I’ve been wanting to write about “Logan,” Hugh Jackman’s final go-round as Wolverine, since I walked out of a theater a week ago, stunned silent by James Mangold’s film. It’s the rare comic book movie to provoke a visceral, emotional response, one of the few that is about something more than blue lights, shiny gizmos or franchise setups. It’s not just a great superhero movie; it’s a great movie, period. So, let’s talk about it. Warning: From here on out, spoilers... Read more
Two things happened this week regarding Disney’s live action remake of “Beauty and the Beast.” First, director Bill Condon remarked that a character in the beloved story would be gay, a first for a Disney film. That was followed, very predictably, by anger from many conservative evangelicals, including usual angry suspects Matt Walsh, Franklin Graham and, well, Alabama. They’ve taken to their pedestals to cry for a boycott and decry the company whose films probably make up half of their home video libraries. Am I... Read more
Hot off Sunday’s historic — and famously gaffe-laden — Academy Awards, Best Picture winner “Moonlight” is expanding into 1,500 movie theaters this weekend. It’s a victory lap for the indie darling, which was made for only $1.5 million and has since grossed more than $22 million. While that’s not a giant number, it’s a strong showing for such a small film, especially one that could be mistaken as a niche product. Barry Jenkins’ film might be about a young, gay black man... Read more
Of all the times for me to go to bed early on Oscar night. I’m sure you’ve witnessed the envelope rip heard around the world, but just in case you haven’t: So, yeah, if you’re having a rough Monday morning, just take heart: at least you didn’t produce last night’s Academy Awards. Here are a few belated thoughts: First off, I’m elated at “Moonlight’s” win for best picture. I never boarded the “La La Land” hate wagon; indeed, the film... Read more
This week, it was announced that Family Christian Stores — one of the world’s largest Christian retailers — will close all 240 of its stores. This isn’t really shocking; Family Christian had gone through bankruptcy a few years back. But it will have an impact; more than 3,000 employees are going to lose their jobs as the stores shutter and Christian culture loses one of its largest and most diverse suppliers of books, music and trinkets. Granted, this is just the nature of... Read more
The apathy I’m feeling toward Sunday’s Oscar ceremony is very strange. I’ve written before about my fondness for the Academy Awards. Where most people groan about the Oscars’ penchant for pretension and self-seriousness, I simply love that there’s one night a year where the entire country celebrates movies. Moviegoers tend to award mediocrity so often that it genuinely excites me that we spend a month discussing films often ignored by the mainstream. Sure, if you want you can cringe that audiences enjoy... Read more
I’ve seen several movies begin with a car chase. “John Wick: Chapter Two” is the only movie I’ve seen begin with a car fight. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is the former contract killer who sought revenge on the criminals who killed his puppy and stole his car in 2014’s sleeper hit. He ended that film with a new dog; as the sequel opens, he’s returning for the car. As a mob boss (Peter Stormare) panics about Wick’s impending return, the title character... Read more
See, Zach Snyder? Batman can be fun. Since Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” plunged the Caped Crusader into morally dubious territory in the 1980s, Batman has been defined by a grim aesthetic. Tim Burton made him a tortured weirdo; Chris Nolan a grounded-but-haunted vigilante. “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” depicted him as an angry dudebro, branding his symbol into thugs’ flesh and trying to kill Superman. He’s become pretty one-note. Sure, Batman’s always been a character that operates best... Read more
In light of the unprecedented times we’re living in and the national turmoil surrounding us, I’m embarking on a semi-regular project called Movies We Need. As a believer that cinema can encourage action, restore hope and generate empathy, these are films that I believe speak to our times. Movie: All the President’s Men (1976) Director: Alan J. Pakula Availability: Streaming on HBO Now/Go, available for rental on Google/ITunes, and on DVD/Blu-Ray You guys are about to write a story that says the former... Read more
Hey everyone, Not going to lie: it’s been a week. Work, school and home life have been busy, and the general insanity of our world right now has really robbed me of a lot of energy and will to write. It’s a shame, because I have some really good stuff on deck for you. One new series I want to write and one Oscar-related miniseries of articles, and I’m hoping that starting this weekend those will start posting. And in... Read more
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