‘Captain America: Brave New World’: What if a bad president had self-awareness?
Movie review: In an ironic statement on our times, a comic-book villain’s actions now represent hopeful possibilities rather than warnings.
‘The Conversation’ (1974) explores psychological price of spying
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Coppola’s film from the golden age of neo-noir spy films should’ve started a national conversation. At least it remains a great film.
Where were you in ’73? ‘American Graffiti’ marks 50 years
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): George Lucas’ first hit is one of the best coming-of-age movies, and remarkably influential on the art of film.
I grew up and learned to love ‘Blade Runner’ (1982, 2007)
PKD flashback (Movie review): It took me awhile, but I now realize Ridley Scott’s film is a classic.
‘Blade Runner 2049’ is gorgeous … and slooooow
Movie review: This long-awaited sequel indulges in its evocative settings and vibe.
‘What Lies Beneath’ review
“What Lies Beneath” – Director Robert Zemeckis and writer Clark Gregg use the Hitchcockian clichés to great effect in this suspenseful tale of a wife (Michelle Pfeiffer) who is seeing ghosts and a husband (Harrison Ford) with a secret that may come back to haunt them both. Although the previews give away most of the
What John thought about ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ on its 30th anniversary in 2007 (Movie commentary)
To round out the “Star Wars” movie reviews on my blog, here’s a look back at my 30th anniversary essay for “Episode IV: A New Hope,” published in the Brainerd (Minn.) Dispatch on May 24, 2007, one day short of the 30th anniversary of the film’s premiere. Although my views haven’t changed much as we approach the
In ‘The Force Awakens,’ the creative side of ‘Star Wars’ dies – with thunderous applause (Movie review)
“Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens,” the first big-screen building block in Disney’s takeover of the empire formerly owned by George Lucas, is frustrating on many levels: It copies the plot of “Episode IV — A New Hope” without adding any new perspectives, it gives no sense of the scope of the events, and
As Disney mulls Indiana Jones’ future, here’s a look back at the ‘Indy’ quadrilogy (Movie reviews)
My 11-day stretch without cable or Internet as I moved into a new apartment presented a perfect opportunity for an “Indiana Jones” quadrilogy rewatch on DVD. Although “Star Wars” is of course my No. 1 Lucasfilm franchise, I’ve always admired the fedora-wearing archaeologist and his world-hopping adventures as well.
Boba Fett makes ‘Star Wars’ debut in ‘Story of the Faithful Wookiee’ (1978)
‘Star Wars’ flashback (TV review): Future icon Boba Fett makes an inauspicious debut into the Expanded Universe in this Holiday Special cartoon.