There is something very exciting about a directorial debut. Obviously, the filmmaker is excited about their first chance to step behind the camera on a feature film, but, as an audience member or film writer of any kind, it is so fascinating to see the choices being made. Sometimes some of the boldest and most imaginative filmmakers present us with instant classics, other times newcomers deliver a product that may not be extraordinary filmmaking but which may still be a moving or exciting motion picture. In this month’s best of the decade list, I’m honoring the very best directorial debuts. Some of them are first works for potential auteurs, while others are impressive blockbuster entertainment from untested new filmmakers just learning the ropes. Continue reading “Best of the 2010s: Directorial Debut Films”
Tag: 10 Cloverfield Lane
4th I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards – 2016
It’s that time of the year again! I’m finally ready to reveal the winners of the thirty categories. This is the 4th IJR Awards, but also the biggest yet. To see the nominees for the following thirty awards, go here and here. Continue reading “4th I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards – 2016”
IJR Awards 2016: Nominations Announced, Part Two of Two
It’s time for the second – and final – half of the nominations for the 2016 IJR Awards. This time it’s all about movies and documentaries. I’ll announce the winners of all categories on February 20th, before announcing my top ten films of 2016 on February 22nd. Continue reading “IJR Awards 2016: Nominations Announced, Part Two of Two”
16 Things Film and TV Fans Should Be Thankful For In 2016
Happy Turkey Day! Since the year is coming to an end – and it is already Thanksgiving – I thought I’d post a list of things from the world of film and television that I’m thankful for this year. Continue reading “16 Things Film and TV Fans Should Be Thankful For In 2016”
REVIEW: 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

The following is a review of ’10 Cloverfield Lane’, a Dan Trachtenberg film.
Let’s talk about expectations. The tagline of the film, “Monsters come in many forms,” is the truest representation of the film. With the original Cloverfield we were treated to a found-footage monster movie, but 10 Cloverfield Lane is a much more polished, suspenseful, and mysterious thriller. It is a very different movie, so manage your expectations. But I think I actually like 10 Cloverfield Lane more than its titular relative. Continue reading “REVIEW: 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)”