Category Archives: Movies

Fear of Movies

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Sax von Stroheim

Sax von Stroheim writes: Two new movies, both good, by any reasonable objective standard, in that they seem to successfully achieve what they set out to achieve. But one betrays a fear of commitment, a fear of failure, while the … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Lesser Dante is still Dante

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Sax von Stroheim

Sax von Stroheim writes: The Hole (Joe Dante, 2009) I watched this in 2D off of Netflix streaming, but it seems like it would have been a fun thing to see in 3D at the movies. Flattened out, it’s enjoyable enough, … Continue reading →

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End of the Road (Aram Avakian, 1970)

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Sax von Stroheim

Sax von Stroheim writes: My list of “Films that Belong to an American New Wave that Didn’t Really Exist” includes De Palma’s Greetings and Hi, Mom!; Norman Mailer’s Maidstone; Robert Downey, Sr.’s oeuvre; Shadows, Faces, and Opening Night; Robert Kramer’s Milestones; Mickey One, The Connection, Dusty and Sweets McGee, The Swimmer, and David Holzman’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Two Sports Movies From The 1970’s

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Sax von Stroheim

Sax von Stroheim writes: One’s a masterpiece, one’s an interesting-if-not-exactly-good little movie. First the masterpiece:  Slap Shot (George Roy Hill, 1977) A vulgar, American comedy from one of the 70’s most underrated filmmakers. (Considering the “classic” status of Butch Cassidy and … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Sports | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Future and Magical Realism

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Fenster

Fenster writes: While waiting for Crank 2 to come in to my local library, I thought I’d go to Netflix streaming and see something along the same lines.  I ended up with Miranda July’s second feature, The Future. What, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | 2 Comments

Notes on “Crank 2: High Voltage”

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: I think “Crank 2” is better than the original. It may also be one of the best slapstick comedies of recent years. (It suggests Frank Tashlin on speed or “Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure” as recounted in pantomime … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Touching the Void

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Fenster

Fenster writes: AND Quite apart from any offense that might be taken by a believer, proselytizing, especially about atheism, just doesn’t seem to be good form.  Plus, since Dawkins comes across as a snooty academic, his testimony can be considered … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Philosophy and Religion | 8 Comments

“Mike’s Murder”

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: In the 1984 “Mike’s Murder,” Debra Winger plays Betty, a young woman whose staidness is underlain by a barely-discernible yearning for immediacy. She has the most sensible of jobs — she’s a bank teller — and … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Performers | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Tarantino Remake News!

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Fenster

Fenster writes: Over at iSteve, Steve Sailer speculates on a possible next project for Quentin Tarantino film: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion National Park. In late 2008, following the horrifying defeat of gay marriage at the polls in … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Movies | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Mysterious Mamberano”

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: “Mysterious Mamberano” is one of several adventure documentaries available on Netflix Instant made by a Slovakian filmmaker named Pavol Barabas. I’ve watched and enjoyed them all. This time Barabas and a couple of buddies set out to … Continue reading →

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