Hocus Pocus 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
This time of year is not my favorite. My apologies to anyone who enjoy the approach of Halloween, but I stopped liking that event when I got too old to go trick-or-treating. It seems to me that the only reason many adults celebrate it is because they want an excuse to behave in a wildly inappropriate manner. I… Read more “Hocus Pocus 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
PCU, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I began expanding The Legionnaire to include all movies, not just new releases, many of my favorite films of all time were addressed early on in this process. There is one, though, that did not make it onto my blog at that time. That movie is PCU (1994). Admittedly, there have been a few reviews that I have written from memory,… Read more “PCU, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, by Albert W. Vogt III
For a complete rendering of why I love Legally Blonde (2001), please read my review of it. In short, my appreciation revolves around the character of Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon). Perhaps there is some cliché to being into a movie because of its star. I like most Reese Witherspoon films. Yet, there is something about the innocent but determined nature of… Read more “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Perfect Score, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I was in high school, I prepared for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) by reading a book called Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT. I was an idiot back in those days, though such is the foolishness of youth. I was aware of the myriad of other preparation materials, but my perusal of them… Read more “The Perfect Score, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Midnight in Paris, by Albert W. Vogt III
Occasionally, a film comes along that captures your imagination. Midnight in Paris (2011) is one such film. My only regret is that I did not see it sooner, and I could not tell you why this was the case. I am not necessarily a Woody Allen hater, despite his odd choice of spouse. That is a story for another time. As… Read more “Midnight in Paris, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Julie & Julia, by Albert W. Vogt III
My friend and fellow Catholic Sarah has a great blog dedicated to the art of cooking called “Simply Scrumptious by Sarah.” I cannot emphasize the word “art” enough, and it is fitting given today’s review of Julie & Julia (2009). Not to get ahead of myself, but the basic premise of the movie is frustrated worker Julie Powell (Amy… Read more “Julie & Julia, by Albert W. Vogt III”
WALL-E, by Albert W. Vogt III
There is a faint memory in the back of my brain of seeing a preview for WALL-E (2008) and thinking that Disney was doing a strange sequel to a personal childhood favorite of mine, Short Circuit (1986). The title character of the former looks like a cute version of Johnny 5 (voiced by Tim Blaney) in the latter. They have similar… Read more “WALL-E, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, by Albert W. Vogt III
Here we go with another Sandra Bullock film with Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005). That sounds more uncharitable than is intended. As I have said in other reviews of her films, I enjoy her work. Still, they are kind of redundant. Her sense of humor shines through, but the plots are usually similar. That is why I appreciate a film… Read more “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Ugly Truth, by Albert W. Vogt III
One would not call me a relationship expert. I would not, anyway. While I am currently pursuing a different path, had it worked differently with the women with which I have been involved, things would be different. This is not intended as nostalgia or, worse yet, regret. Instead, I am trying to establish my modesty credentials, if you will,… Read more “The Ugly Truth, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Three Men and a Baby, by Albert W. Vogt III
Often films have great little tidbits of trivia attached to them. Take today’s movie, for example: Three Men and a Baby (1987). It is little remembered these days, but it had a bit of a buzz around the time of its release, so much so that it got a sequel, 1990’s Three Men and a Little Lady. There are some… Read more “Three Men and a Baby, by Albert W. Vogt III”
13 Going On 30, by Albert W. Vogt III
Who does not like Big (1988), starring Tom Hanks? If you do not like it, it is probably because you have not seen it. I cannot say that I would blame you. Who watches movies from the 1980s anymore? I feel bad for films that came out before that decade. The reason I bring up this point is to illustrate the way… Read more “13 Going On 30, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Mr. Right, by Albert W. Vogt III
Rumor has it that Netflix is on its way out. If so, that will save me $20 a month, which I gladly pay for the people who also use my account. Until then, it is a useful thing to have to peruse when inspiration is not striking me as readily as it does at other times. While scrolling… Read more “Mr. Right, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Not Another Teen Movie, by Albert W. Vogt III
