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MacGuffin Spotlight
An Appreciation – Heat
Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) is the culmination of a career long obsession for its creator. For as long as Mann has been a filmmaker, he’s constantly returned to the same subject: the intricacies and nuances of characters operating on both sides of the law. Cops…
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Can You Dig It?: The Culture and Importance of Blaxploitation Films
“Am I Black enough for you?” Reverend Deke O’Mailey shouts to a crowd in Harlem. “Are you Black enough to hear me?” he asks back. It’s a moniker that becomes a self referential joke throughout the Blaxploitation movie Cotton Comes to Harlem, as other characters…
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Film Analysis – 2015 Oscar Nominated Shorts (Animated)
It is an unfortunate fact that some of the least seen and distributed Academy Award nominees every year are the short films. There is usually a lot of talent and energy on display in these small gems, but with limited channels for distribution and few…
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2015 Oscar Predictions – Ben’s Picks
The Academy Awards are here again and unlike most years I am actually ready to move on to the next year. Don’t get me wrong, I will watch and get excited and angry depending on the results but most awards are pretty wrapped up except,…
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Top 10 Films of 2014 – Adelaide’s List
I’m a grumpy middle-aged lady, and I want to see films when I want to see them—which is often long after they’ve left the theater. So my top ten 2014 is composed of new-to-me films from any year. Also, “top” does not necessarily mean “best”…
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Arena Review – Walking with Dinosaurs
Spencer and Nick stray off the beaten path and head for Tacoma to experience the arena show inspired by the movie Walking with Dinosaurs 3D. After witnessing history come alive, and surviving a Tyrannosaurus Rex attack, they have returned to share their tales. The show is geared towards families…
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For the Ladies – Maniac Cop
I love a good exploitation movie, especially one that combines horror, action, and great stunts. What I don’t like so much is how these movies usually portray women. Now, I have a sense of perspective, and I don’t really need everything to match up with…
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An Appreciation – Alien
In space no one can hear you scream It continues to amaze me how the first act of Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) is so…quiet. Very little happens in the opening scenes, and yet even now, they induce an unsettling feeling. Maybe because we know what…
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