The year 2023 was a very interesting one in film. It marked a turning point for comic-book superhero movies. While I liked and enjoyed some of the offerings from both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros/DC, most other critics did not feel the same way. I am not saying I completely adored all these movies and… Continue reading Mark’s Review of Cinema in 2023
Month: December 2023
FERRARI Depicts Both the Enigmatic Genius and Weaknesses of the Legendary Car Designer
From acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann (Thief, Heat, The Insider) comes a fascinating character study of Enzo Ferrari, a former race car driver-turned-car designer/entrepreneur. Not a comprehensive biopic, Ferrari follows Enzo in 1957 as he obsesses over remaining a viable and competitive brand in the racing circuit while attempting to juggle his business problems and personal… Continue reading FERRARI Depicts Both the Enigmatic Genius and Weaknesses of the Legendary Car Designer
The Boys in the Boat: A Nostalgic Voyage Back to Old-Fashioned Filmmaking
In an era dominated by flashy blockbusters and CGI-laden spectacles, George Clooney’s latest directorial venture, ‘The Boys in the Boat,’ takes a bold stroke against the tide of modern cinematic trends. Bravely venturing into the waters of old-fashioned storytelling, Clooney crafts a fact-based underdog sports saga set against the backdrop of the 1936 summer Olympics… Continue reading The Boys in the Boat: A Nostalgic Voyage Back to Old-Fashioned Filmmaking
THE COLOR PURPLE Turns A Wonderful Story Into A Rousing Musical
To this day, I have not read Alice Walker’s novel, The Color Purple. It is one of my more regrettable literary blindspots. Since first experiencing Steven Spielberg’s phenomenal movie adaptation many years ago, I have desired to read the source material. Another new film adaptation of Walker’s story is now in theaters. Director Blitz Bazawule… Continue reading THE COLOR PURPLE Turns A Wonderful Story Into A Rousing Musical
The Color Purple: A Dazzling Cinematic Symphony of Resilience and Redemption
Blitz Bazawule’s rendition of ‘The Color Purple is a mesmerizing journey that skillfully blends earthy, naturalistic imagery, soul-stirring musical numbers, and captivating performances, bringing to life Alice Walker’s 1982 novel on the big screen. The narrative, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Georgia, explores the trials and triumphs of Celie, portrayed with poignant sincerity… Continue reading The Color Purple: A Dazzling Cinematic Symphony of Resilience and Redemption
The Boys in the Boat is an Excellent Sports Drama and Slice of History
In today’s cinematic world of superheroes on land, under the sea, other universes, etc., it is easy to forget what happened in real life on our planet, in our nation, and by humans. In history, hardly anyone was called a “superhero,” as the term is used now. They have achieved something historical that all too… Continue reading The Boys in the Boat is an Excellent Sports Drama and Slice of History
La película The Color Purple en los cines el día de Navidad
“The Color Purple” (El color púrpura) es una novela de Alice Walker (1982) y ha sido adaptada al cine por Steven Spielberg y musical de Broadway (2005). Si no has visto nigun de las dos, la nueva película musical está dirigida por Blitz Bazawule (Bah-zah-woo-lay), con muchas actuaciones musicales. The Color Purple es la historia… Continue reading La película The Color Purple en los cines el día de Navidad
El largometraje Ferrari llega a los cines el día de Navidad
Michael Mann, a partir de un guión de Troy Kennedy Martin, trae al público un drama deportivo sobre un ex corredor que se convierte en un hombre de negocios. Vive como un hombre casado, tiene aventuras/amorillos y luego tiene una amante especial, lo que lo lleva a hacer malabarismos con sus problemas personales y profesionales… Continue reading El largometraje Ferrari llega a los cines el día de Navidad
THE IRON CLAW Tells the Tragic True Story of the Von Erich Family
During the 1980s, I was introduced to Texas wrestling by older teenage cousins. They were big fans of two late-night wrestling shows aired on Fridays and Saturdays. The Saturday night program was the Dallas-based World Class Championship Wrestling. It was on this show that I first witnessed the wrestling matches of the Von Erichs. The… Continue reading THE IRON CLAW Tells the Tragic True Story of the Von Erich Family
AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM IS MORE FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THAN THE FIRST FILM
Warner Bros’ DCEU concludes with the second installment of the Aquaman saga. I have mixed feelings about the DCEU and felt disappointed by James Wan’s initial Aquaman film. So, I went into this movie with low expectations and hoped it would be fun. Thankfully, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is not only a fun movie,… Continue reading AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM IS MORE FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THAN THE FIRST FILM