There is a lot that is wrong with Not Another Teen Movie (2001). At the same time, there is a limited way to appreciate a film that features overt sibling attractions and whole host of other objectionable material that almost made this Catholic reviewer turn it off. The amount of stuff I would rather not see starts from the… Read more “Not Another Teen Movie, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Coming 2 America, by Albert W. Vogt III
I enjoyed Coming to America (1988) as much as the next person. Yes, there were some moments in that I would have preferred not to have seen. Why some films, be they comedies like this one, or anything else, needs to have blatant nudity in them is beyond me. Yet, that is not the point of the film. Instead, it is… Read more “Coming 2 America, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Due Date, by Albert W. Vogt III
When an actor/actress plays one character for so long, I often wonder whether they will ever be able to shake the connection to that franchise. After all, for them it is simply a job. They are not actually that character. On the other hand, as something they do to pay the bills (and I wish they would pay… Read more “Due Date, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Superbad, by Albert W. Vogt III
Recently, I reviewed Old School (2003). In discussing it, I talked about how there is a dividing line, especially in cinema, between the things we do when we are in school and as adults. That film attempts to bridge the gap between these two states of cultural existence. Though in the same sort of vein as what I talk about… Read more “Superbad, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Old School, by Albert W. Vogt III
As we matriculate through the grades, there is a sense that the next stage is when things will be different. We tend to look at our current situation with all its cares and worries and see nothing but problems. This notion, combined with our lack of maturity in our developmental years, makes us wish when we are… Read more “Old School, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., by Albert W. Vogt III
Life is hard enough without putting added pressure on yourself. This is a lesson that I am still learning. The past few weeks have been draining. Even the time spent in the last few days getting away from it all were taxing. Further, upon returning home, I was reminded that the House of Prayer in Clearwater, Florida, was re-commencing… Read more “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Break-Up, by Albert W. Vogt III
As those of you who pay attention to such things may remember, I am a sucker for movies that are set in Chicago. In a sense, I feel I have a personal connection today’s film, The Break-Up (2006). Okay, it is a very limited “sense.” The male lead is Gary Grobowski (Vince Vaughn), a Chicago Polish name if I ever… Read more “The Break-Up, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Graduate, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I was accepted for my Ph.D. degree program in American History at Loyola University Chicago, I was late in signing up for courses. My experience during my Master’s degree program in Florida Studies at the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg was that these matters would take care of themselves. The classes were essentially made… Read more “The Graduate, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Wild Wild West, by Albert W. Vogt III
Believe it or not, I can remember a time before streaming services, and before cable television even, when the choices for your evening entertainment were limited to the few channels your antenna could receive. I have most of the modern conveniences today, and yet I live in a house that still relies on an antenna. But that… Read more “Wild Wild West, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Easy A, by Albert W. Vogt III
One of the many maxims with which we are brought up is that “honesty if the best policy.” Whether you are a practicing Catholic like me, or someone simply trying to live a good life (there are some graces in such a commitment), being truthful will take you far. There are also some, particularly as you get… Read more “Easy A, by Albert W. Vogt III”
What Women Want, by Albert W. Vogt III
The premise of What Women Want (2000) is so blindingly obvious that I wondered why it has not been made prior to 2000. Turns out there are other iterations of this title, but this is the one with which I am familiar. The reason for my curiosity stems from something that I think everyone has wanted at one point… Read more “What Women Want, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Be Kind Rewind, by Albert W. Vogt III
My first exposure to director Michel Gondry’s work was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). I love that movie. Such is my admiration for that work that I was pumped to see Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (2005), though that probably had more to do with Dave Chappelle. I say that because while I liked Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I did… Read more “Be Kind Rewind, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Bells of St. Mary’s, by Albert W. Vogt III
Defining The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) is tricky in a limited sense. Obviously, it is a Catholic movie. If the title does not clue you into this fact, then it would become apparent after a couple minutes of watching it. The frankly insignificant mystery of the film is whether it is a sequel to Going My Way (1944). Bing Crosby is back… Read more “The Bells of St. Mary’s, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Going My Way, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I began The Legionnaire, one of my initial thoughts was to not talk about movies that are self-consciously Catholic. My logic was to cover the ones that have nothing to do with my Faith in order to show how aspects of popular motion pictures can reveal Christianity. Often, this takes some mental gymnastics, but the effort is… Read more “Going My Way, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Without a Paddle, by Cameron J. Czaja
