FROM THE DARK SIDE: JACK KETCHUM’S “THE GIRL NEXT DOOR”
I watch many, many dark, disturbing films, but most don’t even come close to this masterpiece of fear.
AuthorThe Movie Guys
MOVIE REVIEW – THE WAY BACK
“The Way Back” is my new all-time favorite movie about prisoners escaping a Russian Gulag camp during World War II
THE MIDDLE SEAT: “PLEASE TURN OFF ALL DISTRACTIONS”
To everyone everywhere who ever goes to a movie theatre I politely remind you to SHUT UP!
AWARDS WATCH 2010
Self-congratulation is all the rage in Hollywood! Follow all the nominees here as they’re announced!
NEW: The Oscars
MOVIE REVIEW – THE RITE
The horror is mostly derived from sudden, shocking moments and not from the true nature of evil.
MOVIE REVIEW – THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Bening is riveting here, as she has the ability to work the camera and turn you inside out, proving once again why she is one of the best ever.
THE MIDDLE SEAT: “WHERE YOU WANNA SIT?”
I need to see the movie straight on. And that’s not just at the theatre. I will go for any seat in any living room that gives me the most centered view of a movie.
MOVIE REVIEW – THE COMPANY MEN
It succeeds because it manages to tell the big story through the smaller stories of these men and their families
MOVIE REVIEW – TRON: LEGACY
Some of it makes sense and some of it not so much. But is any of that the point? No, not really.
MOVIE REVIEW – TANGLED
Disney is successful at making animated films because their stories and storytelling have something for every generation in the room.
MOVIE REVIEW – THE KING’S SPEECH
The interplay between Firth and Rush in the movie is not only a master class in acting, but it is some of the most fun you’ll see in a movie.
MOVIE REVIEW – NO STRINGS ATTACHED
When I think of fun and witty romantic comedy leading ladies I don’t think of Natalie Portman.
FROM THE DARK SIDE: LET ME DIE QUIETLY
A noir-type thriller that may require a certain mind-set from it’s audience for true appreciation.
WELCOME TO THE MIDDLE SEAT
This column is dedicated to movies. And while there are many aspects to cinema, I want to talk about us – the moviegoers.
MOVIE REVIEW – BLUE VALENTINE
Take a close look at how real the love story of “Blue Valentine” is and you’ll see why people need to watch soap operas.
GHOSTBUSTERS – WHY WE GONNA CALL?
“Ghostbusters” deserved (and deserves) either an incredible sequel – or a non-existent one.
MOVIE REVIEW – SEASON OF THE WITCH
If you want a film with an interesting plot and performances, look elsewhere.
MOVIE REVIEW – THE FIGHTER
The first word that comes to mind after watching this film is WOW and then WOW again.
FROM THE DARK SIDE: THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE)
Tom Six’s film is about a trio of people who are sewn together mouth to ass to create a “centipede” type creature. And then when one defecates, well…..you know.
INDIE REPORT – NO FOOTING
We all have dreams, but if we don’t achieve them, does that mean we can’t still be happy?
FROM THE DARK SIDE: OTIS
Maybe it will help convince young girls not to talk to big, creepy strangers in their front yards.
MOVIE REVIEW – TRUE GRIT
Joel and Ethan Coen have directed better films than this version of “True Grit”, but not many directors have directed films even this good.
MOVIE REVIEW – SOMEWHERE
It’s as if Sofia Coppola dug up an early draft of “Lost In Translation”, tweaked a couple of things, and tried to dress it up as a new study of the same themes.
RANTING ON A CLASSIC: THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
The themes of post-war recovery and renewal, coupled with the hidden grief and sacrifice faced by returning veterans made for a story that still speaks to us.
DE-AGING HARRISON FORD
Can we please freeze him circa 1982 during his “The Empire Strikes Back” and/or “Raiders of the Lost Ark” days?
MOVIE REVIEW – ALL GOOD THINGS
If you know a rich family, or are part of a rich family, you know how messed up things can be.
MOVIE REVIEW – 127 HOURS
An exercise in claustrophobic self-reflection that allows the viewer to imagine, if inadequately, the horror and dread of Ralstonʼs predicament.
MOVIE REVIEW – BURLESQUE
The latest in a long line of movie musicals that proves Hollywood takes one successful idea and beats it into the ground until there’s nothing good left.
MOVIE REVIEW – BLACK SWAN
Ms. Portman delivers an uneasy, tense showing that will certainly garner an Oscar nomination and perhaps the award itself.
Movie Review – How to Train Your Dragon
“How to Train Your Dragon” is based on a book, which might be another reason for the film being the first I’ve seen from DreamWorks Animation that really has heart
Holiday Movies – KRLD, Dallas, TX – Nov. 2010
Movie Guy Paul Preston goes over what holiday movies are best for adults in his latest appearance on KRLD, Dallas, TX
ARCHIVES 2010
Reviews and articles from The Movie Guys by Paul Preston, Steven Lewis, Joel Frost, Mary Gent, Adam Witt, Marc Berman and Mark Tucci
BLU-RAY & DVD REVIEW ARCHIVES – 2010
Quick plot, quick opinion and we’re out.
Movie Review – Fair Game
“Fair Game” is essentially about the volatile mix that can occur between two worlds; one with the information and one with the power.
THE MOVIE GUYS REWRITE: RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
This “re-write” is not mine at all – it actually sprang from the minds of the men who created “Raiders” in the first place.
Horror Movies – KRLD, Dallas, TX – Oct. 2010
Paul Preston talks great horror movies on KRLD, Dallas, TX
Movie Review – Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
A really terrible sequel to “Cats & Dogs”
TV Review – Boardwalk Empire
My favorite series of all time was “Deadwood”, I’m thinking this may come close.
Movie Review – The American
From the panoramic vistas of the Italian countryside, to the panoramic vistas of Clooney’s profile, “The American” is a collection of painstakingly conceived shots strung together over the story of a man who seems to have one last chance to save his soul, and the hooker who loves him.