Posts in 2020
Understanding the Success of the "Rocky" Series

Since the first installment released in 1976, the Rocky series has developed into a global phenomenon that has been enjoyed throughout the generations. It has spawned a further seven films, inspired millions to whack a punching bag, and it even saw creator and Rocky Balboa himself, Sylvester Stallone, being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube channel talking the new "Mulan"

Way back in March, Ian Simmons and I put some Skype video time on his “Kicking the Seat” channel to talk about the 1998 Disney animated film Mulan. The two of us thought we’d be seeing the new live-action re-imagining on the big screen in a matter of weeks. Well, then came the COVID pandemic. Niki Caro’s Mulan stood to be delayed indefinitely only to magically get tabbed as an extended PVOD option for this September. Ian and I jumped at the chance to finish the circle and we brought David Fowlie of “Keeping it Reel” to chime in as a third. Enjoy this YouTube presentation!

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on "Feelin Film'" FF+ podcast for "Mulan"

Friend of the page Aaron White, co-host of the Feelin’ Film podcast and member of the Seattle Film Critics Society, has reignited his FF+ brand of smaller plate podcast episodes. His goal is to collect spoiler-free discussions of several current movies combined into one show. Rather than fly solo, he’s using his FF+ platform to invite other critics to share in the chat. For this episode, Aaron invited me with his usual co-host Patrick Hicks to fawn over Disney+’s Mulan. He sure didn’t have to twist my arm.

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GUEST CRITIC #31: Clemency

by Lafronda Stumn

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me. As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there. Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy. Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering. In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

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MOVIE REVIEW: I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Is there brilliance in the indecipherable within this adaptation of Iain Reed’s horror fiction? That’s both the knock and modus operandi of Charlie Kaufman. That’s where peculiarity pisses on a good piece of art. His abstract creations are wholly unique, yet aimless and tedious to the nth degree. For every poetic word, cinematic moment, or striking idea that ignites a challenging neuron in I’m Thinking of Ending Things, a triple helping of something obscure destroys momentum and snuffs any flicker. When he’s right, lucidity outshines the oddity, but that is not this film.

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GUEST COLUMN: Top Horse Racing Movies

by Daniel Korolija

Over the years, horse racing has been a big inspiration for both writers and Hollywood directors. From gritty stories about gamblers, grooms, and trainers, to inspiring and heartbreaking tales of man and horse achieving the impossible - it’s all been done. We carefully selected four inspiring horse-racing movies that stand out from the crowd. All four movies are set in different time periods and have a unique storyline. But there’s one thing they each have in common - an underdog who beats unbelievable odds.

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Must-Watch Documentaries for Cannabis Enthusiasts

More and more people are now delving into the use of cannabis not only for medicinal intent but for recreational purposes as well. While some simply jump in without testing the waters, some exert the extra effort to research and know more about cannabis usage before finally trying it out. If you are one of those who need a little more push, or if you are already using cannabis but you need a bit more motivation, then below are some of the documentaries that you need to watch.

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GUEST COLUMN: Best Films to Watch for Students of Music Faculty

by Kelly Pethick

Pursuing your professional goals at college is an engaging process. Academic life is intricate, however: from academic writing, which prompts students to look for a good essay writer, to hated finals that distress them! And it gets especially thrilling when you study at a music faculty, which is much more than just an academic field – it’s an educational, entertaining experience that gives you valuable skills and knowledge while making your life brighter and more enjoyable. And, as a student and fan of music, you must love watching films that reflect your vocational and academic preferences!

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COLUMN: Top Gambling Scenes in Movies

by Daniel Bennet

Gambling is an eternal source of Hollywood inspiration. Huge risks, cunning strategies, and seemingly impossible wins all make for edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Unless you’re fortunate enough to hit it big though, playing the odd game of poker, blackjack or keno online is probably not as dramatic. Gamble movies show us what it’s like to be a high-roller, a low-baller, and everything in between. If you want to relive iconic casino moments or learn about new ones, check out the top gambling scenes compiled by our expert, Daniel Bennet.

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GUEST COLUMN: The 30 Best Superhero Movies of All-Time (2020 Edition)

by Karl Murphy

We live in a time when superhero movies are at their peak popularity. Here we’ve made up a list of The 30 Best Superhero Movies to watch! Karl Murphy is a professional journalist from Des Moines, Iowa. After obtaining his Master's degree, he's launched his career and over its course, Karl was contributing to the popular publications for men. He's passionate about eSports, so now he develops his blog csgo-bettingsites.com.

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GUEST COLUMN: 17 Inspirational Quotes from Oscar-Winning Movies

by Ashley Simmons

Movies are a beautiful way of getting out of your daily routine and enjoy some time for yourself. They could also be your personal marketing method of escaping reality for some time and becoming absorbed in a different Universe. A study conducted at the University of Maryland looked at the causal effect of laughing on people’s long-term well-being. The results suggested that watching comedies can release stress and lower blood pressure.

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