7500
Joseph Gordon Levitt stars in this surprisingly tight and tense thriller about a plane being taken by terrorists. What the film does best is place us in the position of a pilot in this kind of situation which does give it a new and different approach.
DANTE'S INFERNO
An absolutely stellar collaboration of different artists. Dante's Inferno is absolutely gorgeous, impactful and an interesting version of the classic tale of Dante's Divine Comedy, INFERNO.
GODFATHER PART 3
A very interesting story that is both less exciting (screenplay is slow) and more poorly performed than the two prior installments. Andy Garcia is stellar and the film still has much of the classic GODFATHER feeling that many movie goers fell so deeply into.
HARD-BOILED
John Woo creates incredible action sequences and a sleek crime story in this thrilling but often times excessive film. It is a bad ass experience probably best enjoyed with a group of friends or with others to enjoy the majesty of the films greatest moments.
KRULL
Feeling like my friend described as being "A campy STAR WARS meet LORD OF THE RINGS," this is a cool entry into the fantasy/sci-fi mythos.
AD ASRTA
Isolating, AD ASTRA is beautiful and "different" but the work is in a space exploration genre filled with incredible film achievements like 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, STAR WARS, and INTERSTELLAR. It is hard to compete in that realm with a quiet and abstract film about a mysterious man lost in thought on a search for his father. Our expectations of AD ASTRA are HUGE because the genre often tackles larger than life subject matter in a MASSIVE WAY and normally the success of "the mission" will affect all of mankind rather than an individual and a sector of people.
THE GOOD LIAR
A thrilling pairing of actors and story, THE GOOD LIAR takes an unexpected twist and turn that mean something. Worth watching for performances alone with great directing and writing too.
METROPOLIS
Fritz Lang created another favorite film of mine entitled "M" and it is in METROPOLIS that he realizes a vast and incredible vision beyond the time period in which it was made. This film is an experience unlike anything you have seen before.
BARBARELLA
What can you say about this film except that it is both unbelievable and an absolute joy. You will never see anything like this and...Jane Fonda is perfect.
BAREFOOT IN THE PARK
Redford and Fonda work to create chemistry and romance in this knockout piece by Neil Simon.
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
Will Farrel writes and stars in his best film in years! Hysterical, FUN and unique this film uses elements of mythology to create a unique and fun story that takes creative chances in a way that most multi-million dollar studio films wouldn't dare take. This is a film that was not beaten down to an unrecognizable pulp by test screenings or audience scores and the film soars because of its off-beat and endearing plot, characters and fun moments.
HELLRAISER 6: HELLSEEKER
A film that reminds me a bit too much of the much better film - HELLRAISER INFERNO.
HELLRAISER 8: HELLWORLD
A fun and new take on a tired concept that still does not deliver anything strikingly new or bold in the HELLRAISER franchise. An entertaining take even still.
HELLRAISER 10: JUDGEMENT
A brutal and interesting piece that favors confined and low-budget thrills to sprawling detective like ideas of HELLRAISER 5 and 6. It works very well and feels NEW and engaging. Warning: this is a brutally violent film that uses gross out moments.
JASON GOES TO HELL
Nope, I just can't do it. I tried but I can't do it.
JOHN ADAMS: 7 PART MINI-SERIES
An absolutely top-notch piece of work from all parties involved about the incredible life story of JOHN ADAMS.
MIDDLE MEN
A surprisingly fun, funny, cool and interesting piece on the start of the porn industry - more people should talk about this great film.
THE WITCHES
An absolutely magical interpretation of the novel that should be seen by all young and old for a fun (mostly) family-friendly fantasy story!
WILLY WONKA
Revisiting the Gene Wilder WONKA is a joy. The music and the story are part of a classic tale of love, sacrifice, dreams and redemption.
SINBAD: THE GOLDEN VOYAGE
This is a film I actually truly loved. Feeling like a TRUE adventure film, this Sinbad story packs all the punch of the best adventure film entries with some great special effects that inspired STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE.
THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD
A classic film with much to offer in the way of early stop-motion and thrills of a dated and wholesome type.
DARKNESS AT NOON
An interesting novel looking at the Soviet show trials. Simple but penetrating dialogue and descriptions that could only be written by one who has personally experience both interrogation and torture.
DEATH IN VENICE
A very challenging (disturbing) subject matter that can be viewed in many way. The film is about the absolute surrender to beauty and the writing in it is some of the most poetic I have read. Thomas Mann is an excellent writer who is able to paint images into one's mind.
