombs” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/06/2016 |
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Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg and Isabelle Huppert star in “Louder Than Bombs,” a thoughtful, well acted and profoundly sad look at how one family deals with grief after a tragic event. Russ says, "It’s smart, observant and involving, but never quite achieves the level of emotional devastation it was aiming for." Susan says, "I really had trouble with this film."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-louder-bombs-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Louder Than Bombs” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Miles Ahead” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/29/2016 |
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Kansas City's own Don Cheadle wrote, produced, directed and stars in this experimental "biopic" about legendary jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis. Susan and Russ have very different perspectives on this movie, which is fictional and not a conventional biography in any sense of the word.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-miles-ahead-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Miles Ahead” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Barbershop: The Next Cut” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/22/2016 |
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Ice Cube and Common lead the cast in the third (or fourth, if you count "Beauty Shop") in the comedy franchise. This time out, the barbers and hairdressers are concerned about rising gang violence in their Chicago neighborhood. Susan and Russ chat about the mix of comedy, social commentary and soap opera in this production. Other cast members include Eve, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall and Nikki Minaj.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-barbershop-the-next-cut-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “Barbershop: The Next Cut” #FilmReview"/]TAKE TWO: “I Saw the Light” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/08/2016 |
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British actor Tom Hiddleston (Loki in "Thor" and "The Avengers") takes on the role of country music legend Hank Williams. Elizabeth Olsen plays his talentless wife who also wanted to be a star. Famed producer Mark Abraham took on the screenwriting and directing chores on this one. Susan and Russ are of one mind about the movie's effectiveness.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-saw-light-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “I Saw the Light” #filmreview #podcast"/]TAKE TWO: “Remember” film review podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/01/2016 |
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Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan offers a dark drama about a Holocaust survivor who is suffering from dementia. He plots with another survivor, confined to a wheelchair, to assassinate a Nazi guard who was responsible for the death of members of their families. Susan and Russ have very different takes on this film which stars two Oscar-winning actors, Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-remember-film-review-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Remember” film review podcast"/]FREEZE FRAME: “I Saw the Light,” ” Eye in the Sky” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/01/2016 |
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Hank Williams was one of the greatest country music stars of all time. His short and complicated life could make a truly great movie. Sadly, the musical biopic “I Saw the Light,” ain’t it. British actor Tom Hiddleston stars as the singer/songwriter whose cheatin’ ways, abuse of booze and drugs and emotional instability torpedoed all of his relationships. Elizabeth Olsen plays his talentless wife who wanted him to make her a star. These gifted actors can’t overcome the script’s fractured and episodic nature that never allows it to achieve any dramatic momentum. The only time the movie comes to life is during the sporadic musical numbers, and none of those are performed in their entirety. “I Saw the Light” could easily have been called, “Lost in the Dark.”
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-i-saw-the-light-eye-in-the-sky/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “I Saw the Light,” ” Eye in the Sky”"/]TAKE TWO: “Hello, My Name is Doris” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2016 |
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Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field stars in a comic drama that serves as an offbeat character study. Field plays an emotionally-stunted older woman who falls in love with a much younger man she meets at work. The solid supporting cast includes Tyne Daly, Stephen Root, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs and Elizabeth Reaser. It's written and directed by Michael Showalter ("Wet. Hot American Summer").
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-hello-my-name-is-doris-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Hello, My Name is Doris” #filmreview #podcast"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” “Remember” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2016 |
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The much-heralded superhero smack down has finally arrived. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is action-packed and visually striking. Problem is, it’s just not much fun.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-my-big-fat-greek-wedding-2-remember/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” “Remember”"/]TAKE TWO: “10 Cloverfield Lane” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2016 |
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Russ and Susan take us into another dimension, "a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination." But the next stop isn't "The Twilight Zone," it's "10 Cloverfield Lane," an offbeat thriller about an eccentric man (John Goodman) who abducts a young woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and takes her to an underground bunker. Is he a crazy kidnapper or is he saving her from an even worse fate? It's an effort by first-time director Dan Tractenberg and producer J.J. Abrams ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens.")
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-10-cloverfield-lane-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “10 Cloverfield Lane” #filmreview #podcast"/]FREEZE FRAME: “The Divergent Series: Allegiant,” “Hello, My Name is Doris,” “The Bronze” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2016 |
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Shailene Woodley and a likable cast do their best with what they’ve been given, but “Allegiant” comes off as little more than “The Hunger Games-Lite.”
