Author Archives

Elements of Madness Founder | Contributing Senior Film Critic at CLTure | Film Critic at Pretty Vacant One | Contributor at FilmFed | The Cine-Men podcast co-host | NC Film Critics Association member | Rotten Tomatoes approved individual critic

• Ariel’s adventure on land and sea gets a new coat of paint and bonus features in “The Little Mermaid” 30th Anniversary Edition.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 19, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  The decision to pick up the 30th Anniversary Edition of “The Little Mermaid” really comes down to personal preference. If you already own a copy, the bonus features aren’t likely to entice you and the idea of upgrading may not appeal. However, if you don’t own “The Little Mermaid” yet or the idea of digging into the process of its creation sparks interest, heck, even if the notion of seeing the film presented in greater detail and vividness is enough, then there’s little to be disappointed by in Disney’s eighth addition to their Signature Collection.

• “Iceman: The Time Traveler” is another fun Donnie Yen feature, despite being a weak sequel.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 18, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Donnie Yen is one of the most prolific actors in Chinese cinema. Though modern American audiences are most familiar with Yen from his performance as Chirrut Îmwe in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Yen’s been working in films… Read More ›

• Documentary “A Tuba to Cuba” is a celebration of a shared rhythm.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 14, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Established in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, Preservation Hall functions as a living monument to New Orleans Jazz.  Preservation Hall is never stagnant due to the changing membership of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as the various… Read More ›

• Documentary “Maria by Callas” is a movie for her, by her.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 12, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  The intent of a documentary is often more than merely to inform about a subject, but to immerse the audience deep into the world of the subject to create empathy, along with understanding. The typical approach is one in which… Read More ›

• Found footage horror film “Haunted Hospital: Heilstätten” offers a meta commentary on Internet culture.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 11, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  When executed well, the found footage subgenre can be an incredibly immersive experience, spellbinding the audience and convincing them that everything they’re about to witness is not just real, but urgently so. The most famous of these films is 1999’s… Read More ›

• While not perfect, “Alita: Battle Angel” still warrants the expense of an IMAX and/or 3D viewing.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 10, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Adaptations from novel to film are notoriously difficult to pull off, with the chances of success dwindling when the adaptation includes a jump from one culture to another, often because the cultural elements of the source material are intrinsic to… Read More ›

• Director Peter Jackson’s “They Shall Not Grow Old” brings the past to life like nothing before it.

  By Douglas Davidson on February 9, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Roughly four years ago, the Imperial War Museum began working with director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) to develop a documentary focused on World War I. His only directives: make it fresh and original. As a self-professed… Read More ›