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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
The rebellion begins.
Filmmaker(s): David Yates

Returning for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts, Harry is stunned to find that his warnings about the return of Lord Voldemort have been ignored. Left with no choice, Harry takes matters into his own hands, training a small group of students to defend themselves against the dark arts.

Nothing Up My Sleeve were previous editions of the franchise that I liked. One had a real rhythm; another leveraged architecture in a truly competent way. I suppose if you are invested in the books, this one advances the story a bit: some few revelations; another...


Published March 11, 2025
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Across the Universe (2007)
All you need is love.
Filmmaker(s): Julie Taymor

When young dockworker Jude leaves Liverpool to find his estranged father in the United States, he is swept up by the waves of change that are re-shaping the nation. Jude falls in love with Lucy, who joins the growing anti-war movement. As the body count in Vietnam rises, political tensions at home spiral out of control and the star-crossed lovers find themselves in a psychedelic world gone mad.

Entering the Mask say up front that this film will almost certainly go on my list of films to see before you die, only one of two that I allow from each year. Let's get the problems out of the way first. The overall container of this...


Published November 30, 2024
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Paprika (2006)
Filmmaker(s): Satoshi Kon

When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patient's dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist can stop it and recover it before damage is done: Paprika.

His Own Mirror happens when you see a wonderful film, a truly wonderful one, and you are disappointed because the very last one you saw was from the same filmmaker and was very much better? I should have watched some trash first. The better film I'm...


Published February 20, 2025
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All the King’s Men (2006)
Time brings all things to light.
Filmmaker(s): Steven Zaillian

The story of an idealist's rise to power in the world of Louisiana politics and the corruption that leads to his ultimate downfall. Based on the 1946 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Robert Penn Warren, loosely based on the story of real-life politician Huey Long.

Lucy in the Sky critics hated it. The public stayed home. But I liked this. A lot. It is cinematic. Powerful cinema. And I am telling you I liked this with a bit of surprise on my part. That's because it has two actors who often...


Published March 8, 2023
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Inland Empire (2006)
A woman in trouble.
Filmmaker(s): David Lynch

An actress’s perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted as she finds herself falling for her co-star in a remake of an unfinished Polish production that was supposedly cursed.

Kieslowski Films Joyce saw this during a period of extreme emotional stress, probably the best possible mode. It was also surrounded by my listening to "Big Fish," Lynch's book, read by himself. The contrast is astonishing: Lynch's banal aphorisms in the book with rich, multilayered...


Published December 2, 2024
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Hidden (2005)
Filmmaker(s): Michael Haneke

George, host of a television show focusing on literature, receives videos shot on the sly that feature his family, along with disturbing drawings that are difficult to interpret. He has no idea who has made and sent him the videos. Progressively, the contents of the videos become more personal, indicating that the sender has known George for a long time.

Our Camera the very first, we know that a hidden story within this film will merge with the film. After 4 minutes of looking at the movie, we realise we are looking at a movie within the movie, a tape. As the film proceeds, it...


Published December 2, 2024
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King Arthur (2004)
Rule Your Fate.
Filmmaker(s): Antoine Fuqua

The story of the Arthurian legend, based on the 'Sarmatian hypothesis' which contends that the legend has a historical nucleus in the Sarmatian heavy cavalry troops stationed in Britain, and that the Roman-British military commander, Lucius Artorius Castus is the historical person behind the legend.

Blue Woman these simple constructions, its easy to see where they decided the hook would be. I imagine the pitch was that this would be “Braveheart” meets “Gladiator” but with a fighten’ gal. I’m sure they took a model and put her in blue tattoos...


Published March 7, 2023
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Acid Dreams (2003)
Filmmaker(s): Michael Ninn

Frank Black is a researcher for the government tasked with keeping tabs on its citizens. A secret mind control program, pharmaceutically enhanced citizens, black ops, government brothels and a race to own our minds.

Spaced Out background on another film, I had to pick a Michael Ninn film. I picked two that sounded interesting. The Ninn approach to porn is from the 70s. He has ideas that are really movie ideas. Then he does them with relatively high production values....


Published February 12, 2023
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American Wedding (2003)
Forever hold your piece.
Filmmaker(s): Jesse Dylan

With high school a distant memory, Jim and Michelle are getting married — and in a hurry, since Jim's grandmother is sick and wants to see him walk down the aisle — prompting Stifler to throw the ultimate bachelor party. And Jim's dad is reliable as ever, doling out advice no one wants to hear.

A Franchise Matures There are few things more interesting than the evolutionary forces of the market that push and pull something to ensure survival. I'm a strong believer in how market forces shape film, even our most exotic art films. This isn't art, of course,...


Published May 22, 2023
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