Tag: John Williams

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) | REVIEW

A de-aged Harrison Ford in INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY — PHOTO: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Directed by James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari) — Screenplay by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, David Koepp, and James Mangold.

When it was first announced that Steven Spielberg was not going to direct this fifth and supposedly final Indiana Jones big-screen adventure, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who was filled with a feeling of trepidation. After all, even though Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull — the fourth Indiana Jones film and the final of the bunch that was directed by Spielberg — was met with harsh criticism from vocal online parts of the fandom, it still occasionally has that infectious Spielbergian magic and bravura (and it isn’t as bad as its online reputation suggests). Lucasfilm instead lined up Logan and Ford v Ferrari director James Mangold to take over as director of a film that also wouldn’t have co-creator George Lucas as a credited screenwriter. So, these were definitely uncharted waters for Indiana Jones fans. It did feel wrong to see it go on without Spielberg and Lucas, but, based on his talent as a filmmaker and his excellent recent filmography, I honestly trusted James Mangold to be the steady hand this endeavor needed. Having now seen the film, I can say that while you definitely feel Spielberg’s absence, Mangold has managed to make a genuinely affecting action-adventure film. I really enjoyed it.

Continue reading “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) | REVIEW” →

Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones Films | REVIEWS

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones standing next to the Golden Idol in RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK — PHOTO: Paramount Pictures.

Putting into words exactly how much Indiana Jones means to me is not an easy feat. What I can say is that it holds a special place in my heart, and had the film series not existed I can say that I would have been a different person. Without Indiana Jones, I would not have pursued an archaeology school internship when I was very young. without Indiana Jones, I would not have been as excited to pursue academia. I can trace so many of my interests back to these films. They mean a lot to me. But I had never previously sat down to watch them with a critical eye and with the purpose of reviewing them. So, as Indiana Jones was set to make his return to the big screen this week with James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, I decided to finally review the four Indiana Jones films that Steven Spielberg directed.

Continue reading “Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones Films | REVIEWS” →

REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Theatrical Release Poster – Disney / Lucasfilm

The following is a review of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker — Directed by J. J. Abrams.

Although the subtitle of this film suggests otherwise, Disney has been pretty adamant in saying that the Skywalker saga (i.e. the episodes) is coming to an end with this ninth episode, which thus ends Disney’s sequel trilogy. It has been a trilogy that has been bumpier than I expected it to be, which is largely due to Lucasfilm hirings and firings, as well as the return of a rabid, entitled, and toxic part of the Star Wars fandom, which has been determined to have their say on what can and cannot be appreciated about these films. This part of fandom has been absolutely infuriating, and it has robbed Star Wars fans of the happiness that one should get when you discuss something that you love. J. J. Abrams’ The Force Awakens was an undeniably satisfying and very rewatchable table-setter, and Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi was an ambitious, bold, and critically acclaimed exploration of legacy, legends, and failure. Now we have The Rise of Skywalker, J. J. Abrams’ curtain-closer. Though I did ultimately enjoy the film, I have to admit and acknowledge that this is definitely the sequel trilogy’s low-point, in part due to Abrams’ obvious attempt to appease parts of the fandom that could only be pacified by reversing decisions that were made in Rian Johnson’s film. Continue reading “REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)” →

6th I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards, Part Two – 2018

This is it. We are finally here where it all matters. This is where I highlight the best technical achievements and performances of the year. This is where I get a chance to recognize all of my favorite films that I saw this past year. As always, I also have a lifetime achievement film award at the end of the post, so don’t forget about that one. For the full list of nominees, go here. Continue reading “6th I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards, Part Two – 2018” →

What’s Next For Indiana Jones? – Special Features #3

Indiana Jones. I always knew someday he’d return to the big screen. I never doubted that. Something made it inevitable. In March 2016, The Walt Disney Company announced that Steven Spielberg was going to direct an untitled fifth Indiana Jones film starring Harrison Ford.

The new film is going to be released in the summer of 2020, and it will therefore be released twelve years after Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystall Skull opened in theaters. Today, I want to talk about the future of yet another beloved franchise that Harrison Ford is returning to. Continue reading “What’s Next For Indiana Jones? – Special Features #3” →

RETRO REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Drew Struzan’s Release Poster – 20th Century Fox
Drew Struzan’s Release Poster – 20th Century Fox

The following is a retro review of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, a George Lucas film.

While I don’t love every film in the franchise, I clearly love Star Wars. I write about the franchise all the time. So while it is pretty obvious, it pains me to admit that The Phantom Menace wasn’t a good movie. I tried not to tear that film apart in my review of it.

I wanted to review this film right after reviewing The Phantom Menace, but, for some reason, it took me a very long time to finally muster up enough strength to write about this film. This review has been delayed for way too long. Let’s finally talk about the worst Star Wars film. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Release Poster - Warner Bros.
Release Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a retro review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – directed by Chris Columbus

The Harry Potter franchise is huge. The books are incredibly important to a lot of people, and the films are too. I really loved the Harry Potter films, and I would always look forward to them – at least until someone spoiled future events for me. Philosopher’s Stone was the first chapter in the story of Harry Potter, and it introduced you to the wonderful world of magic. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

Drew Struzan’s Release Poster – 20th Century Fox

The following is a retro review of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, a George Lucas film.

The first return of Star Wars didn’t go as well as planned. Way back in 1999, George Lucas resurrected the greatest movie franchise of all-time with The Phantom Menace. It included politics, fan-service, and a very young Darth Vader. Fans were certain that this franchise reboot was going to work, but, unfortunately, the end result did not live up to most fans’ expectations. To this day, the end result is remembered as one of the worst examples of prequel films, but, while I can’t say that I like the film, I don’t think it is as catastrophic as its sequel. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)” →

REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens

Theatrical Poster – The Force Awakens

The following is a spoiler-free review of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, directed by J. J. Abrams.

Set three decades after Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens follows the scavenging Rey (played by Daisy Ridley); the best pilot in the Resistance, Poe Dameron (played by Oscar Isaac); and a troubled stormtrooper, Finn (played by John Boyega), as they are suddenly thrown into a galaxy-wide search for someone or something… That is all I’ll say about the general plot of the film, which does feature the original three characters that we know and love. Star Wars is back! Continue reading “REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” →

CLASSIC REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)

Theatrical Release Poster – Art by Kazuhiko Sano

The following is a classic review of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, a Richard Marquand film. Expect spoilers.

1983 – Return of the Jedi – the end of the original trilogy. While Empire Strikes Back is definitely the best film, Return of the Jedi was my favorite film when I was younger. And there is a simple reason why this film, though not the best of the three, is remembered so fondly by so many people. Return of the Jedi is the most satisfying Star Wars film. Continue reading “CLASSIC REVIEW: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)” →