Do you remember a time where the only way to watch movies on tv without commercials, and completely unedited, was through premium channels such as HBO and Showtime? That seems like a bygone era in retrospect due to streaming now being prevalent, though that pretty much summed up the late 1990s and most of the… Read more “Without a Paddle, by Cameron J. Czaja”
When Harry Met Sally, by Albert W. Vogt III
One of the first things you see in When Harry Met Sally (1989) is the campus of the University of Chicago. This got me geeked. I tried twice, unsuccessfully, to get into this school for my graduate studies in history. It is not just the fact that it is located in the greatest city in the world, a scientifically proven… Read more “When Harry Met Sally, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Easter Sunday, by Albert W. Vogt III
I wish I had seen Easter Sunday with my friend. Weeks ago, when I first heard that this was coming out (as he apparently had, too), we discussed meeting up to see it together. Geography and schedules prevented this from happening. Circumstances last weekend kept me from getting to the theater when it premiered, so I am behind. I do not… Read more “Easter Sunday, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Warm Bodies, by Albert W. Vogt III
With Shaun of the Dead (2004), you have a great movie that spoofs the zombie sub-genre of horror. It is that good because not only does it send up many of the classic tropes you expect from such movies, but there is also British wit and a plot. Zombieland (2009) is on the same level. In fact, outside of the original Night… Read more “Warm Bodies, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are some things that I have never done in my life that seem to surprise people when I admit to them my inexperience. One of these is drugs. Forgive me for sounding like a complete dweeb, but there is not a single drug of which I partook. Since today I am reviewing is Harold & Kumar Go to… Read more “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, by Albert W. Vogt III”
EuroTrip, by Albert W. Vogt III
How immature we all were at one time. In my late teens and early twenties, whenever some dumb, sex-joke fueled comedy came to the theater, I used to see them as a matter of course. With this, I give you EuroTrip (2004), which, in addition to having the childish humor already mentioned, relies on every conceivable stereotype about Europe… Read more “EuroTrip, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bullet Train, by Albert W. Vogt III
Previews are a double-edged sword. I never skip them when I go to the movies, and I get annoyed with myself when I get to the theater after they have completed. Luckily, this has happened only a few times as I routinely arrive at least a half hour before start time. As somebody who goes every weekend, I… Read more “Bullet Train, by Albert W. Vogt III”
DC League of Super-Pets, by Albert W. Vogt III
The summer is coming to a close. Who am I kidding? I live in Florida. Summer will be with us well into October, meteorologically speaking. There is a sobering thought as I sit here on a sweltering Friday evening doing my best to ignore the need for air conditioning. At least it is quiet, relatively speaking. The old man I live… Read more “DC League of Super-Pets, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, by Albert W. Vogt III
Believe it or not, there was a time when Orenthal James “O.J.” Simpson was not known for allegedly killing Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. I say “allegedly” because while he was acquitted of those charges, public opinion begs to differ. He later went to jail for other reasons. Yet, before his legal troubles began, he turned a hall… Read more “Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Kid, by Albert W. Vogt III
When you think about the silent film era, if you think about it at all, there is probably one name, and one name only, that comes to mind: Charlie Chaplin. There were other stars of this early age of cinema before sound. Have you ever heard of Douglas Fairbanks? Lillian Gish? Fatty Arbuckle? I did not make up that last… Read more “The Kid, by Albert W. Vogt III”
No Strings Attached, by Albert W. Vogt III
Recently, I reviewed This Means War (2012), a somewhat funny romantic comedy with Reese Witherspoon that has two spies competing for her affections. A brief, but no less important moment in the film is when she decides to have sex with both of them as the deciding factor between the two. In my article, I railed against this as… Read more “No Strings Attached, by Albert W. Vogt III”
This Means War, by Albert W. Vogt III
Offhand, I cannot think of too many films in which Reese Witherspoon appears that I do not enjoy. There has always been something genuine about her that I appreciate. I have seen Sweet Home Alabama (2002) dozens of times, and I love Legally Blonde (2001) as much as the next person. I have also already reviewed both of those movies. One of… Read more “This Means War, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Love Bug, by Albert W. Vogt III
