Groucho and Cavett: A Touching Documentary

Groucho and Cavett explores the relationship between talk show host Dick Cavett and a frequent guest, comedian Groucho Marx. Groucho Marx–one of the Marx Brothers–was one of the most popular guests to return time after time on Cavett’s show. What you might not know about the two is that Marx was also Cavett’s mentor of sorts. After watching a young Cavett perform stand-up on The Merv Griffin Show, Marx later wrote a letter and offered…

"Groucho and Cavett: A Touching Documentary"

Amistad Marks 25th Anniversary

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"

As Good As It Gets Marks 25th Anniversary

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 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 Marks 30th 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"

Good Morning, Vietnam Turns 35 Years Old

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"

Babylon: A Love Letter to 20s and 30s Cinema

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"

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Marks 15th Anniversary

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"

This Is 40 Marks 10th Anniversary

This is 40, Judd Apatow’s sequel to 2007 hit comedy Knocked Up, marks the 10th anniversary of its theatrical release in 2012. When it comes to Judd Apatow, his films can run long. This film is certainly no exception. It might have made for a great night out ten years ago when every place was closing early. Ten years later, you can really feel its run time. But hey, it’s a Judd Apatow movie and…

"This Is 40 Marks 10th Anniversary"

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Gets A Bit Dark

Drawing inspiration from a classic Sergio Leone film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the long-awaited sequel to the 2011 Shrek spin-off. Audiences had a chance to catch a sneak preview over Thanksgiving weekend. Similarly, Critics Choice Association members had the opportunity to do the same by way of digital screener. I never got around to watching the first film but I caught both in a double feature on Thanksgiving Eve. This one is…

"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Gets A Bit Dark"