The Mask, by Albert W. Vogt III
In the 1990s, Jim Carey was at the height of his career. I barely remember him from his In Living Color days. That show was among others, like The Simpsons, that my mom would not let my sister and I watch. There were performances Carey reprised on In Living Color that trickled down to a… Read more “The Mask, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III
My sister and I have very different tastes. She has largely abandoned her Chicago roots, while I still look on the best city in the world as home (even though I have no intention of living there again). She likes listening to whatever music is current and popular, whereas I sit here typing this review… Read more “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Sister Act, by Albert W. Vogt III
Since the 1990s, the one film that seems to come up the most in Catholic settings is Sister Act (1992). Youth groups show it to their teens . . . and they are usually bored by it. As a former youth minister, I have listened to my fellows complain about trying to find something they… Read more “Sister Act, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, by Albert W. Vogt III
You might think that having a terminal degree in history makes me stuffy. Some of my students might think that is the case. I try not to be. I learned that you cannot take things too seriously, particularly your chosen profession. One should always be professional, and I strive for that in everything that I… Read more “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Little Miss Sunshine, by Albert W. Vogt III
For some reason I have a vague recollection of child beauty pageants being one of those meta-topics that come around from time-to-time around when Little Miss Sunshine came out in 2006. I cannot remember precisely, though, and such are the vagaries of memory. I thought perhaps it had to do with television shows like Toddlers… Read more “Little Miss Sunshine, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Paddington 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
Often sequels attempt to build on some aspect of their predecessor. Whether the producers (or sometimes fans) feel there was an element of a film’s plot still to be resolved, or simply to continue making money off the franchise, subsequent films in a franchise tend to build off one another. That is not always the… Read more “Paddington 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Paddington, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I first learned to read, books fascinated me. In the small Catholic school I attended for most of my elementary school education, there was a commensurately tiny, one room library. I spent as much time there as I could. There were computers there, the only in the school (I am that old), and I… Read more “Paddington, by Albert W. Vogt III”
3 Ninjas, by Albert W. Vogt III
As I said a number of times during my slog through the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy, when you watch movies you thought were cool as an eight years old, the experience as an adult is not the same. I remember seeing 3 Ninjas (1992) when I was a kid. I did not recall anything… Read more “3 Ninjas, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, by Albert W. Vogt III
While watching the early 1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy over the past few days, a series of inexplicable choices emerges. For example, why did they decide to have Casey Jones (Elias Koteas) in the first installment, not bring him back for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991), only to… Read more “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, by Albert W. Vogt III
If you have not yet noticed, there is a “III” suffix at the end of my name. When I was born, my parents and grandparents had a small debate over what they were going to call me. My paternal grandfather went by “Al,” and they called my dad “Albie,” though he goes by “Al” now.… Read more “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Cheaper by the Dozen 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
The holidays are a time when regular schedules typically get chucked aside for all manner of activities with friends and family. Hence I got behind on fan film suggestions, and my apologies for doing so. A few days ago, thinking I had a few in the bank, I watched Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005).… Read more “Cheaper by the Dozen 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Miss Congeniality, by Albert W. Vogt III
Now that I have rewatched Miss Congeniality (2000) for the first time in years, and in thinking back on the film’s star Sandra Bullock’s career, I cannot think of too many of her movies that I do not enjoy on some level. Okay, maybe Speed (1994) seems pretty silly now, though I do not remember… Read more “Miss Congeniality, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
We pick up Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015) six years after the events of Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009). Nothing has changed, and hence no need, really, for an introduction. Go read the review of the first one to orient yourself to what is going on. Paul Blart (Kevin James) is still working as… Read more “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Paul Blart: Mall Cop, by Albert W. Vogt III
Sigh. Asking your fans for movie suggestions is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes you get hidden gems, like The Lunchbox (2013). But then you have friends who, as they say in the British Isles, like to “take the piss,” and they want you to look at films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009).… Read more “Paul Blart: Mall Cop, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Little Giants, by Albert W. Vogt III
