AltWeeklies Wire
'The Master': P.T. Anderson's prowess once again confirmednew

Pornography as a cultural influence in Boogie Nights; the squeaky sound of an abandoned harmonium in Punch-Drunk Love; frogs falling from the sky in Magnolia.
San Antonio Current |
KikO MARTÍNEZ |
09-20-2012 |
Movies
One powerful relationship fuels the extraordinary The Masternew

Is The Master—Paul Thomas Anderson's hauntingly intimate epic—about Scientology? That's been the focus of attention for many with only peripheral interest in the film itself, hoping perhaps for some kind of searing roman-a-clef take-down of L. Ron Hubbard and his movement.
Charleston City Paper |
Scott Renshaw |
09-19-2012 |
Reviews
Idiosyncratic vision of American empire in The Masternew

In The Master, Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) returns to familiar themes of his short but resplendent filmography: the search for a father figure or lost son; dysfunctional family relationships; and flawed men fated to self-destruction.
The Master Showcases The Two Best Performances of the Yearnew

The Master--which explores the lure and vagaries of power and free will--excises veins of American complexity rarely seen since the plays of Arthur Miller.
Boise Weekly |
George Prentice |
09-19-2012 |
Reviews
James Gray Dares to Bare It Allnew

James Gray's Two Lovers flies far outside the typical Hollywood comfort zone by baring its characters' true-to-life flaws, insecurities and erratic behaviors.
Fast Forward Weekly |
Jesse Locke |
05-07-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Cash on Delivery
Yes, kids, we have another Ray. Nearly to the letter, actually. But Joaquin Phoenix does Jaime Foxx one better by singing Johnny Cash's songs himself, a ridiculously risky move in portraying an icon whose voice was the thing. But damn if the boy doesn't pull it off.
Washington City Paper |
Tricia Olszewski |
11-18-2005 |
Reviews
Manipulative Momentsnew
A series of flashbacks and a drippy soundtrack make for a terrible emotional wreck in Ladder 49.
Tucson Weekly |
James DiGiovanna |
10-07-2004 |
Reviews
Like Moths to a Flamenew
Jay Russell's action-packed, flame-broiled Ladder 49 is an all-out valentine to the firehouse fraternity. While it's good with mayhem, it's pretty weak in terms of actual human behavior.