Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides represents the fourth entry in this unlikely series. Not bad for a series whose source material is a Disney theme park ride. They are, perhaps, the face of disposable, inconsequential summer films, but On Stranger Tides has the faint stink of a phoned-in… Continue reading
Let this be said right off the top: Rango is a visual masterpiece and one of the finest works of computer animation to date. Seen theatrically on a DLP projector, one can only sit in awe of the attention to detail, lush locations, and incredible textures. It’s all so amazing… Continue reading
A quick search on IMDb reveals that no less than twenty-three adaptations, including this one, of Alice in Wonderland have been produced over the years. That would at least partially explain why Tim Burton’s big-budget refitting feels so familiar, but it doesn’t quite explain why it’s so bland. On paper… Continue reading
Public Enemies is Michael Mann’s best film since 1995’s Heat, but it’s not without its faults. What is refreshing is to see an old-school gangster flick with a stellar cast. This is a very intriguing portrait of John Dillinger, the famed bank robber and the FBI’s first-ever “Most Wanted” man.… Continue reading
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End feels like the final chapter of this shockingly successful franchise (the whole shebang has been crafted from a Disney theme park ride), and one can only hope it is. While the first two films skirted by on charm and sheer energy, At World’s… Continue reading
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest certainly has a darker side than its predecessor, 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl, but that won’t stop me from making a general and simplistic statement: If you liked Black Pearl, you’ll like this one. The same goes for if you disliked… Continue reading
With an imagination large enough for a dozen grade schoolers hopped up on Ho-Ho’s and Mountain Dew, Tim Burton is the go-to guy if you’re in the mood for bizarre stories. Whether they are his own stories (Edward Scissorhands) or his take on other work (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory),… Continue reading
Tim Burton has always been a dependable source for cinematic journeys into the obscure. Even a simple surface study of his filmography yields the work of a truly visionary filmmaker. From his breakthrough directorial effort for 1985’s Pee Wee’s Big Adventure all the way up to 2003’s Big Fish, Burton… Continue reading