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-divergent-series-allegiant-hello-name-doris-bronze/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “The Divergent Series: Allegiant,” “Hello, My Name is Doris,” “The Bronze”"/]TAKE TWO: “Whisky Tango Foxtrot” #FilmReview #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2016 |
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Susan and Russ take a look at Tina Fey's comic drama about a journalist and the experiences she had that were chronicled in her memoir, "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan."The film also stars Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina. It was directed by the team of John Requa and Glenn Ficarra ("Crazy, Stupid Love.")
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-whisky-tango-foxtrot-filmreview-podcast/" title="TAKE TWO: “Whisky Tango Foxtrot” #FilmReview #Podcast"/]FREEZE FRAME: “10 Cloverfield Lane” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2016 |
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Back in 2008, producer J.J. Abrams surprised audiences with a nifty sci-fi opus called, cryptically, “Cloverfield.” It seemed to have arrived out of nowhere and when on to become a box office smash. Well, Abrams has yet another surprise up his sleeve. The terrific suspense thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane" is the unannounced follow-up.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-10-cloverfield-lane/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “10 Cloverfield Lane”"/]TAKE TWO: Audio Podcast of “Mustang” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/04/2016 |
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Susan and Russ take on "Mustang," a film from Turkey that was nominated for this year's Best Foreign Language Oscar. "Mustang" tells the tale of five sisters who are virtually imprisoned in a family member's home to protect their virtue. They're removed from school and are taught skills needed to be obedient wives to the local boys that the family will choose for them. It was written and directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven and won César Awards for Best First Feature and Best Original Screenplay.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-audio-podcast-of-mustang-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: Audio Podcast of “Mustang” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: A Film Review of Michael Moore’s “Where to Invade Next” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/26/2016 |
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Susan and Russ check out Michael Moore's latest documentary. This travelogue has Moore traveling the world to see how other countries are handling some of the problems we're trying to cope with here in the USA.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-film-review-michael-moores-invade-next/" title="TAKE TWO: A Film Review of Michael Moore’s “Where to Invade Next”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Lady in the Van” Highlights Homelessness ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/19/2016 |
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Dame Maggie Smith leaves "Downton Abby" behind long enough to portray a homeless woman suffering from mental illness who occupies a parked van in the driveway of acclaimed British writer, Alan Bennett. Smith played this role to much acclaim on the British stage in 1999 and again on BBC radio in 2009. Both the play and the movie were written by Bennett, based upon his own experiences. The director is Nicholas Hytner, who also collaborated with Bennett on "The Madness of King George" and "The History Boys."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-lady-in-the-van-highlights-homelessness/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Lady in the Van” Highlights Homelessness"/]TAKE TWO: “45 Years” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/12/2016 |
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Russ and Susan take a look at "45 Years," a haunting drama about marriage. It features an Oscar-nominated performance from Charlotte Rampling as a woman who makes a discover that brings her to believe that her 45 year marriage may have been a sham. It also features a fine performance from Tom Courtenay as her husband who has hidden something from her for decades.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-45-years-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “45 Years” #FilmReview"/]TAKE TWO: New Coen Brothers Farce – “Hail, Caesar” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/05/2016 |
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Susan and Russ fill us in on a poke in the eye to old Hollywood that features an all-star cast.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-new-coen-brothers-farce-hail-caesar/" title="TAKE TWO: New Coen Brothers Farce – “Hail, Caesar”"/]TAKE TWO: “Anomalisa” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/29/2016 |
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"Anomalisa," the Oscar-nominated animated offering from Charlie Kaufman, gets very different reactions from Susan and Russ.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-anomalisa/" title="TAKE TWO: “Anomalisa”"/]FREEZE FRAME: “The Finest Hours” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/29/2016 |
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The true story of a daring rescue at sea is the focus for Russ this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-finest-hours/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “The Finest Hours”"/]TAKE TWO: “Joy” with Jennifer Lawrence ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/22/2016 |
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Susan and Russ share their takes on the latest collaboration between Jennifer Lawrence and David O. Russell.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-joy-with-jennifer-lawrence/" title="TAKE TWO: “Joy” with Jennifer Lawrence"/]TAKE TWO: “Carol” with Cate Blanchett ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/08/2016 |
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Susan and Russ have different perspectives on a romantic drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-carol-with-cate-blanchett/" title="TAKE TWO: “Carol” with Cate Blanchett"/]TAKE TWO: “Carol” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/01/2016 |
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Susan and Russ have very different takes on a new drama starring Cate Blanchett.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-carol/" title="TAKE TWO: “Carol”"/]TAKE TWO: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/24/2015 |
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons weigh in on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," a minor little indie release.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-star-wars-the-force-awakens-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Brooklyn” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/11/2015 |
