Category > Cinemascoping
The initial reviews for Joe Johnston's The Wolfman have been mixed at best and it's easy to see why. Its opening moves far too fast, one of its key actors phones in his performance and its third act flirts with silliness. That being said, I found this reboot of the 1941 classic engaging and at times daring in the way it pushes the boundaries of studio produced horror films and the weighty issues it takes on within its pulpy narrative …
Ed note: Chuck's best films of the decade list continues here. Note, once again: This is in no way intended to be a definitive list of the best films of the last 10 years. Undertaking such a project would be foolhardy and arrogant. No, this is simply my list on what I feel were the most significant movies made from 2000-2009 and is intended as nothing more than one critic's opinion, as well as a starting point for further discussion …
The purpose of "Best of " lists is to prompt reflection and discussion. Yet, often they become the focal point of divisiveness in which readers react vehemently if their personal favorites are ignored. So, in the spirit of this on-line magazine (remember the name gang), let's clarify a few things. This is in no way intended to be a definitive list of the best films of the last 10 years. Undertaking such a project would be foolhardy and arrogant. No, …
I wasn't sure what to expect from the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It, but I didn't anticipate being bored. However, that's exactly how I felt sitting through this cobbled-together collection of footage taken while the performer was preparing for what was to be the penultimate event of his career. His death casts not only a pall on the film but also proves to be the final, impenetrable barrier in getting to know the man. As put together by director …
There's no doubt that director Christian Alvert is doing his level best to duplicate Alien with his outer space, creature feature Pandorum. From its setting (a vast spaceship adrift in the cosmos), characters (a rag tag crew of misfits) to its monster (a horrific, carnivorous creature), this is a rip-off of Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic if there ever was one. Surely Alvert, if cornered, would refer to it as an homage, which would be stretching things, as the film does …
As activists go, Rick O'Barry is surely one of the most extreme you're likely to meet. An oceanographer who worked on the 60s television show Flipper as a dolphin trainer, he has taken an enormous burden upon himself. Convinced that the mania surrounding the hit TV show he worked on has led to the explosion in popularity of oceanariums and zoo dolphin shows, O'Barry has gone out of his way to stop the illegal sale of these mammals in Japan. While the …
Shane Acker's 9, a nearly feature-length (79 minutes) version of his experimental short film is a truly a wonder to behold. Set in a seemingly alternate reality in which World War II is combined with elements of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds with a touch of The Terminator thrown in for good measure, the film is visual knock out. With its post-apocalyptic vision of the world, in which ragamuffin creatures go toe-to-toe with machines that have achieved consciousness, is …
Having delivered a sobering warning about the state of our environment, with his Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, one would think the next obvious step for filmmaker Davis Guggenheim would be to do a feature on Greenpeace or the plight of the Amazon rain forest. While those are worthy subjects, the director thankfully tackled a far lighter but no less rewarding topic in his newest film It Might Get Loud, a stirring documentary with the simple premise that "three musicians …
The cinema of Quentin Tarantino has always been derivative in nature. A self-proclaimed movie geek who taught himself film history by working in a California video store, the director's movies are allusion-packed affairs that riff on his favorite genres as he puts his distinctive spin on them. The quandary of his films is that they're immature in nature yet often brilliant in execution, making for a seductive combination that's enamored film-goers and critics alike. Without question, Pulp Fiction was a …
Writer/Director David Twohy's films will never be confused for high art. Actually, the word "films" is a bit of a misnomer in referring to his work — "movies" is more accurate — yet there's no denying they're a great deal of fun. I'd be hard pressed to come up with an accurate way to measure just how much popcorn has been consumed by those who've seen The Arrival, a fun sci-fi alien conspiracy flick with Charlie Sheen, Below, a genuinely …
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nice fishnets you’ve got there, dan!
Soo is smile politely in the business of editing comments? Interesting. Way to preserve our 1st am.
great. another TGIF documentary.
