List: Sam Rockwell

Posted on October 29, 2014 at 3:50 pm

Sam Rockwell is one of the most versatile leading me in Hollywood. This week, he stars with Keira Knightley in “Laggies,” playing a single dad. Here are some of my favorite Sam Rockwell performances:

Moon Rockwell takes on the biggest possible acting challenge — he in alone on screen for the entire movie as a man on near the end of a three-year solo mission in outer space.

Galaxy Quest One of my favorite comedies of all time is this knowing and very loving tribute to “Star Wars” and its fans. Rockwell plays an actor who appeared on one episode of the beloved sci-fi series who gets taken along when the stars of the show are transported into a real outer space adventure.

Conviction Rockwell plays Kenny Waters in this fact-based story of a wrongly imprisoned man whose sister went to college and law school to have his conviction overturned.

Charlie’s Angels In the Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz reboot of the 1970’s television series, Rockwell plays a client hiding more than one secret.

The Way Way Back Rockwell plays the manager of a water park in this warm-hearted coming of age story. He perfectly captures the character’s defensive use of humor and irresponsible streak but essential goodness.

The Green Mile Tom Hanks is a prison guard in this Stephen King story set on Death Row, and Rockwell is one of the most vile and despicable prisoners.

What Makes Scary Movies Scary

Posted on October 28, 2014 at 8:00 am

Vox has a very good essay on what makes scary movies so scary, illustrated by thirteen classic scenes that demonstrate different techniques: introducing the monster, building suspense, silence and noise, and looong takes.

Family Movies for Halloween

Posted on October 26, 2014 at 8:00 am

Halloween gives kids a thrilling opportunity to act out their dreams and pretend to be characters with great power. But it can also be scary and even overwhelming for the littlest trick-or-treaters. An introduction to the holiday with videos from trusted friends can help make them feel comfortable and excited about even the spookier aspects of the holiday.

Kids ages 3-5 will enjoy Barney’s Halloween Party, with a visit to the pumpkin farm, some ideas for Halloween party games and for making Halloween decorations at home, and some safety tips for trick-or-treating at night. They will also get a kick out of Richard Scarry’s The First Halloween Ever, which is Scarry, but not at all scary! Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest has the beloved little monkey investigating the Legend of “No Noggin.” Disney characters celebrate Halloween in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – Mickey’s Treat.

Witches in Stitches is about witches who find it very funny when they turn their sister into a jack o’lantern. And speaking of jack o’lanterns, Spookley the Square Pumpkin is sort of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer of pumpkins. The round pumpkins make fun of him for being different until a big storm comes and his unusual shape turns out to have some benefits.

Kids from 7-11 will enjoy the classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and the silly fun of What’s New Scooby-Doo: Halloween Boos and Clues. Try The Worst Witch movie and series, about a young witch in training who keeps getting everything wrong. Kids will also enjoy The Halloween Tree, an animated version of a story by science fiction author Ray Bradbury about four kids who are trying to save the life of their friend. Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock on the original “Star Trek”) provides the voice of the mysterious resident of a haunted house, who explains the origins of Halloween and challenges them to think about how they can help their sick friend. The loyalty and courage of the kids is very touching. Debbie Reynolds plays a witch who takes her grandchildren on a Halloween adventure in the Disney Channel classic in Halloweentown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNGYJRcq5BM

Older children will appreciate The Witches, based on the popular book by Roald Dahl and Hocus Pocus, with children battling three witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. And of course there is the deliciously ghoulish double feature Addams Family and Addams Family Values based on the cartoons by Charles Addams. Episodes of the classic old television show are online.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YFk4b6yeX4

Two recent favorites, Paranorman and Monster House, should become a new Halloween tradition. Frankenweenie and Hotel Transylvania are also a lot of fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwTBXDHIKYY

The Nightmare Before Christmas has gorgeous music from Danny Elfman and stunningly imaginative visuals from Tim Burton in a story about a Halloween character who wonders what it would be like to be part of a happy holiday like Christmas. And don’t forget some old classics like The Cat and the Canary (a classic of horror/comedy) and the omnibus ghost story films “Dead of Night” and “The House that Dripped Blood.”

Happy Halloween!

Best Movies About Writers

Posted on October 21, 2014 at 3:37 pm

Flavorwire has put together a great list of the 50 best movies about writers. It’s always tricky to make a writer interesting on film. On one hand, you have the advantage of a character who is likely to be witty and eloquent. Movies are written by writers, so they have some insight and appreciation for what goes into putting words on paper (or screens). And some real-life writers have had interesting, even exciting lives. On the other hand, it is hard to make arresting visuals out of someone typing on a keyboard or scratching with a quill pen.

For depicting the passion and challenges of writing, I recommend Little Women, Harriet The Spy, Shakespeare In Love, Moliere, and Wonder Boys. And don’t forget documentaries like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Writers on Writing, Bukowski – Born Into This, and Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself.

What Movies Would You Give to Aliens to Explain Life on Earth?

Posted on September 25, 2014 at 8:00 am

Many thanks to Criticwire for inviting me to participate in an intriguing survey: what films would you give to aliens to explain life on earth? Here’s what I wrote:

I’d have to include a silent comedy, something that would be free of any language barriers and show them the importance of humor. I’ll go with “Modern Times,” with “The General” as a back-up. And I’d have to pick a Frank Capra film to show them that while humans may have a tendency to be bullies, we also are able to transcend it and sacrifice our own interests to help each other. That means “It’s a Wonderful Life,” because it so movingly conveys the impact that a single person can have and the best that a community can do when they come together. And I would add “Departures,” because there is no better depiction of the grace and dignity that can be achieved in grappling with the deepest conundrums of human existence.

Check out the responses from other critics — and let me know what you would pick!