There's something fascinating about revisionist history in films. Sometimes it can be thrilling, insightful, and even downright hilarious in spite of the pure fiction of the presentation, like in Inglourious Basterds. Other times, when it's pure hagiography like in Michael, the level of unadulterated bullshit is insulting to the intelligence of the audience (and in … Continue reading Take a Seat – Primetime
I've been lucky enough in my life to have several people that I've referred to as my "best friend." The most recent one has held that title for the past 20 years. For me, either by coincidence or unconscious design, they've all basically filled the role of surrogate brother, as I only had a sister … Continue reading Tayo Na! – Forgotten Island
Since the first Shaun the Sheep Movie got nominated for the Animated Feature Oscar, the series has really grown on me. I wasn't the biggest fan of the first film, mostly because I really didn't understand the charm of the characters, and the plot dragged to the point of being boring at times. It's been … Continue reading Shear Terror – Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
In a lot of ways, I'm an easy mark when it comes to movies. There are just some things that will instantly grab my attention and get me to come along for the ride. Animation? Obviously. Clever, farcical comedy? Of course. Anything directed by James Gunn, the Coen Brothers, or Charlie Kaufman? My ass is … Continue reading Mississippi Boring – By Any Means
What's this? A "Back Row Thoughts" column that's not just a batch review? Yes, it does still occasionally happen, especially on a night like tonight. Strap in folks, it's story time! As a lifelong fan of horror movies, there is little that scares me on the screen. I'm afraid of a lot of things in … Continue reading Back Row Thoughts – My White Whale
Spite can be a very powerful thing. We're humans. We're flawed. And when we get hurt, there is a natural impulse to take that pain out on others, especially those who harmed us in the first place. I'm certain that a lot of the initial hype around the release of Coyote vs. Acme was born … Continue reading Super Genius! – Coyote vs. Acme
Here's a fun little game. Try to guess the countries represented in the first International Feature submission I've seen each year since starting this blog back in 2018. It's an interesting list. First was Shoplifters from Japan, followed in 2019 by Colombia's Monos. In 2020 the first entry was the eventual winner, Another Round, from … Continue reading A House Divided – How to Divorce During the War
In the interest of fairness and transparency, I feel I have to start this review of Nimrods, the new movie produced by punk rock band Green Day, by laying a TON of cards on the table. I am a huge, lifelong fan of Green Day. I know there are plenty of musical acts that objectively … Continue reading Hitchin’ a Ride – Nimrods
With the world being in the state it is, we often find ourselves in need of something, anything, that can distract from all the problems and anxieties we encounter on a daily basis. We're surrounded by existential dread in the forms of rising prices, eroding civil and human rights, and gaslighting from the very government … Continue reading The Thin Mint Line – Cookie Queens
When Spider-Man: No Way Home reached its epic conclusion five years ago, there was a bit of trepidation to go with the tragedy. Setting aside the basic impossibility of Doctor Strange truly eliminating all traces of Peter Parker from living memory and record (surely the video footage of Mysterio outing him still exists, among other … Continue reading Remember Me? – Spider-Man: Brand New Day
