Kevin Smith made the political horror-comedy “Red State” in 2011 and when he toured around the country, he outlined his overall vision for the movie as a cross between “Quentin Tarantino movie by way of The Coen Brothers.” While such ambitious aims were noble, Smith fell vastly short in the eyes of most (although, its “Burn After Reading,” close-the-file ending with John Goodman, wherein weed saves the day remains great).

Continue reading ‘Werewolves Within’: Josh Ruben’s Campy Horror Whodunnit Doesn’t Pack Much Satirical Bite [Tribeca Review] at The Playlist.

It may not be the hottest of takes, but “Barry” is just as good as you’ve heard.

The new HBO series stars Bill Hader as Barry Berkman, an assassin stationed in the Midwest. When Barry becomes depressed, his boss, Fuches (Stephen Root), sends him to Los Angeles to decompress (and execute a hit for the Chechen mob). Once in LA, Barry follows his unwitting target to an acting class taught by Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler), where he comes to the realization that his passion in life might not be killing after all.

Continue reading HBO’s ‘Barry’ Series Premiere Is A Great Start For Writer/Director/Star Bill Hader [Review] at The Playlist.