Brian De Palma used to be one of my favorite directors. Back in the 80s, I eagerly awaited each of his films. Movies like Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Body Double, and The Untouchables are neo-classics in my opinion. Sure, some people thought him to be a second-rate Hitchcock clone but I enjoyed his filmsContinue Reading
Have you ever really given any thought to who develops your photos? Who sees your pictures before you do? Who might be making copies from the negatives before you even get your “originals”? If any one film is an argument for getting a digital camera, it is One Hour Photo — merelyContinue Reading
Before September 11, 2001, The Sum of All Fears would have been a rousing and interesting techno-thriller. Now, unfortunately, it is a reminder that the stuff in Tom Clancy’s novels isn’t as removed from reality as it once appeared to be. That is a testament to how much detail ClancyContinue Reading
For quite a long time, the United States Government has waged a “war” on drugs that’s been full of political posturing, rhetoric and nearly fruitless effort. For all of the money spent, lives lost and destroyed, not much has changed in terms of the demand for illegal narcotics. Traffic, aContinue Reading
When The Talented Mr. Ripley was released in late 1999, there was a lot of hype surrounding it. Matt Damon was hot at the box office thanks to Good Will Hunting. Gwyneth Paltrow had received the “Best Actress” Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love. Newcomer Jude Law was hailed asContinue Reading
Nature can wield some of the most destructive power imaginable if conditions allow for it. In the fall of 1991, three storms collided in the Atlantic Ocean to produce the “perfect storm” in this film’s title. One fishing boat, the Andrea Gail, helmed by Billy Tyne (George Clooney) was unfortunatelyContinue Reading
Have you ever thought about the price of being famous? Losing your privacy. Having people’s opinions of your every move plastered on the covers of magazines. Attracting the attention of people who’ve obviously got a few screws loose. All of this happens to Mima Kiragoe in 1997’s Perfect Blue, anContinue Reading