Some franchises have such a enduring, rich history that they become multi-generational institutions. With roots dating back to 1950, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang certainly fit the bill, and with similarly veteran properties like Alvin and the Chipmunks being dusted off for a new generation, the release of The Peanuts Movie seems kind of inevitable in hindsight.
Continue reading Review: ‘The Peanuts Movie’ Stays True to Its Roots
It may have been the 23rd James Bond film, but for all intents and purposes, it’s easy to proclaim that Skyfall was the pinnacle of the franchise up to that point. After all, the film — directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes (American Beauty) — was the first in the series to rein in more than $1 billion worldwide and proved to be a widespread critical hit, bridging the gap between Daniel Craig’s gruff take on Bond and the traditional elements of the character and his world. With the level of pop cultural impact that Skyfall achieved, the success of Spectre seemed to be a foregone conclusion, as it reunites much of the cast and crew of its predecessor. Why then is the latest 007 adventure such a huge letdown?
Continue reading Review: ‘Spectre’ Is One Bond Mission You Can Decline
Most action films these days rely far too heavily on computer-generated effects to thrill audiences, but director Tran Quoc Bao’s new short film The Challenger (see below) harkens back to a purer time, one in which memorable fight sequences were the product of precise camera work, detailed choreography and stars charismatic enough to draw viewers into the story at hand. Case in point, the film – which runs nearly eight minutes long – is a dialogue-free exercise fuelled purely by invention and its distinctive visual flair.
Continue reading ‘The Challenger’ Delivers High-Octane Thrills and an Exciting New Vision
