Based on the true events about Spanish slave ship La Amistad, Amistad marks the 25th anniversary of its theatrical release in 1997. For the second time in a few years, Steven Spielberg followed a summer blockbuster with a serious period picture. Funny enough, both action films were installments of the Jurassic Park franchise. Two stars from The Lost World: Jurassic Park would make their way into this film: Pete Postlethwaite and Arliss Howard as William…
"Amistad Marks 25th Anniversary"Month: December 2022
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"
Jackie Brown, which gave new life to Pam Grier and Robert Forster’s careers, marks the 25th anniversary of its theatrical release in 1997. In Quentin Tarantino’s adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s Rum Punch, the filmmaker pays homage to the 1970s blaxploitation films. The gist of the film is that Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) is a flight attendant who is smuggling money for Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson) and authorities catch her in action. But before that…
"Jackie Brown Marks 25th Anniversary"
Chaplin, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary silent film star, marks the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release in 1992. I planned to watch the film earlier this year but there were some sync issues on the recording. As such, I watched it two weeks ago on HBO Max before the film leaves the streaming service. While I like Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as the silent film star (flaws and all), the script leaves…
"Chaplin Marks 30th Anniversary"
Robin Williams is a comic genius at work in Good Morning, Vietnam, which marks the 35th anniversary since its 1987 release. Not many people can do what Williams was able to do behind a microphone. I mean, they can try but this man was a genius. It’s not an unfair statement to say that Robin Williams is irreplaceable. When you get behind the microphone in stand-up, the audience is your scene partner. The same goes…
"Good Morning, Vietnam Turns 35 Years Old"
After a love letter to the golden age of musicals with La La Land, Damien Chazelle delivers a love letter to 20s and 30s cinema in Babylon. You’ve never seen a film like Babylon and you’re probably never going to see anything like this epic ever again. What’s there to say about it? The film–over a decade in the making–is the epic tale about Hollywood that we’ve been waiting for and it’s absolutely awesome. There’s…
"Babylon: A Love Letter to 20s and 30s Cinema"
Simone Kessell and Jay Ryan sat down with Solzy at the Movies in Toronto to discuss their new film, Muru, playing the fest. This interview probably plays better if one is listening to the audio. Alas, you’ll just have to laugh along while reading the transcript. As a side note, Simone Kessell’s casting in the upcoming season of Yellowjackets came up after the interview wrapped. Muru doesn’t have a US release date yet so I’ve…
"Simone Kessell and Jay Ryan talk Muru – Toronto 2022"
The 95th Oscars might not be until March but the Academy of Motion Picture sciences announced shortlists for 10 categories. We’re closer to knowing who will make up the nominees of the 95th Academy Awards in the following categories: Documentary Feature Film Documentary Short Film International Feature Film Makeup and Hairstyling Music (Original Score) Music (Original Song) Animated Short Film Live Action Short Film Sound Visual Effects I’m making a quick update to express my…
"Oscars Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories"
Jovan Adepo and Jean Smart joined the Babylon cast in a virtual press conference for members of the Critics Choice Association. Brad Pitt was not among the cast participating in the early December press conference. While Damien Chazelle was set to participate, he ended up getting sick and unable to join. TCM’s Dave Karger moderated the press conference and my question below is among those that were picked. Adepo stars as Sidney Palmer while Emmy-winning actress…
"Jovan Adepo and Jean Smart talk Babylon, Damien Chazelle"
John C. Reilly delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in the cult classic musical biopic spoof that is Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. While 2007 may have been the year of Judd Apatow, Walk Hard was not well-received by audiences. It’s since gone onto become a cult classic. I mean, the fact that we’re talking about this film on its 15th anniversary tells you the respect that it commands today. You cannot make a musical biopic…
"Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Marks 15th Anniversary"