As it turns out, Despicable Me 4 is the most popular movie of all time. In fact, it’s probably the most popular piece of entertainment of all time! By a mile. Or a trillion miles. Check out this chart of the top movies of 2024 I saw on Box Office Mojo this past weekend. Continue reading
A friend of mine named Chris recently discovered this website, and he approached me with an intriguing topic he really wanted my opinion on. He wished to know my take on The Prestige.
The first thing you need to know about The Prestige is that it’s a Christopher Nolan film, which means that it doesn’t follow a very linear path on its way to an ending that could be considered ambiguous. The ending is what Chris wanted to know my opinion on. The second thing you need to know about The Prestige is that it’s organized like a magic trick, which consists of three parts:
That is also how I have organized this article. Continue reading
Ah, the foibles of youth. Growing up, I used to read my local newspaper, and I especially enjoyed the section that focused on what was on TV that week. This was back when local channels and cable were big. And I especially loved when a movie was playing because then it would give a star rating (out of 4) and other details to let me know about the film. Continue reading
I’m not the only member of my family who loves to share innovative ideas in writing. Every one of my brothers has written amazing books/articles I’ve had the privilege of reading, and I’d like to share one of them with you. Continue reading
When my friend Jordan asks me if I can take a look at a movie for him to see if it’s a chiasmus, I say yes. And when that movie is Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, I gulp before saying yes. Jordan has been right about every film he’s asked me to analyze so far: Tron, Escape from New York, Dreamscape, Akira, Conan the Barbarian, Scream, and Goldfinger. Thus, I had no doubt this one would turn out to be just like those.
However, I never intended to view this particular movie again. I had not seen Revenge of the Sith since 2005 when he asked me to watch it again last week. That last viewing was during a pretty stressful point in my life, so I didn’t enjoy the film. And I was worried it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience this time around. Amazingly, I actually had a great time revisiting this film, especially since I discovered its chiastic structure as I went.
This is the second Star Wars film I’ve discovered to be a chiasmus. The Empire Strikes Back was the first. I’m excited to share what I found with you. I have a very good feeling about this. Continue reading
It might seem at times that we are living in unprecedented circumstances. But there is nothing new under the sun. Rather than seeking new wisdom, I suggest we look to the wisdom of the past to guide us through our present problems.
With this in mind, let’s take the following words of Sir Thomas More from A Man for All Seasons to heart. Continue reading
Honest people have a funny way of talking. I’ll explain more about that after we address 10 things you basically never hear an honest person say.
By the way, I’m not saying if you’ve said any of these things that you’re somehow a dishonest person. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Some people are simply habitual liars to the point that they tell lies without thinking twice. Anyone who is honest will be able to recognize something is off about someone who claims not to be a liar, as is demonstrated by the following movie scenes. Continue reading
In A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas More gives sage advice to a young man named Richard Rich that is summarized by the sentence: “Be a teacher.” What he means by those three words is far more eloquent than they appear at first glance. Continue reading
Superman: The Movie is one of my favorite films of all time for a reason. One of the best things about it is the surprising amount of depth to be found in its story. And I’d like to share something incredibly important I learned from this film.
Clark Kent grows up in Smalltown America knowing full well that there’s something hugely special about him. He knows he came from another planet, but he doesn’t know why he’s here on Earth.
Clark’s adopted father Jonathan Kent sums it up perfectly in this scene when he acknowledges the young man’s frustrations. He can do all kinds of amazing things, and he feels stifled by having to keep his superpowers secret. Despite all of Jonathan’s fears and doubts about Clark’s future, he is able to settle on a crucial truth. “There is one thing I do know, son, and that is you are here for a reason.” Continue reading
I strive to admit when I am wrong. A long time ago, I wrote an article about Mystery Science Theater 3000 in which I said that I didn’t like Pearl Forrester, Observer, and Professor Bobo. I preferred Dr. Clayton Forrester and TV’s Frank. However, over the years I’ve realized the brilliance of those three baddies that came to prominence starting in season 8, and I now think they’re all great.
Another funny thing happened as I rewatched season 8 of MST3K. I began to be awed by its overarching storyline. No other season of this TV show had such a sprawling, epic adventure like that one did. Even Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie didn’t feel as big and bold as that season. Of course, movies and TV shows are two different beasts. It’s just amazing to see what the folks at Best Brains managed to accomplish on a shoestring budget. Continue reading
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