Summer Box Office: Is Tentpole Fatigue in Play?

Memorial Day used to mark the kick-off of the summer movie box office season but that changed the minute that Sony dated Spider-Man for release at the start of May 2002. Many films released this past month have opened below studio expectations.  Are audiences tired of these tentpoles or are movies thought to be critic-proof no longer critic-proof?  Before I started writing reviews regularly, I would turn to the likes of Roger Ebert for my…

"Summer Box Office: Is Tentpole Fatigue in Play?"

Movies and Television Books You Should Read!

There’s been many movie or television books released, be it biographies, memoirs, etc.  Here’s a few that I recommend. Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick If you follow Kendrick on Twitter or are a fan of her work in general, this is a must-own book.  The actress writes about her life both in and out of the spotlight.  These candid stories give us an inside look at Kendrick’s life with an upbringing that led her…

"Movies and Television Books You Should Read!"

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Closes a Chapter

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales appears to be a fitting conclusion for the saga.  Whether Disney will opt to greenlight a sixth film in the franchise remains to be determined but a post-credits scene could very well open the door for another film. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg from a screenplay written by Jeff Nathanson (story by Nathanson and Pirates veteran Terry Rossio), Johnny Depp leads a cast that…

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Closes a Chapter"

Netflix original War Machine goes big but misses

War Machine is easily the biggest Netflix original film to date and the military satire contains solid acting performances even as it misses on some levels. Written and directed by David Michôd, Brad Pitt leads a cast that includes Emory Cohen, RJ Cyler, Topher Grace, Anthony Michael Hall, Anthony Hayes, John Magaro, Scoot McNairy, Will Poulter, Alan Ruck, Lakeith Stanfield, Josh Stewart, Meg Tilly, with Tilda Swinton and Sir Ben Kingsley.  Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner,…

"Netflix original War Machine goes big but misses"

Hollywood Movies lacking Transgender Characters

Hollywood movies are lacking transgender characters according to GLAAD’s fifth annual Studio Responsibility Index. In a year that saw Moonlight win Best Picture, Hollywood is still lacking with LGBTQ characters who drive the storyline and appear in a film for more than a mere minute.  The first half of 2017 may be better as far as the main studios are concerned but whose to say how the rest of the year will pan out.  We’ve…

"Hollywood Movies lacking Transgender Characters"

Table 19 should have RSVPd with a No

Anna Kendrick leads a star-studded cast in Table 19.  Unfortunately, all of them should have responded “no.” That’s not to say that this film isn’t cute because it is at times and it might even be better than the worst weddings you’ve ever been to.  I feel bad saying this because I usually enjoy films that are associated with the Duplass Brothers. Written and directed by Jeffrey Blitz from a story by the Duplass Brothers,…

"Table 19 should have RSVPd with a No"

Dying Laughing shows life on the road

Dying Laughing is another top-notch comedy documentary and this one focuses on what life is like on the road.  This review is better late than never–talk about timing! Directed by Lloyd Stanton and Paul Toogood, the star-studded interview subjects include Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Sarah Silverman, Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Izzard, Billy Connolly, Steve Coogan, Mike Epps, Jerry Lewis, DL Hughley, Amy Schumer, Allan Havey, Bob Saget, Bobby Lee,…

"Dying Laughing shows life on the road"

The Lovers is A Crazy Family Affair

The Lovers gives us a new approach to marital themes in a way that is sure to resonate with audiences. Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, the film stars Debra Winger, Tracey Letts, Aidan Gillen, Melora Walters, Tyler Ross and Jessica Sula. What we had already known from the trailer was that both spouses, Michael (Letts) and Mary (Winger) in a marriage were having an extramarital affair.  Their son is coming home and bringing is…

"The Lovers is A Crazy Family Affair"

HBO pulls animated Jon Stewart program

HBO has decided to stop production on the animated Jon Stewart program.  It’s unfortunate news for Stewart’s many fans that were looking forward to this series. A statement was issued by both HBO and Stewart. “HBO and Jon Stewart have decided not to proceed with a shortform digital animated project,” HBO said in a statement. “We all thought the project had great potential but there were technical issues in terms of production and distribution that…

"HBO pulls animated Jon Stewart program"

Paul McCartney, James Bond producers pay tribute to Sir Roger Moore

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli released statements following the passing of the iconic James Bond star Sir Roger Moore. Daniel Craig, who is the most recent actor to star as James Bond, also shared a statement with a photo of the two Bonds. Paul McCartney, who still rocks out Live and Let Die during concerts, released a statement as well.

"Paul McCartney, James Bond producers pay tribute to Sir Roger Moore"