This movie is a throwback in the best possible way. Such a delight. By the last scene, I was actually grinning ear to ear!
There are plenty of war movies that do not show one second of fighting or death or blood. There are many feel good war movies. This movie is meant to be inspirational and uplifting. I don’t watch the boondocks because that show is degrading and racist. I…
I think Cameron and scorsese are addicted to the innovations of movies rather than the actual movies themselves. As we saw in Avatar. The look was amazing but the tale was as old as time haha. And as far as Scorsese is concerned he’s made plenty of…
thank gha’al for dan hill
You are right, the Scorsese “vision” of the future is much more horrifying. This actually surprises me because Cameron seems like the MOAR MOAR MOAR TECHNLOGY!!! guy. What does Scorsese even mean “there is no subject matter that can’t absorb 3D?” Yeah a sensitive love story could…
What type of war movie is a “feel good” movie. Look out Hitla, here we come!!!! That doesn’t make them seem as educated men like the Tuskeegee were. Take that Mista Hitla… It was garbage and a the Boondocks creator wrote the script. Have you ever heard…
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FACT: Silverfish feed only on carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars. They will not consume proteins or fats (the main materials from which human beings are constructed). THUS: That was not actually a human waiter we were conversing with, but rather a lifelike simulacrum created from semi-digested Fruit Loops.
nice fishnets you’ve got there, dan!
is that illini auto on main?
The geniuses at the News-Gazette site have it all figured out. This happened because we don’t have the Chief!
Pamela - Are the roasteries in Seattle as clean as CSR? It always disturbs me a little that it is so clean in there.
Now you will be able to munch on pizza and shrimp cocktails in downtown Urbana (whilst a DJ spins?) after your dissolution of marriage http://www.news-gazette.com/news/business/features/its-your-business/2012-02-05/its-your-business-new-pizza-place-downtown-urban Is this a franchise of a Reno pizza joint, or just a coincidence of name? http://www.blackrockpizza.com
Signs someone is “fishing” for a factual anchor: 1. Starts call to radio with: “I’ve been an Illini fan for (XX) years” or “I’m a diehard fan,” as if somehow that unverifiable claim will justify the 5 minutes of B.S. that follows. 2. Makes reference to KenPom…
That’s what she said.
Black dog and Siam terrace is where I always go after my divorces.
Love CSR. Apart from making my way through the regular roasts in 1/2 pound increments, I also like to pick up some of the little sample packets of the flavored stuff for when the lady and I feel like getting crazy. Sticky Bun is pretty nice.
If you happen to be getting a divorce, or fighting a DUI prosecution, downtown Urbana is a great place to eat.
HUUUUUUGE fan of their Black Velvet roast…It makes up about 75% of my coffee intake. LOL CSR is definitely one of those Champaign institutions that I brag about to people not from here. :-)
We like CSR too! We french press at home and I leave the lid off while it steeps—letting the ground beans bloom. Then, like in your tasting, I scoop off the top layer before pressing. We really need to invest in a burr grinder though, as I…
Confidential? In this state? Hahahahahahahhahahaha
just confirmed: there will be white russians served. the art abides.
big lebowski at the art. mark it, dude.
There’s a great video promo out for “Company” too: http://vimeo.com/36077847
Wow, His Majesty took the time to answer your polite plea. It’s been a while since I spoke fluent arrogance, but allow this attempt at a translation: “I deeply regret the embarrassment…” = I wish we hadn’t got caught and it wasn’t a big deal really. “...and…
I love the Guitars
I had their tea at the Urbana Farmer’s Market when they first started out and it was great! Their tins recently caught my eye at Walnut Street Tea Company and my guests used it all up before I could even try it! Way to go Tiesta, stay…
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FACT: Silverfish feed only on carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars. They will not consume proteins or fats (the main materials from which human beings are constructed). THUS: That was not actually a human waiter we were conversing with, but rather a lifelike simulacrum created from semi-digested Fruit Loops.