Movie Review - "The One I Love," Fantasy Retreat Mends Broken Marriage

With spectacular performances by Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss, Charlie McDowell's confident directorial debut "The One I Love," brings a crowd-pleasing premise having savory twists that stretch the boundaries of numerous genres. It also navigates that marital mine field of a deteriorating relationship with insightful observations, some comic, some tragic, but always authentic. ...

The Ties That Bind

'Of Human Bondage' presented Bette Davis with a considerable acting challenge. She accepted it, and it made her a star. ...

The Stargate TV Series

This is a science-fiction TV series that went on for 10 seasons and accumulated over 200 episodes. It started out as a movie which was a pilot for the TV series. It is based around a portal that allows people to be transported from Earth to another planet, and many other planets depending on the address entered. ...

Movie Review: The Green Beautiful

A forgotten or ignored movie from the late nineties? This is a great movie with much humor, as only the French can deliver. It is about a peaceful planet where the people have matured and evolved to the point where their long lives are based on love and togetherness, not separation and hate. ...

Telling the Tale of a Terrorist Attack

Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' told the inside story of the most notorious terrorist attack in American history. It failed to make much of an impact on the 2004 elections, though. ...

A Million Ways To Die In The West

Seth MacFarlane manages to portray the ultimate Western anti-hero. "A Million Ways to Die in the West" is quite a departure for MacFarlane, who's more famous for a completely different type of movie -- "Ted." ...

Disney's Frozen

Frozen is the latest Disney movie, released quite appropriately in a typically frigid November. Disney has out done itself yet again by creating a fun, entertaining, and musical adventure for children and people of all ages to enjoy. ...

Movie Review: "22 Jump Street"

The movie "22 Jump Street" is the highly anticipated sequel to "21 Jump Street." The second installment sees the return of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as Morton Schmidt and Greg Jenko, two undercover cops. After completing an assignment for which both partners posed as high school students, they are assigned to a mission that involves going undercover as college students. ...

Anatomy of a Mutiny

'The Caine Mutiny' may have been Bogart's best performance. Captain Queeg had a lot of problems. ...

"THE GRAND SEDUCTION" - A New Film Report

I wish there was something I could say of this film, that would lift up my own spirits--so low were they when I walked from the theater. I delight in comedy as much as the next fellow. And I surely cherish people who are attempting to shore up their lot in life-having fallen on hard times through no fault of their choices... So: this film should have got me emotionally touched and laughing. It did neither. And yet, the scenery is especially brilliant: The story takes place in a town at the edge of a far-off Newfoundland harbor. ...

Firing a Shot in the Dark

'A Shot in the Dark' brought my family many hours of entertainment. It was also the source for many running jokes. ...

'Batman' Was Entertaining, and That's What Mattered

'Batman' was an entertaining movie. It helped if your expectations weren't too high. ...

Taking Care of Family Business

Long before he was Obi-Wan Kenobi, Alec Guinness played eight members of an aristocratic family who stood between another member of the family and his birthright. The wronged relative sought to right that wrong. ...

A Beginner's Guide to Dr. Who

Doctor Who is a British sci-fi series that follows the adventures of an eccentric alien known only as the Doctor (the usual response when he introduces himself is, "Doctor who?"). This article represents a quick summary of what the BBC series is about and its main characters. ...

Get a Break: How Screenwriters Break Into the Business

It is one of the most desirable careers out there: writing for the screen. At least for those of us who are writers. When you are starting out as a screenwriter it is essential that you set measurable and achievable goals for yourself and focus on reaching these goals. ...

Redefining the Western Genre

Before 'The Wild Bunch,' movie Westerns were thoughtful. After 'The Wild Bunch,' they became a lot bloodier and not as thoughtful. ...

Movie Review: "The Fault in Our Stars"

"The Fault in Our Stars" is a romantic drama staring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as Hazel and Augustus - two teenagers who reluctantly forge a relationship. Their relationship is affected by the fact that they have both been diagnosed with cancer and know that their life is not guaranteed. Despite the risk of loving and losing, Hazel and Augustus decide to be together for as long as they have left. ...

"IDA" - A New Film Report

How do I deal with a movie that touches on the foulest fate that innocent folk endured during the Second World War-- as it played out with some Jews in Poland? Haven't we heard enough about all that evil... and how non-Jews-supposedly- decent people-- got involved in some of the forced slaughter? I don't have a problem hearing about another tale-- as long as it's portrayed in the highest spirit of artistry. But when it's shown in a shorthand- cipheric film, I begin to think that I'm being mistreated. And that's my beef with this "IDA". ...

