Guardians of the Galaxy lightning in a bottle

YEP YEP – A lot of jobs would be salvaged and careers launched if only Hollywood studio execs and development heads could ever solve the unpredictable and elusive formula for casting chemistry. Could anyone have really predicted that a moderately well-known television actor (Parks and Rec’s Chris Pratt) could lead a gang of misfits consisting of a … Continue reading →

A Most Wanted Man left longing for thrills

NOPE – Man, did I want to like this movie. But… A Man Most Wanted makes the Oscar-winning German slow burn surveillance film The Lives of Others look like Raiders of the Lost Ark. If you have not seen The Lives of Others, I strongly recommend staying home and “renting” it rather than dropping your hard-earned lettuce on Philip Seymour Hoffman’s … Continue reading →

New Apes potent but preachy

YEP YEP – Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is undeniably impressive on several levels. The post “simian virus” world this film takes place in is bleak and desperate….and totally convincing. The stakes are high and the conflicts are well-examined with just enough back story to bring along folks who may have missed the last James … Continue reading →