I can’t think of many movies that carried the amount of hype that this movie did upon its release. Off the top of my head, the movie that comes closest is the 1989 Batman. Like Batman 1989, “The Phantom Menace” was ubiquitous in pop culture. If you were present in society at all in 1999 … More Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (Lucasfilm, 1999)
After 40 years, I think it is safe to say that “Halloween” is more popular than ever. How can you explain a horror movie making nearly 80 million on opening weekend in October? The reason is almost completely due to the original. The 1978 “Halloween” is one of those movies that even people who haven’t … More Halloween Retrospective
Summer 1998 Movie Retrospective I love the summer movie season. I know it is looked down upon by serious film fans, but I always like watching the major movies that the studios put out each summer. Of course, some summers are better than others. How well we remember a summer of movies comes down to … More Summer 1998 Movie Retrospective
If I could list the most influential movies of the last 25 years, Groundhog Day would no doubt be one of them. If you’re like me, and a fan of any sci-fi shows in the past two decades, you have no doubt seen a “Groundhog Day” inspired episode of that series. The X-Files, Buffy The … More Groundhog Day (Columbia Pictures, 1993)
When I was a child, I was head over heels in love with Tim Burton’s “Batman” The hype the movie created in me could not be filled with whatever toys or video games that came out. The only thing that could quench my appetite for Batman was another movie. So it was with great anticipation … More Batman Returns (Warner Bros, 1992)
In this era of movie making, certain franchises have a longer shelf life than others. We’ve seen many franchises come and go over the years. Through the wreckage of many forgettable horror series, one stands alone as the lone survivor of the 80s slasher genre – Child’s Play. While Jason and Freddy have had long … More Child’s Play Retrospective (Universal Pictures)
There are generally two character types that Bill Murray plays in his movies. There is the sarcastic asshole, and, occasionally, the well meaning goofball. The former was Bill Murray’s bread and butter throughout his career, the best example being Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters. He can be such a dick to people and yet we still … More What About Bob? (Touchstone Pictures, 1990)
Kids can be very picky eaters and for generations parents have labored to find creative ways to trick their offspring into partaking in meals. The film A Christmas Story involves a memorable scene in which the protagonists little brother Randy refuses to eat dinner. To remedy the situation their mother convinces Randy to show her … More Lunchables, Dunkaroos, & Mooching
Every movie is a product of its time. No matter when a movie is made, the time period the movie is made can’t help but seep into the movie. Certain movies that are made can only be made at a specific point in time. For example, Home Alone could not be made today. In fact … More Jingle All The Way (20th Century Fox, 1996)
Looking at the website of a local paper recently, a headline came to my attention quickly. My local theater chain, Wehrenberg Theatres, which is one of the biggest family owned theater chains in the country, has been sold to Marcus Theatres. The main theater chains in the country, like AMC or Regal Theatres, actually have … More Remembering Wehrenberg Theatres
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