Author Archives

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

• It may not yet offer justice for Han, but “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” brings all the popcorn-munching, adrenaline-fueled action you desire.

  By Douglas Davidson on July 31, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  When it comes to the Fast & Furious films, the first thing you do is check your brain at the door. These aren’t films for intellectuals, but are pure popcorn-munching, adrenaline-fueled action spectaculars where the men and women are fierce… Read More ›

• Coming To Theaters: August 2019

  By Douglas Davidson on July 31, 2019 • ( 2 )

  

  Summer is beginning to wind down on the calendar, but things are still running hot at the theater. If you’re thinking to yourself that there’s nothing hitting theaters in August, please allow this list of 34 films an opportunity to change your mind…. Read More ›

• “Leo Da Vinci: Mission Mona Lisa” is fun for the whole family.

  By Douglas Davidson on July 30, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  With the LEGO films, a Secret Life sequel, an upcoming Playmobil film — not a joke — and all the other big studio animated films, it’s easy to miss out on the smaller films from less well-known studios. One such… Read More ›

• Cody Meirick’s directorial debut “Scary Stories” explores the known and unknown behind the famous book series.

  By Douglas Davidson on July 26, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  If you were in elementary or middle school between 1981 and 1991, chances are you’re familiar with the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. From the iconic artwork created by Stephen Gammell to the haunting tales created by… Read More ›

• The Cine-Men, Episode 18

  By Douglas Davidson on July 25, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Before a brief hiatus of recording begins, hosts Darryl and Douglas bring on their first ever guest, Charlotte local and director Chris Baker, so that we can have a bit more credibility to discuss some of our favorite director/actor combinations…. Read More ›

• Though predictable at times, “Astronaut” manages to hit escape velocity with its emotional moments.

  By Douglas Davidson on July 23, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Time has a way of putting things into perspective. In our youth, we think it a limitless resource. In old age, we think it precious. Often, the older we become, the less concerned we are for how things look or… Read More ›

• “The Mountain” turns the camera on the darker aspects of 1950s America.

  By Douglas Davidson on July 22, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Art is, by and large, up to the individual to determine its value. What is beloved by one can be reviled by another. While some engage in heated debate, others forgo intellectual discourse for out-right verbal fisticuffs when others don’t… Read More ›

• Netflix Original “Point Blank” is a remake both familiar and unique.

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

  

  In the battle for consumer attention, there are few who can proclaim the sheer amount of content Netflix offers on a daily basis. As one of the original disruptors of consumed content (first as a disc-only service before shifting to… Read More ›

• “Into the Ashes” is an engaging, introspective crime thriller.

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

  

  Writer/director Aaron Harvey has a distinct thing for set-ups and betrayals. His last two features — Catch .44 and The Neighbor — deal distinctly in these aspects as characters don’t know who to trust at any given moment. Where those films… Read More ›

• “Iron Sky: The Coming Race” is the rare sequel to outdo its predecessor.

  By Douglas Davidson on July 16, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  When director Timo Vuorensola made his feature debut with 2012’s Iron Sky, many likely presumed – this writer included – that a film centered on Moon Nazis likely wouldn’t make a splash, let alone create a cult following, when it… Read More ›