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Susan and Russ offer insight on an old-fashioned romantic drama set in the 1950s.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-brooklyn-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “Brooklyn” #FilmReview"/]FREEZE FRAME: “In the Heart of the Sea” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/11/2015 |
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Russ covers Ron Howard's version of the seafaring epic that inspired "Moby-Dick."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-in-the-heart-of-the-sea/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “In the Heart of the Sea”"/]TAKE TWO: “Chi-Raq” by Local Filmmaker Kevin Willmott ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/04/2015 |
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Spike Lee's modern update of the ancient Greek comedy "Lysistrata" gets the once-over from Susan and Russ.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-chi-raq-by-local-filmmaker-kevin-willmott/" title="TAKE TWO: “Chi-Raq” by Local Filmmaker Kevin Willmott"/]TAKE TWO: “Secret in Their Eyes” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2015 |
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Susan and Russ cover an English-language remake of an Argentinian Oscar-winner.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-secret-in-their-eyes-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “Secret in Their Eyes” #FilmReview"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Creed,” “Brooklyn,” “Trumbo” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2015 |
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Russ fills us in on the "Rocky" franchise revival, an old-fashioned romantic drama and a biopic about a blacklisted screenwriter.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-creed-brooklyn-trumbo/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Creed,” “Brooklyn,” “Trumbo”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Assassin” #filmreview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/13/2015 |
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Susan and Russ discuss "The Assassin," the winner of the Best Director award at this year's Cannes Film Fest.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-assassin-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Assassin” #filmreview"/]TAKE TWO: “Our Brand is Crisis” #filmreview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/06/2015 |
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Sandra Bullock's political satire is the focus for Susan and Russ this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-our-brand-is-crisis-filmreview/" title="TAKE TWO: “Our Brand is Crisis” #filmreview"/]FREEZE FRAME: “Spectre,” “The Peanuts Movie,” “The Assassin,” “Miss You Already” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/06/2015 |
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The latest James Bond opus, a reboot of a comic strip classic, a martial arts art film and a four-hankie tearjerker are on Russ' agenda this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-spectre-the-peanuts-movie-the-assassin-miss-you-already/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “Spectre,” “The Peanuts Movie,” “The Assassin,” “Miss You Already”"/]TAKE TWO: “Coming Home” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/30/2015 |
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Susan and Russ examine a heartbreaking Chinese drama about how 'rehabilitation' in a labor camp during the Cultural Revolution affected one couple.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-coming-home-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Coming Home” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Freeheld” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/23/2015 |
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Julianne Moore stars in "Freeheld," a drama about a dying policewoman who tries to leave her pension benefits to her same sex partner.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-freeheld-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Freeheld” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “99 Homes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/16/2015 |
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Susan and Russ discuss a social drama set against the background of the 2010 real estate collapse.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-99-homes/" title="TAKE TWO: “99 Homes”"/]TAKE TWO: “Sicario” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/09/2015 |
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Susan and Russ take on a morally ambiguous drama about the war on drugs.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-sicario-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Sicario” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Everest” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/02/2015 |
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Susan and Russ get a grip on "The Everest," a mountain climbing epic.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-everest-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Everest” Film Review"/]FREEZE FRAME: “The Martian,” “Sicario,” “The Walk,” “Sleeping With Other People,” “Mississippi Grind” Movies ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/02/2015 |
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Russ reviews a wide range of films this week, including "The Martian," focusing on an otherworldly Matt Damon, "Sicario," about a hitman and "The Walk," on a high wire act.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-martian-sicario-the-walk-sleeping-with-other-people-mississippi-grind-movies/" title="FREEZE FRAME: “The Martian,” “Sicario,” “The Walk,” “Sleeping With Other People,” “Mississippi Grind” Movies"/]TAKE TWO: “Black Mass” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/25/2015 |
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Susan and Russ shoot holes in "Black Mass," Johnny Depp's gangster flick.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-black-mass-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Black Mass” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “The Visit” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/18/2015 |
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Susan and Russ visit "The Visit," the latest title from quirky filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-visit-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Visit” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “No Escape” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/04/2015 |
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Susan and Russ share their views on "No Escape," an action thriller starring Owen Wilson and Lake Bell.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-no-escape/" title="TAKE TWO: “No Escape”"/]TAKE TWO: “Diary of a Teenage Girl” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/28/2015 |
