Month: December 2017
All The Money In The World: What’s the real cost?
by Matt Ward
Ten days and 10 million dollars was all it took to make cinematic history. Recasting parts during the production of a movie isn’t unheard of by any means, but completely starting from scratch after a picture is already locked never happens. Almost. When sexual misconduct allegations came out against Kevin Spacey during post-production for the new film “All The Money In The World,” director … Read More All The Money In The World: What’s the real cost?
The Greatest Showman: Give ’em the ol’ razzle dazzle
by Matt Ward
Style far exceeds substance in Hugh Jackman’s latest film, a biopic of famed circus founder PT Barnum that’s more Broadway musical than anything else. It’s unlikely you’ll find anything quite like “The Greatest Showman” in theaters this winter. Director Michael Gracey delivers a cinematic experience that becomes almost one over-extended music video with bits of dialogue in between as opposed to a musically enhanced … Read More The Greatest Showman: Give ’em the ol’ razzle dazzle
The Last Jedi: Star Wars for everyone and no one
by Matt Ward
Millions upon millions of eyes will scrutinize every single frame, nuance, bit of dialogue or perceived misstep in writer/director Rian Johnson’s new film. Granted, you’ve probably never heard of the 44-year-old director unless you’re an ardent fan of his indie noir feature “Brick” or his time-traveling, action adventure “Looper.” But moviegoers everywhere are familiar with Johnson’s latest work, the long-awaited eighth episode in George … Read More The Last Jedi: Star Wars for everyone and no one
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Laughter in dark circumstances
by Matt Ward
There is no such place as Ebbing, Missouri, regardless of how ripped straight out of current-day America it might be. Yet in Martin McDonagh’s latest film, the Midwest rarely feels as vibrant on film. Potential audiences will want to approach this movie with caution as “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is one of the year’s most provocative, colorful films. It’s a divisive endeavor where … Read More Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Laughter in dark circumstances
Lady Bird: Drama in ‘reel’ life
by Matt Ward
It’s easy to pen “Lady Bird” into a corner, especially given the fact that the indie romantic comedy/drama currently stands as the best reviewed film in the history of Rotten Tomatoes. But “Lady Bird” is more than just an universally beloved film. It represents something more dynamic and changing within modern filmmaking, a new pinnacle for female-led and female driven cinema that transcends genre … Read More Lady Bird: Drama in ‘reel’ life
Cinematic Considerations 