On Disney+, at least on my version of the home screen, there is often a section titled “Nostalgic movies.” Sometimes it is there, sometimes it is not, and I have no idea when it will display. The artificial intelligence controlling these things is a fickle creature. When it does come up, it speaks to an old fuddy-duddy like… Read more “The Love Bug, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Absent Minded Professor, by Albert W. Vogt III
Yes, I know there is an updated version of Disney’s The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), 1997’s Robin Williams led Flubber. Whether you like it or not, Disney is always taking its older films and doing re-imaginings or remakes or whatever it is you want to call them. There are so many of these that you could be tempted to accuse the… Read more “The Absent Minded Professor, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Charlie Bartlett, by Albert W. Vogt III
Admittedly, Charlie Bartlett (2007) is not a movie with which many are familiar. That is a bit of a shame. It is one of the first big breaks for a talented actor whose life was cut tragically short, Anton Yelchin, who plays the title character. It has a personal favorite, Kat Dennings, as the main female lead Susan Gardner. It is… Read more “Charlie Bartlett, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, by Albert W. Vogt III
A movie like Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) can tell you all you need to know about what Hollywood thinks of Catholicism. It is not all bad. It is not all good, either. In fact, the majority of it is enough to make you clutch your Rosary beads just a little tighter in frustration. On my dissertation committee… Read more “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Grosse Pointe Blank, by Albert W. Vogt III
They say there is no going home. I am not on board with this philosophy. For me, home is a suburb of Chicago, though I include the entire metropolitan area in this construction. I try to go home as often as possible. A visit up there means a return to our favorite hot dog stand (in reality, it is… Read more “Grosse Pointe Blank, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Never Been Kissed, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are not too many movies that I can think of with Drew Barrymore in them that I do not enjoy. Some of them are silly. The Charlie’s Angels movies are in this category. The two that stand out the most are 50 First Dates (2004) and Fever Pitch (2005). Because my focus has been on building the number of reviews I have ready to… Read more “Never Been Kissed, by Albert W. Vogt III”
You’ve Got Mail, by Albert W. Vogt III
We will call this one, You’ve Got Mail (1998), a coming back to earth after making the leap to National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) following my slog through the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. You can also think of it as yours truly landing on the next familiar title to come up on one of my streaming services, and with which I… Read more “You’ve Got Mail, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Thor: Love and Thunder, by Albert W. Vogt III
Like many people, Thor: Ragnarok (2017) was my first exposure to Taika Waititi, who directed it and provided the voice for the rock creature known as Korg. I guess there were some who knew him from What We Do in the Shadows (2014), but it was only after the former came out that I saw the latter. Whenever someone comes along… Read more “Thor: Love and Thunder, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Hook, by Albert W. Vogt III
If you want a telling of J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan without the offhand racism Disney (unwittingly, I suppose) injected into the story in 1953, watch Hook (1991). Granted, it is more of a modern telling of the tale. The original is about the thrill of getting to be young forever, and to carry on in a commiserate manner. Peter is “the… Read more “Hook, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, by Albert W. Vogt III
Finally. Did you know that every film in the current five movie series that is Pirates of the Caribbean is at least two hours in length, on average close to two and a half hours, with the third being nearly three? That is almost fifteen hours of your entire life that you would have to devote to watching them… Read more “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, by Albert W. Vogt III
Going into watching Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), I kept telling myself, “Just one more after this one.” That will be a true statement until they release the sixth installment of this idiotic franchise. Who knows when that will be, and that ambiguity offers small comfort. Based on the limited rumors that I have gleaned from the… Read more “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, by Albert W. Vogt III
If only the subtitle in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007) meant the final entry in the cinematic universe that is this franchise. Actually, it could have been, but they decided to mush on with two more after this one. For those of you who think filmmaking is simply about producing quality movies, I give you this… Read more “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, by Albert W. Vogt III
