Completing the Undercard – Writers Guild and Independent Spirit Awards Announced!

We're less than 24 hours away from the Academy Awards, and before I make my official predictions later tonight, there are two more major awards ceremonies to catch up on, which may provide some insight into how I make my picks, because in several cases they will not match up with who I would actually … Continue reading Completing the Undercard – Writers Guild and Independent Spirit Awards Announced!

Oscar Gold 2019 – Cinematography

Up until about a couple days ago, my breakdown of this category had been rendered superfluous. In the never-ending shit show that this year's ceremony has become, the Academy originally decided to relegate Cinematography, Film Editing, Live Action Short, and Makeup & Hairstyling to commercial breaks at Sunday's Oscars. Never once anticipating that people watching … Continue reading Oscar Gold 2019 – Cinematography

Still No, But That’s the Point – Isn’t it Romantic

For those who don't get the headline reference, a bit of film trivia. In 1948, a movie musical was released called Isn't it Romantic? It's fairly unremarkable, but it has one major bit of notoriety. In the 1980s, renowned film critic Leonard Maltin gave the film what is considered by the Guinness Book of World Records … Continue reading Still No, But That’s the Point – Isn’t it Romantic

Throw it Back in the Scrap Heap – Alita: Battle Angel

Robert Rodriguez hardly ever misfires. He's a master of genre, with hits like Sin City, Planet Terror, and Machete. He's a frequent collaborator with Quentin Tarantino, and has a visual eye many filmmakers would kill for. That said, his latest film, Alita: Battle Angel, just flat out sucks. The film languished in Development Hell for over a decade because … Continue reading Throw it Back in the Scrap Heap – Alita: Battle Angel

Everything is Not Quite Awesome, But Still Pretty Fun – The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

The first Lego Movie was one of the most unique moments in modern cinema history. It was an absolutely shameless bit of corporate synergy that at the same time was a visual marvel filled with laughs, amazing animation, and an emotional gut punch of an ending that was surprisingly profound, taking us out of the animated … Continue reading Everything is Not Quite Awesome, But Still Pretty Fun – The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part