Yankee Doodle Dandee 1942 Directed by Michael Curtiz Netflix says: James Cagney won the Best Actor Oscar for his lively portrayal of "Mr. Broadway," George M. Cohan, in this lavish screen biography that highlights Cagney in some of his finest song-and-dance routines. Cohan, a playwright, entertainer, composer and patriot, made his mark on the vaudeville … Continue reading AFI #98 – Yankee Doodle Dandy
Movies
AFI #99 – Toy Story
Toy Story 1995 Directed by John Lasseter Netflix says: Cowboy-toy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) feels threatened when overblown space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) arrives with a suitcase full of bells and whistles. But both dolls are lost when the family moves--and finding their way home is only half the adventure. Director John Lasseter … Continue reading AFI #99 – Toy Story
The Peanuts Movie
It's hard to say what demographic these filmmakers were shooting for with The Peanuts Movie. Were they aiming at small children, as most animated features do? Or were they aiming for the two or three generations worth of Peanuts fans that grew up reading the daily comic strips and watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special … Continue reading The Peanuts Movie
AFI #100 – Ben-Hur
Ben-Hur 1959 Directed by William Wyler Netflix says: Charlton Heston plays Judah Ben-Hur, a proud Jew who runs afoul of ambitious boyhood friend Messala (Stephen Boyd) in this 1959 epic that boasts an unforgettable chariot race and earned 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Heston) and Best Director (William Wyler). Condemned to life as … Continue reading AFI #100 – Ben-Hur
Annabelle
I just needed to share a quick thought about this movie I just saw. I had a free Redbox rental and I thought I'd check out Annabelle. I like a good scary movie every now and again and I hadn't seen this one yet. I thought The Conjuring was pretty good, so why not give … Continue reading Annabelle
Day Two
My Favorite Movie If you've been reading this blog for even as little as the last two weeks, you'll know that my favorite movie is Back to the Future. I've written about the thing enough times that it should really be no shock to anyone. But, really, what's not to love? As I'm sure I've … Continue reading Day Two
AFI Top 100 Films
In 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest movies of the previous 100 years. Their list began with 400 movies which were nominated. From there, 1,500 leaders in the film industry were polled, whittling the list down to the 100 that were presented on a television special. In 2007, the … Continue reading AFI Top 100 Films
That Time I Went Back to the Future
I really don't understand why mainstream cinemas don't show classic movies more often. Obviously, these theaters would need to choose wisely when finding old films to show to a modern audience. One can't expect a sell out crowd for a clunker like Batman & Robin. Bu when it's something like Back to the Future, which … Continue reading That Time I Went Back to the Future
The Warning Signs
Have you ever noticed the hazard signs that are posted on the backs or sides of trucks that are hauling some kind of hazardous materials from one point to the next? Sure you have. You probably just don't pay much attention to them. More often than not, it's a little red sign that warns other … Continue reading The Warning Signs
My Next Birthday
Kids, my next birthday is less than six months away. That may seem like it's a long way off, but as I've gotten older, it feels like time has moved more quickly. So, really, March will be here before we know it. At this point, I need some opinions. What should I do to celebrate … Continue reading My Next Birthday
The Confusing Middle 