Reviews: The Jungle Book
I’ll admit, I’m not a big fan of Disney’s animated version of The Jungle Book. It’s a classic, to be sure, and it’s not in the least a bad movie, but it’s very light fare: just a simple coming-of-age story, and one in which the protagonist is little more than a prop being carted … Continue reading Reviews: The Jungle Book
The Wonders of the Saknussemm Ocean
I've always loved the 1959 film version of Journey to the Center of the Earth, starring James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, and Thayer David (and Gertrude the Duck). Among its many virtues are some truly gorgeous cinematography (most of the underground sequences were filmed at Carlsbad Caverns), excellently designed sets, a witty script, and a marvelous … Continue reading The Wonders of the Saknussemm Ocean
Reviews: Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Whose brilliant idea was it to let the director of Watchmen handle Superman? I thought Zack Snyder was the wrong choice back when I saw Man of Steel, even though I was cautiously favorable of the film. Having seen Batman V. Superman, I not only think he’s the wrong director for this material, but … Continue reading Reviews: Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Reviews: Deadpool
So many movies, even good ones, feel like they were designed in a committee. Even when there is real talent and imagination involved, you can usually feel the frowning producer or studio exec looking over the filmmakers’ shoulders, making sure they stick to the formula and don’t do anything risky. The effect is less … Continue reading Reviews: Deadpool
Reviews: Zootopia
I’ll admit, I have more mixed feelings about Zootopia than I’ve had for any other of the recent Disney animated features. The plot is that in a world populated by anthropomorphized mammals, young bunny Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) dreams of being a police officer, but faces an uphill battle due to the fact that, well, … Continue reading Reviews: Zootopia
Good Friday
Today, as everyone ought to know, is Good Friday. But many may not realize that it is also the Feast of the Annunciation. That is, today is not only the memorial of Christ’s death, but also of His conception. This isn’t as much of a coincidence as you might think. I don’t know whether this … Continue reading Good Friday
Mister Ed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GAbc5uQXJo A few days ago, out of curiosity, I looked up the old sitcom Mister Ed, expecting a little cheesy fun at best. To my surprise, I found myself laughing out loud time and again. It’s not brilliant by any means; in fact, it’s frequently pretty stupid, but it’s sweet and often hilarious. In case … Continue reading Mister Ed
Oscar Night 1970
In recognition of Oscar night (though I really could not care less about tonight's awards), here’s a little trip down memory lane for the opening to the 42nd Annual Academy Awards, where you get to see some honest glamor and class that even the presence of the reprehensible Jane Fonda can’t muck up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEnAY6tqSBA A … Continue reading Oscar Night 1970
How Success Leads to Failure
“By the sweat of your brow shall you eat bread, until you return to the earth.” -Gen. 3; 19 There has been an idea percolating in my brain for some time now, born of both reading history and watching my beloved and once-great nation sink into mires of madness and dissolution. The idea is this: … Continue reading How Success Leads to Failure
Serpent's Den 