This article was written exclusively for The Film Magazine by Craig Sheldon. When we think of science fiction films, certain images instantly come to mind: Luke Skywalker learning his connection to a colossal grey planet-sized weapon, astronaut David Bowman experiencing a mind-bending voyage through space and time, or Spock sacrificing himself while placing his hand … Read more
Ibiza (2018) Director: Alex Richanbach Screenwriter: Lauryn Kahn Starring: Gillian Jacobs, Richard Madden, Michaela Watkins, Phoebe Robinson, Vanessa Bayer Plot: A young American woman and her two best friends travel to Spain in search of a popular DJ. Review: Alex Richanbach’s Ibiza aims for a breezy summer comedy about friendship and impulsive travel, but it … Read more
Adventures In Babysitting (1987) Director: Chris Columbus Screenwriter: David Simkins Starring: Elisabeth Shue, Vincent D’Onofrio, Penelope Ann Miller, George Newburn, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Calvin Levels Adventures in Babysitting is a lively 1987 comedy that blends suburban sensibilities with the unpredictable energy of New York City. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by … Read more
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Director: Ron Howard Screenplay: Jonathan Kasdan, Lawrence Kasdan Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, Linda Hunt Solo: A Star Wars Story is a polished, visually striking addition to the Star Wars anthology that still struggles to find a … Read more
James Mangold to Write and Direct Boba Fett Standalone for Lucasfilm and Disney According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm and Disney are developing a standalone Star Wars spin-off centered on the enduring fan-favorite character Boba Fett, with writer-director James Mangold attached to both pen the screenplay and helm the project. Mangold, known … Read more
GLAAD: 2017 Hollywood Films Fall Short on LGBTQ Representation GLAAD, the media-monitoring organisation that tracks LGBTQ representation in film and television, released its 2017 findings showing that the major Hollywood studios made only limited progress in depicting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters on the big screen. The report surveyed 109 wide-release films and … Read more
The Foreigner (2017) Director: Martin Campbell Screenwriter: David Marconi Starring: Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan Adapted from Stephen Leather’s novel The Chinaman and directed by Martin Campbell—best known for revitalizing the James Bond franchise with Casino Royale—The Foreigner (2017) is a revenge-driven thriller that balances brutal action with a political backdrop. The film navigates the fallout … Read more
The Clapper (2018)Director: Dito Montiel Screenwriter: Dito Montiel Starring: Ed Helms, Amanda Seyfried, P.J. Byrne, Adam Levine, Tracy Morgan, Russell Peters Dito Montiel, who previously adapted his own work in projects such as Man Down, returns as both screenwriter and director for The Clapper (2018). The film bills itself as a romantic comedy, but it … Read more
Have you ever watched a film that seemed perfectly crafted and technically flawless yet left you feeling emotionally flat? Or conversely, seen a movie that critics dismissed as silly or misguided but which moved you to tears? Most of us have experienced both. Cinema is a curious and powerful art form. As a scholar of … Read more
D.W. Griffith and Broken Blossoms: Key Techniques and Lasting Influence In this article I outline the defining features of D.W. Griffith’s films—particularly the techniques that made him a leading director of the Silent Era and one of the most influential filmmakers of the early twentieth century. This is not an exhaustive study of Griffith’s life … Read more