The Neutral Ground uses New Orleans as a backdrop by exploring the Civil War and the debate to remove Confederate monuments. One could make the argument that New Orleans was a trendsetter in debating to remove statues. Or at least that’s how it might feel if you haven’t been actively paying attention to the discussion. For some, it only becomes of interest when it’s on the front page daily. Other cities would do so quietly…
"The Neutral Ground Adds To the Statue Conversation"
Things are slowly coming back to normal for movies but once again, Solzy at the Movies presents the Solzy Awards for 2021…so far. It feels like it’s been forever since Sundance kicked off the traditional start of the new movie year. The festival went with a hybrid version this year with a mix of both online and in-person. In terms of film festivals over all, I’m going to be full honest that this isn’t my…
"The Solzy Awards for 2021…So Far"
Steven Soderbergh is back with the Ed Solomon-scripted No Sudden Move but the lens choices are distracting to watch on a flat screen. On paper, this sounds like a fine film. In terms of execution, there are some rather distracting decisions being made. The lens choices just didn’t work with regards to home viewing. When they moved the dolly in order to follow the movement, it made for some distractions when the picture moved. It…
"No Sudden Move: Lens Choices Don’t Work Well"
The Academy’s Board of Governors have announced the approval of the rules and campaign regulations for the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars). The eligibility period was previously announced as Academy Awards consideration returns to the standard December 31 deadline. A feature film must have a qualifying release date between March 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Theatrical exhibition is still being impacted by the pandemic this year. As such, the Oscars eligibility requirements for the 94th Academy Awards will be…
"Oscars: Changes for 94th Academy Awards"
Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway deliver commanding performances in The Devil Wears Prada, which marks its 15th anniversary. This is a film that really shows us what it means to be a personal assistant. For better or worse, assistants can go through a personal hell just to still be employed at the end of the day. Lauren Weisberger draws on her personal experiences working for Anna Wintour at Vogue in the semi-biographical novel of which…
"The Devil Wears Prada Marks 15th Anniversary"
It’s been a long time coming for Black Widow but the Marvel spy thriller is finally hitting theaters and Disney+ Premier Access. Before I dive into my thoughts on the film, we need to talk about the end credits. Because the film displays the credits during an opening montage, there is no mid-credit scene. Instead, the scene comes at the very end of the credits. If you’re watching at home, a lot of people worked…
"Black Widow: Marvel Does It Again With Spy Thriller"
A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a Spielberg film which is Kubrickian in origin, marks its 20th anniversary since its theatrical release in 2001. David (Haley Joel Osment) is a prototype child robot or a Mecha, if you will. He’s been programmed to love unconditionally–this includes Monica (Frances O’Connor). There are all sorts of Mechas and they’re jobs are to make human lives easier. Unfortunately, this also means humans are out of a job. When David’s family comes…
"A.I. Artificial Intelligence Marks 20th Anniversary"
For Your Consideration is a short film that shows what happens when entitled women get together to make a film in hopes of winning Oscars. The Sundance Film Festival has a way of making things happen. This is the goal of the three women who meet at the LA member’s only club. And yes, there are stereotypes involved when it comes to putting this idea together. Prison reform is one of the ideas that’s thrown…
"For Your Consideration: A Short Film"
The Ice Road offers a nice change of pace and thrills for action star Liam Neeson in this solid B movie now streaming on Netflix. Widows and Ordinary Love aside, it feels like a lot of Liam Neeson films of late are Taken or something not far from the formula. That’s why this film, which offers no shortage of thrills, is such a breath of fresh air. Sure, Netflix keeps churning films out but this…
"The Ice Road: A Change Of Page for Liam Neeson"
Rooftop Films premieres the 1970s New York City-set comedy Inspector Ike, inspired by the likes of Columbo and The Naked Gun. After moving around the world, Inspector Ike (Ikechukwu Ufomadu) relocated back to New York City. It’s here where he joined the force and became the greatest police detective. He’s not a bumbling idiot and certainly doesn’t play the role in a way that Leslie Nielsen might. Ufomadu plays the detective with a deadpan delivery…
"Inspector Ike Inspired By Columbo, The Naked Gun"