The Usual Suspects (1995)

The Usual Suspects (1995) – I tend to be amused by those Robot Chicken sketches where a heavily-accented M. Night Shyamalan jumps out and says “Vhat a tvist!” (Worth noting that in real life Shyamalan has a thoroughly American accent…) Good ol’ Night is widely credited with ushering in the age of the twist ending. … Continue reading

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Midnight in Paris (2011) – Do you ever see stuff about like the free love revolution in the 1960s and think “damn, it would be great to be around then?” You’re not thinking about the details, like how everyone probably smelled and the “free love” in question was generally unprotected so herpes was probably everywhere. … Continue reading

Network (1976)

Network (1976) – The following article was originally published on 12ftdwende.com on 29 April 2011. “I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It’s a depression. Everybody’s out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel’s worth, banks are going bust, shopkeepers keep a … Continue reading

The Descendants (2011)

The Descendants (2011) – George Clooney is one of those actors who has personality that tends to bleed through to whatever role he’s playing. There’s even a sort of charm in him even when he’s playing a cold-blooded CIA assassin (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, or his Oscar-winning role in Syriana) or the single worst … Continue reading

L.A. Confidential (1997)

L.A. Confidential (1997) – It was a cold night in Sacramento. The nights are always cold in Sacramento. Except for all those months where they’re hot. Or temperate. But this wasn’t one of those nights. I had just watched what was supposed to have been a funny movie, but it didn’t bring the goods. Suddenly … Continue reading

The Social Network (2010)

The Social Network (2010) — SECOND REVIEW [Blu Ray] A lot has been made since this film’s initial release about what really happened and what was invented.  Although I may sound like a broken record since I bring this up every single time such a “controversy” arises, who the hell cares?  A good movie is … Continue reading

The King’s Speech (2010)

The King’s Speech(2010) — Who would have guessed that elocution lessons could make for a movie this good?  Apparently King George VI of England (who only ascended to the throne because his brother abdicated) had a very pronounced stammer.  Being King in the age of radio (the 1930s), one needed to make speeches (especially when … Continue reading