One of the big tricks when finding an interesting film with social implications is to be able to differentiate between an agenda and an objective analysis. Of course, no one can claim to have absolutely no bias, but there is a big gap between the propaganda films like Reefer Madness and one like Trainspotting, which…
When it comes to propaganda, presentation and a strong message are always emphasized over the facts. Modest contemplation gives way to grandiose presentations, usually about the virtue of one route versus the evil of another. Reefer Madness is an incredibly important film, not because of its direct impact, but because of what it represents. Its…
Guy Ritchie’s first real attempt to try to combine his signature gangster film with a somewhat more purposeful meaning was met with severe backlash from many critics, many of whom considered the final product to be “disjointed” or “pretentious.” It received a dismal 17% on rotten tomatoes. Ironically, big name film critics are some of…
It has been interesting to me, to see the condition of television programs rapidly deteriorate in this country over my short life. Within hundreds of channels, I have found only one television show worth watching regularly for the past five years (Breaking Bad). This absence of quality is a product of modern culture’s changing interests…
Due to the disastrous unavailability of The Purge throughout the entire North Country, I was obliged instead to watch this gem;brought to you by relatively unknown director Mark Tonderai. It ran on a modest budget, much of which was likely used on paying well-known actresses Elizabeth Shue and Jennifer Lawrence, but does not detract from the…
This week’s review features one half of this column’s namesake, the old SCTV sketch comedy featuring two stereotypical hosers. I have to be careful what I say here; because while Bob and Doug Mckenzie were a big part of my childhood, my exposure to them was more from their top selling album The Great White…
To the disdain and often irritation of many professional filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino continues to produce numerous outstanding films within a short period of time; some of the latest of which have been his re-written history series. These professionals watch, ashamedly, as their hard works are passed in favor of Tarantino’s for awards, and Quentin continues…
Rooster Illusion 