It is very likely that if you were born in the twentieth century, you grew up with Disney. The creator of what is the most iconic animation studio in history, Walt Disney, was a visionary – he was an incredible artist that stands amongst Picasso, Van Gogh and Turner, and a ruthless businessman, who took…
Author: The Postmodern Pelican
Tammy (2014)
Melissa McCarthy has become one of the most bankable leading ladies in movies today, and she is no longer a supporting funny lady, but instead a full-on, intense comedic force. Her film, Tammy, was a passion project for McCarthy – she and her husband, Ben Falcone, came up with the idea for the film and…
Synecdoche, New York (2008)
I can’t begin to even attempt to explain Synecdoche, New York. It is a layered, complex masterpiece that will elicit so many different responses from the audience – for those looking for a smart comedy-drama, this will probably be the most boring film you’ll ever see. For those looking for an existential crisis that will…
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014)
I will be the very first to admit that I have never been very kind to young adult novel adaptations. I feel the incredible Harry Potter film series set the scene for every fantasy novel to be given the film treatment. This year alone we have had Divergent, The Giver and The Maze Runner. None…
An Appreciation of…Mike Nichols (1931 – 2014)
I was incredibly saddened today to hear about the death of Mike Nichols. Not only was he one of my all-time favorite directors, I found it about it on my birthday, which makes him the second director in the span of a few years for that to happen to, with the other being the brilliant…
The Guard (2011)
After seeing Brendan Gleeson’s absolutely amazing work in Calvary a few weeks ago, I was eager to see his other collaboration with John Michael McDonagh, the Irish version of a traditional buddy cop comedy. The film, entitled The Guard, is a real oddity of a comedy – it has a simple premise combined with the…
Mr. Mom (1983)
There are few people that epitomize the 1980s cinema world quite like John Hughes and Michael Keaton. In what was only their sophomore film efforts – Hughes writing and Keaton starring, they create one of the most endearing family comedies of the tumultuous eighties. Keaton plays Jack Butler, the ultimate 1980s family man – loving…
An Appreciation of…Jim Carrey (1962 – present)
Jim Carrey may not be the definition of a thespian. Despite being a huge box-office draw, and being relatively beloved by a huge fanbase, Carrey is a divisive actor. Some find his broad comedic appeal revolting, and will avoid seeing him in a movie at all costs. However, if you look a little deeper, you…
Streets of Fire (1984)
Streets of Fire, the epitome of 1980s romantic action movies, begins with a crowded nightclub. The beautiful and talented (and here quite youthful) Diane Lane begins singing a rousing song that none other than Meat Loaf would go on to record later on. It is a joyous, energetic introduction, filled with 1950s decor combined with…
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Smart satire and broad comedy are both very popular forms of humour, but they very rarely overlap. A great example is seen when we look at the smart, neurotic humour of Woody Allen, and the more lowbrow, but equally excellent, work of Mel Brooks. Both were excellent filmmakers that carved out their niches in Hollywood….
The Postmodern Pelican 