‘Hook’ (1991) fails to get off the ground even with Spielberg directing
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Even the masters can misfire, as seen in this “Peter Pan” riff that doesn’t firmly plant its hook.
Oscars
‘Hook’ (1991) fails to get off the ground even with Spielberg directing
‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ (2001) movingly explores core SF question of 21st century
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): What is the difference between human and robot? One thing is for sure: That’s going to be harder to answer as time goes by.
‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982) finds the best of human nature in outer space
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Spielberg’s knack for encapsulating children’s feelings via directorial skill reaches its zenith.
‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ (1977) is the definitive alien-visitation film
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though some wonder has been sapped from aliens through the years, Spielberg’s craftsmanship alone makes the film worth watching.
Scorsese’s success with ‘Color of Money’ (1986) might cause envy
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Two movie stars combine with deeper thoughts about games and life in “The Hustler’s” legacy sequel.
‘The Hustler’ (1961) teaches about pool, hustling, life
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Known for popularizing the sport, the film also stands as an understated yet brutally tragic romance.
‘Muppets Take Manhattan’ (1984) takes the felt-and-foam performers to new levels
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Jim Henson’s creations go to the big city in a fun musical that could stand to have more music.
‘Executioners’ (1957), ‘Cape Fear’ (1962, 1991) explore limits of modern law
Throwback Thursday (Book and movie reviews): MacDonald’s novel is surprisingly tame, the first movie keeps the censors occupied, and Scorsese’s version finally delivers the shocks.
Sentimental ‘Starman’ (1984) shows the softer side of Carpenter
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The director’s only theatrical film that’s not action or horror is openly sentimental and hard to dislike.
Mitchum ably fills Marlowe’s gumshoes in ‘Farewell, My Lovely’ (1975), ‘Big Sleep’ (1978)
Sleuthing Sunday (Movie reviews): The first is a stylish, purist classic. The second makes odd choices and never has a chance of competing with Bogart’s version.