JANUARY 3 – “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” 10 – “The Legend of Hercules”, “Her” (Wide Expansion), “Lone Survivor” (Wide Expansion) 17 – “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”, “The Nut Job”, “Ride Along”, “Devil’s Due” 24 – “I, Frankenstein” (I, Angry) 31 – “Labor Day” (Wide Expansion), “That Awkward Moment” FEBRUARY 7 – “The LEGO Movie”, […]

There were some true masterpiece films in 2013, and even more epic failures. So many, in fact, that a few major disappointments (“After Earth”, “The Heat”, “The Fifth Estate”, and “Man of Steel”) couldn’t even make it onto my Honorable Mentions list. Here are the Worst of the Worst: 1. “PAIN & GAIN” Michael Bay […]

The first nine months of 2013 were fairly solid. But the final quarter of the year has been so good that this has become the strongest Awards Season race of the 21st Century. Out of all the films released, these 10 stand out above the rest: 1. “SAVING MR. BANKS” Like Mary Poppins herself, “Saving […]

During this time of year, you’re likely gathering around with loved ones watching some great holiday-themed films – “A Christmas Story”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Christmas Vacation” – and modern classics such as “Elf”, “The Santa Clause”, “The Polar Express”, “Scrooged” and “Arthur Christmas”. But what about those OTHER Christmas movies? […]

Comedian Kevin Hart has had great success as a stand-up comedian, taking his act to the big screen in 2011’s “Laugh at My Pain” and this year’s “Let Me Explain”, a 4th of July weekend hit that grossed over $32 million. But now Hart has transformed into a bonafide movie star. Sure, he’s had memorable […]

While the trailers and clips of “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” look surprisingly unfunny, every other marketing idea for promoting Will Ferrell/Ron Burgundy and the rest of the Channel 4 News Team’s return has been genius. It began back in May 2012 when the first teaser trailer for “Anchorman 2” was released, with several follow-ups […]

This weekend’s “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is expected to be one of the biggest films of the year. But, considering we’re in the early stages of the most crowded holiday season ever, will it be able to surpass the original’s $303M take at the box office? “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” opened to […]

Attention: This is a Spoiler-Free Blog Final scenes can make or break a movie. These are the standout conclusions (the extraordinary and the epic failures) of 2013: The Best “12 YEARS A SLAVE” – The culmination of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s fine performance. “CAPTAIN PHILLIPS” – Tom Hanks at his best (and most emotional). “DESPICABLE ME 2” […]

Last year, I walked out of “Lincoln” having a pretty good feeling that Daniel Day-Lewis was going to walk away with every Best Actor award. Check! After watching “Silver Linings Playbook”, I predicted Jennifer Lawrence would be the year’s Oscars darling. Check! And practically everyone could see that Anne Hathaway’s Best Supporting Actress dream would […]

It’s been a tremendous year for African-American films and performers. “12 Years a Slave” is the current frontrunner for Best Picture of the Year and star Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o are top acting contenders. “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” has grossed $116 million and could see stars Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey walk the Oscars […]