What Makes Los Angeles the Perfect City to Film Movies?

Filming locations in Los Angeles are among the most favorite places to shoot movies, commercials and even for photography sessions. Aside from the vast selection of sets, their proximity to production offices and studios provides convenience. In this article, we will be counting down the reasons why this city is the best place to search for film locations. ...

Chris Hemsworth's Thor Brings Back the Smart Superhero Movie

Thor is that rare action movie that set the tone for franchise movies like Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers which are part of the megafranchise world.. Marvel has outdone themselves with bringing this superhero to life and Chris Hemsworth kicks major butt doing it. ...

Fast Five Puts the Franchise Back Into Top Gear Again

Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson had a lot riding on the success of Fast Five, and the movie truly feels like it which makes the audience the winner. The film keeps building to something bigger and better. ...

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold Keeps Morgan Spurlock In Michael Moore Territory

Morgan Spurlock's back with The Greatest Movie Ever Sold which attempts to show how ads and product placement have infiltrated movies and television, but we never learn how this actually works in movies. We're still entertained as he knows what the sponsors want, especially POM Wonderful. ...

Water For Elephants Review

Fans of the Sara Gruen bestselling novel Water For Elephants might enjoy this movie, but Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of a love so fiery it threatens to tear the top off this circus feels more like someone OD'd on Ambien when writing this script. Reese Witherspoon continues her run of movies that fall short of their promise. ...

Stoker Review

After watching this film, you will most likely feel disturbed and uncomfortable. Stoker is about a young girl named India Stoker, whose father dies on her eighteenth birthday. Her uncle Charlie, whom she never knew existed, comes to stay with her and her mother, Evelyn. Soon after Charlie's arrival, people begin disappearing, family secrets are revealed, and India finds herself stepping into her uncle's shoes. There's some big star power in this film; Mia Wasikowska plays India Stoker, Nicole Kidman stars as her mother, Matthew Goode plays Uncle Charlie, and we also see Dermot Mulroney briefly. ...

Four Reasons Why The New Star Trek Movie Is Must Watch

Whether you are a die hard Trekkie' or a 1st time Trekkie, Star Trek into Darkness is one journey that you can not miss. Read on to know why. ...

Saoirse Ronan Makes Hanna Shine Bright

Hanna brings some stellar talent to an action thriller that's somewhat confusing but definitely has it's thrilling moments as a very cool edgy coming of age revenge thriller. It flew under the radar for many, but it made a fast rising star out of Saoirse Ronan. ...

The Roommate Suffers From Sucking All the Air From the Room

The Roommate has no thrills, horror and not even the usual obligatory boob shot. A sad 'Single White Female' ripoff that sends Screen Gems back to the depths of bad films. ...

The Rite Doesn't Get Exorcisms Right

We can add 'The Rite' onto the pile of 'true life' exorcism films that won't do much except make you feel like the process is rather boring. Anthony Hopkins gets to chew scenery while everyone else makes you root for the devil to win in this case. ...

Jason Statham's Mechanic Treats the Original With Much Respect

Jason Statham is that rare consistent action star that you know exactly what you'll get with his films. 'The Mechanic' remake is no different, but his acting skills show a little weakness when paired up with Ben Foster and Donald Sutherland. ...

I Am Number Four Never Strives For Number One

I Am Number Four feels like the pseudonym the book was authored under; it never amounts to much more than feeling like something you'll forget you saw a day or two later. Once again Michael Bay jumps in and throws CGI into a mix that doesn't need it ruining what could have been a satisfying ending into what feels like just another excuse to keep the door open for a sequel. ...

Movie Review: "Edge of Tomorrow"

"Edge of Tomorrow" is an action film based on the book "All You Need is Kill." The film stars Emily Blunt as a Special Forces soldier and Tom Cruise as Major William Cage, a reluctant infantry soldier. While at war with an alien species, Cage kills one of the alpha aliens and becomes trapped in time, reliving the same day over and over. ...

Flowers in the Attic Sequel on Lifetime, WTF!

Even before the first airing of the "Flowers in the Attic" television film adaptation, Lifetime announced the sequel, "Petals on the Wind," would air in May. This left many people scratching their heads and wondering "WTF?!" ...

