A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum brings the 1962 stage musical to the screen in the 1966 feature directed by Richard Lester. I spent last night watching the classic musical comedy in honor of Richard Lester’s 90th birthday today. After all, we should pay tribute to them while they are alive instead of waiting until they pass away. I’ve watched a number of Dick Lester’s films recently: A Hard Day’s Night,…

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Earthquake Remains A Classic Disaster Thriller

Earthquake remains a classic disaster thriller even though the visual effects don’t compare with what is possible with today’s technology. Mark Robson assembles a true ensemble cast in the 1974 disaster thriller. By this point in time, disasters had struck the air and the sea in Airport and The Poseidon Adventure, respectively. It was only a matter of time before disaster struck the land. When disaster strikes, it’s almost always Los Angeles, San Francisco, or…

"Earthquake Remains A Classic Disaster Thriller"

A Hard Day’s Night: Criterion Releases 4K UHD

Starring The Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night is the latest classic title to get a 4K Ultra HD upgrade from The Criterion Collection. Richard Lester, who also plays piano and turns 90 years old on January 19, approved the new 4K digital restoration. Fans have three different audio options to choose from: a monaural soundtrack, stereo, and 5.1 surround mixes supervised by sound producer Giles Martin at Abbey Road Studios. The sound mix is presented…

"A Hard Day’s Night: Criterion Releases 4K UHD"

For Your Consideration: An Awards Season Satire

For Your Consideration is a rock solid satire of Hollywood’s awards season and holds up over 15 years after its 2006 theatrical release. I knew this was a funny film when I saw it for the first time in 2010. However, my only knowledge of awards season at the time was through what I saw on TV and read in magazines. Since this time, however, I’ve become an awards voter myself. I have a first-hand…

"For Your Consideration: An Awards Season Satire"

Sex Appeal: Teen Comedy Film Launching On Hulu

Sex Appeal marks the fifth American High film for Hulu as The Shabbos Goy filmmaker Talia Osteen directs her first narrative feature. Behind the camera, filmmaker Talia Osteen is no stranger to comedy. I know that I’m supposed to be talking about Sex Appeal but I must stress that The Shabbos Goy is one of the funniest short films I have ever seen. Honestly, I want to see a feature film made from the short…

"Sex Appeal: Teen Comedy Film Launching On Hulu"

Arsenic and Old Lace: A Hysterical Classic

Arsenic and Old Lace, a black comedy directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant, is just as funny now as it was in 1944. Shot over the course of eight weeks in late 1941, the film wouldn’t see the light of day until 1944. Broadway plays are always a great source material for films. However, Broadway producers were always worried that movies would impact their attendance. At least, this was the case during the…

"Arsenic and Old Lace: A Hysterical Classic"

Orange County Turns 20 Years Old

Orange County, the Jake Kasdan comedy starring Colin Hanks and Jack Black, marks its 20th anniversary since the 2002 theatrical release. When best friend Lonnie (Bret Harrison) is killed in a surfing accident, Shaun Brumder (Colin Hanks) starts rethinking his life. Until then, Shaun didn’t really value his education. He was the type to surf, drink, and party–so basically, he was your average high school student! Throw Marcus Skinner’s (Kevin Kline) novel into the equation…

"Orange County Turns 20 Years Old"

The Aristocrats: Bob Saget Told The Best Version

While a number of comedians discuss the joke in The Aristocrats, it is the late Bob Saget who draws the most laughs in telling his version. At first glance, comedians repeating the same joke and its origins is something that will probably get old really quick. Thanks to the direction of both Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza, who also edited the film with comedian Emery Emery, this doesn’t happen. A number of comedians appearing in…

"The Aristocrats: Bob Saget Told The Best Version"

Benjamin: The Final Bob Saget-Directed Film

Directed by Bob Saget, Benjamin is a dysfunctional family comedy that does its best to tackle the subject of drug addictions. If you’re looking to pay tribute to the late Bob Saget, there are probably better films or TV series to watch. Full House, The Aristocrats, you name it. However, I saw the comedian directed a film a few years ago so I had to watch. It’s not a bad film at all. If you’re…

"Benjamin: The Final Bob Saget-Directed Film"

The Last Picture Show: A Peter Bogdanovich Classic

Co-written with novelist Larry McMurtry, Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show is a coming-of-age tribute to a bygone era of time. “Nobody wants to come to shows no more. Kid baseball in the summer, television all the time.” — Miss Mosey (Jessie Lee Fulton) to Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges). Over fifty years later, these lines hit harder. Because of the pandemic, many theaters are fighting for their life. Movie palaces are especially fighting for their…

"The Last Picture Show: A Peter Bogdanovich Classic"