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"Tag: Kevin Dunn
Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer star as a pair of mismatched superheroes in Thunder Force, the newest Netflix original. A comic book panel style montage sets the scene for what’s happening in the film. In March 1983, a massive explosion of interstellar cosmic-rays hit Earth. This led to select humans undergoing a genetic transformation. Unfortunately, the powers were only unlocked in those people predisposed to be a sociopath. Because mutants and meta-humans were already taken…
"Thunder Force: Good Takes On Evil in Chicago"
A stand-up comedian moves home after four years of struggling to find success in Los Angeles in the recently released Standing Up, Falling Down. The story told in this film is one that is all too familiar. While stand-up opportunities are all over New York City, the biggest opportunities are almost always in Los Angeles. Take it from this improviser who weirdly became a film critic (I haven’t given up on comedy for what it’s…
"Standing Up, Falling Down: A Familiar Story"
Dave is able to hold up so well 25 years after it’s release because of such a strong performance by Kevin Kline. Ivan Reitman followed his 1980s successes by directing the political comedy from Gary Ross’ hilariously written screenplay. There are so few political comedies that can work in a way that the script does. Could the Oscar-nominated screenplay be written today and still appeal to movie going audiences? I’d like to think so. A…
"Dave: The President We Need Right Now"