-
Meet the Author - Rory Dean
-
-
Blog Catalog Sites
Above the Line: Practical Movie Reviews- The Matrix (1999) Blu-ray May 24, 2012The Matrix is that rare treat of a movie that entertains on a multitude of levels and as a result appeals to a diverse audience. You don't have to be an adrenaline hyped action junkie to enjoy the ride, or spend years snuffing dust print dust with your nose crammed in books on quantum physics and Einsten Rosen Bridge theory to be entertained. Exceeding […]rorydean
- Roadie (2011) May 6, 2012“Roadie” captures the dying dreams of middle-age coming to terms with changing or staying the same forever. That’s why you should watch “Roadie” because it gets so much of living and dying right. There’s always another comic book movie for getting away from it all. These films are like calling cards, like the pictures you look back on and say see, that’s act […]rorydean
- Ides Of March (2011) March 29, 2012George Clooney writes, directs and stars in this fine and impressive ensemble of talent with some of the brightest stars in front of the camera and behind it. Ides Of March is well made and character driven and for the most part the film accomplishes its goal of poking the seething underbelly of political corruption with impressive results from a fine ensemb […]rorydean
- Take Shelter (2011) March 28, 2012It's easy to fault a film that stumbles for lack of extravagance, which is forgivable but a film that purposefully mires itself in tiny revelations involving breakfast sausage and excavators is neither cinematic nor particularly engaging. Take Shelter makes every effort to portray normal but can't get beyond which crayon to use. Continue reading […]rorydean
- Miss Nobody (2010) February 12, 2012The fact Miss Nobody (2010) makes no effort to hide its similarities in the comfort of blatant clichés feels short-sighted if not intentionally convenient. It will most likely appeal best to those interested in caricature over character and those looking for a laugh at the expense of clever. Continue reading →rorydean
- The Matrix (1999) Blu-ray May 24, 2012
Monthly Archives: December 2011
Hollywood’s Blockbuster Makes Victims of Us All
Over the last couple of years there’s been a steady upsurge in the number of big budget, high concept films fueled almost entirely on catchy, gimmick-ridden premises. We have to demand more from Hollywood or they’re going to keep shoveling us manure and laughing when we step in it and track it all over the carpets of our lives and spare them the stink. Continue reading
Posted in Essays on Film, Movie I've Seen, Movie Makers & Shakers, Movies You Should or Should Not See, My Review of Their Review:, Online, philosophy and film, Rants & Raves
Tagged 2011 films, above the line, big budget, blockbusters, franchises, practical movie reviews, prequels, remakes, rory dean, sequels
7 Comments
War Horse (2011)
War Horse (2011) is effective, entertaining and at times exceedingly sentimental, yet audiences and critics seem mostly upbeat and genuinely receptive since it opened on Christmas day. If Spielberg fails at all it is that he stumbles over this romantic notion of closure and ideals – the often tidy solutions to otherwise untidy situations. Continue reading
