Oz the Great and Powerful, like The Wizard of Oz, begins in Kansas at the turn of the century. Oscar (James Franco) is a stage magician in a traveling circus act. Using the stage name Oz, he puts on basic circus … Continue reading OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL
Based on the novel by Rudolfo Ayana, Bless Me, Ultima is set in the post-WWII world of New Mexico. Director Carl Franklin films this world with a steady hand, moving along gracefully, not rushing anywhere or hurrying toward any particular conclusion. Typically, … Continue reading BLESS ME, ULTIMA
Abbas Kiarostami is an Iranian filmmaker who has been working quite prolifically since the early 1970s. Up to 2008, all of his films took place in Iran and walked a neo-realist line. Since then, he has left his native country … Continue reading LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE
The Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency) is in charge of protecting the State of Israel from terrorists, both foreign and domestic. Their primary target and the primary enemy of Israel is the Arab nation. The strife between Israel and the … Continue reading THE GATEKEEPERS
Behind the Hollywood Hills, tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, hidden on a side street in Van Nuys, was the recording studio, Sound City. It was open for business in 1969 and would go on to be a recording … Continue reading SOUND CITY
Some movies start with a bang. Others lure you into their worlds with craft and precision. Before you know it, you are just as paranoid as the characters. Anything could be lurking around the corner, over your shoulder, and no … Continue reading SIDE EFFECTS
In 1964 a group of seven-year old children were interviewed for the documentary “Seven Up.” They’ve been filmed every seven years since. NOW THEY ARE 56. The Up Series by Michael Apted is one of the most fascinating documents of the human … Continue reading 56 UP
In Another Country is a product of South Korean writer/director Hong Sang-Soo, and this is his 13th feature release. He is not a household name among cineaste, but he soon will be. I believe that the auteur theory was created for … Continue reading IN ANOTHER COUNTRY
The Impossible has an unfortunate title. When I first saw it, I was immediately reminded of a quote from Star Trek via Spock, “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” I have since learned that … Continue reading THE IMPOSSIBLE
Michael J. Cinema 
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