The 2003 musical Wicked is a classic, but it’s also undeniably a front-loaded play. Act I's songs are far more memorable. More importantly, its plotting and character development are more propulsive. The second act has some great stuff in it, but it can feel overlong and overstuffed in comparison. Wicked's two-part film adaptation, which includes…Read more Film Review: Wicked: For Good (2025)
Film Review: Excalibur (1981)
I once thought of Lord of the Rings as the template for modern fantasy films but now realize I was mistaken. I recently watched John Boorman’s adaptation of the Arthurian legend, Excalibur, and it blew me away. Epic, surreal, beautiful and profound, the film feels like the predecessor of what Jackson would accomplish 20 years…Read more Film Review: Excalibur (1981)
Film Review: Day of Wrath (1943)
Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1943 feature Day of Wrath carries all of the director's hallmarks. It is slow, ponderous and challenging. But for those who manage to get through it, the rewards are immense. Set in Denmark during the 17th century, Day of Wrath offers insights into repression and power. It isn't for everyone, but along…Read more Film Review: Day of Wrath (1943)
On Harrison Ford, Shrinking and the Beauty of Letting Go
Anyone who knows me knows I am not the biggest fan of the film and television industry. I wouldn't bat an eye, for instance, if we prohibited new movies entirely, or at the very least, if Lil Timmy Tim was banned from any further starring roles. Now, if someone held a gun to my head…Read more On Harrison Ford, Shrinking and the Beauty of Letting Go
You Brought Meaning and Purpose to My Life: An Ode to My Velvet
There is no question that we put too much on dogs. We project what we want to see onto them, and oftentimes, they become inadvertent repositories for our hopes, dreams and fears. When my sweet dog Buffy died almost exactly one year ago at age 14.5, I knew I didn’t want to do that. I…Read more You Brought Meaning and Purpose to My Life: An Ode to My Velvet
Adam and Adrienne Abroad: Days 29-92 – It’s Already Gone
Hello once again to my thousands upon thousands of adoring followers and fans throughout all corners of the world. I know what you’re thinking. When I last signed off, it appeared as though you may have seen and heard the last of ol’ Adam. I had regaled you with countless vignettes from the first 28…Read more Adam and Adrienne Abroad: Days 29-92 – It’s Already Gone
Film Review: Firewall (2006)
The Harrison Ford film Firewall is a serviceable thriller but could have been so much more. Ford stars as Paul Nilsson in the film, the head of digital security at a regional bank that is dealing with the rise of online finance and a merger with a much larger firm. The film’s backdrop reflects real-world…Read more Film Review: Firewall (2006)
Film Review: Shotgun Wedding (2022)
Will Jennifer Lopez ever stop making wedding films? That is, she has played a bride off and on since the release of her breakout hit Selena all the way back in 1997, when she was in her 20s. She is now well into her 50s. Will she keep churning them out into her 60s? Her…Read more Film Review: Shotgun Wedding (2022)
Film Review: Castle in the Sky (1986)
"All good pirates listen to their Mom!" - Castle in the Sky Hayao Miyazaki's 1986 effort Castle in the Sky represents the famed writer/director at perhaps his loosest and most freewheeling. Helmed shortly after the founding of Studio Ghibli in 1985, the film follows the characters of Sheeta and Pazu (voiced in the Disney dub…Read more Film Review: Castle in the Sky (1986)
Why Zedd’s “Beautiful Now” is the Greatest Recession Pop Song
Back in 2008, a then fresh and iconic Lady Gaga encouraged all of us (at the time) young millennials to "Just dance; it'll be ok." It was a message we desperately needed to hear. When Gaga's song first appeared, the Great Recession was still hanging over the country like a mushroom cloud. Jobs were scarce.…Read more Why Zedd’s “Beautiful Now” is the Greatest Recession Pop Song