'It Happens Every Spring' Was One of Best Sports Flicks

There's nothing quite like a sports movie. In this one, Ray Milland combined baseball with chemistry. ...

"WORDS AND PICTURES" - A New Film Report

Seeing "WORDS AND PICTURES" is like glancing backward to established Eastern prep schools where male students wore those crested jackets and the female students dressed tastefully. Those were schools where teachers often challenged students with harsh language and challenging assignments. Are prep schools like those still existing? It all seems like the bygone days. For the sake of students I hope there are places like Croyden in Maine yet in play. ...

Gragg Araki's Kaboom Takes Him Back To His Roots

Gregg Araki cemented himself as a more serious director with 2004′s 'Mysterious Skin' while also elevating Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Now he's back to his indie self with 'Kaboom', another look at sexual awakening in a fast moving near future where everything is spinning beyond everyone's control. ...

The Tourist Shows Casting Two Big Stars Doesn't Always Work

A movie with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp sounds so good on paper, but as 'The Tourist' shows, sometimes fantasy can be so much better than reality. Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's Hollywood debut clunks badly. ...

Cher's Burlesque Is Fun High Camp With Christina Aguilera

'Burlesque' is that fun musical movie that comes out during holiday season and makes you enjoy musicals all over again. It reminded me of how 'Chicago' made me feel, and I'm not a big musical person either. Cher and Christina Aguilera are the perfect match. ...

Nick Stahl's Meskada Keeps His Career In Freefall

Nick Stahl is the only saving grace of the indie crime drama 'Meskada', and it makes you wonder whatever happened to his once promising career. Meskada won't be resurrecting it for him.' ...

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd): I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never ever possibly destroy us. ...

Todd Phillips' Due Date Past Its Expiration Date

Todd Phillips' Due Date is not the best successor to The Hangover and if you're expecting it, you're better off renting Planes, Trains And Automobiles. This is one Due Date that came way too soon or was overcooked. ...

HBO's The Normal Heart Reminds Us Of A Crisis Still Not Over Yet

Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart has taken quite a long road getting to the big screen. Barbra Streisand tried for many years, but thankfully Ryan Murphy took over putting all of his passion into bringing it to HBO as it was well worth the wait. ...

Old Hammer Horror Film On YouTube

For the past few weeks I've found myself watching old movies on YouTube. I've been enjoying old horror flicks to be precise. I know. ...

Henry Polic II (1945-2013)

Henry Polic II, a television personality for close to forty years, died at 68 years. The actor began his career in 1975 with ABC, on which he acted as the Nottingham Sheriff. He later went on and acted as Dracula briefly in the 1970s series the Monster Squad and later on guest-starred in a dozen of shows, such as Mork and Mindy, Saved by the Bell, Alice, Eight Is Enough, Sheena, and Murder, She Wrote. Acting in various supporting roles, Henry Polic remained a popular face of TV for American generations from the 1970's through to his death. In addition, he went on to accomplish mainstream status for children as well as adults alike during his period as the main voice of Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow on Batman: The animation series ...

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" Wows Audiences With Fast-Paced Action and Emotional Depth

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" brings all of fans' favorite Marvel Comics mutants back to the big screen for a fast-paced saga that melds the future with the past. Directed by Bryan Singer, "X-Men: Days of Future Past" takes the audience on an action-packed adventure from a future time that threatens the existence of both mutants and humans to the distant 1970s with hopes that the current future can be changed. ...

Long Day's Journey Into Night: What Might Have Been

Among the many themes in Eugene O'Neill's play, one is the question of what might have been had we taken the road not taken (to paraphrase from Robert Frost). No matter which road we take, we will have cut ourselves off from a different life than the one we chose. But we can only have what we chose. We can never have in reality what we only imagine. The question is not, "What might have been" but, rather, "What now?" What choices will define us now? What road will we take now from among the unlimited number of roads that are before us? These questions are explored in this article. ...

"CHEF" - A New Film Report

This baby's a winner! I liked everything! The story clicked every minute-- from the first jazzy scenes where you see the chef and his assistants getting ready for another upscale night in the life of a Los Angeles fine restaurant. But soon we glimpse the chef at odds with the owner. The chef needs to release his real creativity in the menu he presents to his patrons- while the owner demands that he stick with the surefire winners that have made them both successful. ...