The other day I checked out Sing, Illumination’s 2016 animated jukebox musical about anthropomorphic animals trying to save a koala’s theater. Overall, I found it pretty enjoyable. It’s probably not going to be a favorite, but it was fun, uplifting, and made some good use of its premise. The story: Buster Moon is the owner … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Sing’
Movies
Friday Flotsam: Fable World Building, ‘Safety Last’, and Reading
1. A week of little progress and a lot of crashing. As often happens when one loosens the reins after Lent, Brother Ass takes off and goes wild. But on the positive side, he’s gotten a taste of discipline and so bringing him under rein again should be a bit easier than it was in … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Fable World Building, ‘Safety Last’, and Reading
Five Great Casting Choices That Never Were
1. Lance Henriksen as William Tecumseh Sherman Sherman’s a fascinating figure; repellent in many ways, yet certifiably brilliant and one of the few men on either side who went into the war knowing full well what it would mean. He’d be a good figure for a Patton-style biopic, or at the very least would have … Continue reading Five Great Casting Choices That Never Were
Friday Flotsam: The Emperor, the Director, and the Lexicographer
1. Today is the centenary of Bl. Karl of Austria’s death. Accordingly, I went to Mass before work to seek his intercession that God will send us good leaders (among other things). Those who aren't yet familiar with Emperor Karl are invited to learn more here. 2. A mild insomnia has been bothering me all … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: The Emperor, the Director, and the Lexicographer
Low-Effort Blogging: ‘What’s My Line’
I'm a big fan of the show What's My Line, which ran from 1950-1967, which was all about a panel of contestants try to guess the occupations - the 'line' of a guest. Then the special 'mystery guest' round brought in a celebrity guest while the panel blindfolded themselves. This was often a highlight of … Continue reading Low-Effort Blogging: ‘What’s My Line’
Reflections on the Oscars
You may not know it, but apparently the Academy Awards are coming up. Personally, I forgot all about them because…well, they’re pretty much best forgotten at this point. Modern Hollywood giving itself awards for artistry and technical skill is like the Soviet Government announcing canonizations for Sainthood; it means nothing and everyone except maybe the … Continue reading Reflections on the Oscars
Thoughts on ‘Rampage’
A couple weeks ago, my movie night was revisiting Rampage, the 2018 video game adaptation starring Dwayne Johnson, Jeffery Dean Morgan, and a giant cgi gorilla. When I first saw the film in theaters, I found myself unexpectedly pleased by it, at least for what it is. Keep in mind that I saw it just … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Rampage’
Scene Dissection: ‘Jaws’ on Dialogue Serving Multiple Purposes
Like the contents of a bug-out-bag, every detail of your story should serve a purpose, and preferably more than one. This doesn’t just apply to plot points, but ideally to the individual elements and dialogue that go to make up a scene. For instance take the introductory exchange of dialogue from the Brodys in Jaws … Continue reading Scene Dissection: ‘Jaws’ on Dialogue Serving Multiple Purposes
Harpo Storms ‘You Bet Your Life’
On May 1st, 1961, Harpo Marx made an unexpected appearance on "You Bet Your Life" to promote his autobiography Harpo Speaks. Unexpected, that is, even to his brother Groucho, prompting a low-key moment of sincere joy from the acerbic comic, who clearly doesn't mind being upstaged by the one man capable of such a feat. … Continue reading Harpo Storms ‘You Bet Your Life’
‘The Wisdom of Walt Disney’ Now in Paperback
Exciting news: my book, The Wisdom of Walt Disney (freshly edited and revised) is now available in paperback. To mark this momentous occasion, the book will be available at a reduced price all this week through Wednesday March 2nd. The normal price is $3.99 for the Kindle version, $8.99 for paperback. For the next week, … Continue reading ‘The Wisdom of Walt Disney’ Now in Paperback
Serpent's Den 