In a split-screen from the movie Language Lessons, Mark Duplass stretches his face in a funny way, while Natalia Morales laughs
2021 Movie ReviewsBOFCAMoviesSpoilerpiece Theatre

Spoilerpiece Theatre 350: Language Lessons

Evan Crean

In Episode 350 of my podcast Spoilerpiece Theatre, we review Language Lessons, Dear Mr. Brody, and Sound of Violence. We open with a statement in support of the Asian American community. Then we discuss some movies that played at this year’s SXSW. Megan and I cover Sound of Violence (2:52), Alex Noyer’s brutal horror film about a college student who finds herself chasing a synesthetic high at all costs. Next, we talk about Keith Maitland’s uneven documentary Dear Mr. Brody (14:30), which tells the story of Michael Brody Jr., an heir to a margarine fortune who publicly promised to give away his multi-million-dollar inheritance in 1970. Last, but certainly not least, we review the delightful Natalie Morales directorial debut, Language Lessons (27:37), which is about a Spanish teacher and her student who form an unexpected friendship during their remote lessons.

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Evan Crean

Hello! My name is Evan Crean. By day I work for a marketing agency, but by night, I’m a film critic based in Boston, MA. Since 2009, I have written hundreds of movie reviews and celebrity interviews for Starpulse.com. I have also contributed pieces to NewEnglandFilm.com and to The Independent, as a writer and editor. I maintain an active Letterboxd account too. In addition to publishing short form work, I am a co-author of the book Your ’80s Movie Guide to Better Living, which is available on CreateSpace and Amazon. The book is the first in a series of lighthearted self-help books for film fans, which distills advice from ’80s movies on how to tackle many of life’s challenges. On top of writing, I co-host and edit the weekly film podcast Spoilerpiece Theatre with two other Boston film critics. I’m a founding member and the current treasurer for the Boston Online Film Critics Association as well. This site, Reel Recon.com, is a one-stop-shop where you can find links to all of my past and present work. Have any questions or comments after checking it out? Please feel free to email me (Evan Crean) at: ecrean AT reelrecon DOT COM .