Posts in 2021
MOVIE REVIEW: The Green Knight

The Green Knight states all good myths are brave and bold. At some point, that profundity has to go beyond aesthetics. The screen titles also announce that what is presented is not that kind of legend. Yeah, and that’s the problem when considering the source material built with magical bedrock. Never has chivalric romance and so-called adventure been treated so pensively.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Jungle Cruise

Look, Jungle Cruise knows exactly what it is, much like the brand of comedy coming from Dwayne’s skipper that’s called out by Blunt’s pragmatic presence. The jokes are corny, the hijinks aim for hilarity, and the spectacle is large. Like its theme park inspiration and Pirates of the Caribbean walking so this movie could run, Jungle Cruise is meant to be a ride that puts a smile on your face, and it sure is a zippy one. That’s right where it’s supposed to be.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Old

This is Shyamalan’s second ever adaptation, following the disastrous The Last Airbender, and he has smeared another one. The predicament of the setting and the possibility of unseen puppeteer strings are given more mysterious investment than the people at the core. That has very limited appeal. At some point, someone, more than something, has to matter.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Joe Bell

Much of Joe Bell has the pungent trace of an unglamourous “glamour project” for Mark Wahlberg and likely a few of the film’s manly executive producer backers including Jake Gyllenhaal, NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, and former NBA All-Star Michael Finley to name a few. Projecting for sure, this movie feels like a place where the A-lister is trying to put forth marketed atonement for his own past bigotry. When all of this movie adds up to be about him, the genuineness aligns to the wrong place.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Long Story Short

Rafe Spall’s Teddy shares a lovely line to his best girl Leanne, played by Zahra Newman, towards the beginning of Long Story Short. He says “I love you more than I did yesterday and not as much as I will tomorrow.” I adore that line. It speaks with such intentional optimism. If only we all lived our lives as honestly and as purposefully as that little mantra. If you see sweetness in that gracious sentiment, there’s much more where that came from in the romance at the center of this little Aussie VOD gem written and directed by actor Josh Lawson.

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GUEST COLUMN: Actors Who Transformed Their Bodies For Their Roles

by Kevin Gardner

Most actors sink deep into their characters to appear more convincing on screen, but some go to extreme lengths to transform their bodies for a role. Rapidly losing or gaining weight isn’t a recommended activity for anyone, but actors have a high-paid team of personal trainers, dieticians and medical experts to monitor their progress and offer assistance. Even with a group of experts, you’re risking your health when you participate in unusual diets. However, most professional actors accept the risks and are happy with the results.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: Do Actors Eat Real Food in Movies?

by Kevin Gardner

When food is displayed in movies, it often makes your mouth water and signals your brain to browse the kitchen for snacks. Set designers and culinary artists spend countless hours creating food scenes. For large productions, filmmakers may spend several thousand dollars on culinary props and professional chefs. Although much of the food you see on screen is real, some of it is unsuitable for human consumption. Real food does not always appear appetizing on film, and artists use various techniques to improve the food’s look when filming under bright lights.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice: The Real Way Movie Theatres Make a Profit

by Lewis Robinson

Everyone loves going to the movies! Even in the midst of a booming digital age when you can watch pretty much anything you want on your phone, people still throng to the movie theatre. Why? There are a lot of complicated psychological explanations for this behavior, but basically, people want a group event. Human beings are communal creatures after all. Your local movie theatre is in no danger of going out of business. People will always want to share the opening of the next big blockbuster with a crowd. But if you think all those ticket sales are what translates to big money for a theatre, you'd be wrong.

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GUEST COLUMN: 5 Movies That Blend Business and Heart

by Kevin Gardner

The business world is a popular choice for filmmakers and has been for decades. Often films about business deal with the cutthroat nature of the industry and frequently, the bad guy walks away with the spoils. But there are a few rare films that are set in the business world with a message that has more to do with heart and the importance of happiness. These movies teach you that money doesn't buy happiness but also that success doesn't have to darken your soul. According to these films, you just might be able to have it all. In no particular order, here are five great movies about business and the human spirit.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Ways To Spice Up Movie Night

by Kevin Gardner

One of the things that society enjoys doing is watching movies. It's easy to see why: everyone enjoys seeing a good movie now and then. It's a technique for you to keep your brain occupied as you eat excellent cuisine. Instead of always being alone, going to a random movie theater, keeping a poker face, and doing little reactions the entire time, why not spice things up a little by adding some fun? Here are some options for adding a little extra flair to your personal or family movie night.

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GUEST COLUMN: Amazing Documentaries Every Art Lover Should Watch

by Emma Wilson

Binge-watching your favorite TV shows on streaming channels might be your hobby for leisure time. But as an art lover, it is pretty significant to watch the documentaries that have won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. Both the storyline and the way of narration in such documentaries can be fascinating. So, here is a list that has been compiled by putting together the must-watch documentaries. Let’s see which ones are the most impressive masterpieces:

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