Check Out an Excerpt From My New Essay on Tim Burton

This past Tuesday, I released a long gestating project called "From Pee-wee to Peregrine: Why Tim Burton Still Matters." This essay was created as a personal challenge for me to create a full length analysis of one filmmaker. Considering that his most recent film Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is currently playing in theaters, I felt that it would be appropriate to look at the eclectic work of Tim Burton, who I maintain is one of the most visually singular directors of the late 20th century. It is currently available on Amazon and Smashwords for $1.99. For those still curious, I have provided an excerpt from the essay called "What is Burton-esque?" Please check it out and feel free to check out the essay's other chapters on his cultural impact and why he continues to resonate. 

Theory Thursday: "The Lone Ranger" (2013) is Underrated

Scene from The Lone Ranger

Welcome to a weekly column called Theory Thursdays, which will be released every Thursday and discuss my "controversial opinion" related to something relative to the week of release. Sometimes it will be birthdays while others is current events or a new film release. Whatever the case may be, this is a personal defense for why I disagree with the general opinion and hope to convince you of the same. While I don't expect you to be on my side, I do hope for a rational argument. After all, film is a subjective medium and this is merely just a theory that can be proven either way. 

Nothing But the Best: "The King's Speech" (2010)

Scene from The King's Speech

Welcome to the series Nothing But the Best in which I chronicle all of the Academy Award Best Picture winners as they celebrate their anniversaries. Instead of going in chronological order, this series will be presented on each film's anniversary and will feature personal opinions as well as facts regarding its legacy and behind the scenes information. The goal is to create an in depth essay for each film while looking not only how the medium progressed, but how the film is integral to pop culture. In some cases, it will be easy. Others not so much. Without further ado, let's start the show.

"Suffragette" Photo Shoot Goes Horribly Wrong With 'Slave' Shirt

Carey Mulligan in Suffragette

It wasn't too long ago that many were considering director Sarah Gavron's Suffragette to be a strong Oscar contender. While the film still remains in the race, there's a certain backlash that came this past week when a photo shoot for Time Out London saw various actresses wear a t-shirt with a controversial slogan claiming that "I'd rather be a rebel than a slave." While it has been defended as being more descriptive of the oppressive nature of women in 1912, there's no denying that those words nowadays don't have the same connotation. But is it all justified? The magazine thinks so, but nobody else does. 

The First "Suffragette" Trailer Gives Us a Look at a Potential Oscar Front Runner

Carey Mulligan

It looks like the beginning of the Oscars prospecting is upon us. First there was the Cannes Film Festival, which presented a plethora of debuts from potential nominees. Now we are seeing trailers for films playing during the prime time known as awards season. Among the first to show themselves is the star-studded vehicle known as Suffragette. This film, directed by Sarah Gavron, has such an impeccable cast of nominees and winners that it would seem ridiculous to not immediately put this on the calendar. Thankfully, the first trailer makes it all the more promising in the process.

Review: "Les Miserables" is the Amazing Musical Adaptation We've Been Waiting For

Hugh Jackman

One of the greatest joys of watching director Tom Hooper's latest Les Miserables is the realization that the musical genre has been regenerated with life. After mainstream duds like this past summer's Rock of Ages, it is fascinating to watch as Hooper takes the beloved stage show based on Victor Hugo's novel and turn it into this big lavish story with an all star cast and live recordings. Even if the film has flaws (which it does), it wears the passion and craft so proudly that it turns a movie that is essentially three hours of singing into a well constructed narrative with vivacious tunes and some jaw dropping performances. Les Miserables is a refreshing sight for the sheer fact that it feels like people are trying. But with all of this effort in place, can it go the extra mile and earn Best Picture?

An Amazing Trailer #2 for My Best Picture Front Runner

Amanda Seyfriend

Update: I have written a review posted here.

There is no doubt that anyone who has been to the theaters to see the "prestige" films of 2012 this fall has been forced to sit through the original trailer for director Tom Hooper's Les Miserables, which features Anne Hathaway belting "I Dreamed a Dream." It has been effective enough to make it this long as the film's sole trailer (not including the Regal Theaters exclusive behind the scenes video). However, as the release date for one of the biggest films of the year comes around, it is time to start moving out the heavier promotional materials.