First Reformed

When writing about oneself, one should show no mercy. That’s the mantra Priest Toller (Ethan Hawke) has taken on. For an entire year, he’s committed to writing his innermost thoughts in a diary as a way of catharsis. Catharsis from the troubles he’s exposed to, which include, but are not limited to: A couple in […]

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Because the galaxy couldn’t hold 1,001 planets. The 28th century spawns Alpha, an intergalactic space station home to tons of creatures living peacefully together. Maintaining order throughout the galaxy are special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHann) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne). They are a duo who could be more; Valerian is finally ready to put away his […]

Sinister: Movie Man Jackson

Some crimes are not meant to be solved. Or written about. True crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) is attempting to reignite his floundering career; it has been 10 years since he’s had a bona fide hit. Hoping to draw inspiration for his latest novel, Oswalt moves his family into a home in which a […]

The Magnificent Seven (2016): Movie Man Jackson

Sometimes it takes an army. Other times, it takes only seven people. Some time in the 1870’s, the town of Rose Creek is under hostile takeover. Industrial businessman Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) is interesting in mining the town for gold. He gives the residents two choices: Either accept his payment of $20 per acre, or […]

Boyhood: Movie Man Jackson

“A bit of decisiveness goes a long way in this life.” Life, in all of its frequent “nothingness,” is really something to behold. Boyhood isn’t so much a story, but a presentation of life, of both the smaller moments and the larger ones. Young Mason Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) is introduced to the audience as a six year […]

Training Day: Movie Man Jackson

“S**, you can shoot me, but you can’t kill me.” In most professions, the first day is the “training day,” and it is the easiest day of one’s employment. For officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), his Training Day (unbeknownst to him) may be his last day as a living human being. Jake is looking to get into the […]