It’s been a while since we dipped into the film archive, so the time has come to rectify that. For the complete list of reviews pop over to the Shorts page. Places everyone! And…Action!
One for the Money (2012) – After years of anticipation Janet Evanovich’s bounty hunter comes to the big screen and is not a plum worth picking. (2) – 5/23/12
Happy Feet (2006) – Box office animated smash left me (more…)
The Conduct of the Game – John Hough Jr.
If baseball movies had a batting average it would be about .250. Not enough juice to be an all-star, but good enough to stay in the game. To help baseball filmdom I scout around for stories which could hit a Hollywood home run. This is because I am the studio puppet master, the guy who green lights films the way NFL players herd baby mamas. One phone call, one meeting, one lunch with me and your movie is golden. (And once that first phone call/meeting/lunch happens I’ll prove it.) This novel would be a fine start. It does not possess the nail-biting tension of more conventional sports films. No last minute drama, no death or glory moments. Instead, we visit a more subdued world – minor league umpiring in the 1950’s where the people are the stars. The characters are so well drawn you know them once you meet them resulting in a story brimming with quiet dignity. (more…)
Mercy me, the time has come to roll out the next 10 “Shorts” film reviews. What this deal is all about, including all reviewed films, can be found on the Shorts page. Have fun disagreeing!
Meet the Parents (2000) – Further proof you can wring all the good comedy out of a premise in one movie. (3½) – 4/3/12
Cops and Robbers (1973) – I love Donald Westlake’s books, but (more…)
Latest installment of one sentence, 20 word max movie reviews. Entire list can be found on the Shorts page.
That Thing You Do! (1996) – Pitch perfect time capsule of one fictional band’s rise to the top of the pop charts in mid 60’s. (4) – 3/7/12
Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The (1974) – Film captures 1970’s grit which also (more…)
After graduating high school in 1986 Ferris spent one unremarkable semester at New York University. He quickly realized college involved too much work without any guarantee of payback. He returned to Chicagoland and charmed family, friends and casual acquaintances into bankrolling (more…)
First 2012 entry of quick and dirty movie reviews cleverly called “Shorts”. Each review is limited to one sentence not exceeding twenty words. For the complete list of movies reviewed to date please refer to the Shorts page. And away we go!
Dick (1999) – Overlooked and sublime comic gem about two teenage girls, Richard Nixon and Watergate. (3½) – 1/18/12
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) – Riveting, dark and (more…)
About a month ago a new irregular segment was introduced where I give snap reviews of ten totally random movies. The rules are simple. Reviews can only consist of one sentence not exceeding 20 words. The rating system is the widely used 4 star one, with ½ star increments. After posting I’ll add each new entry on the “Shorts” page listed above. Not much more to say other than here are today’s selections.
Airport ’77 (1977) – Disaster film in more ways than one with lots of old movie stars trying to chew non-existent scenery. (1½)
Cedar Rapids (2011) – Quiet slice of life movie about (more…)
I love all types of movies and watch the ones I enjoy over and over and over. It’s a bit of an obsession is what it is. In general conversation I’ll often quote lines from films as a way to separate other impassioned filmies from those who merely enjoy a fun movie now and then. It’s an inside joke which often falls flat. And so it goes.
For a while I’ve been considering posting movie reviews here, but I realized long ago I hardly qualify as an expert in judging other people’s creativity, at least with any sort of real legitimacy. Still, I have opinions. So I’ve decided the best way to get my feelings out there about certain films without coming off as a complete boorish snob nose who blathers on about cinematography, editing, camera angles, hidden meanings and the like is to set limits around my reviews. Actually, one limit. All my reviews will not (more…)
Trask Avenue 