Smith’s ‘Clerks’ (1994) the pinnacle of DIY filmmaking
Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): “Clerks” was revolutionary. For me, hearing a detailed discussion of a “Star Wars” plot point in a movie was mind-blowing.
Comedy
Smith’s ‘Clerks’ (1994) the pinnacle of DIY filmmaking
‘A Rainy Day in New York’ (2019) a delightful romance
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This rom-com is a beautiful way to spend 24 hours in the posh old city as a new generation tackles Allen dialog.
3rd ‘Major League’ should go ‘Back to the Minors’ (1998)
All-Star Movie Break (Review): The last “Major League” film is a mishmash of unfunny comedy and unrealistic baseball issues. At least it’s in focus.
Winning gets old in Sheen’s ‘Major League II’ (1994)
All-Star Movie Break (Review): This sequel coasts by on the original’s success, repeating everything in a more tired fashion.
‘Major League’ (1989) inexplicably hits the sweet spot
All-Star Movie Break (Review): It’s kind of about real baseball, kind of a parody – plus it’s a comedy and a romance. Against the odds, it’s a winner.
‘Hot Shots!’ films’ (1991, 1993) funny factor flies high
Throwback Thursday (Movie reviews): They don’t get as much love as other Abrahams/Proft films of the era, but the two “Hot Shots!” movies remain funny today.
‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008) is sumptuously Spanish
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s tropes smoothly translate to Spain in this romance yarn featuring a standout Javier Bardem.
‘Deep Rising’ (1998) is weird, watery, wild
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Deep Rising” doesn’t try to compete with “Titanic” or smart ocean-based SF films. But it’s a ton of fun.
Allen loves another city in ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen has shown the beauty of New York in several films. Here, he makes Paris magical.
‘Piranha’ (1978, 1995) cheaply knocks off ‘Jaws’
Frightening Friday (Movie reviews): “Piranha” is often called a “Jaws” parody, but really it’s a knockoff. Still, it has a place in film history.