There is some symmetry between yesterday’s review of Monster Hunter and today’s, Little Giants (1994), if only in the titles. The latter is a far superior movie, even though it was made over twenty-five years ago. No matter all the fancy computer generated image (CGI) beasts and heart thumping action, a film about a bunch… Read more “Little Giants, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Grinch (2018), by Cameron J. Czaja
“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.” Anyone who has celebrated Christmas has definitely heard those lyrics before, which is about the infamous character The Grinch created by Dr. Seuss. Much like Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Grinch (ironically) is a Christmas icon that people love, or at least love to hate,… Read more “The Grinch (2018), by Cameron J. Czaja”
Love Actually, by Albert W. Vogt III
Sometimes you think you have seen a movie and it turns out you are mistaken. I was originally asked to review Heart and Souls (1993) but could not find a digital format on which to view it. So I asked for a replacement and was given Love Actually (2003). My brain originally went to Crazy,… Read more “Love Actually, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Incredibles, by Albert W. Vogt III
Have you ever had an identity crisis? Maybe you have worked hard in crafting one way of life for yourself, only to have unforeseen events impel you to adopt another one? As this is the Advent season, one of the themes that you find throughout the readings is the need for preparation. 1 Thessalonians 5:2… Read more “The Incredibles, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Croods: A New Age, by Cameron J. Czaja
It’s been seven and a half years since The Croods (2013) was first released and before I saw this film, The Croods: A New Age, I had trouble remembering the events of the first film. I mean, I remember the premise and the characters in it, but I had completely forgotten how it ended and I had to… Read more “The Croods: A New Age, by Cameron J. Czaja”
I Was a Male War Bride, by Albert W. Vogt III
Ah, Cary Grant. I cannot think of a single movie he has starred in that I have not enjoyed. I have not seen too many of them, but they have all been enjoyable. Most people remember him for his role in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 classic North by Northwest, and deservedly so. However, he was also… Read more “I Was a Male War Bride, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pillow Talk, by Albert W. Vogt III
When we look back at classic Hollywood fare, particularly from the 1950s, we tend to see this cornball era of square, American morality. You know, mom and dad happily together, the proper number of children pursuing the proper children-ly activities, and so on and so forth. Somewhere along the line we got tired of behaving… Read more “Pillow Talk, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Hocus Pocus, by Albert W. Vogt III
The one thing I remembered of Hocus Pocus (1993) was of Sarah Jessica Parker as one of the time hopping Salem witch sisters, Sarah Sanderson, bouncing up and down and gleefully shouting “Amok, amok, amok!” I had never actually seen the movie, but for whatever reason that little clip stuck out in my brain. I… Read more “Hocus Pocus, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Freaky, by Albert W. Vogt III
With life getting back to some semblance of order, I was able to make it to the movies to see Freaky, which I meant to see last weekend but Tropical Storm Eta had other plans. Those who know me best, and pay attention to new releases, probably would have expected to me see The Last… Read more “Freaky, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Emperor’s New Groove, by Albert W. Vogt III
For a little while now, a small cadre of my good friends were trying to get me to watch The Emperor’s New Groove (2000). Okay, they really want me to see all the Disney movies. But since I have taken to letting the supporters of The Legionnaire determine the movies we review, they took this… Read more “The Emperor’s New Groove, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
This movie is Borat 2. I do not care enough about it to repeat its full title in this review, or to make it a particularly long one. It is a disgusting film. Vulgarity is a word usually reserved for language, but we often forget the true meaning. Its root word, vulgar, pertains to an… Read more “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan”
Holidate, by Albert W. Vogt III
What a week. Last Wednesday my area had to deal with Tropical Storm Eta. As one who has endured many hurricane seasons in the Sunshine State, I did not take its approach as seriously as I probably should have in hindsight. Such a mistake has seemingly cost me my car. In the proceeding days, I… Read more “Holidate, by Albert W. Vogt III”
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Believe it or not, there was a time when Christmas did not come immediately after Halloween. It is on December 25th, after all. We could all sit back, enjoy the slow progression of the Fall, and prepare our stomachs for the inevitable gorging that comes with Thanksgiving. I know I do. That was the way… Read more “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
The Holiday, by Albert W. Vogt III
