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Writer: Erik Benjamin

The definitive rankings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, part 2

As “Avengers: Infinity War” looms near, movie columnist Erik Benjamin breaks down the rest of his rankings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Read More »

April 23, 2018 at 10:46 pm

The definitive rankings of the top 5 Marvel Cinematic Universe films

As the release of “Avengers: Infinity War” approaches, here are movie columnist Erik Benjamin’s top picks from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Read More »

April 16, 2018 at 11:27 pm

Buy low, sell high: How Blumhouse does horror films the right way

The production company has used its low-budget, high-horror model to produce hits like “The Purge” and the new movie “Truth or Dare.” Read More »

April 11, 2018 at 11:43 pm

‘The Big Picture’ author Ben Fritz gives his thoughts on the future of film

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin spoke with Ben Fritz, who wrote "The Big Picture: The Fight for the Future of Movies" to discuss the process of crafting a journalism book and the future of film. Read More »

March 27, 2018 at 10:16 pm

'Tomb Raider' shows the trend of franchise renewal

Like with “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” no one was really asking for a reboot of “Tomb Raider,” but the film’s release still correlates with the trend of reviving old franchises. Read More »

March 19, 2018 at 11:13 pm

Here’s one thing Donald Trump has gotten right on Twitter

President Donald Trump thinks the Oscars’ low ratings are due to a lack of stars, and he actually might not be wrong. Read More »

March 7, 2018 at 12:31 am

5 takeaways from the Oscars

Erik Benjamin and Mike O’Connor reflect on surprises, up-and-coming figures and potential future trends as seen at last night’s 90th Academy Awards ceremony. Read More »

March 6, 2018 at 12:33 am

Is this the end of the studio comedy? There are reasons to think so:

This weekend, the Warner Bros. comedy “Game Night” didn't have exceptional box office returns. Is the era of the successful studio comedy coming to a close? Read More »

February 26, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Success of “Black Panther” makes a statement about new film economy

This weekend, Disney struck gold with the release of “Black Panther.” The question is, due to its unparalleled success, where do we go from here? Read More »

February 19, 2018 at 11:26 pm

Clint Eastwood is Hollywood’s ultimate bro

Clint Eastwood’s latest film “The 15:17 to Paris” was released this past weekend. Despite its artistic flaws, this movie was a great display of how Eastwood has maintained his elite bro status over the last half-century. Read More »

February 12, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Super Bowl movie trailers preview an exciting, franchise-heavy year

Movie trailers that premiere during the Super Bowl can create a lot of buzz. Screen Time columnist Erik Benjamin ranks his top picks for previews that aired during the game. Read More »

February 5, 2018 at 9:59 pm

Oscar nods were announced this morning. Here’s what you need to know:

Screen Time columnist Erik Benjamin analyzes the Academy’s choice for Oscar nominations. With the ceremony taking place March 4, the coveted Best Picture category is still anyone’s game. Read More »

January 23, 2018 at 5:34 pm

Oscar fare, franchises and family fun combine for a winning winter at the movies

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" wasn't the only movie that came out this winter — Movie columnist Erik Benjamin lays out the best winter flicks. Read More »

January 22, 2018 at 11:55 pm

Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards reflect Hollywood’s current state

This past week, Hollywood handed out the Golden Globe Awards. This ceremony not only gives us a look into the best of Hollywood, but also where the industry stands after a tumultuous year. Read More »

January 16, 2018 at 11:29 pm

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 »

July 22, 2017 at 2:21 pm

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 »

June 14, 2017 at 12:46 am

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 »

May 1, 2017 at 10:42 pm

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 »

April 24, 2017 at 10:29 pm

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 »

April 17, 2017 at 9:52 pm

'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 »

April 10, 2017 at 8:43 pm

'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 »

April 4, 2017 at 3:50 am

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 »

March 27, 2017 at 9:27 pm

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 »

March 20, 2017 at 8:33 pm

‘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 »

March 6, 2017 at 9:35 pm