Skip to content

Writer: Erik Benjamin

Benjamin: A guide to whether a sequel should be made

Calling all movie makers planning a sequel. You may thing audiences want more, but maybe you shouldn't make that second movie. Read More »

July 18, 2016 at 10:54 am

Benjamin: Ranking Pixar's 17 movies from worst to best

The release of Pixar's "Inside Out" marks a good time to look back at their legacy. Movie columnist Erik Benjamin ranks all of their films from worst to best. Read More »

June 28, 2016 at 12:01 am

Benjamin: Fast reactions from the 'Beauty and the Beast' teaser trailer

Disney just dropped a teaser trailer for its newest live-action remake, "Beauty and the Beast." Movie columnist Erik Benjamin shares his take on what to expect from this new feature film. Read More »

May 24, 2016 at 12:53 pm

Benjamin: Lessons I learned from 2016 movies

Movie columnist Eric Benjamin dissects 2016 films thus far and lessons learned from box office failures and successes. Read More »

May 2, 2016 at 9:23 pm

Benjamin: Syracuse movie theaters accommodate all film genres

In anticipation of a new movie theater being built in Syracuse this summer, movie columnist Erik Benjamin decided to take a look at all the theater options already available. Read More »

April 24, 2016 at 9:17 pm

Benjamin: Technology and nostalgia are a winning combo in “The Jungle Book”

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin, talks about how Disney is playing off a trend of remaking classic animated films in live action. He discusses the recent release of The Jungle Book. Read More »

April 17, 2016 at 8:27 pm

Benjamin: Melissa McCarthy’s success continues with her latest flick "The Boss"

Melissa McCarthy is a name that people will hear and then see the movie regardless of the content. With the release of her latest flick, movie columnist Erik Benjamin discusses the nature of her fame and decides if it will be able to linger. Read More »

April 10, 2016 at 7:25 pm

Benjamin: Driving to Houston in a bus for the Final Four is magical with Harry Potter movies

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin recently traveled in a crowded bus to Houston for the Final Four. This could have been awful, except they had all eight Harry Potter movies to help him push through. Read More »

April 3, 2016 at 9:32 pm

Benjamin: Sundance Ignite to bring the excitement of festival to Syracuse

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin gives a preview of The Sundance Ignite program, a two-day event from The Sundance Film Festival coming to the Syracuse University campus. Read More »

March 30, 2016 at 8:10 pm

Benjamin: New 'Batman v Superman' movie struggles to live up to Marvel franchises

“Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” opened this weekend to record numbers. Movie columnist Erik Benjamin gives his review of the film and explains why DC is trying to play catch up to the success of the Marvel movies. Read More »

March 27, 2016 at 9:26 pm

Benjamin: The Screening Room creates a debate in Hollywood

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin explains the debate in Hollywood over The Screening Room, a device that allows customers to watch just-released films from the comfort of their own homes instead of in theaters. Read More »

March 20, 2016 at 9:06 pm

Benjamin: 'Zootopia' continues Disney Animation's hot streak

The box office success of "Zootopia" proves that Disney Animation's latest stream of successful, non-Pixar cartoons isn't a fluke, but evidence of Disney's creative power. Read More »

March 6, 2016 at 8:08 pm

Benjamin: What you need to know from the 88th Academy Awards

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin gives his reactions and takeaways from the 88th Academy Awards. Read More »

February 29, 2016 at 11:29 am

Benjamin: Predictions of who will walk away with Oscars

From "The Big Small" to "The Revenant", movie columnist Erik Benjamin tells you what to expect from the 88th Academy Awards. Read More »

February 28, 2016 at 7:34 pm

Benjamin: New producers will bring revived feel to the Academy Awards

Movie columnist Erik Benjamin explains why David Hill and Reginald Hudlin, who are producing the Oscars this year, are expected to bring more diversity and new concepts to the show. Read More »

February 21, 2016 at 7:47 pm

Benjamin: 'Deadpool' breaks record for R-rated film opening weekends

This past weekend, Marvel's "Deadpool" broke records and exceeded box office expectations. Movie columnist Erik Benjamin explains what this means for the future of the superhero genre. Read More »

February 14, 2016 at 9:12 pm

Benjamin: Watching a movie on Valentine's Day is always a great idea

Whether you're in a loving relationship or single and ready to mingle, watching a movie is a great way to spend Valentine's Day. Our movie columnist gives his list of the best flicks to cuddle up to. Read More »

February 7, 2016 at 8:50 pm

Benjamin: Movies to watch before the Super Bowl game

Before the big Super Bowl game this weekend, brush up on your football knowledge by watching these 100% accurate movies. You'll learn a lot. Read More »

February 6, 2016 at 9:25 am

Benjamin: Presidential candidates pair well with Oscar nominated films

With the Academy Awards coming up and the 2016 presidential campaigns in full swing, movie columnist Erik Benjamin decided to put the two together by assigning presidential candidates to the nominated films. Read More »

January 31, 2016 at 8:56 pm

Benjamin: Oscar nominations lack diversity yet again

Even after last year's uproar over the lack of diversity, this year's Oscar nomination list included 20 acting nominees who were all Caucasian. This prompted a revival of the hashtag #OscarSoWhite. Read More »

January 24, 2016 at 7:14 pm

Benjamin: 2016 Oscar nomination predictions

Nominations for the 2016 Academy Awards will be released Thursday morning, and movie columnist Erik Benjamin gives his predictions of which films, actors and actresses might win at this year's Oscars. Read More »

January 13, 2016 at 10:01 pm

Benjamin: Top 10 impactful films of 2015

Most movie columnists pick their favorite movies of the year, but Erik Benjamin takes a new approach, choosing the films that he think will stay relevant for years to come. Read More »

December 22, 2015 at 8:47 pm

Benjamin: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' exceeds every expectation

Though he considers himself "not a huge Star Wars fan" and had low expectations for the new film, here's why movie columnist Erik Benjamin is reconsidering his prediction. Read More »

December 21, 2015 at 10:08 pm

Benjamin: Fast reactions to SU alumnus Aaron Sorkin's Golden Globe nomination

Sorkin received a Best Screenplay nomination for "Steve Jobs." Check out movie columnist Erik Benjamin's reactions to Sorkin's nomination and what this means for the film itself. Read More »

December 10, 2015 at 1:13 pm