The Super Mario Bros. Movie outplayed the competition worldwide. As of this writing, it’s the highest grossing video game adaptation movie of all time. Being a fan of the franchise since its inception, I truly wanted to love this film. It would have required so little effort. Yet I exited the theater inexplicably indifferent from the experience.
Vincent Daly
Grumpy Monkey
Grumpy Monkey is not only the title of a wonderful book, but a vibe. Written by Susanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang, the cover instantly grabs your attention. One day as I scoured through my local Barnes and Noble bookstore, I couldn’t help notice the expressive face of the monkey looking back at me. It so happened I was in a particularly foul mood at the time and felt an instant connection. I mused out loud “this monkey gets me.” A few weeks later, my daughter gifted me both the book and a plush doll based on the Grumpy Monkey himself, Jim Panzee. Naturally, I opted to give the book a proper review.
I am Batman
“I am Batman” are the words that strike fear in criminal hearts. They belong to the Dark Knight– a superhero possessing no super powers other than determination, intellect, physical training, and courage. I am Batman is also the title of a wonderful kid’s book by author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish claws its way into your heart
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was supposed to be just another sequel in the Shrek movie universe. Indeed, if it were not for a lack of family movie selections in theaters, I might have passed on this. Thankfully, the popcorn gods gifted us all with an unexpected comedy gem. Coupled with a newly renovated and upgraded local movie theater in Mamaroneck, NY, the stage was set.
Werewolf by Night is a love letter to classic horror films
Werewolf by Night debuted on Disney Plus as a special presentation by Marvel Studios. Sourced from Marvel comics, this film marks the introduction of horror into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From beginning to end, the movie pays tribute to the old Universal Studios horror films from the 1930s. Director Michael Giacchino deftly set the tone with practical effects, black-and-white cinematography, and a haunting score.
Top 10 worst Halloween Candy (2022 edition)
A top 10 list for just about anything could be considered clickbait. And yet, weeding out the worst of Halloween candy walks up to the edge of being an essential public service. If one must consume sugar laden treats that conspire to erode one’s pearly whites, at least let them be quality.
Man of Steel (2013) – Rewatch
Man of Steel was released in 2013 to much fanfare. After all, it was the return of Superman to the big screen as well as the first entry for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film was directed by Zack Snyder and written by David S. Goyer from a story by him and Christopher Nolan. Lastly, a relatively unknown British actor named Henry Cavill was slated to play the title role. The hype for the movie ran exceptionally high given the success of the critically acclaimed Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy.
Batman: Caped Crusader cancelled by HBO Max but might still rise elsewhere
Batman: Caped Crusader has been added to the list of high-profile projects killed off by HBO Max. Remember the villain Judge Doom from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Perhaps David Zaslav, Chief Executive Officer and President of Warner Bros. Discovery, holds the same loathing for all things animated.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor: Love and Thunder picks up the Asgardian’s story a few years after Avengers: End Game. More importantly, it is a movie co-written and directed by Taika Waititi who was responsible for the wildly successful adventure comedy Thor: Ragnorak. Marvel Studios gave Mr. Waititi nearly complete creative freedom for Love and Thunder. He chose to differentiate Love and Thunder from Ragnorak by creating a light-hearted romantic comedy with a mix of 1980s-inspired adventure.