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Susan and Russ discuss "Diary of a Teenage Girl," an unsettling drama about underage sex, based on an autobiographical graphic novel.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-diary-of-a-teenage-girl-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Diary of a Teenage Girl” Film Review"/]TAKE TWO: “Listen to Me, Marlon” film review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/21/2015 |
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Susan and Russ share their takes on "Listen to Me, Marlon," a "autobiographical" documentary about one of the cinema's greatest actors.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-listen-to-me-marlon-film-review/" title="TAKE TWO: “Listen to Me, Marlon” film review"/]TAKE TWO: “The Gift” is a Thriller ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/14/2015 |
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Susan and Russ get creeped out by "The Gift," a new psychological thriller.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-gift-is-a-thriller/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Gift” is a Thriller"/]TAKE TWO: “The Stanford Prison Experiment” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/31/2015 |
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Susan and Russ consider "The Stanford Prison Experiment," an unsettling true story about an ill-fated 1970s psychological study.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-stanford-prison-experiment/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Stanford Prison Experiment”"/]TAKE TWO: Film Review of “Amy” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/24/2015 |
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The tragic life of singer Amy Winehouse is profiled in "Amy," a heartbreaking documentary.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-film-review-of-amy/" title="TAKE TWO: Film Review of “Amy”"/]TAKE TWO: “Trainwreck” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/17/2015 |
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Russ and Susan disagree on "Trainwreck," the outrageous new comedy from Judd Apatow.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-trainwreck/" title="TAKE TWO: “Trainwreck”"/]TAKE TWO: “Magic Mike XXL” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/10/2015 |
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Is a sequel to the "Magic Mike" hit about male strippers worth a ladies' night out? Susan and Russ give us the lowdown.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-magic-mike-xxl/" title="TAKE TWO: “Magic Mike XXL”"/]TAKE TWO: “Me, Earl & the Dying Girl” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/01/2015 |
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Susan and Russ tackle "Me, Earl & the Dying Girl," a comic drama about the friendship between teens when one has leukemia.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-me-earl-the-dying-girl/" title="TAKE TWO: “Me, Earl & the Dying Girl”"/]TAKE TWO: Inside Out ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/26/2015 |
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Russ and Susan (a critic and a psychotherapist) give us the lowdown on how a child's emotions are depicted in "Inside Out," the latest Pixar outing.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-inside-out/" title="TAKE TWO: Inside Out"/]Take Two on “Four Way Stop” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/19/2015 |
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Susan Sanders gives us a look at "Four Way Stop," a drama from the Free State Film Festival.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-on-four-way-stop/" title="Take Two on “Four Way Stop”"/]Take Two: Remembering Brian Wilson in “Love & Mercy” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/12/2015 |
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Susan and Russ give some love to "Love & Mercy," the Brian Wilson biopic.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-remembering-brian-wilson-in-love-mercy/" title="Take Two: Remembering Brian Wilson in “Love & Mercy”"/]Take Two: An Interrogation of “An Honest Liar” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/05/2015 |
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Susan and Russ give us their perspective on "An Honest Liar," a documentary about magician and professional debunker, The Amazing Randi.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-an-interrogation-of-an-honest-liar/" title="Take Two: An Interrogation of “An Honest Liar”"/]Take Two: “Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/29/2015 |
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"Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter," a character study about a disturbed Japanese woman gets the once-over from Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-kumiko-the-treasure-hunter/" title="Take Two: “Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter”"/]Take Two: Go to a Nearby Theater for “Far from the Madding Crowd” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/22/2015 |
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Susan and Russ cover "Far from the Madding Crowd," a lushly produced romance adapted from Thomas Hardy's classic 1874 novel.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-go-to-a-nearby-theater-for-far-from-the-madding-crowd/" title="Take Two: Go to a Nearby Theater for “Far from the Madding Crowd”"/]Take Two: “D Train” Derailed ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/15/2015 |
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Susan and Russ take down a Jack Black comedy, "D Train," that needs to be derailed
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-d-train-derailed/" title="Take Two: “D Train” Derailed"/]Take Two: “The Clouds of Sils Maria” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/08/2015 |
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Susan and Russ share the reasons why "The Clouds of Sils Maria" is a smart but off-putting movie is a mixed bag.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-clouds-of-sils-maria/" title="Take Two: “The Clouds of Sils Maria”"/]Take Two: “Ex Machina” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/01/2015 |
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Susan and Russ agree that "Ex Machina," the new science fiction thriller about artificial intelligence is the best movie of the year, so far.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-ex-machina/" title="Take Two: “Ex Machina”"/]Take Two: “Woman in Gold” Sparkles with Helen Mirren ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/24/2015 |
