I can't immediately recall a time when there were so many (three, to be specific) mysteries in theaters. First, just a few weekends ago, we got the mediocre The Happytime Murders (review) and the spectacular Searching (review) and, now, from "the darker side of Paul Feig" (as the marketing states) we get A Simple Favor. ... Continue Reading →
Here we are with yet another classic film franchise struggling to find a foothold in today's marketplace. The Predator series has always been more of a cult favorite than a genuine pop culture phenomenon. Not a single film featuring the creature(s) has cracked $100 million in domestic box office receipts, including the two films shared... Continue Reading →
It was just early this year when Marvel's Black Widow was essentially appropriated for a Jennifer Lawrence vehicle you probably remember entitled Red Sparrow (click here for that review). Now, from Pierre Morel, the director of Taken, comes another let's-pretend-it's-not-a-Marvel-character movie starring Jennifer Garner, this time by the name of Peppermint. Morel hasn't really done... Continue Reading →
In the well-documented wake of the success of Marvel Studios' Cinematic Universe, we've seen many others attempt to duplicate the model and achieve the same levels of both critical and commercial success that has blessed Marvel over the last decade. Of those who have tried, none have risen to Marvel's heights. Warner Brothers has come... Continue Reading →
Along with BlacKkKlansman, Searching was my most-anticipated film of August. An intense, gripping trailer combined with a stylish presentation and a lot of buzz coming out of Sundance made this one the one to see on opening weekend. I've also liked star John Cho since my first exposure to him in ABC's "Flashforward" television series... Continue Reading →
The Happytime Murders was making news before it even hit theaters after Disney sued the creators for potentially causing marketplace confusion among consumers. Directed by Brian Henson - the son of legendary puppeteer and the creator of the Muppets, Jim Henson - The Happytime Murders is set in a world where humans and Muppet-like puppets... Continue Reading →
I have to say, when I saw the trailers for Jon M. Chu's Crazy Rich Asians (based on Kevin Kwan's novel of the same name), I wasn't really sure what to expect. The first time I see any given trailer, I tend to take in more of the overall tone and atmosphere than anything else... Continue Reading →
Does any urban legend have as fascinating (and disturbing) a history as Slender Man? The terrifying creature was created by Eric Knudsen as part of a 2009 online Photoshop contest and, from there, it took on a life of its own - literally, if you ask some people. There have been real-life rituals and even... Continue Reading →
Approximately one year ago, I found myself tasked with the responsibility of standing in front of my Freshman Orientation class and attempting to explain to them the then-recent events of Charlottesville, Virginia. It was Current Events Day in the curriculum, and each Freshman Orientation teacher was asked to discuss the most relevant current events for... Continue Reading →
Jon Turteltaub was responsible for many popular films throughout the nineties and early-two-thousands, from Phenomenon and The Kid to the National Treasure series. Turteltaub's films haven't always been critical darlings, but he has a way of producing crowd-pleasers that make a lasting impression and carry goodwill forward, years beyond their release dates. His profile has... Continue Reading →
The Movie March! 