It’s a shame that “The Purge” is only sub-par since the concept for it is fantastic. A new society allowing the world to murder, steal and wreak havoc for twelve hours as a means of catharses is a really good concept for a wonderful film. I imagine the scenario for the development of “The Purge” was something similar to “The Player.” A writer comes in pitching a great concept but with absolutely no story to offer the studio. So instead they just tacked on a half assed home remake of “Assault on Precinct 13” with a sanctimonious commentary on free will, and patriotism.
Monthly Archives: July 2014
The PC Thug: Superman Represents Everyone
Superman once told villain Black Adam “I fight for people that can’t fight for themselves.” Unfortunately we don’t live in a world where there’s a Superman that can fight for the weak and speak for people without a voice. There are still plenty of Supermen and Superwomen out there, but it’s becoming so much tougher to find them these days.
The Time Batman Met the Green Hornet
When I was a very young, I grew up in front of the television. Not because my parents insisted on it, but because I was a bonafide TV addict. Growing up, I knew two things about television. One was that Adam West’s “Batman” was a great series, and that “Green Hornet” was the much more sophisticated and entertaining counterpart that was disgustingly underrated.
I didn’t grow up with either series since I was born in 1983, but back when local networks played classic programming during the day, “Batman” was a surefire choice of entertainment after school for many years. “Same Bat Time! Same Bat Channel!” always kept me coming back to see how Batman or Robin would get out of a jam. During that time, I fondly recall watching “Green Hornet” on VHS and found it to be much more entertaining and exciting.
Since we’re All Talking About “Seinfeld” Now…
I thought I’d give my opinion on the pilot episode “Seinfeld” (my number two favorite TV show of all time), entitled “The Seinfeld Chronicles.” Initially the show was called “The Seinfeld Chronicles” and had a much different format in store for audiences. The show didn’t really pick up and become a zany bit of sitcom fun until the episode with Keith Hernandez and the excellent spoof of “JFK”; although, “The Subway” is an excellent episode in its own right, as well.
Our Top Five “Batman: The Animated Series” Episodes
With Batman celebrating his 75th anniversary this year, I thought it’d be a good idea to remember Bruce Timm’s classic animated series about the Dark Knight. No animated series since has gained such acclaim and love from fans of all kinds. Whether you’re a nineties kid, a Batman fan, or an animation buff, there’s no denying “Batman the Animated Series” set the bar high. It was a masterpiece of storytelling, characterization, and mythology, all the while giving Batman a new dimension. It didn’t pander to kids, and often provided mature, complex, and morally gray tales of evil, crime fighting, and Bruce Wayne’s struggle to maintain his humanity under the cape and cowl.
These are our top five favorite episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series,” what are some of your favorites?
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
There aren’t many comedies that can reduce me to tears like “A Shot in the Dark” does. It’s one of those rare incredible comedies where every element from the story to the characters is so pitch perfect, it’s astounding. Character Clouseau even breaks the fourth wall at one point, destroying the momentum of the final confrontations. But he gets away with it so slyly, because Peter Sellers’ timing, matched with his physical comedy is flawless and genius. Even if you’ve never seen a Pink Panther movie, getting acquainted with Jacques Clouseau is a breeze because Sellers and director Blake Edwards establish him with subtle idiosyncrasies and almost no dialogue.
The Final Terror (1983) [Blu-Ray/DVD]
If anything you have to admire “The Final Terror” for being a slasher survival film that eschews the horny annoying teenagers. In exchange, we have younger adults that also happen to be forest rangers. And yes, they’re horny, too. But you take the good with the bad. Teamed together for some kind of task in the wilderness, they happen to mistakenly trespass in the backyard of a vicious hunter. Said hunter is part Jason Voorhees, and part Yautja sans the science fiction.