You can call me a romantic sap. Others have done so. When I see a romantic movie I enjoy, I tend to watch it repeatedly. This is true for films like Sweet Home Alabama (2002) or Legally Blonde (2001). It is not necessarily Reese Witherspoon. Those were simply the two that came most readily to mind, and that I own. There is something about them… Read more “The Holiday, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Sixteen Candles, by Albert W. Vogt III
What if I told you there was a movie that featured women having issues with their bodies, under aged sex and drinking, racism, possible slavery, nudity, drug use, pejorative terms for homosexuals, special-needs shaming, joy riding without a license, and organized crime? Would you guess that it was some kind of X-rated snuff film? One… Read more “Sixteen Candles, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Charlie’s Angels, by Albert W. Vogt III
We were all immature once. Some of us still are, perhaps. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” What that means, basically, is that we all go through phases, even ones where we willingly watch films like Charlie’s Angels (2000). I have… Read more “Charlie’s Angels, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bring It On, by Albert W. Vogt III
Embarrassing admission: when Bring It On (2000) came out in the movie theaters, my friends from high school and I saw it in the theater, twice. If you are unfamiliar with this film, then bless you. I congratulate you on making it this far in life without being exposed to it. So what is the… Read more “Bring It On, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Steel Magnolias, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I noticed that my sister had suggested on social media that we review Steel Magnolias (1989), I was initially puzzled. But then I remembered the strange fascination that the 1980s had with Dolly Parton, who plays Truvy Jones, the owner and operator of a hair salon in a small Southern town. My poor sister… Read more “Steel Magnolias, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Chef, by Cameron J. Czaja
If you were to ask me what was a great year for film during the 2010s, I would probably say that 2014 is one of them. During the year we got Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Boyhood, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), and the list goes on. One film, however, that I deeply… Read more “Chef, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Ratatouille, by Albert W. Vogt III
The first time I saw Ratatouille (2007) it was during my time as an Assistant Youth Minister. I was on a bus traveling from Florida up to Hidden Lake Camp in Dahlonega, Georgia, for that wonderful week of trying to keep middle school teens in line amongst the pristine setting of the Southern Appalachians. At… Read more “Ratatouille, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, by Albert W. Vogt III
Like with my review of The NeverEnding Story (1984), a little extra research turns up surprising facts about a film like The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988). The first thing I had to do was to figure out which version my sister meant for me to view of one of our childhood favorites. After… Read more “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, by Albert W. Vogt III”
White Men Can’t Jump, by Albert W. Vogt III
My sister’s list of movies swung from the travesty that is Weekend at Bernie’s (1989) to a better choice in White Men Can’t Jump (1992). I asked her about her suggestions. She said they were completely at random. I will leave you to draw your own conclusions as to what that says about the things… Read more “White Men Can’t Jump, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The War with Grandpa, by Albert W. Vogt III
Movie watching in the time of COVID-19 is difficult, but then again what is not hard at the moment? Thus when casting about for a film to see in the theater, it was slim pickings as usual. It was either The War with Grandpa or Henchmen. Let us retroactively consider the options. Both are kid… Read more “The War with Grandpa, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bend It Like Beckham, by Albert W. Vogt III
Because I got caught up in watching my Chicago Bears defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last night, I had to interrupt the film schedule given me on social media. Actually, I had to make two changes. The first was a blessing in disguise. You see, all day I had been dreading having to watch Weekend… Read more “Bend It Like Beckham, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Weekend at Bernie’s, by Albert W. Vogt III
In hindsight, I am very glad I was late to the Weekend at Bernie’s (1989) party. Actually, I am now regretting having arrived at all. After plowing my way through Trolls World Tour, I looked ahead at my list with some relief, thinking the worst was behind me. Weekend at Bernie’s? I had never seen… Read more “Weekend at Bernie’s, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Trolls World Tour, by Albert W. Vogt III
My Chicago Bears stunk up Soldier Field on Sunday afternoon in losing to the Indianapolis Colts, putting me off football for the rest of the weekend. There is enough bad news in the world. Thus I did not care to watch the Monday Night contest(s). Instead, I resumed working my way through the extensive list… Read more “Trolls World Tour, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Save Yourselves! by Albert W. Vogt III
New record for movie attendance this weekend: almost twenty in the theater. Do not worry, dear reader, there was plenty of space between everyone. Actually, Save Yourselves! is an interesting film for the interesting times we are now in. Or are they still? I am guessing many of you have gotten a little sick of… Read more “Save Yourselves! by Albert W. Vogt III”
