I will be the first to admit that A Christmas Story is not my go-to holiday film. I find the narration distractingly wordy, the acting stilted, and the protagonist Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley)insufferable in his misguided quest for a Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle. That said, my wife’s dedication to … Continue reading Review: A Christmas Story Christmas – The Rare Sequel that Elevates the Original
Review: Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ is His Best Film in Nearly Two Decades
When you are Steven Spielberg, when do you decide to tell your life story? The famed director crafted too many classics to name throughout his fifty-year career. One could argue that his style is the most important evolution in American cinema and has doomed storytellers to chase nostalgia. At the same time, he's poured his … Continue reading Review: Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ is His Best Film in Nearly Two Decades
Review: ‘Bardo’ is the Maximalist Film You Love to See
It's hard to feel bad for successful people. Even when life becomes difficult for them, they can rest easy knowing that professional validation and financial wealth keep them afloat. Few would feel sympathy for Alejandro González Iñárritu, the winner of back-to-back Directing Oscars in 2015 and 2016. The very legitimate question, "what do I do … Continue reading Review: ‘Bardo’ is the Maximalist Film You Love to See
“Bones and All” is NOT an Instant Classic from Luca Guadagnino
After having worked together on 2017’s Call Me By Your Name Luca Guadagnino and Timothee Chalamet pair up once more for Bones and All. Both movies tell the story of outcast lovers trying to find their place in the world. Both movies take place during the 1980s and are shot immaculately against stunning but different … Continue reading “Bones and All” is NOT an Instant Classic from Luca Guadagnino
Review: ‘The Inspection’ is Among the Year’s Best Debuts
The last few years have seen a rise in auto-biographical storytelling. With directors having the opportunity to make their passion projects, we're seeing an uptick in nostalgic filmmaking. However, The Inspection from newcomer Elegance Bratton does not look back on his youth with fondness. Instead, his debut film as a director focuses on the toughest … Continue reading Review: ‘The Inspection’ is Among the Year’s Best Debuts
Review: ‘Spirited’ Brings Together Two All-Star Comedians for a Mostly Funny Musical
The rise of Ryan Reynolds over the past decade had been long overdue. The star of films like Van Wilder and Buried had more than proven his value as a fringe star. However, few would have guessed that the actor would often shy away from his foul-mouthed persona in non-superhero projects. Still, he's maintained a … Continue reading Review: ‘Spirited’ Brings Together Two All-Star Comedians for a Mostly Funny Musical
2008 in Review: Tropic Thunder
Sometimes there is some extra value going into a movie stone cold and not knowing what to expect. So when I found myself randomly being dragged to a midnight showing of Tropic Thunder, I literally had no idea what I was getting myself into. What I ended up getting was a truly special film. A mixture … Continue reading 2008 in Review: Tropic Thunder
We Bought a Pod Episode 13 – Okja is more than OK…ja?
In this weeks episode we discuss the Netflix blockbuster Okja, dive into the Han Solo drama, and discuss the NYT's top 25 of the century (so far). We also answer some listener questions and discuss some upcoming films you should check out. Warning Okja Spoilers from 02:00 - 10:00 Warning
We Bought a Pod Episode 9: Gods and Samurai w/ Alex Horn
Aaron and "Not AJ" discuss American Gods and Samurai Jack. 00:00 - 7:45 Spoiler FREE review of American Gods 7:45 - 29:00 Spoiler FILLED American Gods recap 29:00- 46:45 Spoiler FILLED Samurai Jack recap 46:45-END Listener-questions and sign-off
Review: “Kong: Skull Island” Rampages on Screen Like a True Popcorn Flick
On the podcast a few weeks ago, I had a rather strong feeling that I would enjoy Kong: Skull Island. When the first trailer released, I thought the film looked like a big, dumb film that struck a tone closer to the DC Universe and 2014 Godzilla (a film I was mistakenly low on upon … Continue reading Review: “Kong: Skull Island” Rampages on Screen Like a True Popcorn Flick