The Oscar-nominated Munich, one of two Steven Spielberg films released in 2005, marks its 15th anniversary since the theatrical release. After so many fun Spielberg films in the early 1990s, the latter half of the decade saw his return to serious dramas. The beginning of the 2000s is no exception. Much like 1993, Spielberg had room for sci-fi and a serious drama. Though in this case, both films also deal with the subject of terrorism. …
"Munich: Steven Spielberg Film Marks 15 Years"Month: December 2020
While Wonder Woman 1984 never quite lives up to its groundbreaking predecessor, it is still thrilling entertainment in its own right. Before I get started with the rest of my review: there is a mid-credits scene. Press screeners did not include any scene after the credits. This is the most important thing to know going into the film. I want to get this out of the way right now: I am judging the film on…
"Wonder Woman 1984 Is Thrilling Entertainment"
It may be hard to believe but News of the World marks the first time in his career in which actor Tom Hanks stars in a Western. Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks) travels around to read people the news. One could also look at this as being old-school podcasting before podcasting was ever a thing. To be fair, I think Tom Hanks made this reference when appearing on the late night circuit. Perhaps it…
"News of the World: A New Classic Western"
Soul is perhaps the best film to come from the world of Pixar as director/co-writer Pete Docter manages to best his earlier film, Inside Out. Before you read any further, you should know that there is a post-credits tag scene. It’s no surprise that Soul is one of the best films to come from 2020. After all, Pete Docter is the same filmmaker behind Oscar winner Inside Out. Going into this year, Inside Out was…
"Soul: One of The Best Pixar Films Ever Made"
The Big Short, featuring a star-studded cast, explores the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis while weaving together humor and drama. The housing collapse led to one of the worst recessions in American history. According to the film’s post-script, some $5 trillion was lost in pensions, real estate value, 401k, savings, and bonds. Eight million people lost their jobs with six million losing their homes in the United States. If not for The Other Guys,…
"The Big Short Marks 5 Years Since Wide Release"
Actor-director-producer George Clooney and actress Caoilinn Springall participated in a press conference to discuss The Midnight Sky. Critics Choice Association members were invited to attend last Tuesday’s press conference. It was the penultimate Netflix press conference for CCA before 2020 comes to an end. Netflix has been hosting virtual press conferences for CCA members dating back to Da 5 Bloods this summer. The press conferences are mostly limited to their awards contenders and allow members…
"George Clooney Talks The Midnight Sky"
Sylvie’s Love is a charming period drama making its arrival on Amazon Prime after being selected for Sundance earlier this year. The film starts out in the early 1960s before flashing back to 1957. Sylvie (Tessa Thompson) wants to work in television but for now, she’s spending her summer working at her dad’s record store. Meanwhile, her fiancé (in an arranged marriage) isn’t back from the war yet. Looking at the time period, this is…
"Sylvie’s Love: A Charming Period Drama"
The Midnight Sky, directed by and co-starring George Clooney, is a modern-day version of Stanley Kramer’s Oscar-nominated On the Beach. Living in isolation is one of the major things to come out of 2020. To no surprise, one of the biggest film’s of the year is about just that. No, there isn’t a pandemic but the planet is suffering. Is humanity heading towards the verge of extinction? Quite possibly. And yet, George Clooney does one…
"The Midnight Sky: A Modern-Day On The Beach"
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 Mandalorian concluded its eight-episode second season with one of the best hours of television in years and I have many thoughts. I have thoughts and there are no shortage of them. But before I get to them, I am going to insert a photo from the episode. But of course, you would not be reading this if you didn’t already watch the episode. If you’re coming from Twitter, I’m sorry that they include photos…
"The Mandalorian: Thoughts on the Season Finale"