SNAPSHOT Though the title might suggest a focus on the hard-shelled animals, publisher Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, says the novel “begins with a fugitive billionaire and a cash reward. It is about lifelong friendship, the intimacy of an unexpected reunion, Star Wars fan fiction, and Continue Reading
Movie review: Monsieur Chocolat
Biopics are, in many ways, as reviled as they are loved. Done well, with inventiveness and a willingness to showcase creatively some core period in that person’s life that speaks best to who they were throughout, biopics are an illumination, a artistic snapshot grants compelling insight to figures often Continue Reading
Raise your marmalade sandwiches high: Farewell Michael Bond, creator of Paddington #RIP
Back on one warm Friday morning in late 2014, I walked into a darkened cinema in Sydney, beyond eager (but also a little trepidatious) to watch Paddington, the big screen adaptation of Michael Bond’s much-loved bear. I needn’t have worried because the people who brought this film to life, Continue Reading
Comic book review: Animal Noir (issues 1-4)
It is oft said that you should never discuss politics, religion or social issues. As truisms go, this is one that still carries a great deal of cautionary weight, especially in today’s world where people have retreated to hermetically-sealed belief towers into which no other line of thought should Continue Reading
A fascinating journey: Adam Driver talks about finding his true vocation as an actor
SNAPSHOT Before he fought in the galactic battles of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Adam Driver was a United States Marine with 1/1 Weapons Company. He tells the story of how and why he became a Marine, the complex transition from soldier to civilian — and Arts in the Continue Reading
Fear the Walking Dead: “Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame” (S3, E5 review)
SPOILERS AHEAD … AND POETRY, DAMN POETRY AND BRAIN-EATING CROWS One of the great existential dilemmas of The Walking Dead franchise as a whole has been whether it is possible to stay human (be tender, merciful, cultured, artistic) in the face of an unrelenting threat that, on the face Continue Reading
Rollin’ France: An hilarious animated look at a world where animals are round
You’ve seen Rollin’ Safari – and if you have not, why not, here’s the link, remedy this immediately if not sooner – and now the people who brought this imaginative and damn funny animated conjecturing on what a world of round animals would look like, Kyra Buschor and Constantin Päplow from Continue Reading
Weekend poster art: The Little Hours get medievally saucy
SNAPSHOT The film stars Franco as a servant in the Middle Ages who flees the clutches of his oppressive master (Nick Offerman), ultimately taking up residence with a convent of wild nuns (Plaza, Shannon, Brie, Micucci) in the campy interpretation of Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century work The Decameron (synopsis via Continue Reading
Sesame Street: Whoopi Goldberg and Elmo Draw Picture for Pen Pal in Syria
SNAPSHOT Elmo wants to cheer up his friend Laila from Syria—so he decides to draw her a picture. Millions of children like Laila are missing out on education and need our help. (synopsis via YouTube) Though it is justifiably known and lauded for its brilliant work as a worldwide Continue Reading
The Librarians: Saving the world, one comic book at a time
SNAPSHOT Way back in the swinging ‘70s, movie producer Sol Schick was the guy behind such cheesy classics as Quarry: Bigfoot!, Noah’s Ark: Found at Last! and Heavenly Visitors from the Hell Above. But when he’s murdered – at a film festival! – with a piece of Noah’s Ark! Continue Reading