In the pantheon of action cinema, few films have left as indelible a mark as John McTiernan's 1988 masterpiece Die Hard. What began as a relatively modest summer release with modest expectations transformed not only the trajectory of Bruce Willis's career but revolutionized how Hollywood approached action films for decades to come. More than 35 … Continue reading Die Hard’s Influence on Action Flicks
Movies I’ve Seen
The Worst 63 – The Cable Guy
The Cable Guy 1996 Directed by Ben Stiller Welcome to Movie Monday, my dedicated readers! We're continuing our journey through my meticulously compiled list of the worst movies I've ever seen. Today, we're tackling number 63: the 1996 satirical black comedy thriller, The Cable Guy. As always, remember that this list is based solely on my … Continue reading The Worst 63 – The Cable Guy
Limitless and Minority Report: The Challenges of Turning Sci-Fi Films into Procedural TV Shows
In the ever-competitive landscape of television, studios and networks constantly search for pre-existing intellectual property that comes with built-in audiences. Science fiction films, with their high concepts and speculative premises, seem like perfect candidates for adaptation into serial storytelling formats. Yet the transition from a two-hour film to a 22-episode series is fraught with creative … Continue reading Limitless and Minority Report: The Challenges of Turning Sci-Fi Films into Procedural TV Shows
Marvel’s Long Game: Phase 1 Easter Eggs That Paid Off Years Later
When Iron Man hit theaters in 2008, few could have predicted it would launch one of the most ambitious and successful film franchises in cinema history. Yet with the benefit of hindsight, we can now see how Marvel Studios meticulously planted seeds throughout their Phase 1 films that would blossom into major plot points, character … Continue reading Marvel’s Long Game: Phase 1 Easter Eggs That Paid Off Years Later
Disney 12 – Cinderella
Cinderella 1950 Directed by Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, & Clyde Geronimi Welcome back to Movie Monday, folks! Since this is the first Monday of the month, we're taking our scheduled break from my ongoing series about the worst movies I've ever seen. Consider today a palette cleanser as we dive into the world of Disney … Continue reading Disney 12 – Cinderella
Exploring the Use of Color Symbolism in Disney Animation
From the pristine snow of a fairy tale kingdom to the vibrant streets of Colombia, Disney's use of color has been far more than decorative—it has been a powerful storytelling tool that shapes our emotional connection to characters, conveys cultural meaning, and guides viewers through narrative journeys. Color in Disney animation isn't simply aesthetic; it's … Continue reading Exploring the Use of Color Symbolism in Disney Animation
Prequel Politics in the Star Wars Galaxy
The Star Wars saga has captivated audiences for decades with its epic space battles, mystical Force powers, and compelling characters. Yet beneath the spectacle lies a sophisticated political narrative, particularly in George Lucas's prequel trilogy (1999-2005). While casual viewers might see only lightsaber duels and space dogfights, these films offer a nuanced examination of how … Continue reading Prequel Politics in the Star Wars Galaxy
The Worst 65 – Ghost Dad
Ghost Dad 1990 Directed by Sidney Poitier Welcome back to Movie Monday, where I'm slowly working my way down my personal list of the worst movies I've ever seen. This week, we've reached number 65: the 1990 fantasy comedy Ghost Dad, starring Bill Cosby and directed by Sidney Poitier. Before we dive in, I should remind … Continue reading The Worst 65 – Ghost Dad
The Worst 66 – See Spot Run
See Spot Run 2001 Directed by John Whitesell Welcome back to Movie Monday, fellow cinematic masochists! We're continuing our journey through the depths of my personal celluloid hell as we work our way down my list of the worst movies I've ever seen. This week, we've reached number 66: See Spot Run. As always, remember that … Continue reading The Worst 66 – See Spot Run
The Importance of Iron Man
In the summer of 2008, a relatively modest superhero film was released with tempered expectations. Iron Man, starring a comeback-seeking Robert Downey Jr. and directed by Jon Favreau (then best known for Swingers and Elf), wasn't projected to be a cultural watershed moment. Yet seventeen years later, we recognize it as the cornerstone of what … Continue reading The Importance of Iron Man
The Confusing Middle 