CONFESSIONS OF FELIX KRULL: CONFIDENCE MAN
Thomas Mann writes another novel which explores a deeply disturbing protagonist who in the end, answers to forces outside of himself. Felix Krull is more of a Ferris Bueller than a criminal but he is arrogant and selfish. In this model of storytelling, Mann challenges us to consider our choices in life, not because of "right" and "wrong" but because life is unpredictable.
SONS AND LOVERS
D.H. Lawrence discusses the Oedipal complex and human nature. The closeness of a mother to a son can be both oppressive and disturbing when a young man is unable to separate his own life from his mother's potentially overbearing and oppressive needs. Many people may think of more modern examples, like "Norman Bates," but these characters of weak constitution are unable to be independent of their mother, have a career, accomplish anything of merit, travel, create, have meaningful relationships, create future plans for themselves and live lives of purpose outside of their relationship with their mother. This book is a stunning and carefully considered examination of this very human and classic tragedy of male type.
SPY THE LIE
Looking at real examples from the careers of FBI interrogators, the book is able to provide the readers with some basic tools to "Spy The Lie" and a lot of them are extremely valuable to anyone conducting business and or dealing with a potential liar.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH
An interesting look at the hope of traveling to the West (an idea MANY still consider today - especially in the film industry) for a better life, career, wealth and opportunities. Steinbech introduces us to what I call "the lie of the West" where we realize the grass is not always greener on the other side.
THE METAMORPHOSIS
A tragic discussion of selfishness and morality in the face of terrible adversity within the family unit and how sisters and brothers can turn on their own flesh when it is necessary for them too.
STEPPENWOLF
A love story on another level. Hesse is a beautiful writer capable of some of the clearest and most lyrical writing I have experienced. He is expert on the discussion of "the artist" and what it means to lead a life of study, purpose and devotion over one of pleasure. Interesting arguments are made for both sides of the coin and Hesse is able to bring in elements of the super-natural in fascinating ways.
THE GREEN MILE: 1
Stephen King brings together excellent character, plot and intrigue in a fitting first part of the story. So many little moments bring together the lives of each of these people and King allows them to talk and develop. His main character has many beliefs, hopes, anxieties and struggles.
JOURNEY TO THE EAST
An interesting follow up for Hesse that looks at a group of men in a secret league. Again, a character who is able to both fascinate us, relate to him and distrust him altogether.
SIDDARTHA
The story of Siddarth which came together for Hesse after a great amount of research and travel. A very beautiful and fulfilling piece to read.
John Woo creates incredible action sequences and a sleek crime story in this thrilling but often times excessive film. It is a bad ass experience probably best enjoyed with a group of friends or with others to enjoy the majesty of the films greatest moments.
KRULL
Feeling like my friend described as being "A campy STAR WARS meet LORD OF THE RINGS," this is a cool entry into the fantasy/sci-fi mythos.
AD ASRTA
Isolating, AD ASTRA is beautiful and "different" but the work is in a space exploration genre filled with incredible film achievements like 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, STAR WARS, and INTERSTELLAR. It is hard to compete in that realm with a quiet and abstract film about a mysterious man lost in thought on a search for his father. Our expectations of AD ASTRA are HUGE because the genre often tackles larger than life subject matter in a MASSIVE WAY and normally the success of "the mission" will affect all of mankind rather than an individual and a sector of people.
THE GOOD LIAR
A thrilling pairing of actors and story, THE GOOD LIAR takes an unexpected twist and turn that mean something. Worth watching for performances alone with great directing and writing too.
METROPOLIS
Fritz Lang created another favorite film of mine entitled "M" and it is in METROPOLIS that he realizes a vast and incredible vision beyond the time period in which it was made. This film is an experience unlike anything you have seen before.
BARBARELLA
What can you say about this film except that it is both unbelievable and an absolute joy. You will never see anything like this and...Jane Fonda is perfect.
BAREFOOT IN THE PARK
Redford and Fonda work to create chemistry and romance in this knockout piece by Neil Simon.
BEETLEJUICE
Revisiting this masterpiece is a joy. Tim Burton's work is timeless and props to creature, makeup, costume and set design.
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
Will Farrel writes and stars in his best film in years! Hysterical, FUN and unique this film uses elements of mythology to create a unique and fun story that takes creative chances in a way that most multi-million dollar studio films wouldn't dare take. This is a film that was not beaten down to an unrecognizable pulp by test screenings or audience scores and the film soars because of its off-beat and endearing plot, characters and fun moments.
HELLRAISER 6: HELLSEEKER
A film that reminds me a bit too much of the much better film - HELLRAISER INFERNO.