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Susan and Russ check out "Woman in Gold," the latest Helen Mirren vehicle, about a woman who attempts to reclaim art stolen by the Nazis.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-woman-in-gold-sparkles-with-helen-mirren/" title="Take Two: “Woman in Gold” Sparkles with Helen Mirren"/]Take Two: “Merchants of Doubt” Spin on Climate Change ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/17/2015 |
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Susan and Russ weigh in on "Merchants of Doubt," an insightful documentary about climate change spin doctors.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-merchants-of-doubt-spin-on-climate-change/" title="Take Two: “Merchants of Doubt” Spin on Climate Change"/]Take Two: “Selma” and Racial Stereotyping ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/10/2015 |
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In the aftermath of a racial stereotyping controversy surrounding the film "Get Hard," Susan and Russ take a look back at the recent civil rights flick, "Selma."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-selma-and-racial-stereotyping/" title="Take Two: “Selma” and Racial Stereotyping"/]Take Two: “Get Hard” Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/03/2015 |
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Susan and Russ have very different takes on "Get Hard," the goofball comedy starring Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-get-hard-kevin-hart-and-will-ferrell/" title="Take Two: “Get Hard” Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell"/]Take Two: “Run All Night” From This Action Thriller ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/20/2015 |
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Susan and Russ take on "Run All Night," Susan and Russ take on Liam Neeson's latest action thriller.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-run-all-night-action-thriller/" title="Take Two: “Run All Night” From This Action Thriller"/]Freeze Frame: “Cinderella,” “Run All Night” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/13/2015 |
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Two movies that couldn't be less alike are in the spotlight this week, "Cinderella," a Disney fairy tale and "Run All Night," a violent mob thriller.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-cinderella-run-all-night/" title="Freeze Frame: “Cinderella,” “Run All Night”"/]Take Two: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/13/2015 |
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Should they have made a sequel to "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," the popular film about British seniors in India? Susan and Russ weigh in.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/" title="Take Two: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”"/]Freeze Frame: “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and “Song of the Sea” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/20/2015 |
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"Hot Tub Time Machine 2," an unnecessary comedic sequel, and "Song of the Sea," an Oscar-nominated animated feature are the subjects of this week's reviews from Russ.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-hot-tub-time-machine-2-and-song-of-the-sea/" title="Freeze Frame: “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and “Song of the Sea”"/]Freeze Frame: “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” “Still Alice,” “Mr. Turner” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/13/2015 |
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Russ covers the so-called "hottest" movie of the year, plus a spy spoof, an Oscar contender and an art house flick. Listen to reviews of "Fifty Shades of Grey," "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "Still Alice," and "Mr. Turner" during this episode of Freeze Frame.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-fifty-shades-of-grey-kingsman-the-secret-service-still-alice-mr-turner/" title="Freeze Frame: “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” “Still Alice,” “Mr. Turner”"/]Freeze Frame: “Jupiter Ascending,” “Two Days, One Night,” and More ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/06/2015 |
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Russ sorts through a sci-fi opus, a French language social drama, a 3-D cartoon and a medieval action fantasy. The movies are: "Jupiter Ascending," "Two Days, One Night," "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," "Seventh Son."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-jupiter-ascending-two-days-one-night-and-more/" title="Freeze Frame: “Jupiter Ascending,” “Two Days, One Night,” and More"/]Take Two: “Black or White” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/06/2015 |
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Susan and Russ take on "Black or White," Kevin Costner's drama about contemporary race relations.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-black-or-white/" title="Take Two: “Black or White”"/]Take Two: Cake ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/30/2015 |
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"Cake," Jennifer Aniston's dark drama about a woman addicted to pain killers, is the focus of Russ and Susan's review this week.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-cake/" title="Take Two: Cake"/]Freeze Frame: “A Most Violent Year,” “Black or White, “Project Almanac” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/30/2015 |
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Russ fills us in on an 80s-style crime movie, a social drama about race relations and a teen time travel opus when he reviews "A Most Violent Year," "Black or White, and "Project Almanac."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-a-most-violent-year-black-or-white-project-almanac/" title="Freeze Frame: “A Most Violent Year,” “Black or White, “Project Almanac”"/]Take Two: “American Sniper” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/30/2015 |
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Susan and Russ cover "American Sniper," the biggest war movie in box-office history.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-american-sniper/" title="Take Two: “American Sniper”"/]Freeze Frame: “The Boy Next Door,” “Song One” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/23/2015 |
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Can J-Lo generate the thrills? Is Song One worth singing about? Russ chimes in on both "The Boy Next Door," "Song One."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-the-boy-next-door-song-one/" title="Freeze Frame: “The Boy Next Door,” “Song One”"/]Take Two: “Big Eyes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/09/2015 |
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Susan and Russ check out the bizarre true story of 60s era artists, Margaret and Walter Keane.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-big-eyes/" title="Take Two: “Big Eyes”"/]TAKE TWO: “The Interview” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/02/2015 |
