It’s that time of year again—actually, it’s PAST that time of year again, but I was on vacation—time for my Fall Movie Preview! The Oscar Race begins here as a ton of prestige films try to get out before the end of the year, while some last minute blockbusters try to make a few bucks in a release schedule that is less top-heavy than what we saw in the summer. As usual, I’ll be running down the films that I’ll most be looking forward to that will be released over the next four months. Be warned, though, Fall Films are notorious for shifting release dates as studios jockey for the best Oscar position and many of the dates listed here are initial dates for when these films launch in limited release—you may not see them in your area until January. Take a gander! Continue reading
Doug Reviews: Blood Father (2016)
Based on the novel of the same name, Blood Father is a pulpy chase movie with some nice sequences and and plenty of cringe-worthy dialogue. However, the only question on anyone’s mind is: Is this Mel Gibson‘s comeback? Continue reading
Doug Reviews: The Light Between Oceans (2016)
Written and Directed by Derek Cianfrance and adapted from the bestseller by M.L. Stedman, The Light Between Oceans features a knockout cast in a story about love and loss. However, does the film hit all the right notes or is it too schmaltzy for today’s audiences? Continue reading
Doug’s Book Reviews: The Girl on the Train (2015)
In preparation for the film adaptation being released in October, I decided to read the 2015 bestseller The Girl on the Train from author Paula Hawkins. Is this the next Gone Girl or is it just a weak knockoff? Continue reading
Doug Reviews: Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
For over two decades, Pixar has dominated the animation realm with their fantastic films that appeal to both kids and adults. Every other animation studio, including Disney’s own in-house studio, has played catch-up trying to match Pixar’s success in both computer animation and storytelling. Then there’s Laika, the animation studio that does things a little bit differently. Laika’s stock and trade is in stop-motion animation as opposed to computer animation. Their films have been well-received by critics, but have never matched the commercial muscle of Pixar. Their latest, Kubo and the Two Strings, is their first wholly original story and is easily the best film of the summer. Continue reading
Doug Reviews: Ben-Hur (2016)
Several years ago on a Saturday Night Live episode hosted by Jerry Seinfeld, there was a game show sketch called “Stand Up and Win.” Adam Sandler was one of the contestants and answered almost every question with, “Who are the ad wizards who came up with this one?” That line pretty much sums up Director Timur Bekmambetov‘s remake of Ben-Hur. Continue reading
Doug Reviews: Indignation (2016)
Based on the novel by Philip Roth and Written and Directed by James Schamus, Indignation is a period drama with some very heavy subject matter. Does it overcome its serious nature enough to entertain? Continue reading
EPISODE 119: HUR?
The Hodgepodge Podcast 119 has Doug and Dirty A welcoming back friend of the show Matt King to discuss the films Pete’s Dragon, War Dogs, Ben-Hur (2016), and Hell or High Water. And every chance he gets, Doug professes his love for Laika’s Kubo and the Two Strings. Continue reading
Doug Reviews: Hell or High Water (2016)
From Director David Mackenzie comes Hell or High Water, a film that taps into the plight many Americans have faced since the economic collapse of 2008. Does the film resonate or is it another late summer dud? Continue reading
Doug Reviews: Sausage Party (2016)
Producers/Co-Writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are back with another raunchy comedy in Sausage Party. The key difference here is that Sausage Party is a computer-animated film. Will this signal an R-rated cartoon renaissance, or just be another blip on the box office landscape? Continue reading