Tag: Film Column

If we are going to start a nuclear war with North Korea, we should probably do it over a better-quality movie.  It’s hard not to love James Franco and Seth Rogan. Known for their satirical and over-the-top humor in movies like This is the End and YouTube videos like the

Have you heard of Alan Turing? Mathematical genius, historical figure, war hero? Unless you have taken a course on World War II or your high school history teacher was much better than mine, the name means little to nothing. For this reason alone, the newly released film, The Imitation Game,

What was the mass appeal that took Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series from best-selling book to top box office movie? For me, it was the creative masterpiece of the annual Hunger Games competition. It was the shocking idea of a reality television show to the death. It was a look

What makes good humor? Adam Sandler getting hit between the legs by a baseball? Will Ferrell farting for extended periods of time? This slapstick humor can prompt a smile or even a genuine laugh in the right context, but for me, deadpan irony is the epitome of comedy. Irony occurs

I have always found that the appeal of the post-apocalyptic, sci-fi thriller originates in the unknown. Being thrown into a strange world is fascinating—what we hold to be the essence of truth is often no longer accurate.  We aren’t threatened by oozy mechanical scorpions or trapped by intricate, ever-shifting mazes

Happy Halloween, movie lovers! Sure, the kid in the pumpkin costume is adorable, and that spider-decorated cupcake beats the usual Collins fare, but the best part of Halloween season isn’t the creative costumes or unlimited candy—it’s getting to dig out our favorite Halloween films and enjoy them all October long. 

As I compiled a short list of must-see movies for last week’s column, I realized I’d better get around to watching the four-time Oscar winner A Beautiful Mind if I wanted to add a new title to my list. Based on an inspiring true story and featuring the fantastic Russell Crowe and Jennifer

If you haven’t taken a film class or lost to your parents on family movie night, then chances are, you haven’t spent a Saturday night watching one of the classics. I don’t mean the old, black-and-white classics like Vertigo or Casablanca—though you should watch those films as well. I’m talking

As our thoughts turn to fancy dresses, dancing and Monte Carlo, our eyes should naturally look to the ultimate chic film, Coco Avant Chanel. Full of bold style and lavish parties, there aren’t many scenes that aren’t luxurious—this movie sets the mood, and hopefully the fashion, for Saturday night. Following

Let me begin with a warning: Do not, under any circumstances, watch this movie without some sort of snack in arm’s reach. Movie popcorn isn’t going to cut it, either. Nibbling through the opening credits will quickly turn into a binge as Chef reveals itself to be the ultimate food