Man of Steel Review

More than any other super hero in comic book history, Superman may be the one filled with the most contradictions and paradoxes. He is an alien that grew up as a human; he is also a common citizen and a godly superhero. He has two fathers and two mothers, but has never met his biological parents. He grew up on earth but strives for his homeland. The idea of the double identity not only dominates the narrative thrust of Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel," but also illuminates the movie's form.

As the film commences, the viewer is taken to Krypton where the birth of Kal-El (later known as Clark Kent and Superman) is taking place. His father Jor-El (Russell Crowe) sends him to earth to avoid the destruction of his home planet. The opening prologue also introduces the viewer to the film's principal antagonist Zod (Michael Shannon). The general hopes to utilize a special code to recreate the Kryptonian species. Unfortunately his military coup goes awry and the code is stored away in the shuttle with Kal-El. Continue Reading

Conciliation Screens on June 5th

Our Film Conciliation will Be Screened on June 5th at the Elmont Library at 6pm. It will be Screened as Part of the "Best of Fest" from 2012's Long Island International Film Expo. Q&A will be held after the film. Many great films will also play as part of the program which will begin at 1pm and end at 9pm

Star Trek Review

Back in 2009, J.J. Abrams brought the "Star Trek" franchise back to the forefront with a solid reboot. The film was noted for its relentless pacing, its solid cast of newcomers, and its ability to re-establish the magic that created legions of Trekkies. It also introduced the world to the technique of exaggerated lens flare.

As is often the case, a sequel creates a great sense of excitement and anxiety in the same measure. Fans anticipate seeing their favorite heroes embark on a new journey, but are also wondering if the tremendous artistic success of the original will reappear in the sequel. In many ways "Into Darkness" not only lives up to these expectations but exceeds them on many fronts. Continue Reading

Late Text

I want to announce a new film that I produced which will be going to the festival circuit. "Late text" directed by Andrew Musso is a cautionary tale about driving and texting. Join Our Facebook to continue and get updates. https://www.facebook.com/LateText

The Great Gatsby Review

"The Great Gatsby" is undoubtedly one of the great American novels of the 20^th century. Its complex narrative of the faltering American dream presents a portrait of an increasingly disillusioned world that continues to have ramifications in the modern world. While its current adaptation for the cinematic medium presents no surprise, the choice of director could have many spectators worried. However, the current Warner Brothers adaptation of the wondrous novel is a fascinating display of the cinematic brilliance. Continue Reading

Tribeca Film Festival Roundup

After two weeks at the Tribeca Film festival Dave and I Compiled our favorties films at the Festival. We did not see the same films so unlike our top ten films of the years these lists are quite different. 

Here are the links 

Francisco's List

Dave's list 

Trance Review

Danny Boyle's films have always been characterized for their challenging nature and visual flair, but his last two works "127 Hours," and "Slumdog Millionaire" were considerably tame compared to other pieces in his oeuvre. However, his latest work "Trance" promises to return Boyle to the stylish exuberance that launched his career.

Simon (James McAvoy), an art auctioneer, helps a gang steel the painting of Goya's "Witches in the Air." During the escape, Simon attempts to stop gang leader Franck (Vincent Cassel) and wounds up getting knocked out. When he awakens from a coma, Simon is captured by the gang and tortured until he reveals where he hid the painting. However, Simon is suffering from amnesia and cannot remember. In order to extract the memory, Franck hires hypnotist Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson) to help in the search. From here, the film takes a number of unexpected twists and turns that will test the audience's ability to differentiate between what is real and what isn't. Continue Reading