I was all set to take a couple of my kiddos to the summer disaster flick SAN ANDREAS because it seemed to be a movie of commercial and mass appeal across multiple ages. But we soon realized my true mistake was in accidentally picking the 3D version (which simply won’t do for my vertigo affected eighteen year-old) so with time constraints, we opted for Cameron … Continue reading ALOHA (2015) means hello and goodbye
Imagine this. This bubbly optimist who enjoys all sorts of cinema- from the silents right up to the latest blockbuster- goes to see the latest entry of Mad Max. I’ll fully admit that a bleak dystopian view of the future is generally not my cup of tea. But I kept my mind open this Memorial Day weekend upon screening George Miller’s MAD MAX FURY ROAD … Continue reading MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2015)
Social media and water coolers alike have been a buzz since the series final episode of “MAD MEN” aired. Some have wondered just why the series became such an intensely popular phenomenon. Was it the nostalgia and quirky fun of Janie Bryant’s wardrobes spanning mainly across the 60s, right up to 1970? Was it the character development of these Madison Avenue ad men and women? … Continue reading Goodbye Mad Men
How can a film from 1937 seem relevant and impressive today? It can when it’s Gregory La Cava’s STAGE DOOR. Based on the popular stage play written by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, the film version takes a detour with a large ensemble cast of characters. It’s essentially based on the struggles and pursuits of the all-female tenants at the Footlights Club, a residence … Continue reading The Great Katharine Hepburn Blogathon: STAGE DOOR (1937)
As we close on another Mother’s Day weekend, it’s not hard-pressed to think of Mom. My mother died of breast cancer thirty four years ago. Interestingly, it will be thirty four years ago exactly today- and she was thirty-four years old. But when it comes to how we ‘honor’ our moms, it’s frequent to hear how many ponder wisdoms our mothers taught us. Whether our … Continue reading Classic and Colorful ‘Momisms’
There are so many types of villains in the movies- mobsters, monsters, scoundrels, crooks, creeps, vixens, killers… and they come in all persuasions of evil, smarmy, spooky and scary. The variety of ‘bad guys’ reminds me of the scene in Mel Brooks’ BLAZING SADDLES (1974) when Harvey Korman as Hedy (err, that’s Hedley) Lamarr rounds up every nasty ne’er-do-well in the wild west. Check out … Continue reading The Charming Psychopath of INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Beyond the incredible four days packed with screenings and awe-inspiring events, my recent trip to Tinseltown for the TCM Film Festival included much more. I traveled out to Hollywood and bookended my trip with a couple of extra days to take in more than just the mad dash of the official fest (…like the mad dash of sightseeing!) Perhaps if I squeezed in more time … Continue reading HOLLYWOOD HIGHLIGHTS: The “Fake” Studio Tour
Years from now, the 6th annual Turner Classic Film Festival may be described as the year that made history. How suitable considering this year’s theme of ‘History according to Hollywood.’ There was a feeling of change in the air. The Proof: 1. Our beloved patron saint of classic film Robert Osborne was not present this year. (All curiosities of how he was doing with his … Continue reading Hollywood Dreams Come True at TCM Film Fest 2015
“There’s no room for sympathy or softness – my code is smash or be smashed!”… Warren William as Kurt Anderson In the heart of the Great Depression of 1933, Roy Del Ruth’s EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE was released just a few months prior to the election that ousted stock-market-crashing President Hoover and ushered in economic-rebuilder President FDR. The political and economic climate of desperation and uncertainty in … Continue reading The Cost of Success in EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE (1933)
Mae West was an original. Her personality was bigger than life and her sexuality was a powerful force of nature. In West’s second writing credit on film, Wesley Ruggles’ I’M NO ANGEL stands out as a definitive Pre-Code. Following the success of SHE DONE HIM WRONG released earlier that year, the even greater popularity of I’M NO ANGEL as the top grossing film of 1933 … Continue reading Salacious Sins in I’M NO ANGEL (1933)
Outspoken & Freckled 