Tag Archives: romance

Unwilling to Speak, Unless We Expect to Say Something That Will Amaze the Whole Room

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

My wife and I recently rewatched the 1995 miniseries of Pride and Prejudice, which we both find to be the best, most-faithful version of Jane Austen’s celebrated novel. It was a delightful experience because we invited one of our sons … Continue reading →

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The Moral of Beauty and the Beast (1991): Vincit Qui Se Vincit

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

I love Beauty and the Beast (1991). It’s my favorite movie. And it’s a rare movie that actually puts its moral front and center at the very start. Vincit Qui Se Vincit There’s a tiny detail I never noticed until … Continue reading →

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Each Story Beat in Fiddler on the Roof Has a Perfect Match

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

Jo’s matchmaking skills are even better than those of Yente the matchmaker! She already helped me discover the chiasmus in How to Train Your Dragon 2, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, The Lion King, The Hunt for … Continue reading →

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After 3 Years of Searching, I Finally Found an Obscure 1970s Film!

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

In 2023, I started to have an itch to find a 1970s movie that I didn’t even know the title of. I described it in my article, “My Quest to Find an Obscure 1970s Film.” It’s frustrating to be convinced … Continue reading →

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Untangling the Beautiful Complexity of An American in Paris

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

Some people like to examine the endings of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Inception, and The Usual Suspects as masterclasses in complexity. Those film endings are endlessly minable for depth, and they’re quite challenging to decipher. There’s one film I’ve never … Continue reading →

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Groundhog Day and the Importance of Doing Things in the Right Order

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

Have you ever noticed something interesting about the way Phil Connors ends his two “perfect” days with Rita Hanson? He says nearly the same things, but he gets completely opposite results. The first time Phil gets Rita to care about … Continue reading →

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Magic Mirror on the Wall, What Disney Film Is the Most Symmetrical of All? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

Walt Disney’s first foray into full-length animated filmmaking in 1937 is an example of symmetrical storytelling. I’m excited to reveal the chiasmus found in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. First, I should acknowledge the elephant in the room. Three … Continue reading →

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The Intricate Chiasmus of Ever After Will Leave You Stunned

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

Few movies have such a special power over me as Ever After. The Cinderella story has been told numerous times, but this version stands out because of its beautiful music, messages, and performances. And I’d like to add yet another … Continue reading →

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My Disappointment with Doogie Howser, M.D.

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

I like old TV shows more than new ones. In general, I’m not a big TV watcher. But when I got sick last month and wanted to get my mind off the pain I was experiencing, I figured a medical … Continue reading →

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Why Is Each How to Train Your Dragon Film a Chiasmus?

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Robert Lockard, the Deja Reviewer

Each Cinematic Chiasmus article I write explains the what and how of a film’s symmetrical structure, but they don’t tend to go into the why. Why are these films a chiasmus, and what does that say about them? I’d like … Continue reading →

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