Napoleon Is Not Helped By Historical Inaccuracies

Ridley Scott’s newest film, Napoleon, suffers in its storytelling from the many historical inaccuracies that plague the picture. Napoleon is the latest film from Scott to be a miss for this film critic, joining both House of Gucci and The Last Duel. I missed my screening in mid-November because of last-minute scheduling conflicts in the nation’s capital. While I had an opportunity to attend a FYC screening during Thanksgiving weekend, my sinuses had other plans…

"Napoleon Is Not Helped By Historical Inaccuracies"

House of Gucci: The House of Boredom

Ridley Scott is two for two with misses this year as House of Gucci takes the cake for one of the most boring films of the year. House of Boredom. House of good G-d, how is this film not over yet?!? I think this is a nice way of summing up my experience with House of Gucci. This is a film where I found myself checking my watch what felt like every half hour or…

"House of Gucci: The House of Boredom"

The Last Duel Features Rape Twice On Screen

Not only does The Last Duel feature a rape in the film but audiences have to see it happening on screen twice from different perspectives. Yes, the film is based on historical events. However, the point still stands that this film doesn’t sit well with me. At the same time, it should not have depicted the same rape twice on screen. The script is based on a book by Eric Jager but drawing on real-life…

"The Last Duel Features Rape Twice On Screen"

James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction

James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction arrives home on Blu-ray and DVD after the six-part documentary series aired in 2018. This limited documentary series, which originally aired on AMC, features just about every major person ever associated with the genre.  Whether it’s filmmakers, visual effects designers, actors, or commentators, there is no shortage of commentary.  The commentary, of course, is expertly weaved in with montage of film clips or archive footage.  Most importantly, James Cameron’s…

"James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction"

Gladiator: 4K Ultra HD Release for 20th Anniversary

Gladiator, the Oscar-winning film starring Russell Crowe, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release from Paramount Pictures. The new release, available in a limited edition steelbook, includes both the theatrical and extended editions.  With the steelbook, there is also access to a digital copy.  The film tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a brave Roman general who ended up forced into slavery when the corrupt prince, Commodus (Joaquin…

"Gladiator: 4K Ultra HD Release for 20th Anniversary"

Matt Damon, Ben Affleck team up for Rape-focused Film

Oscar winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are reportedly teaming up on The Last Duel, a 14th century period piece with a focus on rape. The film, titled The Last Duel, is based on Eric Jager’s 2004 novel, The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France.  Per Deadline, the novel is being adapted into a screenplay by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener.  Filmmaker Ridley Scott…

"Matt Damon, Ben Affleck team up for Rape-focused Film"

All the Money in the World helped by Recasting

Against all odds, All the Money in the World was locked on time prior to the December 22nd release date.  The film was pushed back to December 25th because of a crowded field at the box office leading up to the holiday weekend. Make no mistake, director Ridley Scott was quick to recast actor Kevin Spacey with Oscar winner Christopher Plummer, reshoot scenes with Plummer over the course of nine days, and still get the…

"All the Money in the World helped by Recasting"

I just watched Blade Runner for The First Time

I just watched Blade Runner for the first time after checking out Blade Runner: The Final Cut from the local public library.  Aside from some unfortunate skipping issues on the DVD, the film holds up well even on first viewing. Based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, the Ridley Scott-directed film was first released in 1982 and it’s yet another role that actor Harrison Ford will revisit when he reprises…

"I just watched Blade Runner for The First Time"