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Susan and Russ have very different opinions about the most controversial movie of the year.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-interview/" title="TAKE TWO: “The Interview”"/]Take Two Goes on a “Wild” Trek ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/26/2014 |
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Russ and Susan share their views of the big-screen adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's bestselling memoir about her harrowing 1100 mile trek on the Pacific Crest Trail.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-goes-on-a-wild-trek/" title="Take Two Goes on a “Wild” Trek"/]Take Two Reviews “Top Five” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/19/2014 |
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Russ and Susan examine the raunchy big-screen comedy, "Top Five," written, directed by and starring Chris Rock.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-reviews-top-five/" title="Take Two Reviews “Top Five”"/]Swank, Jones Star in “The Homesman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/12/2014 |
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Russ and Susan seek common ground on a bleak Western entry.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/swank-jones-star-in-the-homesman/" title="Swank, Jones Star in “The Homesman”"/]Review of “Rosewater” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/05/2014 |
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Russ and Susan share their views on the directorial debut of Jon Stewart from "The Daily Show."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/rosewater-review/" title="Review of “Rosewater”"/]Take Two Reviews “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/21/2014 |
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Russ and Susan find common ground on this film about the dystopian future.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-reviews-the-hunger-games-mockingjay-part-1/" title="Take Two Reviews “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1”"/]Sneak Peak on “Film Noir” Festival ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/14/2014 |
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Russ and Susan give us a sneak peak at the Film Noir offerings at the Alamo Drafthous
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/sneak-peak-on-film-noir-festival/" title="Sneak Peak on “Film Noir” Festival"/]‘St. Vincent’ with Bill Murray ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/31/2014 |
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Russ and Susan have slightly different perspectives on the sentimental Bill Murray comedy, "St. Vincent."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/st-vincent-with-bill-murray/" title="‘St. Vincent’ with Bill Murray"/]Take Two: “Fury” with Brad Pitt ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/17/2014 |
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Russ and Susan weigh in on the ultra-violent Brad Pitt war drama, "Fury."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-fury-with-brad-pitt/" title="Take Two: “Fury” with Brad Pitt"/]Take Two: “Gone Girl” Movie Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/10/2014 |
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Kansas City native Gillian Flynn's novel "Gone Girl" is the top movie at the box office and Russ and Susan agree that it's an early Oscar contender.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/movie-review-gone-girl/" title="Take Two: “Gone Girl” Movie Review"/]Gone Girl: “What have we done to each other?” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/03/2014 |
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This review covers "Gone Girl," a movie getting a lot of well-deserved attention, based on the book of the same title by Missouri author Gillian Flynn.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/gone-girl-what-have-we-done-to-each-other/" title="Gone Girl: “What have we done to each other?”"/]Movie Review: “The Good Lie” Has a KC Link ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/03/2014 |
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Russ and Susan check out "The Good Lie," a film about Sudanese refugees that takes place in Kansas City.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/movie-review-the-good-lie-has-a-kc-link/" title="Movie Review: “The Good Lie” Has a KC Link"/]The Drop: James Gandolfini’s Last Film ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/19/2014 |
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The Drop is a 2014 American crime drama film directed by Michaël R. Roskam and written by Dennis Lehane. The film is based on Dennis Lehane's 2009 short story "Animal Rescue". Lehane also adapted the script into a 2014 novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini, Matthias Schoenaerts, John Ortiz and James Frecheville. It was screened in the Special Presentations section of the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, and was released theatrically on September 12, 2014.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-drop-james-gandolfinis-last-film/" title="The Drop: James Gandolfini’s Last Film"/]“Life Of Crime” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/06/2014 |
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Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders give their takes on the offbeat new comedy Life Of Crime, starring Jennifer Aniston, Tim Robbins, and Mos Def.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/life-of-crime/" title="“Life Of Crime”"/]“And So It Goes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 08/05/2014 |
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons review Rob Reiner's new film, And So It Goes, starring Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/and-so-it-goes/" title="“And So It Goes”"/]“Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/29/2014 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review the provocative, academic documentary Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia, directed by Nicholas D. Wrathall.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/gore-vidal-the-united-states-of-amnesia/" title="“Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia”"/]Top Two Favorite Films of 2014 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/22/2014 |
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Russ and Susan give their picks at the halfway point of the year for their top two favorite films of the year: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, Locke, and Gravity.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/top-two-favorite-films-of-2014/" title="Top Two Favorite Films of 2014"/]Susan and Russ chat about the pros and cons of Melissa McCarthy’s road comedy, “Tammy.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/06/2014 |
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Susan and Russ chat about the pros and cons of Melissa McCarthy's road comedy, "Tammy."
