If you found a duffle bag filled with money, what would you do? That’s the question that drives the Korean film Beasts Clawing at Straws. The mystery crime-noir thriller is from first time director Kim Yong-hoon. On this Quick Take… Read More ›
Publications
Documentary “Dear Santa” showcases the magic of the season and the people who keep it alive for others.
From the director of Batkid Begins (2015) and Pick of the Litter (2018) comes a joyous and heartfelt exploration of Operation Santa, an initiative within the U.S. Postal Service that works to answer letters of children and adults sent to… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 41: Favorite Disney Live-Action Adaptations.
With the live-action adaptation of Mulan hitting shelves on November 10th, we thought it would be fun to discuss our favorite of the adaptations Disney has released over the last few years. Now Darryl and I couldn’t do that alone… Read More ›
Quick Take Review: “The Climb.”
On this Quick Take episode, Noel T. Manning II reviews the Sony Pictures Classic buddy dramady, The Climb. It’s been said that relationships are messy, and in this film, that is an understatement. The Climb, opened in select theaters November… Read More ›
Quick Take Review: “Mank.”
Director David Fincher brings to life a script originally written by his father, Jack. Mank explores the Oscar-winning writer of Citizen Kane, Herman Jacob Mankiewicz. In this Netflix film, we examine the vices, self-destructive behavior and uncanny ability of this alcoholic… Read More ›
Quick Take: Reviewing “The Last Vermeer.”
If you’re interested in a World War II period mystery, thriller, courtroom drama with a bit of art history, you may want to check out this Quick Take movie review of the Tri-Star pictures flick The Last Vermeer. This based-on… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 40: Favorite Stephen King Adaptations.
We’ve had this episode brewing for some time, but life got in the way of letting us put the ideas on tape. Returning for your aural enjoyment are your Cine-Men hosts, Darryl Mansel and Douglas Davidson, discussing their favorite Stephen… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 39: Opening Day Movie Memories.
It was not the intention to take a hiatus after Episode 38’s interview with Sean O’Connell, but we did. To make up for it, The Cine-Men hosts Darryl and Douglas welcome Crystal Davidson, the owner/operator of much-talked-about unofficial sponsor of… Read More ›
Meet Me at the Movies, Episode 398: Special Guest Violet Arth Dukes of the Real To Reel Film Festival. [Reel to Reel Film Festival]
In partnership with the Reel to Reel Film Festival, enjoy this extended interview with festival director Violet Arth Dukes on EoM partner Noel T. Manning’s television program Meet Me at the movies. Violet Arth Dukes, festival director, for the 21st… Read More ›
A Conversation with Alfred Hitchcock scholar Laurent Bouzereau.
In this conversation, EoM contributor Thomas Manning sits down with documentarian, film historian, and Alfred Hitchcock scholar, Laurent Bouzereau, to discuss the new Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection. The brand new collection includes four iconic films from the universally recognized Master… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 38: Release The Snyder Cut.
The latest episode of The Cine-Men is a special one and marks a change in how we’ve produced episodes. For the first time, we’re dedicating the entire show to one topic and we’re joined by a very special guest to… Read More ›
A Conversation with director Tyler Smith.
Elements of Madness contributor Lindsey Dunn recently had the opportunity to interview Tyler Smith, creator of the video essay Reel Redemption: The Rise of Christian Cinema. Hollywood and the Church make for odd bedfellows. But the success of many faith-based movies… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 37: School Days
August is about when most folks return to school and Fall 2020 is shaping up to be a humdinger of a return to school season as students and parents alike grapple with virtual education vs. in-person options. In our attempt… Read More ›
A Conversation with writer/producer Dave Sirus.
Elements of Madness contributor Thomas Manning spoke with The King of Staten Island co-writer/producer Dave Sirus. Over the course of their 12-minute conversation, they discuss Dave’s process of writing, his relationship with Pete Davidson, and his contributions to the film…. Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 36: Movie Monologues
Almost every film has a moment where a character either can’t take it any more, has to rally the troops, or otherwise share some extensive piece of information. It became so notable for a character to do this while riding… Read More ›
Meet Me at the Movies, Episode 389
If there’s a hill I’ll die on, it’s that Batman Forever is not the horrid schlock-fest that it’s proclaimed to be. On this episode of Meet Me at the Movies, not only do I get the chance to talk about why… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 35: Foreign Films
The last time the Cine-Men gathered we spoke of revolution! This time around they look specifically at films of the non-English variety and name three of their favorites. If we do our jobs right, you’ll only be able to guess… Read More ›
Meet Me at the Movies, Episode 388
It is, without a doubt, an absolute pleasure to join Noel T. Manning on his program Meet Me at the Movies and this latest recording is no exception. To make things more special, Noel invited Darryl Mansel, creating a fun… Read More ›
Reaction-inducing stunts & kinetic cast chemistry pull up a predictable plot in Netflix’s “The Old Guard.”
The list of films that deserve a theatrical release grows longer the further into 2020 quarantine goes. April brought the kinetic and pulse-pounding Extraction; May offered up the colorful escapism of The High Note and comedic hijinks of The Lovebirds;… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 34: Films of Revolution.
When one thinks about Independence Day in the States, absent thoughts of food and fireworks, we think of freedom. Thing is, freedom doesn’t just mean breaking ties with a governing power. Sometimes freedom comes in the form of breaking free… Read More ›