Workplace sexual harassment and abuse doesn’t qualify as “man bites dog” news. But in recent years it has become news because of the rich and powerful people involved. #MeToo has become the catchall term for such abuse, especially in the entertainment industry. Bombshell is based on the 2016 scandal that led to the ouster of… [Read More]
Tully – A Bit of Help to Find Happiness
When writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman collaborate (as they did earlier in Juno and Young Adult) the result is always an interesting bit of social philosophy set within the institution of family. Tully is their latest work, with a special emphasis on the trial and meaning of motherhood in today’s world.
3.17 Fighting the FATE OF THE FURIOUS
Breaking box office records, FATE OF THE FURIOUS filled theatres because of it’s (many) big booms and stunts… but is there more to the film? What keeps us coming back to this franchise, despite the fact that they get more outlandish with each entry. In a relaxed episode, Steve welcomes back Greg Banik and ScreenFish… [Read More]
The Huntsman’s Nicolas-Troyan on Cooking, Charlize Theron, & Highlander
Cedric Nicolas Troyan, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects on Snow White & the Huntsman, directed The Huntsman: Winter’s War out now on Digital HD (and on Blu-ray on August 23). After directing Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt, and Charlize Theron in his debut, Troyan shared his thoughts on conveying strong visuals,… [Read More]
And The Winner Is…or Should Be (Oscar Spotlight)
The Oscar races this year are absolutely clear cut… in my mind. Having seen fourteen of the nominated films (out of approximately sixteen films in the major categories), these are my favorites to win. At Best Actor, the portrayal of screenwriter and Communist Dalton Trumbo by Bryan Cranston put him in rare air, not that of the illicit drugs… [Read More]
Mad Max: Fury Road–Pursuing Peace (Oscar Spotlight: Best Picture)
Upon first glance, Mad Max: Fury Road seems out of place amongst its fellow best picture nominees. There’s no biographical dramatization, no outspoken activist star. There’s not even a subtitle in sight. But there is flame-spewing punk rock guitarist chained to a thirty-foot wall of Marshall amps on the front of a semi. In other words:… [Read More]
Mad Max Fury Road: No Greater Love
I was skeptical of George Miller’s sequel to his Road Warrior films after so many years away. Seriously, he made Babe and two Happy Feet movies more recently than he told a Mad Max story. How could Fury Road be any good? But as I admitted here, I thought the film was the best I’d seen this year – and it’s still my… [Read More]
Mad Max Fury Road: Baptism By Water, Dust & Fire
When we meet Mad Max, he is wrestling with a vision of the past. He hears cries for help, and sees those he has lost along the way.
