Nostalgia with flair (and flares)

For the non-geek filmgoer, the term “lens flare” will mean absolutely nothing. But they will know it when they see it. It’s a photographic technique that causes light to flatten and streak out into a horizon-like pattern that fills the screen. Director (and producer of “Super 8″) Steven Spielberg used them religiously in his earlier [...]

Donnie Not-So-Darko

Director Duncan Jones deserves a lot of accolades for his attempt to resurrect old-school sci-fi. In 2009′s “Moon,” Jones took a minimalist approach to the genre, with Sam Rockwell as a lunar miner facing a tough final mission before returning to family on Earth. He was given a substantially bigger budget with “Source Code,” but [...]

‘I Queue’: Gurn Blanston revisits ‘Red Dawn’

Red Dawn Year:1984 Director: John Milius Writers: John Milius, Kevin Reynolds Cast: Patrick Swayze- Jed Charlie Sheen- Matt C. Thomas Howell- Robert Lea Thompson- Erica Jennifer Grey- Toni Tag Line: The invading armies planned for everything – except for eight kids called “The Wolverines.” Or The Brat Pack goes to war. (OK, I made that [...]

Just say ‘no’ (unless it’s on cable)

Like those little bottles of 5-hour energy boosts found at the convenience store, the drug NZT promises not only the caffeinated rush, but the temporary mental clarity to solve life’s more complex puzzles like the stock market or the popularity of Ke$ha. It is the (fictional) drug of choice for Eddie (played by Bradley Cooper), [...]

Awards fodder: A somewhat electric ‘Company’

You have to pull yourself back when watching ‘The Company Men.’ Because of its timely topic, it’s too easy to fault it for what it’s not than to appreciate it for what it is. Since most of us are still feeling the sting — in one way or another — of the current recession, we [...]

Awards fodder: Gotta hand it to them

Why do we try to take a breath when we are drowning? It is a primordial instinct, that odds-be-damned push to survive, that kicks in from our since-evolved brain, regardless of consequence. And in the midst of starvation, dehydration, delirium and perhaps a host of other mental and physical impediments, adventure athlete Aron Ralston sallied [...]

…and we’re back (and some updates!)

For all three who noticed we were gone for a little bit, thank you. To ensure a more regular posting schedule, I would like to pose a question. As some may know, I also run a site Use Soap, that I use as a repository for my weekly review column at a local newspaper. I [...]

‘Cocoon’ with screenwriter Tom Benedek

Film: Cocoon (1985) Rated: PG Written by: Tom Benedek (screenplay) David Saperstein (story) Directed by: Ron Howard Starring: Don Ameche – Art Wilford Brimley – Ben Hume Cronyn – Joe Jack Gilford – Bernie Steve Gutenberg – Jack Maureen Stapleton – Mary Jessica Tandy – Alma Brian Dennehy – Walter Tahnee Welch -Kitty By E Dagger [...]

‘Deliverance’ with Christopher Dickey

Film: Deliverance (R) Year: 1972 Writer: James Dickey Director: John Boorman Starring: Burt Reynolds as Lewis John Voight as Ed Ned Beatty as Bobby Ronny Cox as Drew     By: Gurn Blanston Memories: There are a few things that pop into most people’s heads when you mention the movie Deliverance: Dueling Banjos, inbred hillbillies, squealing [...]

Messing with Memories: ‘Taxi Driver’

Film: Taxi Driver Original release date: 1976 Scheduled remake release date: Not Happening! Starring: Robert DeNiro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd Wow, that was quick! Just a few days ago, every film site on the net was buzzing about a Trading Places-like bet between director Lars von Trier and Martin Scorsese, in which the latter would resculpt his [...]