HELLRAISER 8: HELLWORLD
A fun and new take on a tired concept that still does not deliver anything strikingly new or bold in the HELLRAISER franchise. An entertaining take even still.
HELLRAISER 10: JUDGEMENT
A brutal and interesting piece that favors confined and low-budget thrills to sprawling detective like ideas of HELLRAISER 5 and 6. It works very well and feels NEW and engaging. Warning: this is a brutally violent film that uses gross out moments.
JASON GOES TO HELL
Nope, I just can't do it. I tried but I can't do it.
JOHN ADAMS: 7 PART MINI-SERIES
An absolutely top-notch piece of work from all parties involved about the incredible life story of JOHN ADAMS.
MIDDLE MEN
A surprisingly fun, funny, cool and interesting piece on the start of the porn industry - more people should talk about this great film.
THE WITCHES
An absolutely magical interpretation of the novel that should be seen by all young and old for a fun (mostly) family-friendly fantasy story!
WILLY WONKA
Revisiting the Gene Wilder WONKA is a joy. The music and the story are part of a classic tale of love, sacrifice, dreams and redemption.
SINBAD: THE GOLDEN VOYAGE
This is a film I actually truly loved. Feeling like a TRUE adventure film, this Sinbad story packs all the punch of the best adventure film entries with some great special effects that inspired STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE.
THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD
A classic film with much to offer in the way of early stop-motion and thrills of a dated and wholesome type.
SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE
A classic slasher with some of the best and worst parts of the genre. A couple of cheesy moments in the fray - more than a couple.
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY'S REVENGE
Very corny and unexpectedly goofy approach to the incredible classic "elmstreet" structure that worked wonders on the first film.
DARKNESS AT NOON
An interesting novel looking at the Soviet show trials. Simple but penetrating dialogue and descriptions that could only be written by one who has personally experience both interrogation and torture.
DEATH IN VENICE
A very challenging (disturbing) subject matter that can be viewed in many way. The film is about the absolute surrender to beauty and the writing in it is some of the most poetic I have read. Thomas Mann is an excellent writer who is able to paint images into one's mind.
CONFESSIONS OF FELIX KRULL: CONFIDENCE MAN
Thomas Mann writes another novel which explores a deeply disturbing protagonist who in the end, answers to forces outside of himself. Felix Krull is more of a Ferris Bueller than a criminal but he is arrogant and selfish. In this model of storytelling, Mann challenges us to consider our choices in life, not because of "right" and "wrong" but because life is unpredictable.
SONS AND LOVERS
D.H. Lawrence discusses the Oedipal complex and human nature. The closeness of a mother to a son can be both oppressive and disturbing when a young man is unable to separate his own life from his mother's potentially overbearing and oppressive needs. Many people may think of more modern examples, like "Norman Bates," but these characters of weak constitution are unable to be independent of their mother, have a career, accomplish anything of merit, travel, create, have meaningful relationships, create future plans for themselves and live lives of purpose outside of their relationship with their mother. This book is a stunning and carefully considered examination of this very human and classic tragedy of male type.
SPY THE LIE
Looking at real examples from the careers of FBI interrogators, the book is able to provide the readers with some basic tools to "Spy The Lie" and a lot of them are extremely valuable to anyone conducting business and or dealing with a potential liar.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH
An interesting look at the hope of traveling to the West (an idea MANY still consider today - especially in the film industry) for a better life, career, wealth and opportunities. Steinbech introduces us to what I call "the lie of the West" where we realize the grass is not always greener on the other side.
THE METAMORPHOSIS
A tragic discussion of selfishness and morality in the face of terrible adversity within the family unit and how sisters and brothers can turn on their own flesh when it is necessary for them too.
STEPPENWOLF
A love story on another level. Hesse is a beautiful writer capable of some of the clearest and most lyrical writing I have experienced. He is expert on the discussion of "the artist" and what it means to lead a life of study, purpose and devotion over one of pleasure. Interesting arguments are made for both sides of the coin and Hesse is able to bring in elements of the super-natural in fascinating ways.
THE GREEN MILE: 1
Stephen King brings together excellent character, plot and intrigue in a fitting first part of the story. So many little moments bring together the lives of each of these people and King allows them to talk and develop. His main character has many beliefs, hopes, anxieties and struggles.
JOURNEY TO THE EAST
An interesting follow up for Hesse that looks at a group of men in a secret league. Again, a character who is able to both fascinate us, relate to him and distrust him altogether.
SIDDARTHA
The story of Siddarth which came together for Hesse after a great amount of research and travel. A very beautiful and fulfilling piece to read.