Why could they not have just stopped Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Pearl (2003)? Oh yeah, because the movie took in over $500 million above its cost to produce. Sigh. If I may rail for one more moment against this film, why is its subtitle The Curse of the Black Pearl? The only hex placed on anyone is for… Read more “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, by Albert W. Vogt III
Get ready for The Legionnaire tackling the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise! Hooray! At least, I hope you are more thrilled about it than I am. I hate these movies. I try to avoid using that word, but there it is. Among the many stories from history that fascinated me as a youngster, tales of piracy made up a portion of them. I even had… Read more “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Minions: The Rise of Gru, by Albert W. Vogt III
This summer, my sister has decided that my nieces are at the age where they do not need the constant stimulus that is the summer camp environment. My description is based on firsthand experience working as a lifeguard, and seeing busloads of young ones being dropped off at the pool. The squeals still sometimes haunt my dreams. To… Read more “Minions: The Rise of Gru, by Albert W. Vogt III”
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, by Albert W. Vogt III
Have you ever felt the need to do something completely different after finishing a particularly onerous task? That is how I felt after reviewing the entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to date. Boy, let me tell you, I will be waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment! Since Ryan Reynolds seems almost as ubiquitous these days as air, I… Read more “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Pacifier, by Albert W. Vogt III
The reason I chose The Pacifier (2005) is because I wanted to see Vin Diesel, who plays Navy Sea Air and Land (SEAL) officer Lieutenant Shane Wolfe, in a comedic role. Here is the list of Vin Diesel comedies: The Pacifier. That was the list of Vin Diesel comedies. That alone should tell you how bad of a film it is,… Read more “The Pacifier, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Bob’s Burgers Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja
While I may not be the biggest fan of the animated television series Bob’s Burgers (2011-presen), I have seen some episodes and appreciate it for what it is. I have been looking forward to watching The Bob’s Burgers Movie on the big screen for quite some time for one reason: it’s a traditionally animated film. I’ve stated on The Legionnaire before… Read more “The Bob’s Burgers Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Operation Dumbo Drop, by Albert W. Vogt III
Disney does a lot of things right, but never send them to do a legitimate war movie. That is not to say that Operation Dumbo Drop is a bad film. There are actually many things to like about it. I must confess, too, that I saw it under less-than-ideal circumstances. In any case, the historian in me could not help but… Read more “Operation Dumbo Drop, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Blazing Saddles, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are movies that are so good as to be recognized among the greats by the American Film Institute (AFI), and yet seem to get little attention today. One of these is Blazing Saddles (1974). I suppose there are reasons why many do not think about it. In our hyper-sensitive society (which, by the way, is not all bad), the… Read more “Blazing Saddles, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bridesmaids, by Albert W. Vogt III
Here is to always being a groomsman, never the groom. Or in the case of today’s movie, Bridesmaids (2011), well, the singular form of the title and never the bride. It is something that the main character, Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig), is going through, and with which I can identify. Before I go any further, this is a comedy, and… Read more “Bridesmaids, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Turner & Hooch, by Albert W. Vogt III
You would not believe how many dog related films have been made. Or maybe you would believe it. I do not know. I do not know you. Or maybe I do? Who knows? Okay, let us back away from the hypothetical ledge (in more ways than one), and get back to dog films. Yes, nothing says cinematic gold like having a pooch… Read more “Turner & Hooch, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Rookie of the Year, by Albert W. Vogt III
The beginning of the baseball season always brings with it renewed hope. This is particularly true for us fans of the Chicago Cubs. There are a number of clichés that have grown up around the team. For the longest time, and their rivals will no doubt still apply this sobriquet, they were the “Lovable Losers.” I like to think… Read more “Rookie of the Year, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Bubble, by Albert W. Vogt III
When will the pandemic end? Who knows? God does, though some things are best left to His knowledge. I know, we all would like to have a better idea of the bigger picture. God put in us a desire to understand past, present, and future. Like Faith, some things are unknowable. We can grasp and lunge for them all we want,… Read more “The Bubble, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Date Night, by Albert W. Vogt III
I have never married, though I have been in a few long-lasting relationships. There is a sort of fortune cookie saying from a movie called Hope Floats (1998) about living life that I believe can be applied to either dating situations or marriages: beginnings are scary, endings are sad, but it is what is in the middle that… Read more “Date Night, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, by Albert W. Vogt III
