Blogging version of Crib Death
I thought I might hold out longer than this, but looking at my “to-do” list in the writing world has daunted me enough that I’m going to shelve the Box Office analysis as a regular feature. I am sure to offer up frequent opinions about where Hollywood is choosing to spend its money these days [...]
Here’s me – full of free advice
Back when I worked in feature development, one of my unwritten job functions was to get free work out of writers. We made independent films – which, you may have heard, there isn’t a lot of money in at any end. So, my ability to finagle free options and free re-writes was how we kept [...]
From the Archive – MOVIE REVIEW – Hellboy
Originally posted 4/7/04 Hellboy Director: Guillermo Del Toro Writers: Screen story by Guillermo del Toro and Peter Briggs, Screenplay by Guillermo Del Toro, based on the Dark Horse comic book by Mike Mignola Producers: Lawrence Gordon, Mike Richardson, Lloyd Levin Stars: Ron Perelman, Rupert Evans, Selma Blair, John Hurt Guillermo del Toro is a pulp [...]
From the Archive – MOVIE REVIEW – Dawn of the Dead
Originally posted 3/27/04 Dawn of the Dead Director: Zack Snyder Writer: James Gunn, based on a screenplay by George A. Romero Producers: Marc Abraham, Eric Newman, Richard P. Rubinstein Stars: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer I wanted to sleep before I wrote this review, not because the movie was boring. Far from [...]
Link Ahoy
My friends Allison and Bryan created the “reality”-show-centered blog/podcast I’m Not Here to Make Friends. Since I was Allison’s screenwriting teacher, I try not to take her obsession with secretly-scripted non-union “reality” shows personally. But the two of them are good enough to lend me a little space to review episodes of Dancing With the [...]
Box-Office Wrap-up – Sept. 18-20, 2009
It used to be that opening weekend expectations shifted significantly with the coming of autumn. Late August through October were where the longer-legged grown-up pictures that warm up the cinema for awards season had time to draw in audiences rather than be forced to play the eyeball-capturing game. This is still a bit true, though [...]
MOVIE REVIEW – In the Loop
In the Loop Director: Armando Iannucci Writers: Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche, with additional dialogue by Ian Martin Producers: Kevin Loader, Adam Tandy Stars: Peter Capaldi, Tom Hollander, Gina McKee, James Gandolfini, Chris Addison, Anna Chlumsky, Enzo Cilenti, Paul Higgins, Mimi Kennedy, David Rasche The true legacy of the late George Orwell [...]
From the Archive – MOVIE REVIEW – The Passion of the Christ
Originally published 3/22/04 The Passion of the Christ Director: Mel Gibson Writers: Benedict Fitzgerald and Mel Gibson Producers: Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Stephen McEveety Stars: James Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Claudia Gerini, Maia Morgenstern (Okay, this movie asks a lot of its audience, and the talk about the movie in the media has asked even more. [...]
When Reprieves are Not Reprieves
I met with my collaborator/patron on this novel project, and after making my usual noises asking patience in the delivery of new chapters, he assured me that he is beyond pleased with the work provided so far, and that we are on a perfectly effective timeline for his goals. He even offered to hasten to [...]
MOVIE REVIEW – Funny People
Funny People Director: Judd Apatow Writer: Judd Apatow Producers: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, Clayton Townsend Stars: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Eric Bana, Aubrey Plaza “What are future generations going to say about us, my God! (points at ape skeleton next to him) You know, someday, we’re gonna…we’re gonna be [...]