A24 A-to-Z: #52. "A Ghost Story" (2017)

Scene from A Ghost Story

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

Check Out This Year's Best Original Song Shortlist

Scene from Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

One of the best parts of awards season is seeing what makes the short lists for each category. There's probably none as usually more interesting than the Best Original Song field. It is where even the mediocre films get to shine - that is if they have a good song or two. This year looks to be no exception. With a list that includes 91 titles, it's time to start thinking about how the category is going to look and which five will make it to the finals. Sure, Moana and La La Land seem like obvious bets, but what other music is worth remembering? Check out the list for yourself and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Robert Redford to Retire From Acting

Robert Redford in Pete's Dragon

Robert Redford is probably one of Hollywood's most beloved actors both in front of and behind the camera. His acting career spans more than 50 years and has spawned such iconic titles as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as well as Best Picture winners The Sting and Ordinary People. Still, the actor who also founded the independent film festival Sundance has come out with some sad news. He's not too far off from retirement. In fact, there's only two more films left until he says goodbye to his work in front of the camera. It's sad to hear, but his reasons for it do make plenty of sense.

Why We Need More Kid Friendly Best Picture Nominees

Scene from Pete's Dragon

With August coming to a close, the general conversation has switched over to the familiar broad topic: was this a good summer at the movies? Most people would argue that everything was disappointing, and the three weeks of Suicide Squad topping the box office remains disconcerting for some. However, August has made a strong case against this being a total waste with the presence of Pete's Dragon and last weekend's phenomenal Kubo and the Two Strings. Despite middling box office for both, they reflect that best that blockbuster entertainment can be. In a time where the Oscars want to branch out and reflect a more diverse pallet of genre fare, there is one question that could be asked: Can family cinema get nominated for Best Picture? To be totally honest, I think that we should greatly consider these two movies when it comes time to fill out those ballots.