Dive into the depths of this cinematic ode to ocean conservation and family bonds. Robert Connolly’s “Blueback” was one of my favorite selections at this year’s Maui Film Festival. Both an entertaining coming-of-age story and a plea for empathy towards marine life, Connolly’s work fits the bill for an MFF entry as a feel-good movie […]
Author Archives: Barry Wurst
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Wurst’s Picks
Marathon Man John Schlesinger’s classic 1976 thriller has retained its ability to shock. Dustin Hoffman stars as a marathon runner and college student who becomes the target of a Nazi fugitive, played by Sir Laurence Olivier. Hoffman — in his second film with Schlesinger after their Oscar-winning “Midnight Cowboy” — and Olivier are astonishing together, […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
“I Was a Simple Man”
This time-bending, tear-jerking masterpiece reflects on the past and current state of Hawaiʻi.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
Summer Movie Madness
A critical guide to the most anticipated films hitting the big screen this summer.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
“Encino Man”
Now that Brendan Fraser and Key Huy Quan are Oscar winners, all eyes are on this somewhat charming, mildly funny and dopey hit they made together decades ago.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
Can Maui-Made Series ‘Moku Moku’ Become a Streaming Success?
Highly anticipated Makawao-set series is a local labor of love
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
‘Paradise’ Lost
The movie will be regarded by mainlanders strictly as either a Trivial Pursuit entry (“Which two films co-star John Travolta and Bruce Willis?”) or a quickly disregarded footnote
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Entertainment, Film Critique
Best of the Wurst 2022
Reviewing the top ten movies of the year that was
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
Blowing in the ‘Wind’
David L. Cunningham’s “The Wind and the Reckoning” is a Hawai‘i-based historical drama that, while traveling the 2022 festival circuit, has won best feature awards from the Boston and San Diego film festivals. Yes, it’s that good.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Film Critique
Should You Watch ‘Blonde’ on Netflix?
Andrew Dominick’s “Blonde” not only earns every bit of controversy it has generated but seems to have initiated it by design