The Five Things We Want to See from Ben Affleck as Batman
As the resident Batman CinemaNerd (as evidenced here, here, here, and here), it’s been a pretty exciting couple of movie weeks for me. First, Ben Affleck gets cast in the new Superman vs. Batman film; then it’s revealed that the movie will be filmed in the Detroit area – all great news for any Batfan living in Michigan like me. I think the best news is that the production will need abo...[Read More]
Movie Review: The Spectacular Now
The Spectacular Now is a special movie. Adapted from the novel by Tim Tharp by (500) Days of Summer scribes Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the script is heartwarming, charming, entertaining, funny, and at times, utterly devastating. Instead of being the typical romantic teen comedy, The Spectacular Now feels real, which only adds to how amazing the movie is. The film centers around a high ...[Read More]
Movie Review: Kick-Ass 2
After the events of the first Kick-Ass film, regular citizens, inspired by the action of the hero who shares a name with the film’s title, decide to don masks and fight for justice. Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) has started a movement, and unfortunately, his work has also spawned the world’s first super-villain. Still reeling from his Mob Boss father’s death at the hands of Kic...[Read More]
Movie Review: The Wolverine
Let me get this out of the way, The Wolverine is not your typical Marvel mutant movie. If you’re hoping to see a smorgasbord of mutants show up to help the ol’ Canucklehead through the streets of Japan, where most of this film takes place, you’ll be extremely disappointed. I, on the other hand, wasn’t. After X3 and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, I had had enough. I needed a fresh start. First Class was...[Read More]
Movie Review: 20 Feet from Stardom
From time to time, a movie comes along that changes the way you think about something. Fresh off the heels of its Cinetopia International Film Festival Audience Award, 20 Feet from Stardom is that movie. To put it bluntly, it’s the most important music documentary to come out since Standing in the Shadows of Motown. With this movie, director Morgan Neville gives the level of respect and accolades ...[Read More]
Interview with Jim Burnstein, writer of Renaissance Man
Aside from screening several films throughout the weekend, the 2013 Cinetopia International Film Festival will also be featuring talks by several individuals involved with a variety of the screened films. One such guest is screenwriter Jim Burnstein. Burnstein has been working as a screenwriter for about twenty-five years and is responsible (or partly responsible) for writing such films as Renaiss...[Read More]
Ten Best Bets from the 2013 Cinetopia International Film Festival
While only in its second year, the Cinetopia International Film Festival boasts over 40 movies from around the world. This year, beginning on June 6th, Ann Arbor, Michigan and the Detroit Institute of Arts will be transformed into a world-class film festival. There is a little something for everyone at this year’s festival, but being exposed to that many films in such a short time could be overwhe...[Read More]
Interview with Russ Collins, Cinetopia International Film Festival
France has Cannes. Austin has SXSW. Utah has Sundance. And now, Southeastern Michigan has Cinetopia. Taking place June 6th – 9th in Ann Arbor, MI and at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), the second annual film festival promises expanded offerings, more films, and the chance to interact with many of the filmmakers responsible for the films being shown this year. As someone who has grown up lovin...[Read More]
Movie Review: Iron Man 3
After seeing The Avengers last year, I felt bad for whatever Marvel movie had to go next because it clearly had some pretty big shoes to fill. I think they made the best decision having Robert Downey Jr. and Iron Man 3 go first because of all the actors involved with the franchise, he’s the one with the most charisma and strongest acting chops. Plus, let’s face it Tony Stark is way more interestin...[Read More]
The Five Best Marvel Movie Stan Lee Cameos
With the theatrical release of Iron Man 3 this week, fans of all ages will be flooding the multiplexes to witness the return of everyone’s favorite comic book hero. No, I’m not talking about Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. Instead, I’m talking about “The Man” himself, Stan Lee! Stan has been making cameos in just about every Marvel movie since 2000’s X-Men. While these cameos are mainly little no...[Read More]
Movie Review: Evil Dead
I’ve been a fan of the original Evil Dead trilogy for almost twenty years, so when I got word of a remake, I was skeptical about how good it would be. Even the fact that Fede Alvarez’s vision for one of my favorite movies was fully sanctioned and produced by the original writer/director Sam Raimi, Producer Rob Tapert, and star, Ash himself, Bruce Campbell, did little to lessen my apprehension for ...[Read More]
Hail to the King: A Fan’s Ode to Bruce Campbell
I am to Bruce Campbell as Annie Wilkes was to Paul Sheldon in Misery…minus the sadistic rage and predisposition to kidnap their favorite entertainer. I was about 14 when I had my first real dose of “The Chin,” as many fans affectionately refer to Campbell. Sure, I saw him in Darkman four years earlier, but his role was so minor that I forgot he was in it until I researched his filmography for this...[Read More]