Under the Cinescope
The Inception Reception
It’s easy to credit the American movie-going public with having the highest worldwide theatrical IQ of anyone in the world. Yet somehow whenever a Christopher Nolan movie hits theaters, that all seems to change. And then all of a sudden, routine movie-goers magically turn into amateur movie critics, declaring films like Inception to be the cinematic equivalent of the messiah.
Reveling in the Reveal
Traditionally, the reveal shot consists of pulling back from a tightly framed shot to reveal a larger framing, exposing a greater context with often epiphanous implications to the audience – and in some cases – the on-screen characters. There is a bit of delight and excitement when you find out a story is bigger than previously thought.
‘WIMPY’ WORKS WONDERS
John Hughes showed us all just how hard high school can be. But middle-school is often overlooked. Half of the school has embarked on puberty while the other half has no idea why their best friends have facial hair. ‘Wimpy Kid’ reminds us of the nightmare that is middle-school.
‘Black Dynamite’ and the Collective Experience
Eric Patton details how rich and satisfying it can be to watch a movie in a theatrical environment as he discusses the instant cult classic, “Black Dynamite.”
For Your Consideration
Say what you want about Peter Jackson’s “The Lovely Bones.” But it is one of the most original films of 2009. And is worthy of some praise and attention. Remarkable performances and solid direction make for an emotionally gripping experience.
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Article Archive
Review: Youth in Revolt
As we rapidly approach the 2010 calendar year, we can look forward to a fresh comedy that amplifies the talents of Michael Cera while showcasing the potential of Cera’s love interest, newcomer Portia Doubleday.
Review: Nine
Rob Marshall’s “Nine” takes advantage of the enigmatic charm and seductive power of Rome and of film. After tackling the enormous task of creating a film adaptation of a musical that was an adaptation of a cinema classic, Marshall simply sets the bar too high.
Air of Prominence
After the National Board of Review awarded Jason Reitman’s “Up in the Air” the Best Picture award, the Oscar bells are ringing. Yet despite what many critics are considering to be the next big thing at the Oscars, “Up in the Air” is not Oscar-worthy. Not in any category. And not even close.
Review: Precious
She’s sixteen, illiterate, and fat as all get-out. And she’s pregnant. With her second child. Her first had the Down’s Syndrome. Her mama? She’s on the welfare and real mean. I mean, Cinderella, you think your mama’s mean, you ain’t seen nothing like this bitch.
Survive and Advance
“The Road” is a dark, poignant story of a father and son journeying through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, withstanding harsh weather, malnutrition, and under the constant threat of marauders, thieves and cannibals. Their goal is simple: to carry on.