There was a time when part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios was dedicated to a little film called Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989). In fact, the park opened the same year as the movie, originally as Disney’s MGM Studios. In case you are wondering, MGM stands for Metro-Goldwyn Mayer. At any rate, one of the early attractions at the… Read more “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Gunpowder Milkshake, by Albert W. Vogt III
Whenever my broadcast partner for Down and Out Reviews, the podcast I do with Isaac (please also check out our YouTube channel Oh Man Disney), says he is going to watch a movie on Netflix, that means it is going to be our next topic of conversation. Luckily, as he was stumbling over the title about which… Read more “Gunpowder Milkshake, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, by Albert W. Vogt III
You can make quite the list of people who have played Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Everyone from Basil Rathbone (ever hear of him?) to Will Ferrell, there have been well known comedians and child actors of both sexes who have filled the part. The two best ones of late have been Benedict Cumberbatch… Read more “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Muppet Movie, by Albert W. Vogt III
You have to hand it to Jim Henson, the guy was a genius. Who would have thought that puppets could become as recognizable characters as has his Muppets. I almost hate to say this, but what are essentially toys have gotten to the point where they are seen as real as you and I. That is the way… Read more “The Muppet Movie, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Heat, by Albert W. Vogt III
Recently, I saw The Lost City, which starred Sandra Bullock. Seeing her in a comedy/action film reminded me of a different film of hers that I enjoy called The Heat (2013). My, how things have changed since 2013. Of course, there are a lot of comparisons between the two films, other than the presence of Sandra Bullock. As such, it is not… Read more “The Heat, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Everything Everywhere All at Once, by Albert W. Vogt III
What is to follow is yours truly attempting to describe the impossible. The first thing to say about this particular brand of impossible is that it is called Everything Everywhere All at Once. If you read that title as a sentence, this too is impossible, unless you are God. This will factor into the review later, so keep this… Read more “Everything Everywhere All at Once, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, by Cameron J. Czaja
Whether you love or hate him, one can’t deny that Nicolas Case has made a major impact in Hollywood throughout his career. From his very eccentric acting style to internet memes that have flooded social media, he has been somewhat of a cultural icon that I’m embracing even if I’m not the biggest fan of… Read more “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Kick Ass 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
We should stop and appreciate when a sequel does well. As has been documented a number of times on The Legionnaire, this is so rarely the case. A big reason for these failures is expectations. When a follow-up, no matter how or when it is made, does not check all the boxes people want from it, people tend to… Read more “Kick Ass 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Kick Ass, by Albert W. Vogt III
You do not have to be an ardent cinephile to notice that we are neck-deep these days in superhero movies. This is true now, and it was true in 2010 when Kick Ass premiered. What made the movie special then was that we were not quite at the flood stage we are today. The Marvel phases were just getting cranked… Read more “Kick Ass, by Albert W. Vogt III”
40 Days and 40 Nights, by Albert W. Vogt III
There is a movie that has brief Catholic elements in it, sometimes troubling ones, but is unintentionally a great lesson for the faithful. It is 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002). Since this is Lent (and hopefully I get this posted during this time), it is also a handy movie to watch. The film is all about sex, or more… Read more “40 Days and 40 Nights, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, by Albert W. Vogt III
In my review of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), I discussed how I had no intention of seeing it. Basically, I saw it on Disney+, shrugged my shoulders, and said, “meh,” whatever. And aside from my annoyance with Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), it is a thoroughly “whatever” movie. Perhaps there is some jadedness on my part,… Read more “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, by Albert W. Vogt III
I had no desire to see Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009). The original Night at the Museum (2006), was fine. Set at the American Museum of Natural History, it had some fun with the various collections of old stuff stored at the museum. You know the kinds of things of which I speak, right? Items that are interesting usually… Read more “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Hangover, by Albert W. Vogt III
