So many things going on this time of year. Just a quick couple of reviews for some more current stuff. As I continue to wade my way through a DVR filled with movies from the last free weekend on DISH, I'll do quick reviews on more recent movies. Plus I actually went out and saw... Continue Reading →
Movie – The Wonder Boys
The Wonder Boys (2000) - An English professor faces the shambles his life has become following his successful first novel when he tries to help one of his students. Directed by: Curtis Hanson Starring: Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Robert Downey Jr., Frances McDormand, Katie Holmes, Rip Torn, Richard Thomas, Alan Tudyk I had never... Continue Reading →
Movie – The Manchurian Candidate
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) - A U.S. soldier captured during the Korean War returns home with a secret mission inside his brainwashed mind. Directed by: John Frankenheimer Starring: Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury Released at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis this movie was very controversial in some circles. Before the... Continue Reading →
Annual Christmas Favorites List
Time for my annual list of favorite Christmas media. Hasn't changed much over the years. It's Christmas. Make of it what you will. Maybe it’s a high holy day for you. Maybe it’s really about Santa and the swag under the tree. Maybe it’s just something to be survived. Go for it. I intend to... Continue Reading →
Movies – Quick Reviews
My focus for reviews is on movies that are at least ten years old. At the same time I watch a fair number of more recent movies and I just want to share thumbnail reviews. John Wick (2014) - Bad guys stole John Wick's car and killed his puppy. So he kills them all. Seriously,... Continue Reading →
Movie – Wings
Wings (1927) - Two young men, in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots during World War I. Directed by William Wellman Starring - Clara Bow, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Richard Arlen and Gary Cooper This is a landmark silent movie. "Wings" won the Best Picture Oscar at the very first Academy Awards. "The Jazz... Continue Reading →
Movies – 50 Sci-Fi Films You Have to See
Fascinating article over at io9, "50 Brilliant Science Fiction Movies that Everyone Should See At Least Once". My quick count says I've seen 33 of them. The itself isn't particularly surprising. It ranges from Fritz Lang's 1927 "Metropolis" to 2015's "The Martian". "Frankenstein", "Star Wars", "2001", "Dr. Stranglove", "Back to the Future", there are plenty... Continue Reading →
Movie – Seven Samurai
Seven Samurai (1954) - A small farming village is threatened by repeated bandit attacks. They decide to hire samurai warriors to defeat the bandits once and for all. Directed by Akira Kurosawa Starring - Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura Generally acknowledged as one of, if not the, greatest Japanese film of all time. Most American audiences... Continue Reading →
Movie – Alfie
Alfie (1966) - A Cockney playboy plays the field without remorse until he is finally confronted with some of the consequences of his lifestyle. Directed by:Lewis Gilbert Starring: Michael Caine, Shelly Winters, Vivian Merchant, Jane Asher, Denholm Elliot This movie presents an interesting dilemma. Alfie Elkins is a fairly nasty piece of work. He treats... Continue Reading →
Movie – Inglorious Basterds
Inglorious Basterds (2009) - A secret American unit is parachuted into occupied France during World War II to kill Nazis and spread terror. Their plan to kill German leadership coincides with a movie theater's owner's plan to get revenge for her family. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Starring Brad Pitt, Micheal Fassbender, Christoph Waltz,... Continue Reading →