Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has doubled down in response to the backlash claiming that it won’t “translate to real-world harm.” Here’s an excerpt from his staff memo: With The Closer, we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real world harm (such as further marginalizing already marginalized groups, hate, violence etc.) Last year, we heard similar concerns about 365 Days and violence against women. While some employees disagree,…
"Ted Sarandos Doubles Down And I Have Words"
Denis Villeneuve brings Frank Herbert’s Dune to the big screen with a film that must be experienced on the biggest screen possible. I’m going to be honest that this review took me a bit longer to write. This is not so much because I had the trouble finding the words but because a Ted Sarandos-triggered depression has been kicking my ass since the screening ended. Wednesday was slightly better but at some point, I have…
"Dune Is A Big Screen Experience"
Not only does The Last Duel feature a rape in the film but audiences have to see it happening on screen twice from different perspectives. Yes, the film is based on historical events. However, the point still stands that this film doesn’t sit well with me. At the same time, it should not have depicted the same rape twice on screen. The script is based on a book by Eric Jager but drawing on real-life…
"The Last Duel Features Rape Twice On Screen"
Ahead of November’s documentary series event of the year, Disney released the trailer and artwork for The Beatles: Get Back. The Disney+ original docuseries, directed by Peter Jackson, will be arriving on Disney+ just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Made entirely from never-before-seen, restored footage, it provides the most intimate and honest glimpse into the creative process and relationship between John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr ever filmed. Be sure to…
"The Beatles: Get Back – Trailer, Artwork Released"
The Office fans can relive their favorite moments in the series when The Office Experience opens its doors in Chicago on October 15. Chicago plays home to the largest official interactive fan experience based on The Office to date. The experience is created by Superfly X and Universal Live Entertainment in consultation with The Office’s U.S. creator Greg Daniels. You can visit The Office Experience at The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile at…
"The Office Experience Arrives In Chicago"
Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist war film with one of the best cinematic endings, makes its arrival today on 4K Ultra HD. The following is from my review as written in 2019 for the 10th anniversary. However, there are some revisions to account for the last two years. Unfortunately, there is no change in the Jew-hatred. A shame. All people need to do is just not hate Jews. Is this too much to ask? But…
"Inglourious Basterds Arrives on 4K Ultra HD"
The long-delayed Free Guy offers audiences a rocking good time as the Shawn Levy-directed film starring Ryan Reynolds arrives home. I’m a fan of Shawn Levy and will see anything that he directs. Ryan Reynolds turns in another solid Ryan Reynolds performance that only Ryan Reynolds can do. Listen, there are other actors but Ryan Reynolds is Guy. He’s got the charming humor required to pull off the performance. There aren’t many other actors who…
"Free Guy Arrives on Home Video"
Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 2, a limited edition set, brings six films home for the first time on 4K Ultra HD. This limited edition set features Anatomy of a Murder, Oliver!, Taxi Driver, Stripes, Sense and Sensibility, and The Social Network. The set comes with an 80-page hardbound book in the history and impact of the films. In addition, there are over 30 new hours of new and archival special features. A…
"Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 2"
It gives me great pain to write this open letter to Netflix but not even stand-up comedy is an excuse to defend transphobia on the platform. I should be writing my review of Dune following this afternoon’s press screening. Instead, I turned on my phone and have been incensed with Netflix since shortly after the screening. Upon checking one friend’s Twitter, I learned from The Verge that a transgender employee was suspended for tweeting. If…
"Netflix: An Open Letter From A Transgender Critic"
High Sierra, which made Humphrey Bogart a leading man and enabled John Huston to transition to directing, joins The Criterion Collection. This film was pivotal for helping both Humphrey Bogart and John Huston to advance in their careers. The two were friends and drinking partners. Prior to High Sierra, Bogart was a mere supporting player. Because of this, Bogart had to fight Raoul Walsh for the role. Walsh wanted someone like George Raft or Paul…
"High Sierra: Film Noir Joins The Criterion Collection"