BORGMAN: Movie Review

Last updated on: September 18, 2014 at 11:02 am By J. Ryan Parker

American filmmakers just don’t do weird and disturbing like European, Asian, or, heck, any other region of filmmakers. Borgman, written and directed by Dutch filmmaker Alex van Warmerdam, is one of those weird, disturbing films that’s more mentally than physically unsettling. If you’re inclined to think along these directions, it felt like a good conversation partner with the far-less-weird Calvary, particularly around themes of theology and religion and their place and role in a post-modern world. (more…) Read more

The Drop: Movie Review

Last updated on: September 15, 2014 at 3:35 pm By J. Ryan Parker

It’s rare that I go see a film based solely on one actor. There are actors that I really like, but the type of movie might keep me away. I’d watch Tom Hardy eat soup. His latest film, The Drop, is a good one made even better by yet another profound performance, which is crucial because he is the linchpin in a morally complex narrative. (more…) Read more

A Rugged Apocalypse

Last updated on: August 20, 2014 at 10:26 am By J. Ryan Parker

Like Jeff VanderMeer’s The Southern Reach trilogy, Edan Lepucki offers little explanation of what caused the downfall of civilization in her post-apocalyptic novel, California. Rather than focusing on the whys of the world’s demise, she mines the hows of emotional and physical survival. (more…) Read more

Summer Silliness: Sharknado 2 & Black Jesus

Last updated on: August 12, 2014 at 11:01 am By Richard Lindsay

I never thought I’d say this, but thank God for cable television. As a Basic Cable family, we hold on to the Box because it lets us watch Comedy Central, Rachel Maddow, and the occasional broadcast for my hometown sports teams, the Reds and the Bengals. Most of the rest is wall-to-wall reality TV – nothing but “Redneck Vacation” and “Pawn Stars” as far as the eye can see. But something about the summer makes Cable throw caution to the... Read more

A Match Made in Heaven…Even If It Looks Like Hell

Last updated on: August 5, 2014 at 1:12 pm By J. Ryan Parker

Last week, I had the good fortune to interview Brendan Gleeson and John Michael McDonagh around the release of their film, Calvary. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to speak to them at the same time, so I’ve tried to blend them together into something of a conversation. There are big spoilers throughout, so if you care about that stuff, check it out after you see the film. You can also read my review of the film here. (more…) Read more

The Good and the Reviled

Last updated on: August 1, 2014 at 10:40 am By J. Ryan Parker

For the initiated the title of writer/director John Michael McDonagh‘s (The Guard) second film, Calvary, will inevitably conjure up thoughts about Jesus’ crucifixion, sin, and atonement. It’s fitting as larger-than-life themes of sacrifice, atonement, and good and evil form the backbone of this story about a reviled Irish priest and a member of his flock hell-bent on killing him. (more…) Read more

Dear 20″ Plastic Baby Jesus…

Last updated on: July 21, 2014 at 12:00 pm By J. Ryan Parker

For the second week in a row, The Leftovers focuses squarely on religion in its fourth episode, “B.J. and the A.C.,” while also revealing more about the ominous Guilty Remnant. As usual, there are spoilers throughout, so read at your own risk. (more…) Read more

This Is a Test

Last updated on: July 14, 2014 at 12:49 pm By J. Ryan Parker

I “bought in” on The Leftovers even before the first episode aired. The pilot met all my expectations while the second episode left me feeling a bit disappointed. However, last night’s episode, “Two Boats and a Helicopter,” set a benchmark for the young series, taking it in a different narrative direction (focusing on only one character) that I hope subsequent episodes will follow. (more…) Read more

Inter-Species Peacekeeping

Last updated on: July 11, 2014 at 12:29 pm By J. Ryan Parker

I was just as surprised as everyone else by the success of 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The latest installment of the franchise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, had more to live up to and, thankfully, hits every note with perfect special effects, a smart script, and a thought-provoking narrative. (more…) Read more

The Mystery Continues

Last updated on: July 9, 2014 at 2:19 pm By J. Ryan Parker

A few weeks ago, I praised the first installment of Jeff Vandermeer’s The Southern Reach Trilogy, Annihilation. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long for the second book, Authority, which is equally haunting and confusing and every bit as brilliant. (more…) Read more