Not everyone knows Matt Reeves’ version of THE BATMAN takes inspiration from several comic book story arcs. Avid followers of the printed and animated takes will recognize elements from THE LONG HALLOWEEN, YEAR ONE, EGO, and ZERO YEAR and I’ll be looking at this live-action film the point of view of a reader who enjoyed […]
Author: Ed Sum
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRET OF DUMBLEDORE Review – Only the Faithful Are There
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE continues the story that the last movie, THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, ended at. For people who’ve forgotten key points, the first act nicely gets viewers back up to speed. I really needed it since the last film was so forgettable. I didn’t remember much from it other than that […]
When There’s Nothing to Reinvent, It’s CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN to Remake
Disney’s remake of CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN is almost impossible to watch because it’s rather uninspired and simply copies key moments of the 2003 film instead of offering a different story. This product has the feel of Disney wanting to scrub the Fox name off many properties that they are now managing. With no other reason […]
Ten Underdogs to Check Out in 2022
Genre films are the staple of many lists of anticipated films for the new year, and not everyone is keen on seeing them. More often than not, documentaries are overlooked and what I offer are releases designed more to enlighten than to entertain. Another thought I had in mind when putting together this catalogue is […]
BEING THE RICARDOS Review – Never Say It Was Easy
Lucille Ball was more than just a comedian, studio executive, and producer. To remain a starlet on the big screen is tough, so she turned to producing and being involved in every part of the development process of a successful sitcom. Even today, not many talents are as beloved as this actress–who passed away in […]
THE REAL CHARLIE CHAPLIN Review – Getting To Know The Tramp & Tribulations
Showtime’s attempt to reveal who Chaplin is in THE REAL CHARLIE CHAPLIN is terrific. Not only do we get to know more about the boy facing problems as his family was falling apart, but also we get a sense of how that strengthened him, for better or worse. Chaplin Senior abandoned his child and wife. […]
HOME SWEET HOME ALONE Review: HOME ALONE For A Modern Generation
HOME SWEET HOME ALONE shows sympathy for the devil in this continuation of the HOME ALONE franchise. We learn what motivates Jeff McKenzie (Rob Delaney), the supposed antagonist, to go after Max Mercer (Archie Yates). He thinks the tyke stole a family heirloom when the boy and his mom visited his home. It’s for sale […]
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG Review – Scholastic’s Digital Update
Scholastic is updating their look with the cinematic update of their fondest property, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. It’s about time to make him CGI rather than just a drawing. I doubt creator Norman Bridwell would have issues even when he was alive, when the decision to make a movie was being tossed back and […]