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/susan-and-russ-chat-about-the-pros-and-cons-of-melissa-mccarthys-road-comedy-tammy/" title="Susan and Russ chat about the pros and cons of Melissa McCarthy’s road comedy, “Tammy.”"/]Russ takes a look at Melissa McCarthy’s comedy, “Tammy” and the sci-fi flick for kids, “Earth to Echo.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 07/07/2014 |
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Russ Simmons gives us a peek at Melissa McCarthy's screenwriting debut, "Tammy", as well as "E.T." redux "Earth To Echo", as well as "The Double", "Begin Again", and "Deliver Us From Evil".
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/russ-takes-a-look-at-melissa-mccarthys-comedy-tammy-and-the-sci-fi-flick-for-kids-earth-to-echo/" title="Russ takes a look at Melissa McCarthy’s comedy, “Tammy” and the sci-fi flick for kids, “Earth to Echo.”"/]“The Rover” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 06/24/2014 |
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Susan and Russ review the new Robert Pattinson and Guy Pearce film, the Mad Max-esque Australian film The Rover.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-rover/" title="“The Rover”"/]“Neighbors” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/13/2014 |
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Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders review the raunchy new Zac Efron and Seth Rogen comedy, Neighbors.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/neighbors/" title="“Neighbors”"/]“The Railway Man” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 05/06/2014 |
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons give their opinions on Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman's British WWII drama, The Railway Man.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-railway-man/" title="“The Railway Man”"/]“Under The Skin” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/29/2014 |
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The new erotic-sci fi thriller Under The Skin with Scarlett Johansson is analyzed by Susan and Russ.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/under-the-skin/" title="“Under The Skin”"/]“The Unknown Known” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/22/2014 |
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Errol Morris' documentary on the controversial former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, The Unknown Known, is given the once-over by Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-unknown-known/" title="“The Unknown Known”"/]“Draft Day” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/15/2014 |
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KKFI's Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons review Kevin Costner's new movie, Draft Day, a manipulative, soap-y story about the front office of an NFL team.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/draft-day/" title="“Draft Day”"/]“Noah” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 04/08/2014 |
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Mad Max meets Titanic meets the Bible as FOX 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders review Darren Aronofsky's Noah, starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/noah/" title="“Noah”"/]“300: Rise Of An Empire” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/25/2014 |
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Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders review gladiator action flick 300: Rise Of An Empire, starring Aussie actor Sullivan Stapleton and Eva Green.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/300-rise-of-an-empire-2/" title="“300: Rise Of An Empire”"/]“Tim’s Vermeer” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/18/2014 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review Penn & Teller's documentary, Tim's Vermeer, about inventor Tim Jenison's efforts to duplicate the painting techniques of Johannes Vermeer.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/tims-vermeer/" title="“Tim’s Vermeer”"/]“The Wind Rises” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/11/2014 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review the Impressionistic Japanese animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises, a look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-wind-rises/" title="“The Wind Rises”"/]“In Secret” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 03/04/2014 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review the adaptation of Émile Zola's novel Thérèse Raquin, the film In Secret, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jessica Lange.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/in-secret/" title="“In Secret”"/]Movie Review: “The Past” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/25/2014 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders give their takes on Asghar Farhadi's Iran-via-Paris drama The Past (Le Passé), starring Bérénice Bejo and Tahar Rahim.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-past/" title="Movie Review: “The Past”"/]Movie Review: “The Monuments Men” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/18/2014 |
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Russ and Susan review The Monuments Men, directed and acted in by George Clooney, about the men who risked their lives to protect international treasures and works of art from the Nazis in WWII.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/the-monuments-men/" title="Movie Review: “The Monuments Men”"/]Movie Review: “Labor Day” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 02/11/2014 |
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Russ Simmons gives us a look at visual epic Pompeii, In Secret with Jessica Lange, Kevin Costner's Three Days To Kill, and romantic drama Barefoot.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/labor-day/" title="Movie Review: “Labor Day”"/]Take Two: “Her” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/21/2014 |
