Tag Archives: steven spielberg

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Gets Better Each Time I Watch It

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is one of those movies that has always left a special taste in my mouth. The first time I saw it, I was a kid. My parents bought a VHS copy, and they … Continue reading

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Raiders of the Lost Ark Is a Symmetrical Masterpiece

I know I said that I have three more Cinematic Chiasmus articles to write, which were submitted by a reader of mine named Jay. I promise I’ll get to those. But I had such a powerful impression that I needed … Continue reading

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Indiana Jones and the Victims of Their Own Success

Last December, I talked about Final Destination being a rarity among film franchises for ending on a high note. Now it’s time to talk about its antithesis.

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The Biblical Allegory of Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Remember that movie about everyday people who are called to do a marvelous work and a wonder, being invited by a vision to a mountain where they will see signs in the heavens as they commune with heavenly beings? The … Continue reading

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Short Stories That Grew Into Big Films

Films can come from anywhere. They can be original ideas or adaptations of stories from other media. When they’re based on literature, they usually have a lot of source material to draw from. But what happens when they’re based on … Continue reading

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Forgotten Film Gems: Always

Always is the one Steven Spielberg film that no one ever talks about. People like to rag on 1941 as Spielberg’s one true bomb or discuss Hook’s shortcomings or Empire of the Sun’s good qualities. But no one seems to care … Continue reading

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Who Is Steven Spielberg’s Best Protégé?

I recently watched Super 8 for the first time. It brought back memories of my own experience writing short stories as a kid. I even wrote and directed a family movie once. Super 8 is J.J. Abrams’ homage to Steven … Continue reading

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Forgotten Film Gems: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

I know it’s a little odd to call one of the highest-grossing films of all time a Forgotten Film Gem, but I have to ask you when was the last time you actually sat down and watched E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial? … Continue reading

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How to Destroy the Star Wars Saga in One Easy Step

What one thing could possibly destroy the entire Star Wars saga? Not Jar Jar Binks. Not Anakin Skywalker as a little kid or a whiny teenager. Not Darth Vader yelling “NOOOOOOO!” Not even Yoda jumping around with a little green … Continue reading

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5 Great Movies That Were Saved By Budget Cuts

Thank goodness for budget cuts. Filmmakers sometimes complain that they have to compromise their artistic vision because they didn’t have enough money. But I believe that good filmmakers will wind up being happy that they had less to work with … Continue reading

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