Abe Friedtanzer

‘Seven Blessings’ Review: Israel’s Oscar Entry is a Marvelous Exploration of Family, Feuds, and Food

Film Reviews

‘Seven Blessings’ Review: Israel’s Oscar Entry is a Marvelous Exploration of Family, Feuds, and Food

Abe Friedtanzer November 9, 2023

In Jewish tradition, newly married couples celebrate a week of meals surrounded by friends and family, often including people who weren’t invited to the wedding.... Read More

‘Quiz Lady’ Review: Category Is – Awkwafina and Sandra Oh Deliver Laughs in Fun Hulu Film | AFI FEST

Abe Friedtanzer October 28, 2023

People like consistency, and having a regular routine or ritual can be calming and therapeutic. Watching the same program at the same time every night... Read More

‘The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed’ Review: Joanna Arnow’s Eye-Opening Look at Power, Control and Malaise | NYFF

Abe Friedtanzer October 5, 2023

Not every romantic relationship has to be equitable, and there’s no shame in that – unless you’re into that. Joanna Arnow’s directorial debut follows a... Read More

‘The Settlers’ Review: A Searing Examination of Power Dynamics and Land Appropriation in Early 20th Century Chile | NYFF

Abe Friedtanzer October 2, 2023

Tales of expeditions to explore previously unincorporated lands are all too often whitewashed in history as positive roots of a bright young nation, offering an... Read More

Interview: John Carney on Coming Back to Dublin and the Home Viewing Experience in ‘Flora and Son’

Interviews

Interview: John Carney on Coming Back to Dublin and the Home Viewing Experience in ‘Flora and Son’

Abe Friedtanzer September 26, 2023

Since his 2007 breakout hit Once, which won an Oscar for its signature song “Falling Slowly,” writer-director John Carney has been a reliable provider of... Read More

‘The Critic’ Review: Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton Astound in a Period Portrait of a Cheeky Connoisseur | Toronto

Abe Friedtanzer September 14, 2023

The job of a critic is to provide recommendations for the general public based on a presumed strong understanding of art forms. In the present... Read More

‘North Star’ Review: Kristin Scott Thomas Gets Personal as She Tackles Family Dynamics and Loss in Directorial Debut Inspired by Her Own Life | Toronto

Abe Friedtanzer September 14, 2023

The absence of a parent in childhood or adulthood can be just as powerful and impactful as the presence of one. Losing multiple parents can... Read More

‘The Convert’ Review: A Compelling Historical Look at 19th Century British Colonialism of the Māori | Toronto

News

‘The Convert’ Review: A Compelling Historical Look at 19th Century British Colonialism of the Māori | Toronto

Abe Friedtanzer September 14, 2023

Religious missionaries don’t have the best track record when it comes to encountering new communities that aren’t necessarily interested in getting to know their faith.... Read More

‘Knox Goes Away’ Review: Michael Keaton’s Dementia-Stricken Hitman Anchors a Focused Character Study | Toronto

Abe Friedtanzer September 13, 2023

A hitman with dementia trying to carry out one last job is the kind of premise that could easily go off the rails and devolve... Read More

Interview: Emma Seligman on Making the Queer Teen Comedy She Could Have Seen in High School with ‘Bottoms’ [VIDEO]

Interviews

Interview: Emma Seligman on Making the Queer Teen Comedy She Could Have Seen in High School with ‘Bottoms’ [VIDEO]

Abe Friedtanzer August 23, 2023

Writer-director Emma Seligman is a veteran of SXSW, premiering her short film Shiva Baby there in 2018 before debuting the feature-length version online in 2020.... Read More