Twister: One Of The Best Disaster Thrillers

The Oscar-nominated Twister follows a group of storm chasers on a dangerous mission to deploy a tornado research device during a storm. I still remember watching the film while on vacation in St. Louis back in 1996. It’s one of at least two Steven Spielberg films that I saw while my family was on vacation–the other being Saving Private Ryan while vacationing in Detroit in 1998. Maybe it’s because I saw this during a pivotal…

"Twister: One Of The Best Disaster Thrillers"

Mr. Saturday Night: 30 Years Later

Billy Crystal marked his feature directorial debut in 1992 with Mr. Saturday Night, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Buddy Young Jr. (Billy Crystal) dates back to a HBO comedy special in 1984. Crystal knew there was something special there and brought the character to Saturday Night Live after joining the cast. Even dating back to his earlier years, the character was something of an insult comic. You can place Buddy Young Jr. into…

"Mr. Saturday Night: 30 Years Later"

As Good As It Gets Marks 25th Anniversary

James L. Brooks’ Oscar-winning As Good As It Gets marks the 25th anniversary of the romantic dramedy’s 1997 theatrical release. Poor Verdell. That’s what happens when you pee in the lobby and piss off a neighbor. No dog deserves to be dumped in the dumpster! But in all seriousness, the dogs playing Verdell end up stealing the show and force Jack Nicholson into playing the straight man to the pooch. I wouldn’t have it any…

"As Good As It Gets Marks 25th Anniversary"

Sundance 2021: How It Ends

How It Ends is the existential comedy-drama (mostly comedy) filmed during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic that I didn’t know I needed. Liza (Zoe Lister-Jones) is on a mission to get to a party before the end of the world.  Joining her for the day is her younger self (Cailee Spaeny).  Because it is the last day on the planet, people can see her younger self.  This film takes place in some sort of metaphysical reality…

"Sundance 2021: How It Ends"

Cast Away Marks 20th Anniversary

Cast Away, which landed Tom Hanks another nomination for Best Actor, is the most 2020 film to be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020. Think about it.  FedEx systems analyst executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) finds himself in the most 2020 position possible: stranded on a deserted island.  The film takes place in 1995 and Noland is in the worst possible position with no food, water, shelter, or company.  His only food comes by whatever…

"Cast Away Marks 20th Anniversary"

The Miracle Season: Heartbreaking and Devastating

The Miracle Season is the type of film that requires a box of Kleenex heading into the theaters.  It’s a film that falls under the categories of being both heartbreaking and devastating as director Sean McNamara tells the inspiring true story of the the Iowa City West High School volleyball team.  It’s a team that hand to find a way to channel their feelings following the tragic accident of star setter Caroline “Line” Found (Danika…

"The Miracle Season: Heartbreaking and Devastating"