"RKO 281" offers a vividly compelling presentation of the troubled history behind Orson Welles and his magnum opus "Citizen Kane." This historical drama about the so-called “boy wonder” helming a film inspired by the life of a powerful man highlights the ego clashes and politics surrounding Hollywood. As a cinematic offering, it frames itself as a dramatically sound genesis of what is often described as “The Greatest American Film of All Time” through its amalgam of fictional recreations and historical accounts partly based
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Influential Movies in Hollywood Film History: 1990 to 2010
Who can forget films that influenced eras and generations of film enthusiasts? Anyone from film school or just about any film buff well adept with classics would have seen films like "The Birth of a Nation," "Battleship Potemkin," "Citizen Kane," and "2001: A Space Odyssey." Even the young filmgoers of today would most likely know big movie franchises such as "King Kong," "Jurassic Park," and "Star Wars." The past 30 years has its own offering of influential Hollywood motion-picture projects worth chronicling
Oscar-nominated movies to watch on Father’s Day
Spending quality time with dads in celebration of Father's Day can be most fitting when watching movies that particularly touch on father-child relationships. Dads and their children have varying tastes and interests when it comes to movie genres. Yet, choosing from a diverse list of the best Oscar-nominated movies with memorable father characters can be quite ideal, especially when trimming down options or looking for interesting themes for movies to watch on Father's Day. "Big Fish" On a personal note, "Big Fish"
Movies for Mother’s Day: Musicals with memorable mom characters
While it is expected that movies for Mother's Day should primarily feature likeable mom characters and stories about a mother's love, going a little more festive and distinct can actually add a more special appeal to the celebration. Choosing fun or heartwarming musicals for a Mother's Day movie marathon or for a movie night to cap off a pleasing family day can make the occasion even more vibrant, touching, and memorable. With the many ways to celebrate Mothers' Day from fine
Underrated Las Vegas destinations
Las Vegas may be best known for the Las Vegas Strip, but there's more to the city than just the dazzling hotels, casinos, and shops. Just a few miles away from this area often simply called the Strip, there are a number of underrated Las Vegas attractions that both locals and tourists can enjoy. These spots feature what Vegas can offer beyond the festive lights and exuberant sounds coming from the bustling Strip. These include art-house venues and man-made and natural
‘District 9’ Film Review: Thinking man’s sci-fi
"District 9" is a hybrid of a film: a Hollywood material that looks like a successful anti-Hollywood venture and a brilliant social commentary. Produced by the people behind the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) franchise including its helmer Peter Jackson, this motion picture delivers its universal message about ethnic tolerance through the tale of a doomed extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth, mainly in a South African ghetto, until these beings suddenly find a kindred spirit in a
‘Star Trek’ (2009) Film Review: Warpspeed wow!
Something old reboots as a glorious new. Reinventing a classic sci-fi series is prone to becoming victimized by the blackhole of franchise re-openings, but what this new "Star Trek" presents is a flaring shine of a supernova from start to end. The plot may be preposterous, but the way the film is constructed provides a genuinely rollicking adventure - a fine escapist entertainment that has just validated the tagline, "Live long and prosper." From the first stunning visuals of a pre-Enterprise time
‘Deep Sea 3D’ Film Review: Underwater magic
If you have that fancy for scuba diving and underwater magic without getting wet, then the jaw-dropping experience of submerging into the coolest underground deserts and forests in "Deep Sea 3D" should be worth your while. Clocking in at around 40 minutes, this 3D offering showcases how the sights and sounds of the "real deep sea" becomes "cinematic magic." "Deep Sea 3D" is a marvel in 3D filmmaking. The IMAX experience lets you sink way down for that stereoscopic 3D acquaintance with the grandeur of the deep
‘U2 3D’ Film Review: A concert experience for the price of an IMAX ticket
"U2 3D" is a spectacular, musically and visually superb experience simulating a front-row view and beyond of a U2 concert, probably the closest a big group can collectively get to the real thing, up close and personal. This rockumentary features cutting-edge technology that establishes an uncommonly intimate and occasionally surreal bond between the legendary band and the audience. Every development in the history of cinema has always been about making the experience more fun and amazing. For over a quarter-century, U2 has
‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ Film Review: The odds of guilty pleasure
For "Ocean's Thirteen," watching the inventive and spontaneous bunch of professional men pulling off an impossible heist for the third time is a guilty pleasure to watch. The usual suspects known for delivering their witty lines in effective, nonchalant ways, as well as doing impossible tasks in various capacities, are back with sophisticated humor, peppered ironies, comedic suspense, and contagious energy that has marked the franchise since "Ocean's Eleven." Centering the saga on male camaraderie, team loyalty, and cool professionalism, this follow-up offering has