Hollywood and Israel: A History, written by Tony Shaw and Giora Goodman, details an in-depth history between the two. Hollywood has always had a special relationship with Israel. It might not feel like it today but many celebrities rallied around Israel during its early days. Whether it was making trips or raising money, they were there for the Jewish state. One of the things that book explores is the role of show business in the…
"Hollywood and Israel: A History"Month: January 2023
There have been many Holocaust movies on both the big and small screen through the years but Plan A is a very different film. We’ve all heard of Marvel’s Avengers but once upon a time, there were the Jewish Avengers. They were a group of partisans formed during the Holocaust under Abba Kovner’s (Ishai Golan) leadership. Their plan after the Holocaust was to get their revenge and kill six million Germans. Members infiltrated the water…
"Plan A: A Holocaust Revenge Thriller"
Elvis on Tour is a concert documentary that captures Elvis Presley and the cultural zeitgeist in the King’s last major concert film. Unfortunately, it does not break any new ground for Presley canon. Between the 1968 Comeback Special and 1970’s Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, I’m not able to recommend this documentary unless you’re an Elvis Presley completist. The special and films only span a few years but even as the King nears his…
"Elvis on Tour Captures Elvis Presley In Final Years"
Singer Presents … Elvis first aired in December 1968 in what has now become commonly known as the ’68 Comeback Special. Today marks what would have been Elvis Presley’s 88th birthday so I spent last night watching the historic concert special. It’s long-overdue on my end but it made for a fun Saturday night evening. Believe me, it’s worth it! Happy birthday, Elvis! While the special marks 55 years at the end of the year,…
"Elvis: The ’68 Comeback Special"
BAFTA announced the longlists for a number of categories and will determine the nominations for the 2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards. The announcement kicks off the start of Round 2 voting and will end on January 13. On January 19, the nominations announcement will take place at 12 PM GMT. Following the nominations, the third round of voting will determine the winners at the EE BAFTA Films Awards ceremony on February 19, 2023. BAFTA Film…
"2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards: Longlists Announced"
Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks turns in an Oscar-worthy performance in the new English-language remake, A Man Called Otto. A Man Called Otto features numerous suicide attempts. Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks) is in something of a rut. Since the passing of his wife, Sonya (Rachel Keller), he’s become the grumpiest man on the block. He’s very set in his ways and you’re in for it when you put something in the wrong place. Not only…
"A Man Called Otto: Tom Hanks Is Oscar-Worthy"
The Oscar-nominated Crossfire deals with racism and antisemitism as the film adapts The Brick Foxhole for the screen. “Well, hate – Monty’s kind of hate – is like a gun. If you carry it around with you, it can go off and kill somebody.” – Captain Finlay (Robert Young) Captain Finlay gets a number of money quotes throughout the film. Sadly, these quotes are still quite relevant today. Here’s one that unfortunately still stands out…
"Crossfire: 1947 Oscar Nominee Deals With Antisemitism"
While antisemitism is at its highest levels in recent years, TCM is taking a trip down memory lane in its Jewish Experience programming. I’ve reviewed a few of these films already and also have links where applicable. I’m going to try and write some additional reviews but with my January schedule being what it is, I’m not sure how many other reviews will be appearing on the site. There’s nothing like starting out January with…
"TCM Honors The Jewish Experience In January"
Bullitt is the definitive car chase film with speeds up to 100 m.p.h. during an 11-minute sequence in the streets of San Francisco. I have no excuse for not having watched this film until 2023. To be fair, I meant to watch when I had an opportunity to interview Jacqueline Bisset during the 2021 TCM Classic Movie Film Festival. It was inevitable especially with the recent Steven Spielberg announcement about a new film. Better late…
"Bullitt Is The Definitive Car Chase Movie"
Grace Kelly finds herself involved in a dangerous romantic triangle in Alfred Hitchcock’s thrilling 1954 classic, Dial M for Murder. Had Grace Kelly not married into royalty, it’s quite possible that Hitchcock would have cast her in more movies. She’s absolutely perfect in her trio of films with Hitchcock–this one, To Catch a Thief, and Rear Window. The actress lights up the screen opposite a pair of actors, Ray Milland and Robert Cummings. The gist…
"Dial M for Murder: A Dangerous Romantic Triangle"