I need to go to the movies more often with my sister. Most of the films that we have seen in the past have been comedies. She is among those who are close to me that like to take me to such productions to see me laugh. When my chuckles get going, I can carry on with a… Read more “The Hangover, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Men in Black II, by Albert W. Vogt III
Here we go with another sequel. By the way, I am writing this review of Men in Black II (2002) in the wake of the post-Will Smith slapping of Chris Rock incident at the Oscars, unlike when I wrote about Men in Black (1997). I am not sure that matters at all, but, you know, it is a thing that happened,… Read more “Men in Black II, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Men in Black, by Albert W. Vogt III
For those who do not remember this fact, before Will Smith became the film star that he is today, he first had a successful run as a musician. He then translated that success into a role on the hit television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996). This is when people seem to begin to remember him. It is… Read more “Men in Black, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Lost City (2022), by Albert W. Vogt III
Before walking into the theater to see The Lost City (2022), my thought was: there is no way this is the only film that has had this title. Surely, there is another motion picture out there that has utilized this phrase. As it turns out, I was right. My first instinct was that there would be some corny, 1930s action… Read more “The Lost City (2022), by Albert W. Vogt III”
Kingsman: The Golden Circle, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are the good sequels, and there are the bad sequels. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) is in the latter of those categories. This was a disappointment to me because I felt like they had fun with the first installment in the franchise. All the subsequent attempts have paled in comparison, to put it mildly. I knew I was in… Read more “Kingsman: The Golden Circle, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Kingsman: The Secret Service, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I first saw Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), it was my introduction to star Taron Egerton. Given the material and tone of the film, I assumed he would go on to be an action star. Many of his films since have been of that variety, including the sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), and the hilariously bad Robin Hood (2018). I would not… Read more “Kingsman: The Secret Service, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Caddyshack, by Albert W. Vogt III
I will undoubtedly get crushed for this one, but cross another one off the list of seemingly legendary movies that I had not seen until just recently. Then again, I feel like popular culture, or at least the version of it with which I interact, is full of enough references to Caddyshack (1980) that I had viewed it… Read more “Caddyshack, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Happy Death Day 2U, by Albert W. Vogt III
Shame on me for assuming that, like most sequels, Happy Death Day 2U (2019) was going to be bad. What is even more remarkable is that it is just as good as its predecessor, 2017’s Happy Death Day, while also explaining something about the first that went by the board. In the original, we never learn why it is that… Read more “Happy Death Day 2U, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Happy Death Day, by Albert W. Vogt III
Usually, fewer genres of films get me uninterested faster than slasher films. I do not understand their popularity, and my problems have been documented in my reviews of the Scream franchise. I do get the excitement of facing life-or-death situations. Actions movies are replete with scenarios that viewers imagine themselves in, wondering how they would handle it. When it comes to… Read more “Happy Death Day, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Zootopia, by Albert W. Vogt III
When Zootopia (2016) came out, it was at the beginning of the strange Disney odyssey that I have been on for the past six years. It started with an ex-girlfriend convincing me to get an annual pass, and has now, er . . . blossomed to where I am part of a duo that has a YouTube channel… Read more “Zootopia, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, by Albert W. Vogt III
Raise your hand if there is a movie that most people find dumb, but you cannot help enjoying. If you did not raise your hand (other than the fact that you are reading this alone and I have no way of knowing whether or not you did so), then I might question your honesty. Or at least… Read more “Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Adam Project, by Albert W. Vogt III
What do you get when you cross Back to the Future (1985) with Deadpool (2016), and sprinkle in a little Stranger Things (2016-present) flavor? You get The Adam Project. Given that I rarely watch Netflix other than to go on and find a movie that I might want to watch, I had little idea as to the content of this film. Strike that, I… Read more “The Adam Project, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Turning Red, by Albert W. Vogt III
I was a little disappointed that Turning Red did not play in any theater near me. It worked out well with my schedule for the weekend, but I do love going to the cinema. I have documented this elsewhere, and honestly, I could have made it work. I was surprised, too, to not see it among the offerings this weekend. Instead,… Read more “Turning Red, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Wreck-It Ralph, by Albert W. Vogt III
