film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
Reader Feh in comments following my review of Killers asks: MaryAnn, do you have any insight into the ripoff pattern? Why do Hollywood movies tend to come out in pairs? Killers/Knight & Day, Abyss/Leviathan, Deep Impact/Armageddon. Feh then links to a story titled “11 Identical Movies Released at the Same Time” — which dates back … more…
Someone it had escaped my notice that a bunch of historical figures are in the process of getting rebooted as movie action heroes, often with supernatural elements tossed. Seen at Cinematical last week: In an age where we lack action heroes and recognition factor is key for franchiseability (a new made-up word), Hollywood is turning … more…
FOR THE WEIRDO/releasing 12.15 There are always way too many DVDs coming in than I possibly ever review, but since ’tis the season to be giving, I thought it was worth pointing out some of them to you, in case you’re stuck for gift ideas for the people on your list. (Or even to give … more…
SyFy is kicking off its on-air rebranding with the debut of a series that, clearly, it has high hopes for as some sort of anchor for the network’s “new” image. Alas that Warehouse 13 — premering with a two-hour pilot tonight at 9pm Eastern — feels like more of the same-old not-too-daring Sci Fi Channel … more…
A charming movie full of great performances with a new-agey undertone that probably offends only me.
