HBO Max Archives - The Wandering Screen

‘Julia, Season One’ Review: Sarah Lancashire’s Absorbing Performance and So Much More

Posted on March 30, 2022March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

Director Charlie McDougall effortlessly recreates scenes, bouncing with anticipation and claustrophobia as each of Julia’s performances is rigorously staged.

Category: TV

‘The White Lotus, Season One’ Review: Intersecting Lives of Luxury Hotel Guests? Sign Me Up!

Posted on July 19, 2021March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

Enlightened creator Mike White moves into an exciting new chapter in his career, sweeping through the guests’ and staffs’ lives with ease and believability.

Category: TV

‘Shiva Baby’ Review: An Exceptional Directorial Debut of Controlled Chaos

Posted on July 13, 2021March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby is an astonishing directorial debut, and there’s a good reason it’s the talk of the town.

Category: Film

‘In the Heights’ Review: This is Musical Theater, for Better or Worse

Posted on July 1, 2021March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

Director Jon M. Chu, known for helming Crazy Rich Asians, is truly a visionary, embracing large dance numbers that sprawl across New York City streets and public swimming pools.

Category: Film

‘Starstruck’ TV Review: And So Begins the Rise of Kiwi Comedian Rose Matafeo

Posted on June 24, 2021March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

HBO Max’s romantic series Starstruck is truly a gem. At just over twenty minutes an episode, Rose Matafeo’s series is delightfully messy.

Category: TV

‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ Review: We Need More Angelina Jolie on Our Screens

Posted on May 25, 2021March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

Those Who Wish Me Dead is a throwback to vintage thrillers that seamlessly weave multiple storylines against pounding action sequences.

Category: Film

‘Lucy The Human Chimp’ Review: A Wonderful Story Let Down by Superfluous Re-enactments

Posted on May 6, 2021March 14, 2023 by Matthew Koss

The HBO Max documentary film Lucy The Human Chimp chronicles the incredible life of a chimp named Lucy, raised by two human parents, Maurice and Jane Temerlin.

Category: Film