Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns (1992) – In recent reviews of Tim Burton movies, I’ve written about the difference between Burton the auteur and Burton the director-for-hire. Whichever one is working, his movies have a great signature look but Burton the auteur creates movies that have a level of depth. Burton-for-hire is just kind of phoning it in. Burton … Continue reading

Planet of the Apes (2001)

Planet of the Apes (2001) – Sigh… so one of the benefits of having the rather excellent Rise of the Planet of the Apes come out last year was that it would wipe the stain of this ill-conceived remake from our cultural memory. Not so much. It was on cable a little while back and my … Continue reading

Dark Shadows (2012)

Dark Shadows (2012) – I’ve always found daytime soaps to be rather ridiculous. I don’t know why that’s where I draw the line, while I do enjoy the “guilty pleasure” of weekly prime time soaps on networks like the CW, but I do. (Maybe production value.) However from 1966 to 1971, while other daytime soaps … Continue reading

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Alice in Wonderland (2010) — Above all else this is yummy yummy eye candy (and I’m not just talking about Mia Wasikowski [rim shot]).  The look of this film is fucking gorgeous in that usual twisted Tim Burton way.  The other big plus is the cast.  Burton’s usual stock players Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, … Continue reading