Nobody Bob Odenkirk is known as a powerhouse of comedy. Over the past 3 decades he’s been in just about every comedy project worth watching. Few people get the craft quite like him. As someone who had been an underdog through most of his career, it’s been interesting watching him blow up as a serious actor after his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. Odenkirk is becoming quite the household name. But an action star? Are you serious?...
Jaws45th Anniversary We can argue all night about what the best New England movies are, but for my money nothing comes close to Jaws. OK Second Sight might be a worthy contender, but the sheer terror of Jaws probably still overpowers it. Jaws is one of these movies that terrified us as kids and manages to stay with us in our deep consciousness. And for me, I also grew up on an island with sandy beaches. I’ll let you...
Ghost in the Shell: 4K/Blu-Ray When speaking of classic Japanimation, the words Masamune Shirow and Ghost in the Shell are standards. And if they’re not, they should be, because Ghost in the Shell is one of my favorite movies. Adapted from the masterful mangas (read: Japanese comics) of the same name, Ghost in the Shell is one of those films that has been lingering in my mind ever since I saw it, which last was about 10 years ago. While...
Beverly Hills Cop It’s a weird time to be a fan of movies. Or, more of a catch 22, I should say. With the lockdown we have more time than ever to indulge in new TV Shows or movies, but because of the lockdown, the movie-going business is at a stand-still. We have the time to go see movies, but theatres aren’t open. Or at least, they shouldn’t be. So, movies are either going straight to streaming services or...
Hitchcock Classics Collection I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to watch Hitchcock movies. If you’re familiar with him, you’ll be reminded of why his movies keep standing out after all these years, and if you’ve never watched his movies, prepare for your mind to be blown. I think people often neglect Hitchcock’s early work when they think of his filmography, like Foreign Correspondent or The Lady Vanishes, and think of him as more of a...
Hudson Hawk(Mill Creek Retro VHS) I’d like to take you to a time, 1991, when Bruce Willis was the cats pajamas. By then, he had solidified himself as a bona fide action movie star and a blockbuster artist. It seemed like Willis’ presence in a movie would be enough to carry it. So the man had carte blanche. If he fancied himself a musician, he could be one, and the Return of Bruno (his questionable blues covers album) was a...
Uncut Gems Movies like Uncut Gems make me happy that the Oscars don’t get it. Sure, it’s rough around the edges (pun intended), the characters are largely unlikeable, and the setting is strangely specific, but there is no doubt that Uncut Gems is highly original, has a gripping story, and is full of great performances. I mean, who knew we’d be praising an Adam Sandler movie. Look, of course he doesn’t deserve an Oscar for this, because that’s a...
Parasite Don’t you just hate it when the Oscars get it right? The Academy Awards, for all their influence, are also kind of a joke. Their real interest is self-preservations so, more often than not (at least ever since I’ve been paying attention), they stick with mainstream schlock about Hollywood, or feature their favorite film-makers than actually what’s thoughtful and exciting. There’s a reason people call certain movies “Oscar bait,” because what the Oscars like you can spot a...
The Lighthouse Pity the Oscars. It’s all people seem to care about when it comes to the recognition of the best the industry has to offer. But the fact of the matter is, the Oscars wouldn’t know a good movie if it bit them on the ass. In other words, the Oscars don’t matter, except when they do. More on that in our next edition of TV Party Tonight! But the most recent exhibit in the hall of shame...
Aquaman Pity poor DC. In the superhero movie rivalry they’ve continuously been getting the short end of the stick. Sure, they’ve made some stinkers, but hasn’t Marvel as well? When you actually think about it, every superhero movie has been a success because every superhero movie has made a gazillion dollars worldwide. Marketing-wise it just seems like Marvel has won the brainwashing brand loyalty battle. They’re like Apple. We’re supposed to eagerly anticipate new product and are unable...