The first time I saw Wreck-It Ralph (2012), it was during my time working as a lifeguard for the city of St. Pete Beach. By the way, I worked at a pool, not the beach. During the summers, our facility hosted a movie night. For a film buff like me, you would think these evenings would be exciting. Several factors mitigated… Read more “Wreck-It Ralph, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Marry Me, by Cameron J. Czaja
For those who were hoping for a review of the latest romantic comedy Marry Me from The Legionnaire, then consider yourself lucky. The reason I’m saying that is because as a depressingly single individual, I had no interest in seeing a film about two people slowly falling in love. Also, even if I really wanted to see it,… Read more “Marry Me, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Ghostbusters II, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are few more iconic films than Ghostbusters (1984). Still, I wonder if it would have been as much of a smash-hit if John Belushi had still been alive to fill the role of the wise-cracking Peter Venkman instead of Bill Murray. Not that it would have made a huge difference to me personally as they are both Chicago… Read more “Ghostbusters II, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, by Albert W. Vogt III
What do you get when you are watching your adolescent nieces and you tell them to pick the movie for the evening? You get Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012). You. Get. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Actually, I realized something while writing the title for this movie: it can also be read as a sentence. It is not much, but it is… Read more “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Seven Year Itch, by Albert W. Vogt III
One of the more iconic moments in cinematic history features Marilyn Monroe in an alluring white dress standing over a subway vent, the breeze of a passing underground train sending the fabric aflutter. When I was studying for my Ph.D. at Loyola University Chicago, there was a larger-than-life statue of this scene on Michigan Avenue near… Read more “The Seven Year Itch, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Dog, by Albert W. Vogt III
When Cameron told me he wanted to review Uncharted this past weekend, I initially thought I was getting the short end of the stick. The only other movie I knew of that was premiering was Dog. My experience with movies with animals and humans as co-stars is limited, and not good. Usually, they have a wacky premise with predictable, slapstick jokes. I… Read more “Dog, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Zombieland, by Albert W. Vogt III
My quest for movies to review increasingly takes me into the archives of The Legionnaire. As the collection nears the 1,000 mark, I sometimes have difficulty remembering which films I covered. That is the main reason why I recently did Shaun of the Dead (2004). There are times when I think of movies and wonder what I thought about them, which… Read more “Zombieland, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Jackass Forever, by Cameron J. Czaja
Hi my name is Cameron J. Czaja and welcome to The Legionnaire. In this review I will be talking the latest installment in the Jackass film series, Jackass Forever, hence why I introduced myself in this review. If you’re familiar with the franchise, then you know what I’m talking about. If you’re not, then oh boy. Let me give… Read more “Jackass Forever, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Shaun of the Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III
Before there was The Walking Dead (2010-present), or even a Zombieland (2009), there was Shaun of the Dead (2004). It premiered in an era when zombie films and television shows still took the notion of reanimated corpses seriously. I cannot think of any other examples before 2004 with a light-hearted take on the sub-genre. Given the success of Shaun of the Dead, one can make… Read more “Shaun of the Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The World’s End, by Albert W. Vogt III
With my birthday last weekend conveniently falling on a Friday, I thought it would be nice if I shared on The Legionnaire’s various social media platforms my top three movies. Hence, the day of my birthday I shared Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980); my second favorite, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), on Saturday; and on… Read more “The World’s End, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bottle Rocket, by Albert W. Vogt III
Finally, I have come to the end of the Wes Anderson movie catalog. By coming to the end, I have also come to the beginning. Today’s film is his first, Bottle Rocket (1996). If you know what you are looking for, there is a great deal in it that you will see (if, for some reason, you decide to see… Read more “Bottle Rocket, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, by Albert W. Vogt III
If there is a better example of a movie you see one way as a kid, and another as an adult, than Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), I am unaware of it. It is weird to think about now, but it was only nine years old when I was born. Think back to some of the movies… Read more “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, by Albert W. Vogt III”
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