Tag: movie columns
The 'Mean Girls' reboot misses its musical mark
The new “Mean Girls” movie musical adaptation falls short because of the lack of musical talent. The casting directors casted too many people without experience, our Screentime Columnist writes. Read More »
Disney's D23 expo includes Oprah, movie previews and lots of line waiting
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin takes readers through his experience at the fifth annual D23 convention. Hearing from major stars like Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah made up for spending endless hours in line, he writes. Read More »
Benjamin: Tom Cruise's pretty face isn't enough to save 'The Mummy'
The Dark Universe franchise had potential to be great, but the filmmakers put more effort on their superstar than they did on the storyline and production, movie columnist Erik Benjamin argues. Read More »
Summer movie season: 5 flicks to look forward to
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin shares his top five picks for movies set to be released in summer 2017. Read More »
Chris Pratt scores Hollywood Walk of Fame star while maintaining charm
Movie columnist Lilly Stuecklen takes a look at Hollywood star Chris Pratt’s young and budding career. Read More »
Will Smith could make role of Genie in 'Aladdin' his own
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin argues that if Will Smith actually lands the role of the Genie in “Aladdin,” he will put his own twist on the character. Read More »
Hasbro finds success in the movie universe
Movie columnist Lilly Stuecklen looks at the daring jump Hasbro has made in the film industry. Read More »
Orlando, Las Vegas and more provide non-traditional extra lifeblood for movies
Hollywood is looking to make money beyond the big screen, and new opportunities are popping up in more places than you might expect. Read More »
'Going in Style' serves as a reminder that older people watch movies too
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin breaks down Zach Braff’s latest film “Going in Style,” and why the 50+ audience might be more valuable than you think. Read More »
Bleecker Street finds success in films aimed toward older audience
The young indie distributor is leaving low-quality films for other companies, while giving audiences high-class titles. Read More »
'The Boss Baby' continues Hollywood tradition of celebrities voicing animated characters
Due to the success of Alec Baldwin’s performance in “The Boss Baby,” movie columnist Erik Benjamin looks at the most iconic animated performances of all time. Read More »
Inclusivity in films is something to embrace, not shy away from
“Beauty and the Beast” and “Power Rangers” both include gay characters, showing Hollywood isn’t letting its financial greed get in the way of inclusivity. Read More »
Benjamin: ‘Orange is the New Orange’: Creating the perfect Jim Boeheim film
In all the excitement of Syracuse Basketball, columnist Erik Benjamin creates his dream movie of Jim Boeheim’s life, from finding the writer and director to casting the perfect actors. Read More »
Benjamin: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ smashes the record books and the tear ducts
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin breaks down why “Beauty and the Beast” smashed the record books, and what it means to him personally. Read More »
The ultimate movie guide for when you’re pretending to be in Cabo
Not everyone goes on a wild trip during the week off from classes, and movie columnist Lilly Stuecklen has a fine alternative. Read More »
‘The Shack’ proves faith-based films are worthwhile
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin breaks down the opening weekend of “The Shack” and discusses why the faith-based genre is so successful despite being insufficiently catered to. Read More »
Fake news promotion for ‘A Cure For Wellness’ backfires
Alternative marketing tactics can make or break a film. For proof, just take a look at how Gore Verbinski’s latest tactic fared. Read More »
'Pixar in a Box' exemplifies the rise of DIY filmmaking
As the barriers for entry for filmmakers crash down, opportunities are arising for self-made films to flourish. Pixar, noting this trend, has introduced a class on their secrets. Read More »
Pulp predicts the 2017 Oscars
Pulp's movie columnists Erik Benjamin and Lilly Stuecklen give their take on who will walk home with an Oscar tonight. Read More »
In Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” reality is the scariest thing
Movie columnist Lilly Stuecklen discusses how comedian Jordan Peele tackles societal issues with his smart new horror film. Read More »
'The Great Wall' mirrors a changing global economy, with a hint of white
“The Great Wall” opened last weekend in the U.S. to mixed results, despite being an overwhelming success in China. This film represents a shift away from an American film economy, despite relying on actors like Matt Damon to sell tickets. Read More »
A24 is competing with Disney with only a fraction of the budget
For too long, film studios fit into the same mold. A24 is breaking out and doing things to a totally different tune. Read More »
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ does not have to be a guilty pleasure
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin argues “Fifty Shades Darker” can be much more than a guilty pleasure. It might just be the perfect source of escapism. Read More »