Robin Williams is a comic genius at work in Good Morning, Vietnam, which marks the 35th anniversary since its 1987 release. Not many people can do what Williams was able to do behind a microphone. I mean, they can try but this man was a genius. It’s not an unfair statement to say that Robin Williams is irreplaceable. When you get behind the microphone in stand-up, the audience is your scene partner. The same goes…
"Good Morning, Vietnam Turns 35 Years Old"
After a love letter to the golden age of musicals with La La Land, Damien Chazelle delivers a love letter to 20s and 30s cinema in Babylon. You’ve never seen a film like Babylon and you’re probably never going to see anything like this epic ever again. What’s there to say about it? The film–over a decade in the making–is the epic tale about Hollywood that we’ve been waiting for and it’s absolutely awesome. There’s…
"Babylon: A Love Letter to 20s and 30s Cinema"
Simone Kessell and Jay Ryan sat down with Solzy at the Movies in Toronto to discuss their new film, Muru, playing the fest. This interview probably plays better if one is listening to the audio. Alas, you’ll just have to laugh along while reading the transcript. As a side note, Simone Kessell’s casting in the upcoming season of Yellowjackets came up after the interview wrapped. Muru doesn’t have a US release date yet so I’ve…
"Simone Kessell and Jay Ryan talk Muru – Toronto 2022"
The 95th Oscars might not be until March but the Academy of Motion Picture sciences announced shortlists for 10 categories. We’re closer to knowing who will make up the nominees of the 95th Academy Awards in the following categories: Documentary Feature Film Documentary Short Film International Feature Film Makeup and Hairstyling Music (Original Score) Music (Original Song) Animated Short Film Live Action Short Film Sound Visual Effects I’m making a quick update to express my…
"Oscars Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories"
Jovan Adepo and Jean Smart joined the Babylon cast in a virtual press conference for members of the Critics Choice Association. Brad Pitt was not among the cast participating in the early December press conference. While Damien Chazelle was set to participate, he ended up getting sick and unable to join. TCM’s Dave Karger moderated the press conference and my question below is among those that were picked. Adepo stars as Sidney Palmer while Emmy-winning actress…
"Jovan Adepo and Jean Smart talk Babylon, Damien Chazelle"
John C. Reilly delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in the cult classic musical biopic spoof that is Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. While 2007 may have been the year of Judd Apatow, Walk Hard was not well-received by audiences. It’s since gone onto become a cult classic. I mean, the fact that we’re talking about this film on its 15th anniversary tells you the respect that it commands today. You cannot make a musical biopic…
"Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Marks 15th Anniversary"
This is 40, Judd Apatow’s sequel to 2007 hit comedy Knocked Up, marks the 10th anniversary of its theatrical release in 2012. When it comes to Judd Apatow, his films can run long. This film is certainly no exception. It might have made for a great night out ten years ago when every place was closing early. Ten years later, you can really feel its run time. But hey, it’s a Judd Apatow movie and…
"This Is 40 Marks 10th Anniversary"
HBO Max announced the list of films, series, and specials that are coming and leaving the streaming service during January 2023. HBO Max announces programming coming to the platform this January including the series premiere of THE LAST OF US (1/15). This series takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts…
"HBO Max: Coming and Leaving in January 2023"
Drawing inspiration from a classic Sergio Leone film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the long-awaited sequel to the 2011 Shrek spin-off. Audiences had a chance to catch a sneak preview over Thanksgiving weekend. Similarly, Critics Choice Association members had the opportunity to do the same by way of digital screener. I never got around to watching the first film but I caught both in a double feature on Thanksgiving Eve. This one is…
"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Gets A Bit Dark"
While Zero Dark Thirty is about the manhunt for terrorist Osama bin Laden, the film has not aged particularly well on its 10th anniversary. In early 2013, I would have said that this film was one of the best films of 2012. But now, I’m not so sure especially with what The Report had to say about it. It is through the lens of having watched The Report in which I watched Zero Dark Thirty…
"Zero Dark Thirty Marks 10th Anniversary"