Five years since its launch, Astra Ad It divided audiences and critics, but it deserves much more love. The sci-fi drama stars Brad Pitt as an astronaut recruited to contact his father, a Rebel commander searching for signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life while orbiting Neptune. It received mixed reviews when it was released, and its box office gross of US$135.4 million was a disappointment given its budget and marketing costs. Astra Ad It’s not what some people thought it would be. It’s not a fast-paced action thriller, nor is it a twisty, cerebral sci-fi story. However, just because Astra Ad…
Author: Ben Protheroe
It’s not uncommon for an actor to direct a film, and these films often produce deeply personal results. Actors have served as directors since the silent film era. Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin were two of the biggest movie stars of the time and they both directed each other on several occasions. Although the Hollywood landscape has changed drastically since then, this practice persists to this day. These days, it’s not uncommon for an actor to get behind the camera later in their career. People like Ben Affleck, Denzel Washington, and Bradley Cooper transitioned into directing after starting out as…
Most romance movies present an idealized view of relationships, but some of them are quite scary when examined closely. Society’s attitudes towards relationships are changing all the time, which means some old classic romance films are being re-evaluated. Things that seemed good years ago can now seem a little unsettling, especially if there are unequal power dynamics in a relationship. Another thing that can contribute to romance films seeming scary is the tone. A fun, humorous film can often hide a story that is quite dark when taken at face value. It’s easy to get carried away when a film…
THE James Bond The franchise is known for its jaw-dropping stunts, with each actor who takes on the role of 007 having their own memorable moments. James Bond has often been at the forefront of the action genre, creating many memorable stunts that push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. The best James Bond the stunts are among the best in cinema history. Few franchises have delivered spectacular thrills with such consistency, although there have been many changes over the decades. Each Connection The actor brings his particular style to the role, and this is reflected in the…
Summary Movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Vertigo faced mixed reviews initially, but are now considered masterpieces. Fight Club and Scarface also received negative reviews at first, but later gained cult status and critical acclaim. The Big Lebowski and Bonnie and Clyde caused confusion and controversy, but are now celebrated in film history. Some movies are so unexpected and revolutionary that it takes a while for critics to understand the vision, and they are torn apart when they are released. Many of the best movies ever made began with mixed reviews, since their unconventional styles defied classification and confused…
Summary Sci-fi comedies of the 90s fake genre eccentricities with timeless classics like Mars Attacks and Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie. Eddie Murphy shines as the nutty professor, showing off his comedic instincts with fast-talking balance and brilliant slapstick. Men in Black stands out with the dynamic of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as top-secret agents facing inventive creature designs and great physical humor. The 1990s produced many classic sci-fi comedies, including some beloved returning franchises and some fresh new ideas. Many of the best sci-fi comedies of all time are from the 1990s, including Galaxy Quest, Men…
Summary Mel Brooks created unforgettable comedy characters by remixing classic genre stereotypes with his inimitable style of humor. Collaborating with funny actors like Wilder, Candy and Moranis enhanced Brooks’s satirical genius. Memorable characters like Sheriff Bart, Igor and Leo Bloom showcase the best of Brooks. Mel Brooks created a lot of unforgettable comedy characters throughout his career, including some of the funniest movie characters of all time. Brooks’ films often make fun of other film genres, such as Spaceballs Max sci-fi tropes and Young Frankenstein Plays with the stereotypes of the horror genre. Brooks is always adept at remixing and…
The best comedy shows of the 1980s are still just as funny decades later. The 1980s produced many hilarious comedy movies, with studios investing in original ideas and fresh talent. Actors like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray were at the top of their game in the 1980s, delivering some iconic performances that have stood the test of time. 40 years later or more, they are still career-defining. 1980s comedies have a distinct feel to them. Before the cynicism and dark comedies of the 1990s, Hollywood comedies in the 1980s were mostly optimistic and comforting. Characters still went through great hardships,…
Sean Connery was associated with James Bond more than any other character, but he starred in several classics away from the franchise. Connery first played Ian Fleming’s British super-spy in 1962’s Dr. No, And he immediately embodied the character’s suave style. Every subsequent 007 has been compared to Connery’s image – and anyone cast as the next James Bond should expect the same treatment – but Connery’s career was so much more than just one franchise. After shooting to star as Bond, Connery capitalized on his success by choosing interesting roles in a variety of genres. Throughout his illustrious career,…
Steven Spielberg has made a string of classics in a career that stretches back to the 1960s, but the projects that didn’t pan out are just as interesting. Ultimately, it’s hard to look back on Spielberg’s glittering career so far and suggest he should have done anything else. Still, it’s a shame to see some of the exciting projects that fell through, and fans can only imagine how they would have looked. The best Steven Spielberg movies include Jurassic Park, Jaws And these Indiana Jones Franchise. Had things been different, he might have had several other classics to his name.…