Truman: Revisiting the Emmy-Winning Biopic

Gary Sinise does a stupendous job in bringing President Harry S. Truman back to life in HBO’s Emmy-winning biopic, Truman. I’ve been meaning to revisit the film for quite some top after making a stop in Kansas City just over a month ago. When I was there, I made a stop at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. I meant to watch the film a few weeks ago but then October 7 happened.…

"Truman: Revisiting the Emmy-Winning Biopic"

Splendor in the Grass Navigates Teen Love and Heartbreak

Splendor in the Grass earned a Best Actress nomination for Natalie Wood while also propelling newcomer Warren Beatty to stardom. “Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind.” – William Wordsworth in “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” File this viewing under better late than never. It’s been sitting on my DVR for quite some time but…

"Splendor in the Grass Navigates Teen Love and Heartbreak"

Batman and Robin Puts Batman Out Of Misery

Batman and Robin is the fourth film in the series but it’s also the film that finally kills the franchise by putting Batman out of his misery. “This is why Superman works alone,” Batman (George Clooney) tells Robin (Chris O’Donnell). With dialogue like this, you know we’re going to be in for a bumpy ride.  It’s so much of a bumpy ride that I’m not even going to really dive into the plot like in…

"Batman and Robin Puts Batman Out Of Misery"

Batman Forever Is Not Quite There

Batman Forever is quite the downgrade from the first two films in the franchise despite performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Michael Keaton likely saw the writing on the walls and made the best decision to leave the franchise.  Yeah, Batman Returns was a dark film but Batman is a dark character.  Where Batman Forever goes wrong is that the film returns to the campy tones of the television series.  This may have…

"Batman Forever Is Not Quite There"

Batman Returns: A Solid Sequel

Batman Returns doesn’t quite outdo its predecessor even though the film has perfect casting with Danny DeVito as the Penguin. Listen, if you’re going to use the Joker as your main villain in your first movie, you better have a good card hidden up your sleeve.  Thankfully, there are some other strong contenders in Batman’s (Michael Keaton) rogue gallery.  In this case, Batman Returns opts to use the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and anti-hero Selina Kyle…

"Batman Returns: A Solid Sequel"

Batman Holds Up Beautifully After 30 Years

The theatrical release of Batman celebrates 30 years this year and holds up for being the product of its era with regards to cinematic entertainment. A brief prologue introduces us to the Wayne family before cutting to present day.  Gotham City mayor Borg (Lee Wallace) wants the city to be safer. This task falls upon both District Attorney Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams) and Police Commissioner Jim Gordon (Pat Hingle).  Unbeknownst to them, Gotham has…

"Batman Holds Up Beautifully After 30 Years"

The Land Before Time Marks 30 Years

It was a low-key occasion but the prehistoric hand-drawn animated adventure, The Land Before Time, marked its 30th anniversary in November. Within the first half hour, we meet the core characters of this animated adventure: Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike. Littlefoot meets Cera while his Longneck family of three are on a journey to the Great Valley. Initially told that Longnecks don’t play with Three-Horns, neither Littlefoot nor Cera have a choice if they…

"The Land Before Time Marks 30 Years"