The Big White (2005)
In many ways, The Big White is Fargo redux, as long as those ways aren’t being funny, smart, or inspired. However, it does take place in snow country, it has a dark and offbeat sense of humor, and...
Author: Vincent Leo
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1978)
For years prior to making Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Spielberg was fascinated by UFOs. As a teenager in Scottsdale, AZ, he made a 135-minute 8mm feature called Firelight. The $400 film paid...
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather is a tough film to review, as it’s almost hallowed ground to some fans out there, and many others who might argue that it’s the greatest film of all time. I’m not even...
D.A.R.Y.L. (1985)
Following on the success of E.T., there were quite a few clones involving a being that changes the lives of ordinary families for the better, only to have scary government agents out to destroy the...
Shall We Dance? (2004)
A superfluous remake, probably better received by viewers that haven’t seen the original 1996 version from Japan, Shall We Dance? replicates the basic story and key scenes, but the new Hollywood elements make the overall story worse —...
Tootsie (1982)
Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, only winning one for Jessica Lange’s nice supporting performance, Tootsie is a case of a romantic comedy where everything clicks just right. A fantastic script full of quality character touches...
Campus Man (1987)
A wholly dated and forgettable 80s movie, Campus Man may have been inspired by the events of associate producer Todd Headlee’s experience at Arizona State University selling calendars, but that’s the only thing that is “inspired”...
Romy and Michele: In the Beginning (2005)
“The truth is you are a mean person with an ugly heart and, quite frankly, we don’t give a flying f*ck what you think!” — Romy White, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. (Probably after reading...
Mr. Mom (1983)
After breadwinner Jack Butler (Keaton) gets laid off from his job, his wife Caroline (Garr) heads out to make a living while he stays home with the three kids. Jack immediately finds out that being a...
The Star Chamber (1983)
I’m beginning to think that the only person that can be cast in the role of a cultish leader of a secret society of lawmakers that underhandedly twists the laws for his own devices...