plot devices Archives - Page 2 of 5

A Quiet Place: Day One Brings Lupita Nyong’o’s Best Performance Yet

In a movie landscape where the horror genre often relies on overt scares and relentless gore, A Quiet Place emerged as a refreshing film that was both suspenseful and minimalistic. Directed by John Krasinski, the original film captivated audiences with… Continue Reading →

Despicable Me 4 is Messy, But Fun

The Despicable Me and Minions movies deserve high praise for their blend of heartwarming storytelling, vibrant animation and infectious humor. Gru has an endearing transformation from villain to loving father and the mischievous antics of the Minions consistently deliver charm… Continue Reading →

July 4, 2024

Film Masters Gets a Hankering for Some Hicksploitation

What’s a couple of black-and-white stories involving a Lolita-style romance, a lustful farmhand, a vengeful farmer, a bayou moonshiner, a shady policeman, a small-town floozie and a gold-digging stripper all have in common? They’re the latest feature films included in… Continue Reading →

June 22, 2024

On Top of the World with the Emotions of Inside Out 2

The 2015 film, Inside Out, painted a vivid picture of the human experience while focusing on the emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. It resonated deeply with my own life as a 46-year-old single dad caring for my… Continue Reading →

June 17, 2024

C. Thomas Howell Takes a Slow Ride

As a father, certain movies resonate deeply, often pulling me into their stories as I imagine myself in the scenes — especially ones that deal with kids and cancer. I can’t help but think about what I would do if… Continue Reading →

June 14, 2024

Star Wars Anoints a New Era with The Acolyte

Family bonds run tight throughout the Star Wars Universe, beginning with the Skywalkers within the Original Trilogy, later stretching into the prequel trilogy and the Solos and the Palpatines wrapping up the Sequel Trilogy. Those ties continue, possibly even stronger,… Continue Reading →

June 4, 2024

Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever is the Sequel No One Asked For

A bad movie simply doesn’t deserve a sequel. When a film fails to captivate its audience with a compelling story, engaging characters or even basic entertainment value, the idea of continuing its narrative feels more like a punishment than a… Continue Reading →

May 31, 2024

Pandemonium Offers a Glimpse Into Hell

Contemplating the mysteries of life after death evokes a profound curiosity within me, stirring questions that linger on the boundaries of human understanding. Do we swiftly journey to realms of heaven or hell, as some believe, our fate determined by… Continue Reading →

May 25, 2024

Civil War Battles Alex Garland’s Dystopian Dreams

After watching the new Alex Garland film, Civil War, I had many thoughts. Foremost, I wondered if it was entirely possible to like a movie while simultaneously feeling unnerved by its content, to the point of never wanting to see… Continue Reading →

April 11, 2024

Hundreds of Beavers Builds a Dam Looney Film

Immersed in the world of 1980s animation, my affection for Looney Tunes transcends mere fandom — it became a cherished cornerstone of my childhood. Amidst the cacophony of vibrant characters and uproarious escapades, the timeless rivalry between Wile E. Coyote… Continue Reading →

April 10, 2024

Geek Culture, Zombies... and Other Monsters

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