Culture Curmudgeon

Love in the margins: A film review of “Shoplifters”

Theater review: “Indecent” finds salvation in art

‘Indecent’ is about the persistence of art and memory, especially in the darkest of times. CGTN’s Culture Curmudgeon reviews Paula Vogel’s masterpiece.

The madness of motherhood: ‘Cry It Out’ reviewed

Motherhood is hard, especially if you’re a career woman who seemingly “has it all.” The Culture Curmudgeon reviews “Cry It Out” and reflects on the madness and miracle of becoming a parent.

Not great, but you gotta see it: A review of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

There are only two reasons why you should see “Bohemian Rhapsody”. First, it’s a flashy nostalgia trip about Queen’s music. Second, Rami Freakin’ Malek. Watch him and be amazed. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeon’s review.

Fight, prevail, repeat: a review of ‘The Fall’

“The Fall” is about the fight of South Africans for a more equal society. It’s a story of struggle that resonates deeply with the state of American politics and race relations today. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeon’s review.

Forgetting family: A play review of “If I Forget”

Studio Theatre’s “If I Forget” reminds us that we can’t choose our families, but it doesn’t mean we can’t love them. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeon’s review

To be rich is noxious: A review of Crazy Rich Asians

On the surface, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a great romantic comedy. But dig a little deeper and it’s a scathing indictment of the rich and their lifestyle. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeon’s review.

Film review: ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” harkens back to a kinder America where everyone was willing to welcome the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses regardless of where they’re from. The Culture Curmudgeon looks back fondly on Fred Rogers’ legacy.

Love neverlasting: A review of “The Remains”

“The Remains” isn’t about the redemptive power of love either. If anything, Ken Urban’s play kicks Cupid in the privates, rips the audience’s collective heart out of their chests and stomps on it. It’s not a play that reaffirms marriages. Instead, it calls into question why we even get into relationships at all.

Play Review: “Two Trains Running” on a changing America

These are extraordinary times in U.S. politics and race relations. That’s why Arena Stage’s version of August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” is must see theater in Washington D.C. Here’s the Culture Curmudgeon’s review.