Author Archive
For July 4th, Ten Movies that Scream America
As we head into Independence Day weekend, for those who’d like to move beyond the evergreen “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, I want to suggest some classic titles scattered over the decades that each in their way evoke our country’s unique charac [read more...]
Celebrating Streep at Sixty
With the start of her film career and eventual stardom all occurring during my pivotal college years, the work of actress Meryl Streep is so embedded in my consciousness that it feels as if I should measure my own milestones by hers.
This week, our most [read more...]
In Advance of Father’s Day, Ten Cinematic Takes on Being a Dad
Prior to saluting fathers far and wide later this month, why not pop in some first-rate DVD titles that examine the distinct challenges of fatherhood, and how various dads rise to the occasion or, for a host of reasons, fall short.
I lead with one of th [read more...]
Are Serious Dramas an Endangered Species
I don’t get out enough. But when I do, I most always learn something.
Attending a party last week, I saw something new: Between the bar area and dance floor was a connecting room, and passing through it, I noticed many party-goers lining the walls [read more...]
When Did the Quality of Hollywood Films Start to Drop?
To build the number of solid DVD recommendations on my site, for several years now I’ve been watching roughly fifteen films a week- old and new, domestic and foreign. This process has yielded a broader appreciation of the scope of feature films beyond my [read more...]
Why John Wayne Still Ranks Among Today’s Most Popular Stars
Several months ago, the Harris Poll released its annual list of our ten most popular movie stars. Notably absent from the list were Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Brad Pitt (though Angelina squeaked on for the first time, tied for last place with Morgan Freema [read more...]
This Summer’s Movies: A Good Reason to Stay Outdoors?
This past Sunday, the venerable New York Times issued a special section on upcoming movie releases for the critical summer season. Before laying out what we have to look forward to, the first page featured a series of “Memos to Hollywood” from crit [read more...]
15 Top Movies That Should Be on DVD, But Aren’t
I just did a quick inventory of all the great movie titles that have not been given their due on DVD, and the sheer quantity stunned me. I know that rights issues and other legal quandaries can tie up creative assets for years, but surely if determined minds r [read more...]
Why Must We Still Wait Months To See First-Run Movies On DVD?
The plain answer, I’m told, is revenue to the studios. But I believe there are other factors at play - factors relating to tradition and how movies are sold.
What would happen, for instance, if what most agree is the inevitable were to occur tomo [read more...]
A Word to Hollywood in Recessionary Times: Smaller, Better Films and More of Them Please!
Speculation abounds as to how various industries will weather and adapt to this deepening recession. The financial industry remains under a magnifying glass, as the word “bonus” gets swiftly erased from our collective lexicon. In the manufacturing [read more...]