30 observations about ‘Christmas Vacation’ (1989)
Movie commentary: John Hughes’ “Christmas Vacation” came out 30 years ago this month, and it has only grown in status as a holiday classic since.
Comedy
30 observations about ‘Christmas Vacation’ (1989)
‘Kick-Ass 2’ (2013) finds its groove
Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This superhero-comedy sequel finds its groove with better jokes and action.
‘Knight Before Christmas’ is more empty calories from the Netflix holiday machine (Movie review)
“The Knight Before Christmas” (November, Netflix), like most of TV’s recent holiday movie catalog, is so uninspired that I wonder if the sets, locations, casting and costumes come first. Then an exec assigns a writer […]
‘Let It Snow’ is a light but watchable Gen Z X-mas gathering (Movie review)
“Let It Snow” (November, Netflix) comes from a 2008 novel co-written by coming-of-age chronicler John Green. It’s adapted by Kay Cannon (“Pitch Perfect”) and two other writers for this who’s-who of Gen Z actors. Although […]
‘Good Boys’ is somehow both the raunchiest and cutest comedy of the year (Movie review)
There were many ways “Good Boys” could go wrong, from over-reliance on the shock value of tweens dropping F-bombs, to kids who can’t act, to recycled “American Pie” gags. But this latest entry from writers […]
‘Kick-Ass’ reviews
John’s “Kick-Ass” flashback review, Dec. 14, 2019 John’s “Kick-Ass” short review, June 17, 2010
Hit-Girl steals the show in ‘Kick-Ass’ (2010)
Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Despite the awesome Hit-Girl, this comic adaptation is more ass than kickin’.
It’s the Sixties, man, in ‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Season 3
TV review:“Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s” third season discovers subtlety to go with its usual bombast.
Tarantino loves, lampoons motion picture industry in luscious ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’ (Movie review)
Quentin Tarantino low-key makes fun of 1969-era movie- and TV-making in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood.” But the production design by Barbara Ling and cinematography by Robert Richardson are as lush as “La […]
‘Peanut Butter Falcon’ transcends the novelty of an actor with Down syndrome (Movie review)
The familiar following-your-dreams story of “The Peanut Butter Falcon” comes alive thanks to vibrant Savannah-area locations and three engaging performances. Most unusual is that of Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome who was told […]