There is unquestionably an argument to be made that we don’t need another movie telling us that building sentient robots—especially robots to fight wars—is a bad idea. We have seen the notion play out multiple times, and so often with… Read More ›
There are a large number of things which I don’t understand about the new Liam Neeson movie, “The Marksman.” I have questions about the number of roads that lead from Arizona to Chicago, the time traveling it would take to… Read More ›
At the end of last year, much was made of whether or not the TV series “The Crown” should put a disclaimer before episodes which, essentially, explain that the series is not a documentary. Yes, the show may feature real… Read More ›
There is, we suspect, something brilliant buried somewhere within “The Empty Man.” Based on a graphic novel, the movie stars James Badge Dale and focuses itself on… well, even telling you that might be a bit spoilery. Of course, that… Read More ›
The goal for this week’s podcast had been to look at two Netflix movies we missed in 2020 — “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “The Midnight Sky.” Of course, after that plan had been put into motion, things happened last… Read More ›
Human beings have blind spots and movies are a result of the work of human beings, so it’s probably not terribly surprising that they have blind spots as well. We should expect them, but perhaps not forgive them. They are… Read More ›
“Grizzly II” was shot in the early ’80s. Or, part of it was shot then. A producer left the movie, the money ran out, and decades later a different producer of the film, Suzanne Csikos Nagy, returned to the project… Read More ›
Arriving on Blu-ray and 4K UHD next week is the movie “Love and Monsters.” It came out theatrically (if that means anything in 2020) this October and if you’re like me, you missed it. You just missed it. Well, if… Read More ›
The 1980s, we are often told, was a decade of excess, a decade of nonstop movement centered around a push for more; for bigger, which is always better. That ethos seems to be the guiding principle of Patty Jenkins’ new… Read More ›
There are movies which sometimes cause me to struggle. For one reason or another, there’s a bit of them that just feels off. I’m talking about movies where I am incredibly, insanely, hugely engrossed in what’s going on; where I… Read More ›
There are a number of amazing things about writer/director Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman.” Starring Carey Mulligan—whose performance is undoubtedly amazing thing number one—this is the story of a woman whose life was derailed in medical school following a rape…. Read More ›
One of the many horrible lessons of 2020 is that all too often we choose to look out for ourselves even if it means hurting others; that we do not care when we see—or inflict—pain on someone else. Yes, there… Read More ›
Not every movie works, we all know that. Generally speaking, people go into making a film with the best of intentions and for various reasons it doesn’t pan out. Because of my faith that individuals who make movies want to… Read More ›
Michael Mann’s “Collateral” got a new 4K UHD edition last week and we’re discussing it here and now. It is a great film that everyone should take the opportunity to see… at least, you should if you like great films…. Read More ›
Some romances are meant to be. Whatever gets in their way, whatever surrounds them, it doesn’t matter – they are meant to be. With “Wild Mountain Thyme,” writer-director John Patrick Shanley gives us one such tale and it is heartwarming… Read More ›
We don’t mind saying it — Shakespeare was wrong, names matter. Fine, you want to say it was only Romeo who was wrong, we’ll say that, too — it was only Romeo. Now, Francis Ford Coppola may approach this accusation… Read More ›
It is always interesting to think about the exact story being told when one is watching a movie (or reading a book, watching a TV show, etc.). Who is it that is telling the tale? What is their POV? What… Read More ›
Regrettably, I have no “clever” little entry point into this review. I wish I could relate the thing back to some bigger picture idea. I wouldn’t mind riffing on the meaning of road trip films or lost fathers or found… Read More ›
Is “The New Mutants” the last time we’re going to see the current filmic version of the X-Men universe? Conventional wisdom suggests that it is, but that’s not what we’re debating this week (we need not enter that fray). No,… Read More ›
Some movies are balancing acts—or at least attempt to be—trying to manage two disparate things at the same time. Whether that’s because the movie is a mix of genres or attitudes or ideas or anything else, finding the perfect blend… Read More ›
The first game I played with my PS5? “WRC 9: The Official Game.” A rally simulation racing title, “WRC 9” is gorgeous and difficult and satisfying and frustrating all at once. This is not a game that holds your hand,… Read More ›
Losing a family member is an incredibly difficult time in people’s lives. Not being able to lean on your support structure in such a moment only makes it that much worse. With “Uncle Frank,” Alan Ball gives us a completely… Read More ›
editor’s note: it was not until the credits started on this movie that I realized I know one of the executive producers of the film and have worked with him in my community for years (completely outside the world of… Read More ›