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons discuss the Oscar-nominated science-fiction romance Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlet Johansson.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-her/" title="Take Two: “Her”"/]Take Two: “The Great Beauty” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/14/2014 |
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Russ and Susan discuss Italian film A Great Beauty by Jep Cambardella.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-great-beauty/" title="Take Two: “The Great Beauty”"/]Take Two: “The Wolf Of Wall Street” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 01/07/2014 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders chat about Martin Scorcese's raunchy, Oscar-nominated film The Wolf Of Wall Street
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-the-wolf-of-wall-street/" title="Take Two: “The Wolf Of Wall Street”"/]Take Two: “Out Of The Furnace” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/24/2013 |
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Russ and Susan chat about Scott Cooper's Out Of The Furnace, starring Christian Bale and Casey Affleck.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-out-of-the-furnace/" title="Take Two: “Out Of The Furnace”"/]Take Two: “Nebraska” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/17/2013 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders tackle Bruce Dern's latest movie, the melancholy Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne, and also starring Will Forte.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-nebraska/" title="Take Two: “Nebraska”"/]Freeze Frame: November 22-28, 2013 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2013 |
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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Delivery Man, Dallas Buyers Club and Kill Your Darlings are covered.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/freeze-frame-november-22-28-2013/" title="Freeze Frame: November 22-28, 2013"/]Take Two: November 22-28, 2013 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/25/2013 |
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Controversial film "Blue Is The Warmest Color" is highlighted.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/take-two-november-22-28-2013/" title="Take Two: November 22-28, 2013"/]“All Is Lost” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/18/2013 |
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Russ and Susan chat about Robert Redford's solo turn in the movie All Is Lost, an American survival film written and directed by J. C. Chandor.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/all-is-lost/" title="“All Is Lost”"/]“12 Years A Slave” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 11/11/2013 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders discuss their takes on 12 Years A Slave, a British-American epic historical drama film.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/12-years-a-slave/" title="“12 Years A Slave”"/]“Captain Phillips” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/21/2013 |
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders chat about Captain Phillips, an American action thriller based on real events surrounding the Somalian pirate takeover of a cargo ship, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/captain-phillips/" title="“Captain Phillips”"/]“Prisoners” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 10/07/2013 |
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Russ and Susan analyze Prisoners, an American thriller film directed by Denis Villeneuve.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/prisoners/" title="“Prisoners”"/]“Hannah Arendt” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/30/2013 |
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This week's review is of the biopic Hannah Arendt, a German-Luxembourgian-French drama film about German-Jewish philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt directed by Margarethe von Trotta and starring Barbara Sukowa.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/hannah-arendt/" title="“Hannah Arendt”"/]“In A World” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/23/2013 |
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This week on Take Two, Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review In A World, directed by and starring Lake Bell in her feature-length writing, directing, and producing debut. The film follows a young woman doing voice-over work for film trailers.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/in-a-world/" title="“In A World”"/]You get it all in one film – France, crime, comedy, the mob, Tommy Lee, Pfeiffer and De Niro ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/16/2013 |
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The Family, also known as Malavita, is a 2013 English-language French action crime comedy film based on a novel by Tonino Benacquista and directed by Luc Besson, starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones, and Dianna Agron.
[social_share url="https://kkfi.org/program-episodes/you-get-it-all-in-one-film-france-crime-comedy-the-mob-tommy-lee-pfeiffer-and-de-niro/" title="You get it all in one film – France, crime, comedy, the mob, Tommy Lee, Pfeiffer and De Niro"/]“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 09/09/2013 |
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On Take Two today, Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review Ain't Them Bodies Saints, an American romantic crime drama film written and directed by David Lowery, starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
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