The Upside Squanders So Much Potential

Despite the best efforts of Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, The Upside squanders so much potential during a film that is otherwise a laugh riot. Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston)–based on Phillippe Pozzo Di Borgo–is a quadriplegic billionaire as a result of a paragliding accident.  Dell Scott (Kevin Hart) is an ex-convict in need of a job.  In need of a signature to take to his parole officer, Dell’s attitude impresses Phillip to the point that he…

"The Upside Squanders So Much Potential"

John Lasseter Hired By Skydance Animation

It was announced today by Skydance Animation that the studio has hired ousted Walt Disney Animation Studios/Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter. Lasseter was previously ousted by Disney following an investigation as a result of sexual harassment claims.  The former CCO was placed on a sabbatical in November 2017 when allegations first surfaced.  This led to his subsequent dismissal from Disney his role at several months later. This begs the question in this era of…

"John Lasseter Hired By Skydance Animation"

Stan Lee Tribute Taking Place on January 30th

Excelsior! A Celebration of the Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible & Uncanny Life of Stan Lee will take place on January 30, 2019 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The tribute is being put together by Kevin Smith, Legion M and Agents of Mayhem in partnership with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment.  Proceeds will benefit one of Stan Lee’s favorite charitable organizations, The Hero Initiative. The full press release is below: Kevin Smith, Legion M and Agents of Mayhem…

"Stan Lee Tribute Taking Place on January 30th"

BAFTA Nominations Announced for 2019

The Favourite looks to be the film to beat as the EE Brtish Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) for 2019 were announced by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. While the Oscars have expanded to anywhere from five to ten nominees, BAFTA has stuck with five nominees.  One could look to the Best Picture winner to come from these five films: A Star is Born, Roma, The Favourite, BlacKkKlansman, and Green Book. BAFTA and…

"BAFTA Nominations Announced for 2019"

Marco Beltrami talks scoring A Quiet Place

Film composer Marco Beltrami took some time yesterday evening to talk to Solzy at the Movies about his shortlisted score for A Quiet Place.  Oscar nomination voting comes to an end on January 14, 2019.  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce Oscar nominations on January 22, 2019. Congrats on A Quiet Place making it into the Oscar shortlist for Best Original Score. Marco Beltrami:  Oh, thank you.  Thank you so much.…

"Marco Beltrami talks scoring A Quiet Place"

Sgt. Will Gardner: American Veterans Need Our Help

Sgt. Will Gardner tells the story of an Iraq War veteran and shows the effects that traumatic brain injuries have on America’s returning veterans. Writer-director Max Martini is known for portraying a number of military roles on screen.  Maybe it’s because of taking on those roles but it’s admirable for the actor to bring the troubles facing American veterans to the screen.  After all, thousands of American veterans can be found along many streets and…

"Sgt. Will Gardner: American Veterans Need Our Help"

DGA Nominations and Snubs

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) announced the five nominees for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2018. Once again, no women have been nominated.  I cannot stress this enough.  While Greta Gerwig was nominated for Lady Bird last year, you’d have to go back to Kathryn Bigelow’s nomination for The Hurt Locker (2009) and Zero Dark Thirty (2012).  Before this, the most recent nomination had been Sofia Coppola for Lost in…

"DGA Nominations and Snubs"

The Oath: Ike Barinholtz’ Political Satire Hits DVD

A headline that sounds like it can only be ripped from the likes of The Onion, The Oath is the perfect political satire for the Trump era. Imagine every American being asked to sign an oath that states: “I pledge my loyalty to my President and my country and vow to defend them from enemies, both foreign and domestic.”  This is what writer-director Ike Barinholtz is asking us by watching The Oath.  It’s a new political…

"The Oath: Ike Barinholtz’ Political Satire Hits DVD"

When Harry Met Sally…: The Perfect Rom-Com

When Harry Met Sally… still holds up as one of the greatest romantic comedies as the Rob Reiner/Nora Ephron film celebrates the 30th anniversary in 2019. The film starts at the University of Chicago in 1977 when Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) leave for New York.  At the time, Harry is dating Sally’s best friend, Amanda.  This trip to New York consists of their views when it came to relationships.  Being…

"When Harry Met Sally…: The Perfect Rom-Com"

Stan and Ollie: Laurel and Hardy Come To Life

Legendary comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy come to life in Stan and Ollie as the film wisely centers on a narrow period of time. When people discuss biopics, they’re either praiseworthy or critical.  Most of this is because films will sometimes cover such a long period.  Playing the long game is never the best way to go about it.  Jeff Pope’s screenplay wisely doesn’t go in that direction.  There’s a quick cold open…

"Stan and Ollie: Laurel and Hardy Come To Life"