Remembering John Hughes
Director John Hughes hadn’t been on my mind for quite some time. My insanely large DVD collection is stocked with his complete collection of films, and I never hesitate to tune in whenever a Brat Pack movie comes on HBO …
(500) Days of Summer Gets a Music Video
This summer has seen two quirky romantic films — both with somewhat depressing endings — bucking the trend of horrendous action blockbusters. Adam and (500) Days of Summer explore the idea that love doesn’t always conquer all. While Adam is …
Max Mayer’s ADAM Falls For NYC
To live in a world in which anything could be bluntly said is almost unthinkable. Imagine if Hollywood’s creative community simply told producers that they refused to work on a runaway production. Perhaps the number of local film shoots …
The Wrap: ABC Family’s ’10 Things’ Takes on CW Demographic
Just last week, I stumbled upon an email invitation from my high school reunion committee. It has been 10 years since I departed Saugus High, a mostly white-bred school in an innocuous Los Angeles suburb. I’ve yet to decide …
4 Films for 4th of July
That firecracker of a holiday, Independence Day, is nearly upon us. And what better way to celebrate the 4th of July then by watching a few great films. That is of course, if you can take time away from blowing …
The Wrap: Let’s Hear It For Maya Rudolph!
Whenever I bring up leading “Saturday Night Live” ladies, nearly all of my pop culture obsessed friends proclaim Tina Fey is the best and brightest. There is no disputing that her comic writing skills are untouchable — “30 Rock” is …
J.J. Abrams Flies Star Trek into Black Hole
J.J. Abrams has stretched his theory of alternate realities to the limit with his re-imagining of "Star Trek."
It Takes a Frog to Save Disney
I randomly flipped on “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” the other day and quickly recalled a gathering I attended a few years back where Andreas Deja, a Disney animator, spoke about bringing the zany rabbit to life. Deja had joined …
Films for an Unemployed Journalist
New York’s Film Forum recently held a festival of Great Depression era films highlighting Hollywood’s foray into entertainment during the 1930s. Offerings were varied, ranging from Spencer Tracy’s film “Man’s Castle” to Walt Disney’s “The Three Little Pigs.” Not having …
Keira Knightley Gets Beaten Up, Thankfully
Just when you thought it was safe to go to the movies, director Joe Wright delivers a frightening public service announcement featuring his "Pride and Prejudice" star Keira Knightley. The PSA is set to screen before films in UK movie theaters while a shortened version will hit British television sets April 6th...
South Pacific Shines on Blu-Ray
The last time I screened the film adaptation of Broadway’s “South Pacific,” I was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving in the Pacific. With no Japanese war looming, the movie acted more as a nostalgic look backwards, painted with warm pastels that starkly contrasted anything seen around my military base at the time. It was escapism at its best...
The Wrap: SAG Might Kill Hollywood’s Evolution
While SAG has all but agreed on the new-media terms of the producers' offer, holding out any further runs the risk of stunting Hollywood's evolution. Studios will soon have no option but to make a push for more online content, otherwise they might lose the digital demographic...