By Andrea K. Hammer To celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Artsphoria Movie […]
Faces Places: Highest Level of Creativity in Documentary Filmmaking
By Andrea K. Hammer From the minute that animated figures start walking through a long […]
The Meddler: Comedy-Drama Strikes Perfect Balance
By Andrea K. Hammer Distinctive films such as The Meddler (written and directed by Lorene […]
Writing With Fire: Documentary About Female Investigative Journalists Blazing a Trail
By Andrea K. Hammer Writing With Fire, an Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary feature, […]
10 More Questions for Screenwriters and Film Directors
By Andrea K. Hammer During Artsphoria’s daily movie screening and personally developed film school, the questions […]
10 Questions for Screenwriters and Film Directors
By Andrea K. Hammer After watching hundreds of films over the years, the movie lovers […]
The Rose Maker: Offbeat Comedy About Planting Seeds of Hope
By Andrea K. Hammer Just in time to celebrate the spring gardening season, the DVD […]
The Band’s Visit: Power of Music and Universal Language of Human Experiences
By Andrea K. Hammer While searching through a library movie collection for a previously undiscovered […]
A Hologram for the King: Imaginative Story With Stunning Special Effects
By Andrea K. Hammer Rare films, such as A Hologram for the King, defy easy […]
Lost & Found by Liam O Mochain: Highly Inventive and Original Film
By Andrea K. Hammer Lost & Found (2017), written and directed by Liam O Mochain, […]
The Movie Diana: Naomi Watts in “Mesmerizing” Oscar-Worthy Role
By Andrea K. Hammer Film lovers revisiting stories about the monarchy will find Naomi Watts‘s […]
4 Memorable Dramas About the Monarchy: Balancing Private and Public Life
By Andrea K. Hammer With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, dramas about her extraordinary […]
My Salinger Year: Fascinating Snapshot of Literary World With Imaginative Cinematic Twists
By Andrea K. Hammer My Salinger Year, based on the book by Joanna Rakoff (Margaret […]
5 Star-Studded Classics With Strong Supporting Roles
By Andrea K. Hammer As one astute film viewer recently observed, the classics retain their […]
Just Like Heaven: Extraordinary Special Effects in Romantic Comedy
By Andrea K. Hammer Some film and literary experts think that the same basic stories […]
Dancing at Lughnasa: Under-the-Radar Drama in Ireland a Rich Film Experience
By Andrea K. Hammer Dancing at Lughnasa, an under-the-radar drama from director Pat O’Connor, adds […]
Midnight in Paris: Superior Example of Effective Time Travel in Film
By Andrea K. Hammer In a superior example of time travel that works effectively in […]
Girl With a Pearl Earring: Worthy Re-Watch for Arts and Book-to-Screen Enthusiasts
By Andrea K. Hammer Arts lovers and book-to-screen enthusiasts will find Girl With a Pearl […]
Waitress: Delightful Comedy With Cleverly Filmed Pies
By Andrea K. Hammer Waitress, a delightful comedy written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, is […]
Czech Drama Koyla Reveals How Love Transforms Lives
By Andrea K. Hammer Koyla, the Czech drama with an outstanding performance by the charming […]
Two Days, One Night Presents a Difficult Dilemma for Co-Workers
By Andrea K. Hammer In the category of digging down for hidden stores of strength, […]
The Best of Men: One Determined Person Can Make a Difference
By Andrea K. Hammer As testimony that one man willing to speak up and fight […]
Land Movie: Drama Revealing Challenges and Rewards of Living in Alaska
By Andrea K. Hammer Have the horrific events of the last month prompted thoughts about […]
7 Delicious Food Movies Flavored With Sizzling Cinematography and Good-Writing Ingredients
By Andrea K. Hammer After rejecting a couple of movies well beyond the 7-minute failed-to-capture-our […]
7 Romantic Movies With Unexpectedly Engaging Pairs
By Andrea K. Hammer Just in time for Valentine’s Day, news about the opening of […]
8 Films for Upbeat Entertainment
By Andrea K. Hammer Has the endless loop of bad news left you in need […]
7 Films About Tapping Hidden Stores of Strength
By Andrea K. Hammer Has dealing with another pandemic surge during a cold snap left […]
4 Stellar PBS and BBC Series From Women’s Viewpoint
By Andrea K. Hammer As enthusiastic PBS and BBC fans, we recently discovered the following […]
