Although January closed with a Machine Head concert, the month still ended kind of quietly. Metal shows can be cathartic since they allow a person to rage. At the same time, there’s a definite joy in being able to move around without chronic pain. Granted, I can’t flail around like old times, but I can still headbang a bit. And it’s a reminder that I’m getting over the afflictions that have stymied so many projects this past year.
Still, plenty got done all the same. Last month I tried to focus on getting more fiction done and we’ll see how that pans out in the months ahead. I got a good feeling a few pieces will sell. Still, movie articles needed to be written. Reviews, analysis, retrospectives, and something a little different – let’s dive in.
Still, plenty got done all the same. Last month I tried to focus on getting more fiction done and we’ll see how that pans out in the months ahead. I got a good feeling a few pieces will sell. Still, movie articles needed to be written. Reviews, analysis, retrospectives, and something a little different – let’s dive in.
The month opened with a scene analysis comparing moments in The Rainmaker (1997) with similar ones in The Verdict (1982). Not too long ago I was trying to find a film to watch for fun. I stumbled on The Verdict, and since Paul Newman is always a safe bet, I gave the picture a shot. It was a solid film, easy to see why it won as many awards as it did, especially the various Oscars. However, throughout the viewing I couldn’t help noticing serious similarities to The Rainmaker. In many ways, the two pictures are basically the same movie.
Now, I’m no big city lawyer attempting to try some plagiarism case, but I reckon its safe to say the one film definitely influenced the other. I’m tempted to even cast similar suspicions at The Rainmaker novel. And though I’ll concede, as I do in the article, legal dramas are constrained by the demands of courtroom protocol, the realities of the law, etc., plots can still be a little close for comfort. Still, I didn’t want to hurl accusations about carelessly, so instead leaned into how scenes can be almost exactly the same yet play out differently simply because of the way they’re shot.
This is an interesting piece about how camera angles influence the perception of events. Sometimes this is subtle. Other occasions affect audiences overtly. The point is that using angles effectively can vastly improve a simple scene.
Angles on The Verdict and The Rainmaker | Film Obsessive
Now, I’m no big city lawyer attempting to try some plagiarism case, but I reckon its safe to say the one film definitely influenced the other. I’m tempted to even cast similar suspicions at The Rainmaker novel. And though I’ll concede, as I do in the article, legal dramas are constrained by the demands of courtroom protocol, the realities of the law, etc., plots can still be a little close for comfort. Still, I didn’t want to hurl accusations about carelessly, so instead leaned into how scenes can be almost exactly the same yet play out differently simply because of the way they’re shot.
This is an interesting piece about how camera angles influence the perception of events. Sometimes this is subtle. Other occasions affect audiences overtly. The point is that using angles effectively can vastly improve a simple scene.
Angles on The Verdict and The Rainmaker | Film Obsessive
Shortly thereafter I went to a press screener for Night Swim (2024). I had hopes for this horror flick to at least float. The premise of a haunted pool may be, to a degree, ridiculous, but it was something new. Fresh enough I hoped the filmmakers might mine that uniqueness for potential. Unfortunately, the movie sank like a stone. Perhaps in better hands Night Swim could’ve done well. I, for one, couldn’t stop envisioning the simple ways to improve, to effectively utilize the premise in a sequel. Though that said, I doubt I’ll ever get the chance, so such writing exercises aside the only thing left to say is what makes the movie bad is in the review.
Night Swim Sinks Like a Stone | Film Obsessive
Night Swim Sinks Like a Stone | Film Obsessive
Back around December (or maybe November, I can’t exactly remember which), a buddy of mine asked for help with a sketch. He needed performers, and him being a decent sort, I didn’t see any reason not to assist any way I could. We got together with a few folks then recorded an amusing little sketch he wrote called “Stan It or Ban It.” I sincerely think some of the jokes are solid. My only regret with my performance is that I got the shifty eye going so much I think folks might get the impression I’m reading a script instead of acting. That said, I’ve been told by a few it does come across as “weird” in a comedy way.
Procrastination is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it results in the apartment being cleaner than average. On the other, it means ignoring projects in order to do menial tasks. Granted, there’s no small jobs when it comes to work over at Film Obsessive. But looking for something to do other than bang my face against the blank page, I agreed to do various announcement articles. Partly, I figured these could be good writing exercises. Think of it like being a carnival barker.
The first assignment I volunteered for involved the announcement of an Until Dawn film adaptation. I thoroughly enjoyed this video game when it came out years back. Granted, it’s more of an interactive movie, a Choose Your Own Adventure of sorts, but the story is solid and it has real replayability. No two playthroughs of Until Dawn are necessarily the same. Plus, players can have events unfold any which way they want.
The article breaks down what the game is as well as the reasons why fans of the series can be optimistic. There’s a chance a decent movie might be made. In addition, I truly believe video game adaptations may be the next big phase in Hollywood. With superhero fatigue setting in, the movie industry needs a new booming revenue stream. Good game movies have that potential, not to mention a plethora of built-in sequels. The success of the Super Marios Bros. adaptation proved such films can be made. And Until Dawn may be another step in the right direction.
Until Dawn Film Adaptation Advancing | Film Obsessive
The first assignment I volunteered for involved the announcement of an Until Dawn film adaptation. I thoroughly enjoyed this video game when it came out years back. Granted, it’s more of an interactive movie, a Choose Your Own Adventure of sorts, but the story is solid and it has real replayability. No two playthroughs of Until Dawn are necessarily the same. Plus, players can have events unfold any which way they want.
