Forgive the slightly different format today, this was originally intended for elsewhere… There is a common theory that teenage boys (and many men in general) only need a pretty girl to smile at them to make them turn into a… Read More ›
review
Ian McKellen and Laura Linney Crack the Case in "Mr. Holmes"
Do you realize that while he has been nominated for two Academy Awards, Ian McKellen hasn’t won an Oscar? It’s true – two nominations (“Gods and Monsters,” “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”), zero wins. Perhaps though, this… Read More ›
Movie Review: "Terminator: Genisys"
The first “Terminator” was this new and different sci-fi horror masterpiece. “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” more or less ditched the horror and was this insanely large action film with incredibly good effects surrounding a new and unbelievable villain. Then the… Read More ›
Movie Review: "Spy" (2015)
Yesterday, I wrote the first in a series of James Bond articles and talked about “Dr. No.” Much of that discussion centered on the “Bond formula,” the things that would become hallmarks of the franchise. I then went out to… Read More ›
"Mad Max: Fury Road" – So Great and yet Should be More
If you go and look, you’re going to see a number of breathless reviews for “Mad Max: Fury Road” explaining just how George Miller’s return to the franchise after 30 years is utterly brilliant. They will discuss how the action… Read More ›
"Monsters: Dark Continent" is Better Left Unknown
The film industry is regularly slammed for producing too many sequels and not enough fare based on new, original, ideas. But, how can you blame them? Why would you not want to try and repeat/build-on your successes? Let us say… Read More ›
"Ex Machina" — A Good Movie Which Earned Greatness it did not Achieve
Some films you can watch and then forget about between leaving the theater and arriving home. Others stick with you, they make you think, they make you wonder, and they desperately make you want to see them again. It was… Read More ›
DreamWorks’ "Home" is not Where the Heart is
In the end (yes, I’m starting there), as I have said before, the best movies for kids are enjoyable for parents as well. DreamWorks’ latest film, “Home,” certainly will please young audiences, but it may do less for the older… Read More ›
Vince Vaughn’s "Unfinished Business" is a Funhouse Mirror Version of my Life
I don’t want to be Vince Vaughn anymore. Oh sure, there was a moment that I thought it would be awesome to be Vaughn (he was so money and he didn’t even know it), but that time has gone. I… Read More ›
"The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" – Three movies that are one and brilliant
Every once in a while, you come across something that smacks of genius. Maybe it’s in the idea. Maybe it’s in the execution. Maybe it just is. Today, I give you Ned Benson’s “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby.” Now, I… Read More ›
"The Maze Runner" Finds a Successful Path
Having an interesting premise (whether it is original or adapted from another medium) is obviously an important thing for a television series or movie, but what is done with that interesting premise is more important. I think that’s why some… Read More ›
"The November Man" – Rebonding with Pierce Brosnan
I will freely admit to a deep love of James Bond, his life, his work, and his movies (fine, yes, I understand that he’s not real, but he’s real to me). The point is this, when I watch a movie… Read More ›
Michael Mann’s "Blackhat" offers substandard fare in a hacker trojan horse
Hollywood hasn’t always done a great job portraying the high tech computer world, but when someone like Michael Mann steps in, the results could be exceptionally interesting. It isn’t that all of Mann’s films have been unequivocal successes, but they… Read More ›
Spoiler-filled thoughts on "Gone Girl" – what works, what doesn’t, and why I think it’s great
We live in a spoiler-phobic culture. And we do so with reasons that, I sometimes, can understand. The pros and cons of that are something we can talk about another day, but I tell you this because the below piece… Read More ›
"Into the Woods" Review: Sondheim musical gets middling adaptation
Once upon a time, I saw the Broadway revival of “Into the Woods” featuring Vanessa Williams as the Witch. While the James Lapine-Stephen Sondheim musical has never been my favorite bit of theater—nor my favorite Sondheim work—I felt an affection… Read More ›
The TV and Film Guy's Reviews 