We're kicking off a less formal, more passionate side to our TV coverage. We all have blind spots, and this is meant to help alleviate some of that. Think of this as a journal as I work through some of the classic shows that I've never watched before. With that in mind, let's hop into … Continue reading Unhinged Binge: ‘Doctor Who’ Season 1 – Episodes 1 – 5
Michael Mann’s ‘Miami Vice’ – A Stunning Visual Spectacle with Inconsistent Story
After the blazing success of Collateral, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Michael Mann's return to his iconic TV series would be a rousing success. However, Mann has never been one to tell a simple story. While adapting any of his storylines on Miami Vice could have been an excellent nostalgia pull, Mann swung … Continue reading Michael Mann’s ‘Miami Vice’ – A Stunning Visual Spectacle with Inconsistent Story
Review: ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ – A Baadasssss Look into Exploitation
It’s business as usual in The Glen. Drug dealers roam the streets pushing product and collecting debts. Sex workers serve more than carnal desires by being eyes and ears on the streets. Pimps control inventory from shady motels adorned with cheap rugs and old blinds. Territories are disputed, and scores are settled. Today was a … Continue reading Review: ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ – A Baadasssss Look into Exploitation
Fantasia 2023: ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ Lets Nic Cage Be Nic Cage
Crime cinema allows its fans to embrace big characters. After all, the choice to actively engage in criminal activities can attract very specific kinds of people to professions. Of course, few actors play big like Nicolas Cage. The iconic Nic Cage not only swings for the rafters in Sympathy for the Devil, but he elevates … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ Lets Nic Cage Be Nic Cage
Review: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ – Heroes in a Heart Shell
Dad had gotten home from a business trip. As he said hello and hugged me, he pulled out a new toy from his briefcase. It was a Ninja Turtle. Four-year-old me had no idea what this thing was, but I was immediately enthralled by how awesome it looked. (It was Metalhead, for all you curious … Continue reading Review: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ – Heroes in a Heart Shell
Fantasia 2023: ‘The Primevals’ Celebrates the Tangible Crafts
Few films in 2023 carry a story like The Primevals. The action-adventure channels excitement and thrills through the lens of Ray Harryhausen. The iconic stop-motion and visual effects artist behind Jason and the Argonauts left an indelible footprint in the industry. David Allen, the director of The Primevals, drew heavy inspiration from Harryhausen. Allen earned … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘The Primevals’ Celebrates the Tangible Crafts
Fantasia 2023: ‘The First Slam Dunk’ – A Gorgeous Basketball Emotional Drama
Few films can capture the pure beauty of basketball at its peak. Yet even fewer can showcase the intensity and violence of the game when played at the highest levels. The First Slam Dunk finally arrives in the Western Hemisphere and immediately showcases why it was a sensation in Japan. Featuring unbelievable hand-drawn and CGI … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘The First Slam Dunk’ – A Gorgeous Basketball Emotional Drama
Fantasia 2023: ‘Vincent Must Die’ – Violent Delights and Conspiracies
Sometimes it feels like the world is out to get you. For Vincent (Karim Leklou), that turns out to be true. Drawing from various genres, Vincent Must Die surprises with its tactile but violent observation of the world. Director Stéphan Castang crafts a unique spectacle that perfectly blends action, dark comedy, and horror elements. The … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘Vincent Must Die’ – Violent Delights and Conspiracies
Review: ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ – Action Above All
The era of Tom Cruise domination continues. After Top Gun: Maverick resulted in a savior-like box office run, Cruise's return to Mission: Impossible hopes to keep the momentum going. Cruise returns with Christopher McQuarrie for the third consecutive film. As usual, the combo works wonders with Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, delivering a … Continue reading Review: ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ – Action Above All
Review: ‘Nimona’ – A Raucous Anthem for Acceptance
“Pedal to the floor, hardcore, I don’t go slow. Future on my mind I’m leaving the past behind.” rocks K. Flay as the end credits roll. Her rock anthem, “T. Rex,” perfectly sums up the convictions of Nimona. Nimona keeps the pedal to the floor during its nearly 90-minute run time. It is a hardcore … Continue reading Review: ‘Nimona’ – A Raucous Anthem for Acceptance