News flash, I'm a nerd. I know, you're stunned. But yes, I have dabbled in geeky entertainment for pretty much my entire life, and that includes science fiction and being a Trekkie. My all-time favorite episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation is one from Season 2 called "The Measure of a Man." Far and … Continue reading Counter Programming – The Creator
I've mentioned quite a few times before that one of my major annoyances with modern horror films - particularly supernatural ones - is the presupposition inherent in them that the Christian version of God is true. We've seen this in tons of movies over the years, from the Conjuring series to The Unholy, and it … Continue reading American Hindu Horror Story – It Lives Inside
As of today, 66 countries and territories have submitted their entries to the Academy to compete for the Oscar for International Feature. The field is filling up fast, and I'm aggressively hunting for any hint of release data for as many as possible. I swear if I ever get to join AMPAS, I will just … Continue reading The Shawshank Repatriation – Amerikatsi
I will fully admit that I'm not a financial expert. My late mother was a payroll accountant for 25 years, and through her I learned how to balance a checkbook and do my taxes. For me, that's basically good enough. I had a 401(k) when I worked for ESPN, one where I contributed 4% of … Continue reading The Medium Short – Dumb Money
Something that's all too rare to see these days is entertainment for children that actually gives them a degree of intellectual credit. You do get it here and there, particularly from the works of Laika and Ghibli, but for the most part, the bulk of kiddie fare either panders to them or just tries to … Continue reading Soul Searching – The Inventor
Apologies for the lack of content over the last few days. I was babysitting a bubbert. However, the viewing schedule has definitely started to accelerate, and I'm here with the second International Feature submission of this Awards Season. As of this writing, 51 countries have made their decisions so far, and surely more will come … Continue reading Ragnar vs. Frock – Godland
When I was in seventh grade, I met a guy named Alex. He was new to the district, having moved from New Jersey. I've mentioned before in this space how we became friends, I think, basically me trying to get out ahead of all the rumors that bullies had successfully circulated to make my adolescence … Continue reading Swimming Lessons – Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
I always love it when we get into Awards Season and I can start tracking down the various films submitted for International Feature. There are usually around 90 entries each year from all over the globe, with an endless array of intriguing stories to tell and techniques to convey them. But also, if nothing else, … Continue reading Wed On Arrival – Marry My Dead Body
As Awards Season gets underway, you'll notice a shift in my regular coverage. I'll of course watch and review every mainstream movie I can muster the strength to see, but as we get ever closer to next year's Oscar Blitz, I'll also be taking whatever steps possible to get out in front of potential nominees … Continue reading The Freedom of Music – Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia
One of the cornerstone principals of comedy is the idea of escalation. The further you can take a premise or scenario, the higher the odds of hilarity become. In improv, the phrase, "Yes, and..." encapsulates it perfectly. You accept the concept that another has given to you, and you expand upon it, creating new avenues … Continue reading American Cupcake – Bottoms
I Actually Paid To See This 