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
Film
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
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 Character Couch – Jack Torrance
Welcome to another exciting edition of The Character Couch! This is that section of The Confusing Middle where we take a look at well-known movie and TV characters and examine them from a psychological point of view. What makes them tick? Grab some popcorn because today we're diving into the fractured psyche of one of … Continue reading The Character Couch – Jack Torrance
Disney 11 – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 1949 Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, Jack Kinney, Clyde Geronimi, James Algar Welcome back to Movie Monday, dear readers! Since it's the first Monday of the month, we're taking our regular break from my ongoing countdown of the 100 worst movies I've ever seen to cleanse our palates with … Continue reading Disney 11 – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
The Worst 67 – Jury Duty
Jury Duty 1995 Directed by John Fortenberry Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we continue our descent through my personal list of the worst movies ever made. Today we're examining number 67: the 1995 legal "comedy" Jury Duty, starring... oh no... Pauly Shore. As always, remember that these rankings are purely subjective – though I suspect … Continue reading The Worst 67 – Jury Duty
Haddonfield’s Dark History: A Deep Dive into the Setting of Halloween
Few fictional towns in horror cinema carry as much weight as Haddonfield, Illinois. This seemingly idyllic Midwest community, first introduced in John Carpenter's 1978 masterpiece Halloween, has become synonymous with seasonal terror and generational trauma. Over more than four decades, we've watched this small town transform from an unsuspecting backdrop for evil to a community … Continue reading Haddonfield’s Dark History: A Deep Dive into the Setting of Halloween
The Worst 68 – In the Army Now
In the Army Now 1994 Directed by Daniel Petrie, Jr. Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we're continuing our journey through my personal list of the worst movies ever made. Today we're diving into number 68 on the list: the 1994 military "comedy" In the Army Now, starring Pauly Shore. As always, remember that these rankings … Continue reading The Worst 68 – In the Army Now
The Confusing Middle 