The article breaks down what the game is as well as the reasons why fans of the series can be optimistic. There’s a chance a decent movie might be made. In addition, I truly believe video game adaptations may be the next big phase in Hollywood. With superhero fatigue setting in, the movie industry needs a new booming revenue stream. Good game movies have that potential, not to mention a plethora of built-in sequels. The success of the Super Marios Bros. adaptation proved such films can be made. And Until Dawn may be another step in the right direction.
Until Dawn Film Adaptation Advancing | Film Obsessive
Then I hopped on the chance to do a trailer of the week for the upcoming Road House remake. This isn’t the first time the cult classic has been aimed at. Back around 2016, Ronda Rousey was cast as the lead. Though that film never came to life, it seems to have seeded a desire for the remake. Flash forward to the present day, and Jake Gyllenhaal is stepping into Swayze’s shoes.
I’ve always been a fan of the original. It’s a cheesy guilty pleasure to be sure. Yet, I can’t help quoting its dumb lines. Not to mention the flick is a solid example of 80s action Americana. The debates I’ve had with folks over midnight cocktails dissecting what makes this movie a delight are pleasant memories to say the least. As such, I’ll for sure see the remake, but in the meanwhile, I enjoyed writing this article because it gave me a chance to see if I could sell it to the skeptical.
Road House --- Same Town, New Story, huh, Pal? | Film Obsessive
I’ve always been a fan of the original. It’s a cheesy guilty pleasure to be sure. Yet, I can’t help quoting its dumb lines. Not to mention the flick is a solid example of 80s action Americana. The debates I’ve had with folks over midnight cocktails dissecting what makes this movie a delight are pleasant memories to say the least. As such, I’ll for sure see the remake, but in the meanwhile, I enjoyed writing this article because it gave me a chance to see if I could sell it to the skeptical.
Road House --- Same Town, New Story, huh, Pal? | Film Obsessive
Around the middle of the month, I had the privilege of attending the Windie Awards. These are given out by the Chicago Indie Critics, the group I’m affiliated with as a movie reviewer. It was a unique experience as I’ve never been to such a ceremony before. Awards have always been something on a screen which involves a certain inherent detachment from events.
While there I got to have a chat with one of the nominees, Natalie Shea Rose. She worked on hair and makeup for The Iron Claw (2023). A lovely lady quick to laugh with an infectious effusiveness I personally found charming. In addition, I had the honor and privilege of presenting the award for Best Score.
The Windies may seem like a minor award from a small group, but I think it’s important that folks understand people appreciate when their hard work is acknowledged. Partly because the CIC isn’t a large organization, it allows them to focus on features outside the myopic Hollywood gaze that tends to only see big budget productions. That said, a lot of big studio pics won that evening, yet many did feel obliged to send messages (some recorded, some written) thanking the organization for their awards. Still, the Chicago Indie Critics are able to award local talents for their various contributions to cinema.
Dennis Scott, for instance, is the organist for the Music Box Theater. His performances bring silent films to life in ways that can only be appreciated in person. He received a Windie for his work.
Windie Awards – Chicago Indie Critics
While there I got to have a chat with one of the nominees, Natalie Shea Rose. She worked on hair and makeup for The Iron Claw (2023). A lovely lady quick to laugh with an infectious effusiveness I personally found charming. In addition, I had the honor and privilege of presenting the award for Best Score.
The Windies may seem like a minor award from a small group, but I think it’s important that folks understand people appreciate when their hard work is acknowledged. Partly because the CIC isn’t a large organization, it allows them to focus on features outside the myopic Hollywood gaze that tends to only see big budget productions. That said, a lot of big studio pics won that evening, yet many did feel obliged to send messages (some recorded, some written) thanking the organization for their awards. Still, the Chicago Indie Critics are able to award local talents for their various contributions to cinema.
Dennis Scott, for instance, is the organist for the Music Box Theater. His performances bring silent films to life in ways that can only be appreciated in person. He received a Windie for his work.
Windie Awards – Chicago Indie Critics
Finally, I finished the month writing about the blaxploitation film Sugar Hill (1974). I’ll leave the details to the article. Suffice it to say this is a breakdown of why horror is an ideal genre for exploring issues unique to the black community. It also highlights how, although beloved by many, blaxploitation isn’t enjoyed by all. With any luck, reading it will help deepen your appreciation for these kinds of films.
That said, this was one of those articles I could easily have turned into a twenty-page essay. There’s so much to say, and so much information to share. If nothing else, I was happy to make it an amalgamation of literary figures, horror, society, and film.
Fifty Years Later, Still Visiting Sugar Hill | Film Obsessive
That said, this was one of those articles I could easily have turned into a twenty-page essay. There’s so much to say, and so much information to share. If nothing else, I was happy to make it an amalgamation of literary figures, horror, society, and film.
Fifty Years Later, Still Visiting Sugar Hill | Film Obsessive
Otherwise, it’s been a month of fumbling with fiction. The next Beerfinger album is making solid progress. I need to rerecord a few vocals, but things are close to completion. So close in fact I should start working on album art.
But that’s all for now. Remember to stay weird, keep safe, and treat yourself because no one else will. Cheers!
But that’s all for now. Remember to stay weird, keep safe, and treat yourself because no one else will. Cheers!
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