I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into the film “Dark Shadows,” the latest collaboration between renowned actor Johnny Depp and famously eccentric director Tim Burton. The film, based on the 1960s soap opera of the same title, begins in 1760 with the story of Barnabas Collins (Depp). A wealthy entrepreneur who is turned [...]
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The latest Spurlock doc does not satisfy expectant viewers
In the age of hair gels, Axe body spray and Men’s Health magazine, it’s natural to ask, “What does it mean to look like a man?” The new documentary “Mansome” endeavors to answer that question. It’s the latest movie from Morgan Spurlock, the director of “Super Size Me” and “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie [...]
Superheroes unite in Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’
It shouldn’t work. On a basic structural level, “The Avengers” has too many characters, too many expectations, too much backstory, too much stuff to make a credible film, let alone a multimillion-dollar cinematic event. But by building a cinematic universe with five introductory films to serve as tent poles, not only did Marvel Studios make [...]
‘Six Degrees of Hell’ offers plenty of fear
All hell broke loose in University Crossings for a screening of the new independent horror flick “Six Degrees of Hell.” Many of the cast and crew were in attendance, including film instructor John Avarese, who worked on the film’s sound and score. The screening was prefaced by a phone call from actor Corey Feldman (“Stand [...]
Efron reaches new acting heights in ‘The Lucky One’
Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, “The Lucky One” stars Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner. Directed by Scott Hicks, the film is set to hit theaters April 20 and is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. What’s better than a movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel? A movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel [...]
Chimpanzee documentary warms the heart while raising awareness
“Chimpanzee” follows Oscar a 3-year-old chimpanzee who is abandoned by his mother. The film was released April 20 by Disney Nature. A portion of the ticket proceeds go to the Jane Goodall Institute. “Chimpanzee,” a documentary film about a young chimpanzee in heart of the African jungle, is the latest work of genius from Disney Nature. [...]
‘The Hunger Games’ comes to life in film adaptation
With the 2012 movie season to date proving mediocre at best, it’s high time for the most anticipated film of the year to crash into the charts. You know what I’m talking about: the silver-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bloodthirsty trilogy, “The Hunger Games.” In a future where the totalitarian Capital reigns supreme over the [...]
Will Ferrell crosses the border in new film ‘Casa de Mi Padre’
When you sit down to watch a Will Ferrell movie, there are a number of things you can expect: plenty of humorous vulgarity, irony, chaos and an altogether good time. Ferrell’s latest movie, “Casa de Mi Padre,” releases in select theaters in the U.S. March 16 with Pantelion Films, meeting all of the expectations of [...]
‘Big Miracle’ warms the heart
Every time I see a movie trailer that involves any type of mammal, I automatically assume the ending will leave me spiraling downward into depression. I think anyone who has seen “Marley & Me” or “Bambi” would have to agree. Since my experience with heartbreaking animal movies has left me scarred for life, I was [...]
Beethoven put in comedic light in Kimmel Center’s ‘Ludwig Live!’
When people hear the words “Ludwig Live!” (the Kimmel Center’s new musical), most wouldn’t believe this zany, almost comical title actually unlocks one of Philadelphia’s best, most unique and fantastic displays of theater in this city. With nothing more than a small intimate setting, a lighted stage, a grand piano, a wardrobe and two incredible [...]
‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ film adaptation is graphic yet gratifying
Rooney Mara (“The Social Network”) stars alongside Daniel Craig in Columbia Pictures’ ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,’ released nationwide Dec. 21, 2011. I usually get nervous when a director takes it upon himself to turn a critically acclaimed book into a motion picture. I have been burned too many times with actors unworthy of [...]
Gays neglected in Hollywood
In an otherwise very productive year for gay rights, one part of the country surprisingly hasn’t been all too kind to gays. Hollywood, for lack of a better term, has taken gays out of the picture. Not that there aren’t gay characters or gay themes; there certainly are. “The Kids Are All Right” and “I [...]
Williams shines as Marilyn Monroe
This week American movie theaters open their doors to release the new Simon Curtis romantic adventure that is “My Week With Marilyn.” The film follows the story of Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) a young playwright striving for the chance to make his name in the movie industry. Along Colin’s journey he comes across some interesting [...]
Scorsese creates a holiday gem
This Thanksgiving holiday, Martin Scorsese has given us one extra thing to count among our blessings: proof that 3-D is not on its last blurry, run-into-the-ground legs. Famous for bloody crimefests such as “Goodfellas,” “The Departed” and “Taxi Driver¸” the director has completely switched gears, transforming Brian Selznick’s novel, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” into [...]
Oscar winner Payne returns to the big screen with ‘Descendants’
Filmmaker Alexander Payne’s penchant for quirky characters on introspective missions culminated in an Oscar win for his adapted screenplay of “Sideways” in 2004, after which he disappeared. And so, in a year of more Transformers than actors running around onscreen, Payne returns to the industry as his newest adaptation, “The Descendants,” earns a wide release after [...]
‘Immortals’ offers thrilling action, violence and visuals
A gold-barred cage embedded in the vast bowel of Mount Tartarus contains the Titans, a vanquished group of seething former gods defeated in a battle among the heavens. Standing toe to toe, these deadly creatures are destined to stay here for eternity, unless King Hyperion has anything to say about it. Hyperion aims to wreak [...]
‘Melancholia’ exposes rogue planet, human emotions in dark film
I am not one to pay attention to the planets, asteroids, or anything in outer space for that matter. But after sitting through a screening of “Melancholia,” I cleaned out the library of all books pertaining to space-related disasters. Besides having an intergalactic theme, “Melancholia” offers a revealing yet dark, comedic look at relationships within [...]
Animated films exceed expectations
Last year the Academy Awards disappointed many animation fans when it was revealed that only 15 movies qualified for consideration for the Best Animated Feature Oscar. Under the rules of that category, 16 or more films need to be deemed eligible in order for the Academy to nominate five films. With one too few potential [...]
Depp shines in ‘The Rum Diary’
If “American Beauty” is a deconstruction of the American dream, then “The Rum Diary” is its hard-partying younger brother. To describe the movie in any simpler terms would be impossible. In the words of female lead Amber Heard, “There are comedic elements, but it’s very difficult to label the movie … which is why I [...]
20th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival exceeds expectations
As the 20th annual Philadelphia Film Festival came to a close Nov. 3, Philadelphia film lovers were left once again in anxious anticipation for next year’s event. The Film Festival never ceases to keep expectations high and never ceases deliver on those expectations. There were few frills to the festival, short of a relatively modest [...]
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Senior featured on reality show
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Dragons flex muscles in Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta
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Drexel softball waves goodbye to it’s all-time home run leader
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Motion City Soundtrack joins forces with MAD Dragon Records for series
- Philly’s hip-hop summer lineup looks promising
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