*Spoilers* Well dang, they went for it. I won’t say anymore until the end of the review, but in the immortal words of Jack Shephard: “We have to go back.” For many, the developments surrounding Lovers’ Lake will be the main takeaway from Chapter Six. It could be argued, however, that it is the human … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 6: The Dive
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 5: The Nina Project
*Spoilers* Season Four reveals its pattern with Chapter Five; beginning with the first episode, the season alternates between “set-up” and “pay-off” episodes. Just as Chapter Three gave us a chance to breathe after Vecna’s reveal in Chapter Two, so too does “The Nina Project” allow us to compose our thoughts following the emotional roller coaster … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 5: The Nina Project
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) Movie Review
It may sound like hyperbole, but Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) is one of the most fun movies I've ever seen: a blast of visual splendor, offhand bizarreness, and kaiju-fighting mayhem from first frame to last. It was Ishiro Honda's sixth Godzilla film (after directing and co-writing the original film that spawned it all) and … Continue reading Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) Movie Review
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 4: Dear Billy
*Spoilers* Unlike the previous episode, there is little filler in "Dear Billy". Chapter Four maximizes every minute of its 79 minute runtime, gripping us with horrific imagery and emotional reckoning. Sadie Sink establishes herself as the season's anchor, the ghosts of Victor Creel are unearthed, and David Harbour is finally given something to work with*. … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 4: Dear Billy
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 3: The Monster and the Superhero
*Spoilers* After the significant plot developments of Chapter Two, Chapter Three shifts into low gear once more. Considering how many hours are left in the season, it's not a bad idea for the writers to pace themselves. Since Chapter Three strikes me as a "bridge" episode, it may be worthwhile to share some thoughts that … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 3: The Monster and the Superhero
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 2: Vecna’s Curse
*spoilers* Ah yes, here's when that plot begins to thicken. With Chapter One establishing a nice foundation, Chapter Two lets the horror fly; the demonic entity introduced in "The Hellfire Club" gets ample screen time - along with the name Vecna (after the all-powerful dark wizard of Dungeons & Dungeons lore). Vecna's menace wouldn't be … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 2: Vecna’s Curse
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 1: The Hellfire Club
*Spoilers* Stranger Things returns to Netflix with a fourth season. Doubling - er, quadrupling - down on the Dungeons & Dragons motif, episode one takes its name from the high school D&D group Dustin and Mike have joined. Thematically, hellfire also serves to describe the general devilry at work in Hawkins. While the Upside Down … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 1: The Hellfire Club
Jurassic Park (1993) Movie Review
I am mad at how well-made this movie is. Everything Spielberg directed before was only a warm-up. Jurassic Park plays like a capstone thesis on how to direct a monster movie; Spielberg exquisitely blends the humor of Indiana Jones, the pacing, action, and horror of Jaws, and the childlike wonder of E.T.. Director: Steven SpielbergScreenplay: Michael … Continue reading Jurassic Park (1993) Movie Review
Duel (1971) Movie Review
Even if Duel – the second feature by then-up-and-coming director Steven Spielberg – had only its tight B-movie style to distinguish itself, that would be enough. Crafted to elicit maximum visceral impact, with ingenious shifting between POV and wide shots stitched together through razor-sharp editing, this is a breathtaking thriller in which style is substance: … Continue reading Duel (1971) Movie Review
Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) Movie Review
Godzilla vs. Megalon epitomizes the "best of times, worst of times" period of Godzilla films in the early 1970s; it exhibits the pure kaiju camp that makes these years so memorable, while also displaying the human snooze-fest that renders them equally forgettable. Jun Fukuda returns as director, having previously helmed Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Son … Continue reading Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) Movie Review
Camp Kaiju 