(2017—Director: Rian Johnson) — by Renard N. Bansale — Low ★★★★½ (out of 5 stars) “What do you know about the Force?” … “It’s a power that Jedi have that allows them to control people…and make things float.” … “Impressive. Every word in that sentence was wrong.” — Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) Potential spoilers below What …
On ‘Superman: The Movie’ and Divine Purpose
This article is part of our Classic Film Throwback series – By Sam Hendrian – In our modern era glutted with superhero movies, it is hard to imagine a time when they were a dearth. The 1970s was such a time, and when Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie hit theaters in 1978, it must have been a breath of fresh air for …
‘The Post’: Spielberg’s Express Delivery of Prestige Journalism
(2017—Director: Steven Spielberg) — by Renard N. Bansale — High ★★★½ (out of 5 stars) “You know, my husband once said that ‘the news is the first rough draft of history.’” — Kay Graham (Meryl Streep) to Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) Potential spoilers below To say that Steven Spielberg has had a storied career is one of cinema’s greatest understatements. …
You Will Make It: Internship Reflection
— By Matthew Sawczyn — This post is a continuation from Matthew’s first internship reflection here about his time at Skydance Media in Los Angeles. How time flew. Getting up and leaving my internship desk for the last time, after four exhilarating, packed months, felt surprisingly bittersweet. I loved this company, I loved these people… they were my coworkers, my mentors. …
A Solid Concept Album Idea Becomes a Sparkling Cinematic Diversion in ‘The Greatest Showman’
(2017—Director: Michael Gracey) — by Renard N. Bansale — Low ★★★½ (out of 5 stars) “You don’t need everyone to love you, Phin. Just a few good people.” — Wife Charity Barnum (Michelle Williams) to husband P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) Potential spoilers below When La La Land made its splash and won many hearts towards the end of 2016 (including …
Grief Escalates to Restless Anger in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’
(2017—Director: Martin McDonagh) — by Renard N. Bansale — High ★★★ (out of 5 stars) Billboard #1: “Raped while dying” Billboard #2: “And still no arrests?” Billboard #3: “How come, Chief Willoughby?” “I’m doing everything I can to track him down, Mrs. Hayes. I don’t think them billboards is very fair.” … “The time it’s took you to come out …
Scaling the Walls of Hollywood: Prof. Mortensen Discusses How to Stand Out
– By Sam Hendrian – To make movies has been one of the most popular American dreams over the last century. In the digital age, this dream is easier to achieve than ever before, although perhaps not on a grand scale. To “make it big” in Hollywood is still a “many are called, few are chosen” sort of deal, with …
Is MoviePass Sustainable?
Professors Vernon Mortensen and Kevin Culbertson discuss MoviePass’ Business Model – By Sam Hendrian – While founded back in 2011, the moviegoing service MoviePass has soared to new heights of popularity in recent days because of its bold new service enhancement: subscription holders can now see a movie a day for only $9.95 a month at any participating theater location. …
Soul-Eating Fame and Dishonest Love in ‘Sunset Boulevard’
This article is part of our Classic Film Throwback series – By Sam Hendrian – “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small!” So go the famous words of Norma Desmond, the delusional and ultimately crazy silent movie star at the center of Billy Wilder’s classic 1950 film Sunset Boulevard. Controversial at the time among Hollywood circles for its biting …