I recently re-watched the movie D.O.A. – the 1950 version starring the underrated Edmond O’Brien (I don’t acknowledge the 1988 remake even though I’m a Dennis Quaid fan). About halfway through it occurred to me just how sad the story was and probably for the first time, I felt real sympathy. I not only felt bad for Frank Bigelow, our very reluctant hero, but also for his lady friend Paula who would never even get the chance to be called his widow. I’m sure I’m not giving anything away here by telling you that it doesn’t end well for these two (see movie title) but I never really got the tragedy of the story until I viewed it again as an adult. [Read more…]
Do You Factor in Movie Ratings?
How important is a movie’s rating to you? Personally, I’ve never factored that into the equation when searching for a box office to visit. I like sex, blood, and F-bombs (not combined!) as much as the next guy, but it’s never the make-or-break factor in heading to the theater.
The A-Team’s $26M haul, despite playing on 5,200 screens, have some people wondering if the film’s PG-13 rating was a money-making kiss of death. [Read more…]
Love-Hate Relationship With the Drive-In Movie Theater
With only a little over 400 drive-in movie theaters still operating regularly in America, many of today’s younger generations have never experienced the thrill of watching a movie from the comfort of your own vehicle. The economics of real estate have forced the closure of hundreds of drive-ins across the United States.
This past weekend I checked out a double feature of Iron Man 2 and Shutter Island at the drive-in. And it was a treat. Part of me thinks this is the way movies were meant to be watched. The other part thinks not. Here are a few pros/cons of the drive-in movie theater. [Read more…]
Ripe for a Remake: Marathon Man
It’s often been said that Hollywood is out of fresh ideas, therefore, old flicks are constantly getting refashioned. But many movies, ones that DESERVE to be remade, have been left alone. Our new series will highlight movies that the Filmsy gang would love to see get a second go at the box office. Your feedback is encouraged.
Topping the list of fear for many of us is a trip to the dentist’s office. So when “Dr.” Szell wields a drill with evil intention’s in the 1976 Dustin Hoffman thriller Marathon Man, the anxiety level rises. [Read more…]
My Movie Mindset
When I watch movies I almost always go with a positive mindset. I go to watch movies to enjoy it and not to find flaws. For this reason I do not call myself a film critic but a movie enthusiast. I guess as corny as it sounds my enthusiasm for movies makes the title more apt.
I know movie critics actually exist to critique a film and not criticize it but sometimes critics can get on anyone’s nerves, mine included. Granted that all movies are not equal and a lot of movies deserve the bashing they get (I have given bad reviews for such movies myself) but in my opinion movies should just be enjoyed as they are. Sure we’ll give reviews and notice both the great moments and the really dumb ones but what matters to me is my mindset when I go to watch a film. Am I setting too high an expectation? If you know that a movie sucks and still go watch it then I think it’s your fault for being dumb enough to waste your time and money. If you go watch something and find out that it isn’t enjoyable to you then I guess you have the right to grumble. That to me is just fair.
Not all movies need to be great ones with very deep stories and/or super cool cutting edge animation. What matters is that there are movies that we can all go to and relax for a while and forget your worries for an hour or so.
How about you? Why do you watch movies?