David Camak PrattFeatures
Yesterday’s Dreams: Motown in the 1980sThe music of Motown's third decade does not quite deserve the close attention that the label's first two decades warrant, but even a cursory look at the label in these years reveals that things weren't all bad. [29 January 2009] Reviews
The Stepfather (1987)Unlike Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees, the monstrous title character of The Stepfather is both plausible and a rich metaphor. [5 November 2009]
HomeboyJohnny never gets a direct answer as to whether he could have been good or not, but the film gives the viewer enough images, not words, to decide for himself. [8 September 2009]
Star Trek: Motion Picture TrilogyIn terms of story, these films comprise a trilogy. However, in tone, theme, and character development, they couldn’t be more different. [19 August 2009]
Claude Lévi-Strauss in His Own WordsAlthough worthwhile to have his interviews compiled and contextualized as they are here, one might as well just read Lévi-Strauss [28 July 2009]
Deep Purple: History, Hits and Highlights 1968-1976A 20-minute live version of “Mandrake Root” would be enough to convince me to sniff glue, put a safety pin through my cheek, and forget how to play guitar, too. [26 July 2009]
Galaxy Quest: Deluxe EditionI watched Star Trek in a theater and Galaxy Quest at home on TV -- Galaxy Quest was more fun. [7 June 2009]
Squidbillies: Vol. 2Anyone willing to sit through the sight of a few tumors and genetically modified chickens will find this worthwhile. [17 May 2009]
Barney Miller: The Complete Third SeasonThough it relies on racial, sexual, and gender divides to create humor, the show’s creators make an earnest attempt to grapple with some prejudices. [6 April 2009]
The Great DepressionThe Great Depression saw a parade of oddballs, outlaws, Hollywood starlets and messianic politicians tap-dancing through Oklahoma dust clouds and Harlem riots, lifting a nation out of its collective despair. [29 March 2009]
The Stewardesses 3D: 40th Anniversary Deluxe EditionFor those who enjoy movies for their sheer improbability, this is a goldmine of work poorly done but richly rewarded. [12 March 2009]
J’AccuseThose fortunate enough to witness this will know beyond a doubt silent film’s power to enchant. [10 February 2009]
Will ShakespeareMuch of Will Shakespeare’s story overlaps with that of Ray Charles or Johnny Cash, if we are to believe our biopics. [19 January 2009]
The Shuttered Room / It!Fans of B-horror movies might pick this up, hoping to find a lost gem. [5 January 2009]
Mr. Bean: The Ultimate CollectionThrough this character Atkinson simultaneously looks back to the silent film era for inspiration and provides inspiration to a new generation of comedians. [18 December 2008] BlogsMixed Media: The Best Sketch Comedy Group You Haven’t Seen Yet [15 September 2009] |
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