It's an extremely hard task to create an Oscar-worthy film out of disparate elements from other movies, particularly when the previous materials have gone down as all-time classics. Thankfully, Writer/Director James Gray (whose last film - the transcendent Lost City of Z - was ignored during awards season) and leading man Brad Pitt are a pair ably … Continue reading A Prestige Star Vehicle In More Ways Than One – Ad Astra
It was inevitable. It's September, we're officially into awards season, and that means we get the prestige films that studios think will attract critics and voters for the highest prizes. Most of these films range from middling to great, with even the mediocre ones showcasing a single amazing acting performance, or some inspired camera work, … Continue reading A Little Birdie Told Me This Sucks – The Goldfinch
I confess that I've never read Stephen King's novel, It, nor have I seen the 1990 TV miniseries based on it (I was like, 8 years old at the time). So when I saw the 2017 film version of It, that was my first full exposure to the story. I was thoroughly entertained and quite excited for … Continue reading Add “SH” to the Front for Accuracy – It Chapter Two
It's somewhat telling when a film debuts before a festival audience and then undergoes significant changes before it's released to the general public. Very rarely is a film altered by studio demand and made better as a result. Some of these changes take place well behind the scenes, so movie-going audiences might not be aware, … Continue reading You Have the Right to Lose Control, Movies Don’t – Don’t Let Go
There's a lot to unpack with the new indie film, The Peanut Butter Falcon, which debuted at the South by Southwest festival this year, then opened early in August before having its wide release last weekend. Most of that stuff is on a more meta level than the actual film itself, which I'll just say right … Continue reading Wrestling is Stupid, But This Movie is Not – The Peanut Butter Falcon
The raunchy "teen" comedy has always been a favorite of mine, mostly because while I'm 37 years old (I'M 37?!?!?!?!?), I'm basically still 12. I still get a laugh out of the occasional dick and fart joke (provided it's worded and timed well), and someone cussing inappropriately will always get a chuckle out of me. … Continue reading Going Up to Northpoint, Gonna Have Myself a Time – Good Boys
I confess myself to be a little bit biased when it comes to Gurinder Chadha's new film, Blinded by the Light, as I am a huge, lifelong fan of the music of Bruce Springsteen. I've been listening to his work since I was a child in Delaware (not too far from Asbury Park, NJ). The first … Continue reading Tramps Like Us – Blinded by the Light
Good news, everyone! My penance has been paid and I am free of a certain company named for a currently burning rainforest. As such, I can catch up on the blog and get back to regular coverage. I've got three reviews in the chamber, and this is the first. Plus I'll have a new edition … Continue reading Not a Fumble, But Not a Touchdown – Brian Banks
My most profuse apologies for the lateness of this post. I saw Quentin Tarantino's latest opus, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood nearly two weeks ago, but haven't been able to have the quality computer time necessary to write a review until just now. I've started a new job working overnights for a certain online superstore … Continue reading The Old Man and the Scene – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Did you know there's a remake of The Lion King out right now? Did you know it sucks and shouldn't exist? Did you know there were other movies that came out over the last two weeks that you could've watched instead? Well, fear not, for your intrepid small-time blogger offers an alternative to Disney's unceasing parade … Continue reading Everybody’s In Kung-Fu Fight Club! – The Art of Self-Defense
I Actually Paid To See This 