‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ (2013): The Better ‘Twilight’ (Review)

I imagine most who weren’t fans, were excited when the Twilight series had come to a close; I know I was. However, most don’t understand that studios will continue to drive the young-adult vehicle into the ground in hopes of duplicating the magic of the past. Ever since Harry Potter we have seen it happen time … Continue reading →

Monsters University: Back to School (Review)

Entering college I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I mean, I alway wrote, but that doesn’t make me good at it. I played basketball, but I wasn’t going to get a scholarship. I also liked to draw, and I was actually pretty good at that. So, I thought … Continue reading →

Man of Steel (Review)

I’ll say it right from the outset: this movie is not perfect. The opening sequence of Krypton’s destruction and Jor-El’s actions to save his son are rushed. The tone of the film, while consistent with itself, doesn’t quite convey the kiddy innocence and upbeat jovial nature of Earth’s mightiest hero as I and others were … Continue reading →

My Summer With Sparks: Message in a Bottle (Review)

It’s hard to remember a time before author Nicholas Sparks unleashed his unholy reign of literary terror unto the world. In the case of filmic adaptations, the year was 1999 and the movie was Message in a Bottle. Surprisingly, the Sparks formula hadn’t be transcribed yet, so there’s a few moments that don’t follow my … Continue reading →

Mud: It’s a Hell of a Thing, A Boat in a Tree (Review)

When judging a Matthew McConaughey movie, one must first judge his shirt. Is it cotton? Is it plaid? Hell, is it even on? Chances are, if his upper body is out and presenting itself to the Southern-fried gods, the movie isn’t going to be that good. It’s just a fact of life and has become … Continue reading →

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance: Just A Killin’ Don’t Mean Much (Review)

“A senator returns to the town of Shinbone for the funeral of his friend, and tells the truth about the death of an outlaw.” Directed By: John Ford  Rated: Approved, 123 min A man killing a man don’t mean much.  It might mean more sweat for the undertaker, less for the doctor. But a pinch of sand … Continue reading →

Mama: The Woman in Black (Review)

Annabel (Jessica Chastain) seems to have a good life.  She plays bass in a band, has a good relationship with her boyfriend Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldu), and they are about to bring home his two nieces to live with them.  Oh sure, they were left out in the middle of nowhere after their father went crazy … Continue reading →

Miss Representation (Review)

One thing to know about me, right out of the gate, is that I’m a staunch feminist.  What images does that statement conjure?  Sadly, society has several labels for what a feminist is, and looks like all of which are explored and condemned in the inspiration documentary Miss Representation.  I’ve watched quite a few documentaries … Continue reading →

The Moth Diaries is Lesbian Dracula for Tweens (Review)

I make every effort possible to highlight female directors because they make up such a small output of Hollywood heavy-hitters.  One of the female directors that I would consider a “name” is Mary Harron.  Similar to her contemporary, Kathryn Bigelow, Harron has done a few films that are male-dominated.  Harron’s big claims to fame are … Continue reading →

My Neighbor Totoro or Why I Love Cats so Much (Review)

“When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wonderous forest spirits who live nearby.” Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki, Rated: G, 86 minutes I have no idea of how Mr. Miyazaki comes up with the basic ideas for the stories he creates. That man’s mind is … Continue reading →