Teen dramas are a dime a dozen and finding a fresh one out of the enormous batch isn’t always an easy thing. Too often they mimic other movies or follow all-too-familiar formulas. The new Netflix original “All the Bright Places” does a little of both. But at its heart lies a thoughtful story about the … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Call of the Wild” (2020)
When prepping to watch “The Call of the Wild” I couldn’t help but wonder which is the greater American classic: Jack London’s timeless 1903 novel or Harrison Ford? If I was honest I’d have to admit that I find Ford to be the bigger draw. But personal bias aside, London’s beloved novel is a significant … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Invisible Man” (2020)
My how plans can change. Need an example? Look no further than “The Invisible Man”. The film was originally set to star Johnny Depp and be part of Universal’s Dark Universe. The idea was to have an interconnected cinematic universe (ala the MCU) reviving many of the classic Universal monsters. The first film of the … Continue reading
REVIEW: “The Last Full Measure” (2020)
It was November 19, 1863 that Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address which contained the words “from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.” Lincoln’s mention of the … Continue reading
First Glance: “Candyman” (2020)
Add another movie to the “they’re remaking what???” list. I remember renting 1992’s “Candyman” on VHS tape from one of our local video stores. It was based on a Clive Barker short story and featured Tony Todd as the hook-armed title character. Unlike its two fairly crappy sequels, the original had a compelling social subtext … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Live Twice, Love Once” (2020)
The oddly titled Spanish family drama “Live Twice, Love Once” isn’t shy about taking several familiar themes and movie tropes then tossing them all into one big pot. A debilitating disease, a strained marriage, secrets from past, an unlikely road trip. Just some of the well-worn story elements that find their way into the film. … Continue reading