Month: May 2015
Tomorrowland: Up-and-down family film worth taking a chance on
by Matt Ward
Disappointing. Underwhelming. Lackluster. Three words that easily describe how Disney executives this week feel about their latest feature film, the George Clooney-helmed “Tomorrowland.” The film, well on its way to becoming a commercial failure due to its $180 million budget according to Variety, is generally believed to be a mistake, which is the best thing that could possibly happen to this family friendly sci-fi, … Read More Tomorrowland: Up-and-down family film worth taking a chance on
Mad Max Fury Road: Brutally carving roadmap to quality sequels
by Matt Ward
Two films espousing feminist ideas broke through in a big way commercially last week, but it’s the movie franchise you’d least suspect that does the best job of celebrating women in cinema. In fact, it’s just a better movie all the way around. Don’t look now, but George Miller, the director behind the Mel Gibson-led “Road Warrior” trilogy, is back with a new installment … Read More Mad Max Fury Road: Brutally carving roadmap to quality sequels
Pitch Perfect 2: Avoid the pitfall of comedy sequels
by Matt Ward
While “Mad Max: Fury Road” does a masterful job of weaving a feminist message into an action film, “Pitch Perfect 2” smashes stereotypes straight out of a Spice Girls song over viewers’ heads like that annoying song you can’t get out of your head stuck on repeat for hours on end. That song, by the way, in “Pitch Perfect 2” is the Pitbull song … Read More Pitch Perfect 2: Avoid the pitfall of comedy sequels
Welcome To Me: Humor takes break from Hollywood, hits independent film circuit
by Matt Ward
Comedy, as a genre, is a tough nut to crack. More than any other type of film, the art of making people laugh is inherently more difficult than, say, making people cry. It’s why good actors do drama and great actors have the timing for comedy. Films like the Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara-driven “Hot Pursuit” don’t help the matter any, especially when that … Read More Welcome To Me: Humor takes break from Hollywood, hits independent film circuit
Adult Beginners: Flashes of greatness never quite connect
by Matt Ward
Not faring well on the independent dramedy circuit is the up-and-down “Adult Beginners” from writer and star Nick Kroll of “The League.” Boasting a strong cast — including Rose Byrne of “Neighbors” and veteran character actor Bobby Cannavale — the film has flashes of greatness, but never rises above its script, which has a distinct “done too many times before” vibe to it. It’s … Read More Adult Beginners: Flashes of greatness never quite connect
Night Owls: Hill Country Film Festival spotlight
by Matt Ward
A Chipotle in Beverly Hills wouldn’t seem like the ideal spot for crafting top notch independent comedy, but it sure seemed to work for the writing team of Charles Hood and Seth Goldsmith. What ultimately came from those late night meals/writing sessions was “Night Owls,” which premiered at South by Southwest in March and won the Cinema Dulce (best of fest) award at last … Read More Night Owls: Hill Country Film Festival spotlight
Avengers Age of Ultron: Bringing the band back together
by Matt Ward
What exactly do we as viewers want out of superhero movies anymore? Last weekend’s release of the cinematic blockbuster “Avengers: Age of Ultron” has moviegoers questioning themselves and everything they know about the emerging titan genre of cinema. It’s almost as if it’s not enough for a quality superhero movie to be engaging and thrilling and witty with quality direction, a good script and … Read More Avengers Age of Ultron: Bringing the band back together
Cinematic Considerations 