February 2021 saw the theatrical release of a new Studio Ghibli film, Earwig and the Witch, and it wasn’t quite as well received as hoped. While the switch from hand-drawn animation to 3D CG was, initially, off-putting, the real issue… Read More ›
HBO Max
The Cine-Men, Episode 47 – Resurrections in Cinema.
Since we’re in the time of year where some folks are celebrating either Passover or Easter, I pitched to Darryl the idea of exploring resurrections in cinema. Our reasonings may surprise you for what we choose. We also, of course,… Read More ›
“Godzilla vs. Kong:” Showdown for the Monsterverse.
Not since the 1962 film King Kong vs. Godzilla have the mighty titans faced each other in combat on the silver screen. It was the third film for both and, in keeping with the traditions of perceived heroism, Kong won… Read More ›
Life is good. But it could be better with “Wonder Woman 1984” out on home video.
Kicking off Warner Bros. Pictures’s new simultaneous release policy with HBO Max, Wonder Woman 1984 debuted in select theaters and on the burgeoning streaming service on December 25th, 2020. For 31 days, audiences could elect to either head to theaters… Read More ›
The Cine-Men, Episode 46 – Favorite Character Introductions.
The Cine-Men return from an extended break so it’s only fitting that the episode is extended, as well. On this episode, we not only discuss a handful of recent watches and challenges (Thief via HBO Max and In & Of… Read More ›
War is on the way in “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.”
There have been stories of gods and monsters for as long as there have been oral traditions in communities — stories of creation, stories of destruction, which warn of great evil or encourage altruism. Some of these stories turned into… Read More ›
Q-Bits with “Judas and the Black Messiah” writer/director Shaka King.
During awards season, there are multiple opportunities for filmmakers and journalists to engage in cinematic dialogue. Usually, studios will offer talent connected to films who are being pitched for awards’ consideration. During the pandemic, these events (film junkets) have transitioned… Read More ›
Sorry, Studio Ghibli fans, “Earwig and the Witch” is terribly off key.
Studio Ghibli’s Earwig and the Witch marks their 22nd feature film and their first 3D animated feature. Adapted from the 2011 novel by Diana Wynne Jones (the second film of theirs adapted from her books, the first being Howl’s Moving… Read More ›
Packed inside the superhero excess of “Wonder Woman 1984” is a compelling story of greed versus virtue.
As a follow-up to 2017’s Wonder Woman, director Patty Jenkin’s Wonder Woman 1984 is undeniably ambitious. It seeks to expand the mythos of Themyscria, the home of the Amazons; continue the story of Diana Prince as a continuation of her… Read More ›
Spike Lee brings David Byrne’s once in a lifetime musical experience “American Utopia” to HBO and HBO Max.
On October 9th, The Broadway League announced, to the severe disappointment of theatre professionals and fans, that Broadway will remain closed until June 2021. It’s difficult to imagine that the musicals, concerts, and plays that have been a New York… Read More ›
Documentary “Class Action Park” is incredibly riveting and oddly fun, despite it serious nature. [Fantasia Film Festival]
Ah, amusement parks; the sites of “controlled fun” that you either love or loathe. Whether you like the themes and characters of something like Disney World, the rides and thrills of Carowinds, or the wet-and-splashy water park fun of Wet… 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 ›
“The Curse of the Monkey Bird” pairs the familiar with the modern for an undeniable fun Looney Tunes adventure.
A pig and a duck ride an elephant into the jungle. No, this isn’t the set-up for a joke, it’s the basis for The Curse of the Monkey Bird, the latest in a series of Looney Tunes cartoons set for… Read More ›