Dumbo (1941), by Albert W. Vogt III
God’s timing is always surprising. Not in the sense that, oh no, the hamster has died, but rather the kind of surprise that leads you closer to the divine. It comes in big and small forms, and it happened as I was about to sit down to write this article. The last Disney film I… Read more “Dumbo (1941), by Albert W. Vogt III”
Mean Girls, by Albert W. Vogt III
Somehow I missed out on Mean Girls (2004) until my sister suggested it to me recently on social media. I can probably guess why. When I was in my early twenties, I was watching movies like Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) because I am a huge nerd. As it turns… Read more “Mean Girls, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Cheaper by the Dozen, by Albert W. Vogt III
Yesterday in my review of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) I complained about how the International Movie Database (IMDb.com) often does strange things with cast listings and inexplicably truncates character names. Today, when I went to look at Cheaper by the Dozen (2003), I noticed that every single member of the… Read more “Cheaper by the Dozen, by Albert W. Vogt III”
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I first saw One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, it was while studying for my Ph.D. at Loyola University Chicago. It was for a course on Film and Twentieth Century America, a course I went on to teach as well. The story does not end there, however. The movie was part of a sort… Read more “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Three Caballeros, by Albert W. Vogt III
These are strange times. I spent this past weekend at Disney, so I thought it appropriate to bookend my trip with reviews of two of my favorite Disney cartoons of all time. Last week it was The Sword in the Stone (1963). Today it is The Three Caballeros (1944). When cable television first became a… Read more “The Three Caballeros, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Grand Budapest Hotel, by Albert W. Vogt III
One of these days I will get around to reviewing Moonrise Kingdom (2012). I am not sure why I have not done so already. When I am feeling as I am these days, which is to say sentimental with a shade of blue, I often turn to two of my favorite Wes Anderson films, and… Read more “The Grand Budapest Hotel, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Breakfast Club, by Albert W. Vogt III
What is the quintessential 1980s movie? Recently I suggested that it was the Back to the Future trilogy, and I stand by that declaration. Despite them spending more time in periods other than the Reagan decade, they say more about that era than they do about others. Still, a very strong case can be made… Read more “The Breakfast Club, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I was a much younger lad and saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) for the first time, I do not recall thinking much of it other than the giggles of an innocent child’s mind. I do remember it getting some attention for its use of animated characters alongside live actors, though in hindsight I… Read more “Who Framed Roger Rabbit, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Back to the Future Part III, by Albert W. Vogt III
Back to the Future III (1990) is perhaps the most unique of the time travel film series that came to define the 1980s by showing other points in our nation’s. What does that mean? Late last night I got a text from my dear cousin asking me about the historical background of the connection between… Read more “Back to the Future Part III, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Back to the Future Part II, by Albert W. Vogt III
Keeping with the theme of time travel from my review yesterday of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, I thought I would return to that plucky Back to the Future trilogy with Back to the Future Part II (1989). Tomorrow I will be reviewing Back to the Future Part III (1990), and if you know… Read more “Back to the Future Part II, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Forgetting Sarah Marshall, by Albert W. Vogt III
A dear friend of mine texted me recently and asked if I had reviewed 500 Days of Summer or The Greatest Showman. I had not, and neither has this blog addressed either of them. I also explained that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with 500 Days of Summer. The film hits a… Read more “Forgetting Sarah Marshall, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, by Albert W. Vogt III
It seems I am going backwards in a franchise. Last year I caught Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). It is a serviceable sequel to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). Maybe one of these days I will get around to watching the original, Jumanji (1995), starring the late, great Robin Williams. The first of the… Read more “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Peanut Butter Falcon, by Albert W. Vogt III
Remember when movies came out in theaters? That was just last year, by the way. During that time, I went to the movies every weekend, the goal being to see a new release and write about it. When COVID-19 shut down cinemas, I expanded my horizons and began reviewing any and all films. Have to… Read more “The Peanut Butter Falcon, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Nanny Diaries, by Albert W. Vogt III
There was a time when Scarlett Johansson did not do action films. I suppose assuming the role of Black Widow for Marvel really did something for her career. One of the first films I remember her in is The Perfect Score (2004), another where she co-starred with Chris Evans, where a group of high school… Read more “The Nanny Diaries, by Albert W. Vogt III”
