During election seasons when we are besieged with advertising and slogans of every kind, the first casualty of campaign wars is the “truth.” Every failure of an opponent is blown out of
Posts filed under SHALLOW
MOONRISE KINGDOM
The style of story-telling and humor used in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom is reminiscent of Lost in Translation and Fargo. Perhaps this comparison comes to mind in
21 JUMP STREET
If you were a fan of the original 1980’s TV show “21 Jump Street” starring Johnny Depp, you will be sorely disappointed in this updated 2012 film version. Unlike the highly
CONTAGION
When the Bubonic Plague of the 14th century killed an estimated 30% to 60% of the population of Europe, it implanted a traumatic memory within us. This collective fear of epidemics in general
I AM NUMBER FOUR
Coming of age is difficult enough without having to do so on a planet that is not your own. That is the premise of this science fiction/action film that explores the experience of one of nine
THE BACK-UP PLAN
Robert Burns’ observation that “the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray and leave us not but grief and pain for promised joy” is humorously presented in Alan Poul’s film “The
DATE NIGHT
It is a healthy practice for married couples to keep their romantic relationship vibrant by continuing to go out together on “date nights.” But for many, these evenings become as obligatory as
IT'S COMPLICATED
While attorney Jake (Alex Baldwin) lives in a world where people are asked to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” the fact is that Jake couldn’t tell the truth if his life
THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS
What would the Cold War have been like if the late Timothy Leary, the LSD-induced guru of the ‘60’s, had been in charge of training the U.S. Army? This absurd comedy takes us through
WHIP IT!
Though it is a common experience for parents to impose their dreams upon their children, it creates unwelcome pressure and difficulty in the relationship. Whether it is a pageant mom or a
MY ONE AND ONLY
The unusual childhood of actor George Hamilton is the basis for Richard Loncraine’s film “My One and Only.” As executive producer of the film, Hamilton is said to have been emotionally
TAKING WOODSTOCK
Woodstock, the infamous music festival that symbolized the youth culture of the 1960’s, has taken on an iconic history of mythical proportions. Elliot Tiber's autobiographical story
GI JOE: The Rise of the Cobra
The “GI Joe” toys were created to honor the normal American soldier of our armed forces. Rather than looking to super heroes who can save us with out-of-this-world strength, Hasbro gave us
FUNNY PEOPLE
Using humor to deal with life is a common defense. The problem is that hiding behind a humorous remark can be isolating and if done often enough will hamper the person’s
EARTH
Disneynature’s “Earth” is a full-length version of the 2006 TV documentary series “Planet Earth.” Taking some of the most beautiful footage of the natural wonders of our planet, the film
17 AGAIN
For most of us, life never turns out the way our youthful fantasies imagined. Once we reach the grand old age of our mid-30’s, there comes a point where everyone moves from thinking about
MONSTERS VS ALIENS
A double-edged fear among children is not only that there may be monsters lurking in the dark, but also that they themselves might become some hideous creature rejected by family and
HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
The trials of dating are humorously obvious in Ken Kwapis’ film “He’s Just Not That Into You.” Bringing together a talented ensemble of actors and based on a book written by Greg
PAUL BART - MALL COP
The endearing humor of Kevin James’ portrayal of Paul Blart is not enough to make Steve Carr’s film work. Essentially one long defense of overweight people and ridiculing the people who
WONDER BOYS
The importance of making the right choices is an obvious prerequisite for achieving excellence in the journey of life. But in Curtis Hanson’s most recent film, “Wonder Boys,” the problem
