Welcome (back) foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. Following a heavily panned, albeit unfairly, adaptation of Disney's classic theme park attraction, Haunted Mansion is given a second after-life. The new film by Justin Simian features a new cast and story and does what the previous movie did not. It expands on the lore of the … Continue reading Review: Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ – A Grim, Grinning Good Time
Review: ‘Haunted Mansion’ – Happy Haunts Do Not Materialize
Haunted Mansion is somewhat of an oddity. The Walt Disney Studios release calendar has recently been dominated by superheroes, live-action remakes, and animated movies. The studio had already brought the popular theme park ride to the big screen back in 2003, during the ride to movie days. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the … Continue reading Review: ‘Haunted Mansion’ – Happy Haunts Do Not Materialize
Review: ‘Stan Lee’ – A Glossy Look at Marvel’s Biggest Champion
The story of Marvel can scarcely be told without some focus on Stan Lee, the man, the myth, the mascot. The eponymously titled Stan Lee, a new documentary by David Gelb, flips this script to focus on the life of a true comic book giant. Told primarily in the first person, Gelb focuses on the … Continue reading Review: ‘Stan Lee’ – A Glossy Look at Marvel’s Biggest Champion
Review: ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ – A Relic of Some Value
Seeing a favorite character return to the silver screen in a new story will always have a thread of excitement. I will admit that I am one (the one?) who enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is better than that film in many ways … Continue reading Review: ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ – A Relic of Some Value
Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’ – A Film Kept Afloat by Its Lead
Disney Studio’s latest live-action adaptation of its animated classics takes viewers under the sea in an enjoyable retelling. The Little Mermaid has previously had a Broadway adaptation, so staging the animated film in live-action is not as far a leap as features like Dumbo, Mulan, or Lady and the Tramp. Director Rob Marshall infuses the … Continue reading Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’ – A Film Kept Afloat by Its Lead
Review: ‘Chevalier’ – Nice Time for a Personal Revolution
Even during revolutions, some who break the most barriers find themselves deemed too radical. During the French Revolution in the late 18th Century, new democratic ideas spread throughout the country. While many new ideas led to enlightenment within the country, the door for upward mobility cracked open. However, racism still held firm, leaving the works … Continue reading Review: ‘Chevalier’ – Nice Time for a Personal Revolution
The Mandalorian – “Chapter 20: The Foundling” Recap
Last week The Mandalorian provided us with parallel stories that ended in tragedy. This week, we continue on Bo-Katan’s journey for discovery. Joining her is Grogu, who must examine his past to embrace his future. Both are lost in their paths after decades of survival. With Din, they may have found their path. Directed by … Continue reading The Mandalorian – “Chapter 20: The Foundling” Recap
The Mandalorian – ‘Chapter 19: The Convert’ Recap
After Bo-Katan observed a genuine ancient being in the Living Waters, it was clear something had awoken in her. Whether years of fighting alongside and against fellow Mandalorians had taken their toll on her. Yet diving back into the ancient customs of her people, even observing a mythological beast, does wonders. While she remains jealous … Continue reading The Mandalorian – ‘Chapter 19: The Convert’ Recap
Review: ‘Boston Strangler’ – A Solid Film That Fails to Make the Headlines
Serial killers have long been a subject ripe for picking for dark yet intriguing Hollywood productions. Done right, they expose the dark side of human nature and the perseverance of the human condition. The protagonist often isn't fighting to survive, they are fighting for what's right, for the truth. In the case of true crime … Continue reading Review: ‘Boston Strangler’ – A Solid Film That Fails to Make the Headlines
‘The Mandalorian’ – ‘Chapter 17: The Apostate’ Recap
It’s been 2 years since the events of Season 2. Those who only watch The Mandalorian need a recap. The last time we saw Grogu, he left Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) to join Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and become a Jedi. Favreau, Filoni and co. reversed during The Book of Boba Fett, which reunited the … Continue reading ‘The Mandalorian’ – ‘Chapter 17: The Apostate’ Recap