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 Criticism
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
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)
Film Review: Daredevil (2003)
"How am I going to find you?" Ben Affleck's blind superhero Matt Murdock wistfully says to his lady love, Jennifer Garner's Elektra, about halfway through 2003's Daredevil. "I'll find you," she says in response. The exchange is a strange one, far more poignant than it has any right to be given the film's script. At…Read more Film Review: Daredevil (2003)
Film Review: The Illusionist (2006)
If someone asked me to describe Edward Norton’s career so far, I would say it breaks down into three distinct stages. The first and third periods lasted from 1996–2003 and 2012–present, respectively. For many people, one of these probably ranks as their favorite. Norton starred or co-starred in a slew of acclaimed movies in each,…Read more Film Review: The Illusionist (2006)
Kingdom of Heaven is a Beautiful Fantasy About Escaping History
Ridley Scott's masterful Crusades epic Kingdom of Heaven from 2005 is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. I don't mean it's a comedic film where people are cracking jokes or dropping their pants—although its star, Orlando Bloom, would do exactly the latter in some iconic paddleboard paparazzi photos 11 years later. No,…Read more Kingdom of Heaven is a Beautiful Fantasy About Escaping History
“Take a Chance on Me”: How Mamma Mia’s Non-Singing Actors Elevated the Movie
Almost 20 years ago, the adaptation of the Broadway musical Mamma Mia was released into movie theaters. Outside of my family of two, few would probably describe the film as a great musical. On some level, I would tend to agree with them. Like many jukebox musicals, Mamma Mia has structural problems. Yet I'd argue…Read more “Take a Chance on Me”: How Mamma Mia’s Non-Singing Actors Elevated the Movie
