“Plane,” landing in theaters this January, creates the safest theatrical runway to touch down on. What the audience gets here is a no-frills action-thriller: a simple story with appealing leading men who accomplish the task at hand. For moviegoers that want over and above that margin, look elsewhere. But for those that think “Plane” already looks worth the time and money, this is probably the movie one expects: the cinematic equivalent of meat and potatoes.

Continue reading ‘Plane’ Review: A Serviceable No-Frills Action Movie That Gets The Audience To Their Destination at The Playlist.

A stirring and majestic adaptation of the cherished 1998 animated movie with spectacular action and remarkable visuals, for all its dazzling bravura, the most disarming qualities of 2020’s live-action “Mulan” might still be its surprising emotional depth. Beyond the enchanting colors of its ravishing prologue, and the inspiring idea of a shimmering sparkplug of a little girl destined for greater things, there’s a father (Tzi Ma) who recognizes his daughter’s abilities with wistful worry.

Continue reading ‘Mulan’: Niki Caro Brings Wuxia Majesty & Fairy Tale Heart To A Rousing Warrior Epic [Review] at The Playlist.