RAYMOND & RAY (TIFF 2022) – Review by Ulkar Alakbarova

Shows how little we know about our parents, especially how little Raymond and Ray know; if their father had a chance, he would probably impregnate every woman he ever dated! Even though the brothers have nothing good to say about him, it’s their father’s friends and acquaintances who are fond of him. Maybe their father was a better friend, a good lover, but never a good parent. It’s something the brothers must explore in order to find a way to cure themselves from the hatred they have buried in their heart and begin their new life with a new chapter.

Read more

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE – Review by Susan Granger

Set in Brooklyn, this mob film begins with the 10th anniversary of Giovanni’s father’s death. Giovanni (Shiloh Fernandez) dutifully goes home and dons a suit to continue the family tradition of delivering the titular cake, baked by his widowed mother Sophia (Lorraine Bracco), to the home of his Uncle Angelo (Val Kilmer), the local Italian/American Mafia boss.

Read more

HALSTON – Review by Susan Granger

Have you ever stood in the check-out line at the supermarket, skimming through the tabloids on display? It’s like gorging yourself on salacious gossip and juicy innuendo. That’s the feeling you get watching this new five-part Netflix mini-series, starring Ewan McGregor as Roy Halston Frowick, who becomes one of America’s most famous designers.

Read more

AWFJ Movie of the Week, March 28 – April 3: MILES AHEAD

Opening April 1, AWFJ’s Movie of the Week is Miles Ahead, an exploration of the life and music of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, directed by and starring Don Cheadle. Read on…

Read more

AWFJ Movie of the Week, January 25-31: JANE GOT A GUN

Opening January 29, AWFJ’s Movie of the Week is Jane Got a Gun, the long-gestating Western starring Natalie Portman as a high plains woman seeking to save her husband from the outlaw gang who are after his blood.. Read on…

Read more