MM Theater, Film, & Dining Blog

The Way is one of the best films to come out of Hollywood in a long time! Emilio Estevez wrote, directed, produced, and also appeared in this powerful gem. Martin Sheen turns in a strong and moving performance as the father who travels to France to claim the body of his son (Estevez) -- who died while on pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago (aka The Way of Saint James) -- and then decides to make the journey himself.

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Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Drama Category:

Invictus (2009)

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Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Foreign Drama Category:

As It Is In Heaven (Sweden, 2004)
Vitus (Switzerland, 2006)

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How to succeed on Broadway with a musical comedy? One surefire way is to cast Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette in the lead roles! Of course that kind of star power will attract a wide audience, and also a young audience, due to Radcliffe's fame in the Harry Potter films. But that aside, the truth is that they are both really that good! Daniel Radcliffe lights up the stage, and John Larroquette's comedic timing is pure genius! And they are the tip of the iceberg in a production that boasts a stellar cast from top to bottom!

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Randall Wallace’s Secretariat is a prime example of storytelling at its best – this amazing story of the eponymous horse combines heart, thrills and high action drama, and manages to keep us on the edge of our seats, even when we know the outcome!

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Where does one begin to describe the genius of Anna Deavere Smith, who conceived, wrote and performed Second Stage Theatre's production of Let me Down Easy, currently at Arena Stage's Kreeger Theatre? With little more than a change in jacket or accessories, Smith so convincingly embodies 20 people over the course of the play, that the stage feels crowded by the end of it!

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Americans have long had a fascination with British royalty, and with films about British royalty. Thus there are high expectations for a film about King George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George), father of Queen Elizabeth II. Add to that a phenomenal cast led by Colin Firth -- who many Americans consider to be British film royalty -- and the anticipation for The King's Speech is even greater. So it was a joy to watch this film and discover that it delivers on every level!

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Within the first 2 minutes of Arena Stage's production of The Arabian Nights, the audience knows they are in for a real treat! Playwright/director Mary Zimmerman sets the stage for a lively, engaging theater experience as the actors enter and dress the stage to the beat of highly enthusiastic drums. With carpets unrolling, pillows flying, actors whooping, and excitement filling every corner of the Fichandler stage, the air is full of promise for a wonderful experience. And boy, does this play deliver!

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