The latest entry into the Conjuring cinematic universe (yes, this is now apparently a thing), Annabelle: Creation, dabbles with the origin story of the creepy doll that first surfaced as a prop in The Conjuring (2013). Think of it as a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them spinoff to the Ed and Lorraine Warren story, but with less Nifflers. But does this film add anything significant to the franchise, or does it simply fall into line with other passable horror films we'll forget about in a few years?
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When the latest version of the Spider-Man surfaced in the middle of Captain America: Civil War, fans of the web-slinger had reason to hope. In just a few brief glimpses, something existed that was sorely missing from earlier screen adaptations. The lightheartedness was there. The quippy one-liners were on point. We finally had a Spider-Man that felt aligned with the comic book source material. It's about how I felt when Hulk finally just smashed and proclaimed "Puny God" in the first Avengers film. 

But, is this a character best served in small bites, or does a full course cinematic meal prove that Spider-Man is now a legitimate player in the MCU?
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"There are nights when all my aching bones won't let me sleep,
And demons come to plague me as I lie in bed."
​     - Crash Test Dummies

What happens when compassion conflicts with suppressed urges?

Martha Farnsworth (Nicole Kidman) runs a school for girls in the Civil War era Virginia countryside. She teaches the ways of prim and proper southern lady etiquette, as an accompaniment of cannon fire echoes a bit too close for comfort. When a wounded Union soldier, Corporal John McBurney (Colin Farrell), is unexpectedly tossed into the mix, allegiances are tested, nerves are frayed, and unspoken desires are gradually unleashed.
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"Cause the world keeps spinnin'
'Round and 'round
And my heart's keepin' time
To the speed of sound"
     - from Hairspray

With every toe-tapping, dashboard banging note, Baby Driver energizes. It's not a musical about driving, but music drives the movie; each screeching tire perfectly synched to a tune selected specifically to ride shotgun with the action on screen.

Every once in a while you come across a small indie gem tucked away in the dark corners of Netflix and it satisfies your entertainment craving for something different. Unfortunately, Little Boxes is not that film. 

This week over on feelinfilm.com, I discuss my thoughts on the newest entry into the DC universe, Wonder Woman. While I consider the film's merits as blockbuster entertainment, I also add some commentary on the significance of Hollywood's first female led superhero film, and why that's the most important factor when judging its success or failure.  Check out the article HERE.

To accompany the release of their Almost Famous episode, the ​Feelin' Film Podcast guys asked site contributors to call back to some of our favorite coming of age films.  This gave me an opportunity to rewatch one of the best teen comedies of the 80's, Can't Buy Me Love, and share a few thoughts on how the film continues to maintain relevance today.  Check out the article HERE, and be sure to check out all of the great films mentioned.

This week, over on feelinfilm.com, I wax poetic about Ridley Scott's latest foray into the Alien mythology, with some words about Alien: Covenant.  Check out my take HERE.

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with a late 70's classic, Saturday Night Fever, on the big screen. 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of this iconic film, and I have a few things to say about it. Check out my thoughts over at Feelin' Film and feel free to share your opinions on the film in the comments section.

This past weekend saw the latest release from writer/director Guy Ritchie, with his take on the legend of King Arthur and his mighty blade, Excalibur.  My review of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword can be found over at everymoviehasalesson.com, where site creator Don Shanahan, co-founder of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle, has graciously allowed me the space to wax poetic on my thoughts.  Read the review HERE, and be sure to bookmark Don's site.  He makes good words.