Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies

David Newman is conducting Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert over the course of three nights at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This was my first time getting to see a film at the CSO, let alone watch the CSO in action. It was a fun experience–anytime I get to watch a Star Wars film on the big screen is always a good time. The last time I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on…

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies"

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: A Tribute To Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman may no longer be with us but the legacy of King T’Challa lives on in Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Of all the Marvel films I’ve written about in my lifetime, this is the toughest. We’ll never know what could have been had Chadwick not died from cancer. Obviously, the film’s plot would likely be different to an extent. That we’ll never know is the part that truly sucks. That being said, Ryan…

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: A Tribute To Chadwick Boseman"

The 355: The First Dud of 2022

January is a month that studios typically use as a dumping ground for the not-good films and The 355 is no exception to the rule. The 355 is billed as a fast-paced espionage thriller but it didn’t feel fast-paced nor much of a thriller. This film takes us to the likes of Paris, Morocco, and Shanghai. There’s a star-studded cast but unfortunately, they can’t elevate the material no matter how much they try. The gist…

"The 355: The First Dud of 2022"

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth and final installment of the Skywalker saga, is now available for fans to buy on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. In addition to the above options, eight previous films in the saga are being made available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time.  Both Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo were previously available on 4K UItra HD. Bonus features include*: The Skywalker Legacy – The…

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video"

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends

Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker isn’t only the ninth Star Wars installment but the ultimate conclusion to a franchise started in 1977. It goes without saying that for fear of even the most mild of spoilers, I ask that you please do not read any further until after seeing the film. If you’re anything like me, go into the film knowing as little as possible. The saga ends as it begins on the…

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends"

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX

Star Wars: The Last Jedi may or may not be the best film in the franchise but writer-director Rian Johnson delivers the goods in the eighth installment. What follows below the asterisks is the bulk of my original review–first published in 2017.  My feelings on this film have not changed in two years.  In fact, the film only improves with time.  Rian Johnson would turn out to be the perfect filmmaker to take on the…

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX"

Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX

Star Wars: The Force Awakens features the long-awaited return of fan favorites while introducing us to a new generation of characters. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) are back but Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing.  The Resistance has a new band of heroes leading the way for a younger generation.  Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and BB-8 are certain to take Star Wars into the…

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX"

Black Panther: The Road to Endgame

To put it in simple terms, Black Panther is one of the best Marvel films ever.  The Black Panther character screamed for a movie iteration ever since he debuted in comic book form in Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #52 (1966). Ryan Coogler, who broke out with the Sundance-winning Fruitvale Station in 2013, is onto a heck of a start to his filmmaking career with three critically acclaimed films.  Not many filmmakers can have as successful of…

"Black Panther: The Road to Endgame"

Sundance 2019: Little Monsters

Blending comedy with zombies down under, Little Monsters offers so much fun in viewing that it is sure to become a cult classic on the midnight circuit. Following a fight with girlfriend Sara (Nadia Townsend), Dave Anderson (Alexander England) decides to move in with his sister, Tess (Kat Stewart), and her son, Felix (Diesel La Torraca).  His band hasn’t been together in some six years so all he does is just play music outside in…

"Sundance 2019: Little Monsters"

Black Panther arrives on Home Media

With Black Panther available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD, fans have the opportunity to make the return trip to Wakanda anytime! Whether it’s the women of Wakanda or bringing the story to the screen, the bonus features have a lot to offer viewers. When the film was released in February, it came with a shockwave that was not unlike last summer’s release of Wonder Woman.  As of May 13, 2018, the…

"Black Panther arrives on Home Media"