Category > Cinemascoping
The initial reviews for Joe Johnston's The Wolfman have been mixed at best and it's easy to see why. Its opening moves far too fast, one of its key actors phones in his performance and its third act flirts with silliness. That being said, I found this reboot of the 1941 classic engaging and at times daring in the way it pushes the boundaries of studio produced horror films and the weighty issues it takes on within its pulpy narrative …
| Ed note: Chuck's best films of the decade list continues here. Note, once again: This is in no way intended to be a definitive list of the best films of the last 10 years. Undertaking such a project would be foolhardy and arrogant. No, this is simply my list on what I feel were the most significant movies made from 2000-2009 and is intended as nothing more than one critic's opinion, as well as a starting point for further discussion …
The purpose of "Best of " lists is to prompt reflection and discussion. Yet, often they become the focal point of divisiveness in which readers react vehemently if their personal favorites are ignored. So, in the spirit of this on-line magazine (remember the name gang), let's clarify a few things. This is in no way intended to be a definitive list of the best films of the last 10 years. Undertaking such a project would be foolhardy and arrogant. No, …
I wasn't sure what to expect from the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It, but I didn't anticipate being bored. However, that's exactly how I felt sitting through this cobbled-together collection of footage taken while the performer was preparing for what was to be the penultimate event of his career. His death casts not only a pall on the film but also proves to be the final, impenetrable barrier in getting to know the man. As put together by director …
There's no doubt that director Christian Alvert is doing his level best to duplicate Alien with his outer space, creature feature Pandorum. From its setting (a vast spaceship adrift in the cosmos), characters (a rag tag crew of misfits) to its monster (a horrific, carnivorous creature), this is a rip-off of Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic if there ever was one. Surely Alvert, if cornered, would refer to it as an homage, which would be stretching things, as the film does …
As activists go, Rick O'Barry is surely one of the most extreme you're likely to meet. An oceanographer who worked on the 60s television show Flipper as a dolphin trainer, he has taken an enormous burden upon himself. Convinced that the mania surrounding the hit TV show he worked on has led to the explosion in popularity of oceanariums and zoo dolphin shows, O'Barry has gone out of his way to stop the illegal sale of these mammals in Japan. While the …
Shane Acker's 9, a nearly feature-length (79 minutes) version of his experimental short film is a truly a wonder to behold. Set in a seemingly alternate reality in which World War II is combined with elements of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds with a touch of The Terminator thrown in for good measure, the film is visual knock out. With its post-apocalyptic vision of the world, in which ragamuffin creatures go toe-to-toe with machines that have achieved consciousness, is …
Having delivered a sobering warning about the state of our environment, with his Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, one would think the next obvious step for filmmaker Davis Guggenheim would be to do a feature on Greenpeace or the plight of the Amazon rain forest. While those are worthy subjects, the director thankfully tackled a far lighter but no less rewarding topic in his newest film It Might Get Loud, a stirring documentary with the simple premise that "three musicians …
The cinema of Quentin Tarantino has always been derivative in nature. A self-proclaimed movie geek who taught himself film history by working in a California video store, the director's movies are allusion-packed affairs that riff on his favorite genres as he puts his distinctive spin on them. The quandary of his films is that they're immature in nature yet often brilliant in execution, making for a seductive combination that's enamored film-goers and critics alike. Without question, Pulp Fiction was a …
Writer/Director David Twohy's films will never be confused for high art. Actually, the word "films" is a bit of a misnomer in referring to his work — "movies" is more accurate — yet there's no denying they're a great deal of fun. I'd be hard pressed to come up with an accurate way to measure just how much popcorn has been consumed by those who've seen The Arrival, a fun sci-fi alien conspiracy flick with Charlie Sheen, Below, a genuinely …
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What if the sideways alternatives are where Jacob actually grants them their wishes, but in ways they didn’t quite expect? The elimination of one regret. Sayid gets to be with Nadia - although through his brother. Maybe he ends up with her at the expense of his…
I understood this totally differently than the other people that posted…this is what I got from it: - the more background you have going in, the more of the allusions you will understand when watching - afterwards, you can do a little research to fill in the…
Jason — I know you are busy with your own thang too, but, whenever you are ready: http://www.smilepolitely.com/contribute/ Word.
