American Pscyho opened in the spring of 2000 to good reviews and a modest box office of over $34 million considering it’s relatively low budget of just $7 imillion. But even before it went into production, it was an issue of controversy for years. When Bret Easton Ellis published the novel by the same nameContinue reading “Dissecting ‘American Psycho’”
Category Archives: Movie Flashback
‘Das Boot’ Was Wolfgang Petersen’s Masterpiece
Claustrophia is a big issue for some. So is personal space. Even those most extroverted person could go nuts or get cranky. Imagine being in a vessel that’s only about 10 feet wide and about half the size of a football field give or take a yard and you’re several hundred feet underwater. Wolfgang Petersen’sContinue reading “‘Das Boot’ Was Wolfgang Petersen’s Masterpiece”
‘The Frighteners’ Still Scary-Good Fun
Outside of the midnight movie circuit, no one 30 years ago probably knew who Peter Jackson was. Australian cinema was big following Mad Max in 1978 but even by the early 1990s, people were tired of things coming from down under. Paul Hogan had used up his catchphrases and Yahoo Serious was a like aContinue reading “‘The Frighteners’ Still Scary-Good Fun”
‘The NeverEnding Story’ Taught Youth About Grief, Loss And Mourning
There comes a time when people suffer their first real deep loss. For some it’s a grandparent. Or it’s a pet they love. But what if it’s a parent who you were more closer to than the other parent. The NeverEnding Story focuses on Bastian Bux (Barrett Oliver), a 10-year-old who is lost in hisContinue reading “‘The NeverEnding Story’ Taught Youth About Grief, Loss And Mourning”
‘Event Horizon’ Hits Its Silver Anniversary
In a way, you can blame the failure of Event Horizon on two people – James Cameron and Nicolas Cage. Released on this date, Aug. 15, in 1997, Event Horizon was originally intended to be released during the Fall movie season to go along with Halloween. However, there were two issues that arose. By theContinue reading “‘Event Horizon’ Hits Its Silver Anniversary”
The Sad Tragedy Of ‘Cujo’
For almost 40 years, the word “Cujo” has become synonymous with vicious dogs. This is a misnomer because the Cujo the St. Bernanard is nothing more than a victim. Released on this date, Aug. 12, 1983, Cujo was a modest success despite getting not too favorable reviews. In his book, On Writing, Stephen King talkedContinue reading “The Sad Tragedy Of ‘Cujo’”
‘Collateral’ Gritty Thriller Showcases Tom Cruise’s Dark Side
Love him or hate him, Tom Cruise is one of the biggest Hollywood stars currently living and of all time. At 60, his long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick is killing it at the box office with great reviews. The Mission: Impossible movies are still popular. And even the rumors that he would appear as IronContinue reading “‘Collateral’ Gritty Thriller Showcases Tom Cruise’s Dark Side”
‘Unforgiven’ Destroyed The Western Archetype
I never did like John Wayne. Even before I learned of just how awful a person he was, I didn’t understand this fascination with a man who was played the same character over and over with no range. He wasn’t a real cowboy and he really never served in war time combat. So, I don’tContinue reading “‘Unforgiven’ Destroyed The Western Archetype”
‘Fright Night’ Brought Queer Horror To The Reaganeighties
By the time Fright Night hit theaters in early August 1985, HIV/AIDS was becoming more known in the heartland. It may have been still referred to as the “gay cancer” in some circles but more people were taking it seriously. A week before Fright Night hit theaters, Rock Hudson had announced to the world thatContinue reading “‘Fright Night’ Brought Queer Horror To The Reaganeighties”
‘Blow Out’ Explores 1970s Paranoia
John Travolta going into the 1980s was flying high following Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Even Urban Cowboy helped revived the cowboy country-western look despite the absurdity of people riding a mechanical bull. So, what could go wrong? Well, Blow Out opened during the summer of 1981 and despite good reviews (some of the bestContinue reading “‘Blow Out’ Explores 1970s Paranoia”
Zane Says 