The Short History of The Long Road: Remarkable Drama About Resilience and Survival
By Andrea K. Hammer The Short History of The Long Road, a film by Ani […]
Monsieur Ibrahim: Award-Winning Foreign Film About Bridging Differences
By Andrea K. Hammer Monsieur Ibrahim, an award-winning foreign film by Francois Dupeyron, is an […]
Made in Italy: Repair of Home and Relationship Leads to Healing
By Andrea K. Hammer Exploring the break and repair of a father-son relationship, Made in […]
Brick Lane: Scenes Catching the Light in Movie About Self-Discovery
By Andrea K. Hammer The movie Brick Lane, based on the best-selling novel by Monica […]
PIKU Movie: Irrfan Khan Reveals Quiet Strength in Rarely Explored Subject
By Andrea K. Hammer On a mission to expand our knowledge of Irrfan Khan‘s films, […]
Silver Linings Playbook: Knock-Out Performances in Truth-Telling and Indirectly Humorous Roles
By Andrea K. Hammer Like Joy, Silver Linings Playbook opens with potentially off-putting intensity, which […]
The Movie Joy: Inspiring Story About a Strong Business Woman Who Refuses to Back Down
By Andrea K. Hammer According to film lore, the first 7 minutes of a movie […]
The Founder: Essential Film for Entrepreneurs About Need to Protect Their Business
By Andrea K. Hammer The Founder is a critical movie for every entrepreneur to watch–particularly […]
Lunchbox: Charming Romantic Drama With Simple Yet Compelling Premise
By Andrea K. Hammer One of the prized aspects of film is the medium’s ability […]
The Girl in the Cafe: Fascinating Film Study Raises a Lingering Question
By Andrea K. Hammer The Girl in the Cafe, a drama with the unlikely pairing […]
Wyeth: Outstanding Documentary About Popular but Often Criticized Artist
By Andrea K. Hammer Wyeth, an outstanding documentary for American Masters, creates a layered portrait […]
Britt-Marie Was Here Movie: Quirky Film Reveals Power to Change at Every Stage of Life
By Andrea K. Hammer If you are looking for a quirky film experience, the movie […]
3 Documentaries for Bird Lovers: Taking Flight and Enjoying Springtime Freedom
By Andrea K. Hammer As many start to break free from the last year’s restricted […]
Alamar: Peaceful Film in Coral Reefs of Mexico Speaks Volumes
By Andrea K. Hammer Alamar (To the Sea), a film by Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio, is an […]
Fisherman’s Friends: Romantic Comedy Brimming With Authenticity
By Andrea K. Hammer During a welcome new period marked by authenticity–one of Artsphoria’s favorite […]
5 Films Exalting Teachers Who Make a Difference in Children’s Lives
By Andrea Karen Hammer With parents often doubling as teachers during the last year, a […]
The Movie Edie: Uplifting Film About Older Woman Climbing Mount Suilven in Scotland
By Andrea Karen Hammer If you feel like you are climbing a steep mountain with […]
Women on the 6th Floor: Gem of a Movie With Joie de Vivre
By Andrea Karen Hammer Women on the 6th Floor is a gem of a movie, […]
Cairo Time: Film Balances Lively Scenes in Historic City With Moments of Extraordinary Stillness
By Andrea Karen Hammer Cairo Time, illuminating the lively activity of this exotic city, manages […]
Lemon Tree: Film Illuminates Attempt to Connect Despite Differences
By Andrea Karen Hammer The Lemon Tree, based on a true story, reveals how the […]
Seraphine: Unique Film Experience About the Life-Sustaining Force of Art
By Andrea Karen Hammer Seraphine, telling the true-life story of a housekeeper by day and […]
Walt Before Mickey: Remarkable Film About Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success
By Andrea Karen Hammer Walt Before Mickey, based on the true life and novel about […]
Howards End and Remains of the Day: Power of Leading On-Screen Couple
By Andrea Karen Hammer From the minute a film begins, some actors and actresses immediately […]
Billy Elliot: Film With Still Relevant Themes Inspires Grit and Determination
By Andrea Karen Hammer Billy Elliot, a dance film with still relevant themes about fair […]
Adaptation: Interesting but Disjointed Film Experience About the Complexities of Screenwriting
By Andrea Karen Hammer Adaptation, the movie based on the Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean, […]
The Rewrite: Comedy Provides Inside Look at Screenwriter’s Life and Film Industry
By Andrea Karen Hammer The Rewrite (2014), a funny and entertaining film, holds special appeal […]
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: Exquisitely Filmed Story About Faith in Possibilities
