It took us forever to review one of Paul Verhoeven’s flicks, so I thought it would be fun to follow it up immediately with the project released before it. I could describe the experimental nature of the production of this 2012 release, but you’ll probably get a bigger kick listening to this episode with no further introduction. Suffice to say, if any recording defines our different critical styles, its this one.
Two Cents 078: The Internet of Things to Come
The week in which CES and the Golden Globes take over, IMAX begins rolling out its VR business at the perfect time, Terrence Malick’s next is going to SXSW, and big news about Aquaman and Kevin Smith. I review The Bronze, Train to Busan, Now You See Me 2, and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed; while Steve shares thoughts Bitter Rice, Nerve, and A Monster Calls. Plus, the internet of things to come (featuring digital assistants), our continued views on technology and millennials, Intel’s continued VR push including hand tracking and “merged reality,” HTC’s Vive Tracker and subscription model, Linden Lab’s Sansar, Jason Segel, and George Clooney’s return to TV.
A Few Dollars More 006: Elle
We’ve started the year off with a fascinating thriller which a spoiler-free review sadly doesn’t do justice for, but as luck would have it, we have a separate show (this one) made for situations such as these. There’s a lot to ponder in this mind fuck of a rape flick; join us as we try to make sense of it all while praising its enigma.
Dollar Reviews 031: Elle
If the name Paul Verhoeven doesn’t mean anything to you, chances are you’ve never thought about our site’s branding. Robocop is one of those films that just gets me, so finally having the chance to not only catch it’s director’s latest work, but also review something of his for the first time, was a special treat for us. Given the nature of this flick, we are mum on details, but you can tune into A Few Dollars More for the juicier conversation.
Debt to Cinema 068: Mean Streets
We’ve featured films from revered directors on this show, but few as prestigious or hard working as Martin Scorsese. This is his first real movie, the chapter that began it all, a coming of age mafioso hang out flick, that premieres much of the style he would later master in Goodfellas and Casino. Despite its flaws, this slice of New Hollywood is an interesting adventure through the neighborhood of the filmmaker when he still had the angst of youth rushing through him.
Two Cents 077: Run The Jewels
The week in which we welcome the show into the year 2017, mourn the deaths of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, talk Everything is Terrible’s Jerry Maguire pop up rental shop, lament the latest IMAX delay, praise NBC making a puppet contestant show, and the chronicle the continued rise of Snapchat. Steve shares his impressions of Batman: Arkham VR, The Jungle Book, and Mad Max: Fury Road’s Black & Chrome edition while I talk Rogue One, Sausage Party, and Run The Jewels 3. Plus, Damien Chazelle is reteaming with Ryan Gosling on a Neil Armstrong biopic, China (via Alibaba) continues to attempt to take over the entertainment world, and Amazon moves closer to VR as the tech world promises early adopters won’t get left behind.
Debt to Cinema 067: Mixed Nuts
Everyone has that wacky relative, or literally insane friend who keeps things interesting. Well, what if Nora Ephron wrote and directed what Christmas in the company of an entire group of nuts would be like? Its a mixed bag to put it nicely, which is shocking given the skill of the filmmakers and cast on hand. I may have purchased a copy of this one for 25 cents, but a quarter might have been a little too much.
A Few Dollars More 005: La La Land
I didn’t exactly see the point in discussing this festival darling at greater length, but I think Steve was secretly hinting my recent romance might lead to an interesting discussion. He was right – join us for a no holds barred breakdown of how this fits in the Musical ouevre, our relationship with love, and ultimately just how splendid this picture is.
Dollar Reviews 030: La La Land
La La Land – both a nickname for Hollywood and the transcendental place couples live in when everything is perfect. In a world where everyone can be a celebrity, this third pairing of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone reminds us why we go the movies in the first place. These star crossed lovers make Damien Chazelle’s landmark re-imagining of the movie musical sparkle in a time where song and dance are rarely coupled anymore. For so many reasons this has been sweeping the 2016 award season and it deserves all the money #IdBuyThatForADollar
Debt to Cinema 066: Joyeux Noel
German, French, English, the entire world was involved in the war this film is centered around, but it takes a miracle to remind them we’re all the same. The supposedly true event at the heart of this is beautiful, I just wish more surrounding it was actualized. Moving from the horrors of the holiday to this humbling reminder of what makes us human, especially in the face of turmoil, is about as nutty life gets around Christmas (well, until next week that is…)
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