After watching the new Alex Garland film, Civil War, I had many thoughts. Foremost, I wondered if it was entirely possible to like a movie while simultaneously feeling unnerved by its content, to the point of never wanting to see it again. Such a dichotomy often arises when a film masterfully delves into unsettling themes or portrays intense emotional experiences with raw authenticity. While one may admire the movie’s craftsmanship, powerful storytelling or thought-provoking messages, the discomfort and unease it evokes can linger long after the credits roll. This unease may stem from the film ..read more

Immersed in the world of 1980s animation, my affection for Looney Tunes transcends mere fandom — it became a cherished cornerstone of my childhood. Amidst the cacophony of vibrant characters and uproarious escapades, the timeless rivalry between Wile E. Coyote and the elusive Road Runner stood out as a beacon of comedic brilliance. I reveled in the sheer ingenuity of Wile E.’s contraptions, each meticulously crafted in his never-ending pursuit of the elusive bird. From rocket-powered roller skates to elaborate traps sprung with the precision of a mad inventor, every harebrained scheme unfolded ..read more

Per Matt I’m always searching for the latest and greatest movies that present familiar themes in new and unique ways. And should I receive a free preview weekend of The Movie Channel, there’s a very good chance I’m spending way too much time skimming through the synopses of every film that’s available (as I did recently). It’s also a good time to fill up the DVR with quite a few hit-or-miss treasures. When Fear the Night popped up, I was initially intrigued by the title, but I was more interested in seeing what Maggie Q brought to the table of this action-horror-thriller extravaganza, which is ..read more

Per Matt If there’s something strange, and it don’t look good… who ya gonna call? Well, it’s usually Dan Aykroyd who answers the bell. You may recognize the Not Ready for Prime Time Player from old-school Saturday Night Live seasons. You probably remember him for bringing The Blues Brothers to live performances around the world and eventually the big screen alongside John Belushi (and later with his brother, Jim). He’s won all sorts of awards throughout his long and illustrious career within the entertainment industry, but arguably the most influential moment of the performer’s career was coll ..read more

In the world of entertainment, the divide between a good comedy and a bad one mirrors the distinction found in professional wrestling. A good comedy, much like a skilled wrestler, possesses a finely tuned sense of timing and delivery, expertly landing punchlines with precision and eliciting genuine laughter from its audience. It understands the importance of pacing, character development and clever writing, much akin to a wrestler who knows how to build suspense, execute dangerous moves safely and craft compelling storylines that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. On the other hand, a ..read more

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline and Frankenweenie share more than just Tim Burton’s directorial touch. These films are united by their use of stop-motion animation, a meticulous and time-consuming process. Despite the challenges, these movies, alongside many others, have earned their place as beloved classics in cinema history. Stop-motion photography demands precision, with every movement meticulously planned to maintain the illusion of fluid motion. Even the slightest deviation can disrupt the magic, requiring painstaking reiteration from the beginning. Making a movie and delvi ..read more

Per Matt Back in the day, way back when Andrew Lincoln first publicly revealed he was leaving The Walking Dead, a void formed immediately within the show’s storyline. As the actor’s remaining episodes counted down, Rick Grimes’ screentime was gradually reduced. Eventually, the lead character went out with a bang and TWD story continued without him… somehow. Fast forward to 2024 and Rick’s exit from the mothership after Season 9 feels so very long ago. But Fear not, fans, two of Robert Kirkman’s most iconic characters finally reunite in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. The series premiere ..read more

Dune stands as a sci-fi cinematic powerhouse, drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert’s novels to present visually stunning and thematically rich narratives exploring power dynamics, political intrigue and the complexities of human existence. While the 1984 adaptation received widespread acclaim, the 2021 updated release from filmmaker Denis Villeneuve raises the bar in terms of cinematography and world-building. In a departure from the 1984 approach, Villeneuve opts to split the narrative into two separate films, with the possibility of a third installment contingent upon the success of the se ..read more

Per Matt Ever since I was young, whenever an actor made a strong contribution to my favorite genres — science fiction and horror — I’d actively follow him or her into just about every new project they’d consequentially take on (within specific limits). This was my version of creating a fan favorite. Sometimes they’d surprise me with their range, opening my eyes to a new storytelling format. Other times I’d simply be bored — this was WAY before IMDB was accessible — and I’d still eagerly await the next outing. As I followed these actors for all these years, I built a varied library of filmmaker ..read more

Making a movie is like a spider spinning its intricate web; both require tons of planning, patience and creativity. Just as a spider carefully selects the right location to build its home, filmmakers must choose the perfect setting for their story to unfold. Each strand of silk a spider weaves represents a crucial element of the film: the plot, characters, dialogue and visuals. Like a spider navigating with precision, directors guide their cast and crew through the complexities of production, ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly. As the spider waits patiently for its prey, filmmakers wait f ..read more