By Andrea Karen Hammer Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, based on the book by Paul […]
Miss Potter: Enjoyable Family Film With Charming and Naturally Integrated Animation
By Andrea Karen Hammer Miss Potter, an immensely enjoyable film for the entire family, will […]
A Year in Provence: London Couple Deals With a Cast of Colorful Characters
By Andrea Karen Hammer A Year in Provence is an entertaining seasonal snapshot of a […]
My Big Fat Greek Wedding and My Life in Ruins: Two Delightful Movies
By Andrea Karen Hammer When you want to travel virtually to the beautiful land of […]
Two Weeks Notice: Perfect Timing in Romantic Comedy Delivers Hearty Laughter
By Andrea Karen Hammer Some movies, like Two Weeks Notice, are even more enjoyable after […]
The Hundred-Foot Journey: French and Indian Cuisine Lead to Food and Culture Wars–and Sizzling Romance
By Andrea Karen Hammer The Hundred–Foot Journey, with a fitting title for our times, is […]
Tortilla Soup: Deliciously Entertaining Family-Centered Comedy for Food Lovers
By Andrea Karen Hammer Billed as a “delightful film,” Tortilla Soup (2001) is a touching […]
Maggie’s Plan: Offbeat Characters in a Love Letter to New York
By Andrea Karen Hammer With the voice, mannerisms and style evocative of Woody Allen’s films, […]
Playing for Keeps: Star Athlete’s Fumble Before Catching Major Realization
By Andrea Karen Hammer For sports fans missing their games, the opening of Playing for […]
Son of the Bride: Comedy-Drama About Family Dynamics and Search for Happiness
By Andrea Karen Hammer With universally recognizable themes as Father’s Day approaches and the pandemic […]
3 Favorite Movies From Sidney Poitier’s Enduring Body of Work: Powerful Messages That Continue to Reverberate
By Andrea Karen Hammer Can you think of an actor who has created a memorable […]
10 Romantic Films With a 10 Rating: Compelling Elements for Creating Movie Magic
By Andrea Karen Hammer After watching the closing scene of one of our favorite movies, […]
Chocolat Film: Rich and Deeply Satisfying Movie Experience
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Chocolat, a luscious film exploring the theme of indulgence, […]
Bottle Shock: Fascinating Movie About Wine-Making Process Captures Father-Son Conflict
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Bottle Shock, a fascinating movie about the wine-making process […]
Enchanted April: All-Time Favorite Film to Experience Bliss in Paradise
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Enchanted April, Artsphoria’s all-time favorite film, holds its power […]
This Beautiful Fantastic: Testament to the Transformative Powers of Gardening
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer, director of Artsphoria’s Online Film Forum This Beautiful Fantastic, full […]
Queen of Katwe: Inspiring Film for All Ages About Personal Strength, Persistence and Determination
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Based on the true story about a young Ugandan […]
My Kid Could Paint That: Lingering Questions for Parents, Journalists, Filmmakers and Viewers
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer My Kid Could Paint That (2007) raises compelling questions […]
Film Adaptation of Wild: Cheryl Strayed’s Memoir About Walking Through Grief
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Anyone who has read Cheryl Strayed‘s knock-out essay “The […]
Bread and Tulips: Wife and Mother Redirects Her Life After Traveling Mishap
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer In the delightful foreign film Bread and Tulips, Rosalba […]
The Namesake: Powerful Storytelling and Extraordinary Cinematography
The Namesake (2006), based on the book by Jhumpa Lahiri, is about an arranged marriage […]
Burnt: Foodie Film Revealing Chef Pressures in the Culinary World
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Burnt (2015), like other food-focused movies including Chef, reveals […]
Tea With the Dames: An Unfiltered Discussion With Four Legendary Actresses
Movie Review by Andrea Karen Hammer Tea With the Dames (2018) is an extraordinary conversation […]
Puzzle Movie: Snapping Pieces of Life Together in a New Configuration
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Puzzle, a 2018 movie about a woman searching for […]
How Does the Downton Abbey Movie Hold Up on the Big Screen?
