Category Archives: Jack Poessiger
New Jack City: KC Drive-Ins (‘Passion Pits’) Exceed Expectations
When I mentioned to someone that I/d emceed a “Celebration of Dedication” at a local Drive-In theater last Saturday I got a blank stare. “Drive-Ins? I remember them,” he mused. “They were a lot of fun back in the day. … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘WILSON’—An Offbeat Delight
Dude, where’s my life? No, I’m not talking about the new POWER RANGERS or CHIPS movie. I’m focused on WILSON, a movie based on a graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. Here crusty, lonely, hilariously honest middle-aged blowhard Woody Harrelson sets out … Continue reading
New Jack City: Just for Laughs
I’m often asked what my favorite all-time movies are… But I have trouble coming up with a solid list, even though “DR. ZHIVAGO” and “ELMER GANTRY” continue to rank very high with me. When it comes to comedies though, there are … Continue reading
New Jack City: Weekend Staycation @ The Movies
Need an escape from the daily Trump tweets and subsequent media bashings? Here are six cinematic big screen escapes—none of which are Trump related! * “KONG: SKULL ISLAND” – (Iconic Kong re-imagined) * “LOGAN” – (The Wolverine’s futuristic swan song) … Continue reading
New Jack City: What’s This, A Gay ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Character?
Sometimes the media really gets to me… Case in point: The current groundswell and utterly ridiculous targeting of the stunning new life-action motion picture adaptation of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST starring Emma Watson that opens March 17. For the record, I’ve seen the … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: Hugh Jackman’s Gripping ‘Logan’ Sendoff
Say it ain’t so… That LUCAS marks the end of the road for the Wolverine. Well, things sure seem headed that way. However if there’s one aspect of the movie biz I’ve learned through the years it has to be: Never Say Never.’ … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘A Cure For Wellness’—Diagnosis: WEIRD!
Let me be perfectly honest… There were several moments during this overlong – 146 minute – movie where I was ready to bolt, but didn’t. The reasons I stayed? No. 1: It’s from director Gore Verbinski who had previously served-up three PIRATES … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: Little Bricks Create Manic Laffs In ‘LEGO BATMAN MOVIE’
From the get go you just know this thing is gonna be off-kilter… I’m talking, from the moment the Warner Brothers company logo first appears on the screen. That and the films’ dramatic black screen opening, coupled with some very funny voice-overs, had … Continue reading
New Jack City: New ‘Basic Economy’ Fares—Buyer Beware!
It can come as quite a shock… You’re doing a fast trip out of town – get a good ticket price on a discount airline – no checked luggage – just a carry-on. You head straight for the gate—only to be … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘The Founder’—Relentless Burger Capitalist
THE FOUNDER was originally planned for a nationwide rollout last summer… The Weinstein Company had set it for release on August 5th—not necessarily a good time for thoughtful, intriguing cinema. However, following strong audience reaction to the picture at test screenings, … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘PATRIOTS DAY’ *** Boston Strong Tribute Thriller
Terrorist attacks on society today are sadly turning into common events. So when a filmmaker like Peter Berg sets his sights on a rather recent such occurrence like the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, some people may feel it is … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘Hidden Figures’ Has the Right Stuff
You can’t make up stuff like this… Yet just about everything about this movie is true. HIDDEN FIGURES is the fascinating, little known story behind America’s space race telling of how three spunky black women served as “The Brains behind … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘FENCES’ Promises—And Delivers!
It is not often that we are treated to this calibre of acting… Adapted from August Wilson’s stage play where it won a Pulitzer prize as well as a Tony award, director Denzel Washington elevates FENCES to even greater heights. It’s hard … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘Nocturnal Animals’—Quirky Dark Tale Of Love & Cruelty
The 2016 holiday movie season kicks off this weekend with a bizarre psychological tale of double-revenge… Think thriller with romantic eccentricities. The first CLUE? A weird opening sequence of overweight, middle-aged women performing burlesque dances. My reaction: What have I gotten myself into? But … Continue reading
New Jack City: Who’s On First?
Ever notice how much influence Southwest Airlines seems to have over local leaders these days? They sneeze and Kansas City’s movers and shakers are right there with the handkerchief—and a hardy Gesundheit. Okay, that may be slightly overstating our relationship … Continue reading
New Jack City: (Motion) Picture Perfect Holidays
Welcome to Hollywood’s annual Bye-Week… It’s the week after Thanksgiving when the major studios pretty well release—NOTHING. It’s also the weekend before the first of the major Christmas releases hit local screens on December 9th. So it’s a good time to … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: Espionage Thriller ‘Behind Enemy Lines’
MR. AND MRS. SMITH it’s not… That said, did ALLIED spell the end for BranJelina? Was French siren Marion Cotillard the final straw? Guess we’ll never know. ALLIED is another World War II entry for Brad Pitt playing a Canadian intelligence officer who … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: Howard Hughes: Warren Beatty Style
Warren Beatty… He’s still doing what he likes best—making movies. And give the guy credit, for his latest project called RULES DON’T APPLY, he takes on an extra load by not only starring in the film but directing, producing and … Continue reading
New Jack City: (Hold) The Envelope. Please…….
It’s that time again. The movie awards season has arrived… * The Golden Globe nominations will be announced on December 12. * Golden Globe awards night is January 8. – – – – – – – – – – – – … Continue reading
Jack Goes Confidential: ‘The Edge Of Seventeen’— New Coming-of-Age Classic!
Bet you wish Hollywood still produced those great coming-of-age dramedies John Hughes served up in the late 1980’s… Who can forget the likes of SIXTEEN CANDLES and THE BREAKFAST CLUB. Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is growing up hasn’t … Continue reading