Fair enough. This is my second attempt at writing for Smile Politely, and I agree that my playful review did not go over well, or at all like I intended it to. Thank you, Jason, for your advice. I’ll definitely take it to heart.
Tracy, I think there are two halves to this. Even if you are not familiar with the “history of the American film,“ you are always a few Google strokes away from digging up the basics on iconic films and actors that would have registered a big “A-HA!“…
J, I promise I meant no disrespect. The last thing on my mind was disrespecting anyone. I was at a disadvantage because I was reviewing a play whose subject matter I know very little about. And I was trying to be funny. I enjoyed the…
I’ve never read a more pointless article, one so brazenly disprectful to its subject matter and to the reader. Please do not write any longer.
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I would LOVE to participate next time. Who should I contact dudes?
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Keep us posted on the latter!
I received 1 st mortgage loans when I was not very old and that helped my business very much. But, I need the short term loan as well.
Nice article, Emily! When I get to the CU area, I’ll be sure to give this place a try.
The marathon is certainly a tough distance, but I imagine that it compares to childbirth. In any event, having completed the former, I will agree that it is an excruciating tastk. Should the opportunity arise, I will let you know how the latter compares.
I’ve always suspected that there’s a direct correlation between projected land use for the Rt 150 corridor [Industrial / Commercial] and the drive to expand 74. See the CCRPC Future Land Use Map for details, and then take a look at who owns land there, and you…
Zelini, I really like this - I’ll try to follow the theory more closely. As they reveal more about Kate (possibly next week), it might give us more perspective. I agree with your observation about Ben and I think Michael Emerson has done an excellent job conveying his lesser stature.
Surprised you think it will take two wins. I think we have a shot to get in with another loss. The bubble is just a disaster this year, and we’ll float to the top even with one win.
What if the sideways alternatives are where Jacob actually grants them their wishes, but in ways they didn’t quite expect? The elimination of one regret. Sayid gets to be with Nadia - although through his brother. Maybe he ends up with her at the expense of his…
The link has been updated. Thanks for alerting us.
This also explains why I was starting to think Roses & Sake was a group of strange pagans from Vancouver. This is when it pays to be a local. My apologies to the true Roses & Sake, we’ll fix this ASAP!
Ahh, shame on me. I grabbed it directly off of Mike ‘N Molly’s website. I’ll see if I can’t get it corrected on here (and maybe pass along the word to them as well). Thank you, observant reader!
I’m with Brigham regarding the Acrylics set. Very XX-ish. Very good.
i think the roses & sake link is actually: http://www.myspace.com/rosesnsake
Dangit! Now I have to go home and try that cake. MMMmmMMMMmmmm looks goood. Cakey cakey cakey…
Very nice preview…I’m stoked to be seeing The Young Republic
I understood this totally differently than the other people that posted…this is what I got from it: - the more background you have going in, the more of the allusions you will understand when watching - afterwards, you can do a little research to fill in the…
Sorry about the lack of address and hours. All I can say is duuuh
Amen. When I told people I’ve lost 18 pounds since early October the number one response I get from women is concern. 18 pounds in four months is not unhealthy, quite the opposite for me. But don’t give up on sugar, or become a vegan, or do…
The whole self-acceptance idea is tricky in itself too. Are we supposed to self-accept by sitting around like bumps on logs, doing nothing but just appreciating and accepting ourselves? Life doesn’t happen like that. I like your point about pushing ourselves to do something greater. Self-challenge and self-reflection…
lindsey - i certainly understand where you are coming from on that one. and i just wanted to state for the record that in no way did i mean to imply that i am not a feminist (or a liberal) just that i find that whole…
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Zelini, I really like this - I’ll try to follow the theory more closely. As they reveal more about Kate (possibly next week), it might give us more perspective. I agree with your observation about Ben and I think Michael Emerson has done an excellent job conveying his lesser stature.