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The hype surrounding the release of the Downton Abbey […]
Millions Film: Imaginative, Unique and Unconventional Holiday Movie
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Millions is an imaginative, unique and unconventional holiday movie […]
McFarland USA: Latino Cross-Country Team Racing Against the Odds
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer McFarland USA, a surprising Disney film, is based on […]
Helvetica Documentary: Powerful Impact of Graphic Design on Visual Communication
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Graphic designers and others curious about the impact of […]
Dancing in Jaffa: Common Language Bridging Entrenched Differences
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Dancing in Jaffa presents a formidable challenge: Renowned ballroom […]
Paris Can Wait: Exquisite Film Travelogue
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Paris Can Wait is a visually delicious film from beginning […]
A Dog’s Purpose: A Delightful Romp
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer From the opening frame of a closeup of a […]
The Bookshop: A Memorable Film Revealing Kindness, Nastiness and Revenge
Review by Andrea Karen Hammer The Bookshop (2017) is a movie about one woman’s desire […]
The Hollars: Five-Star Film About Dysfunctional Family Coping With Tragedy Through Humor and Love
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Despite the tough themes involving a dysfunctional family dealing […]
Renoir Movie: Reflections of Master’s Well-Lit Paintings
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The film Renoir, like the master’s well-lit paintings, is […]
The Tree: A Mystical and Comforting Film About Dealing With Profound Loss
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The Tree (2010) is a mystical and comforting film […]
Mad Hot Ballroom: Children Learn Lessons for Life
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Mad Hot Ballroom is an award-winning documentary following fourth […]
Lost in Paris: Viewers Find a New Cinematic Land
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Lost in Paris (2016) is a zany and funny […]
The Intern: Charming Movie Reverses Traditional Concept
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The Intern (2015) magically remains an upbeat and delightful […]
Dreamgirls: Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Music Industry
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Dreamgirls (2006), a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry, […]
The Visitor: Movie About Complex Immigration Issues and Rediscovering Life’s Beat
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The Visitor (2007), a movie about complex immigration issues, […]
Brief Encounter: Classic Movie With Dramatic Train Station Scenes
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Addressing the subject of infidelity ahead of its time, […]
Mid-August Lunch: A Son’s Real-Life Caregiving Experience–With a Twist
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Anyone who has assumed the responsibility of a caregiver […]
3 Films Revealing Dev Patel’s Talents and Range
Movie reviews by Andrea Karen Hammer After watching three outstanding films with the ultra-talented Dev […]
Green Card: Uplifting Romantic Comedy Despite Complicated Subject
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Green Card (1990) is an uplifting romantic comedy despite […]
Chef: Delicious Comedy With Generous Servings of Hope
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer As promised on the DVD cover of Chef, this […]
Victoria & Abdul: Powerful Bond Creates Enduring Movie Moments
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer In her role playing the elderly queen in Victoria […]
Birders: The Central Park Effect Reveals an Unexpected Location in New York City
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The colorful illustration at the beginning of Birders: The […]
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain: Delightful Romp
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer At first glance, The Englishman Who Went Up a […]
Hidden Figures: Timely Movie for 50th Anniversary of Moon Landing
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Hidden Figures (2016), based on the untold true story […]
Best in Show: Comedy With Guaranteed Laughs for Pet and Improvisation Lovers
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Sometimes, you need to watch a comedy to enjoy […]
Crazy Rich Asians: Lively and Entertaining Romantic Comedy
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Crazy Rich Asians, based on the bestselling novel by […]
I Loved You So Long: Gripping Drama Raises Questions About the Unthinkable
Move review by Andrea Karen Hammer I Loved You So Long (2008) is a mournful, […]
Best Version of Shall We Dance?
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer The original version of Shall We Dance? (1996) is […]
La La Land Continues to Sparkle After Several Screenings
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Even after a third screening, La La Land (2016) […]
Lars and the Real Girl: Extreme Suspension of Disbelief
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer In an extraordinary film-making feat, Lars and the Real […]
Back to Burgundy: Full-Bodied Saga Fermented at a Family Winery
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Back to Burgundy is a full-bodied saga fermented at […]
A Boy Called Sailboat: Pure Gold Mined From the Dusty Earth
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer A few rare movies have the power to create […]
My Afternoons With Margueritte: Tender Look at Surprising Friendship
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer My Afternoons with Margueritte, a 2010 French film based […]
Meet the Patels: Funny Family Story About Bridging Different Cultures
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer From the start of Meet the Patels, interspersed scenes […]
Mostly Martha: Stunning Cinematography in Behind-the-Scenes Look at Culinary World
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer From the opening scene, Mostly Martha is a visually […]
Kitchen Stories: Film With Subtle Humor and Poignant Moments
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Kitchen Stories, surprisingly billed as a comedy, is an […]
Award-Winning Performances in “Maudie” Filled With Complexity
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Drawn from the real-life story of the folk painter […]
“In America” Reverberates With Authenticity
Movie Review by Andrea Karen Hammer This film about a poor Irish family searching for […]
“Me Before You” Openly Confronts the Abyss
Movie review by Andrea Karen Hammer Based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes, the […]