An American Pickle, by Cameron J. Czaja
Unless you’re like me and scout new movies to watch every week, chances are that you haven’t heard of An American Pickle. I say that because it’s not available on Netflix, Hulu, Disney +, or Amazon Prime. Instead, it’s on a new streaming service called HBO MAX. So far, I’m enjoying that platform though hopefully they… Read more “An American Pickle, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Sweet Home Alabama, by Albert W. Vogt III
If I have not mentioned this before in a review, I will say it here: though I live in Florida, my true home will always be Chicago (or the suburbs of that great city, anyway). When deciding where to pursue my Ph.D., most of the schools to which I applied were in the Windy City.… Read more “Sweet Home Alabama, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Anything Else, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are aficionados of Woody Allen’s work, though I think his reputation has been marred somewhat in recent years. I would not call myself among their number, although this has nothing to do with him marrying his adopted daughter. Strange, but that describes most people in Hollywood. The simple reason I am not a big… Read more “Anything Else, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Palm Springs, by Cameron J. Czaja
Whenever we think of films where the character repeats a single day, we automatically think of Groundhog Day (1993). Since there have been other films that somewhat follow that formula such as Edge of Tomorrow (2014) and Happy Death Day (2017) to name a few. The reason I bring this up is because the movie that I’m about to talk… Read more “Palm Springs, by Cameron J. Czaja”
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, by Cameron J. Czaja
To follow up my review for The Spongebob Squarepants Movie (2004), I shall now do a review for the standalone sequel The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015). Unlike the first film, I had been more aware of film criticism and went into this one ready to critique it. Part of me, however, had a good… Read more “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, by Cameron J. Czaja”
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja
“Are you ready kids?!” If the first words you think of after hearing that phrase are “Aye aye, captain!” then you may be a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants like myself. I was nine years old when the series premiered in the Summer of 1999 and it couldn’t have come out at a better time. I was living in… Read more “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja”
The Goonies, by Albert W. Vogt III
Does anyone remember when Josh Brolin (who plays Brand Walsh in The Goonies (1985)) was young? You know, the guy that played Thanos in the last two Avengers movies? Do not recognize the purple super villain for the actor? What about No Country for Old Men (2007)? I hope not. That movie is awful. Brolin… Read more “The Goonies, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Fever Pitch, by Albert W. Vogt III
Here we go with another baseball movie, this time Fever Pitch (2005). Remember when Jimmy Fallon (who plays Ben Wrightman here) was an actual actor instead of a late night talk show host? This is my favorite of his films. It has a bit of nostalgia for me as well. It takes me back to… Read more “Fever Pitch, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, by Albert W. Vogt III
Yesterday I remarked that I wish I was able to submit myself to the procedure in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) in order to erase Zardoz (1974) from my memory. What a world that would be, would it not, if such a thing were possible? The idea in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless… Read more “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Back to the Future, by Albert W. Vogt III
When Back to the Future came out in 1985, who knew that a movie about a teenager from the 1980s ending up in the 1950s and kissing his own mother while taking her to the school dance would become such a hit? Of course, there is more to it than that brief synopsis. What makes… Read more “Back to the Future, by Albert W. Vogt III”
A Goofy Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja
Ah 1995, a year in film where we great classics such as Apollo 13, Braveheart, and Toy Story. One film, however, that came out during that year that has received a cult following happens to be A Goofy Movie, which features one of Disney’s greatest characters Goofy. Despite being born in the 1990s and growing up on cartoons that… Read more “A Goofy Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja”
About Time, by Albert W. Vogt III
The first time I saw About Time (2013), I wept. A lot. In my review yesterday of Kingdom of Heaven (2005), I discussed how struck I was as a young man about that tale of the perfect knight navigating the Crusades. I guess About Time showed that sentimentality stuck with me into my thirties. So… Read more “About Time, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Can’t Hardly Wait, by Albert W. Vogt III
I graduated from high school in 1997. That year is beginning to seem ancient to me. Fun fact, though: I was supposed to graduate the following year. Rather, I decided to enroll in a program that allowed me to matriculate through high school in three years instead of four. This was not the result of… Read more “Can’t Hardly Wait, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Clueless, by Albert W. Vogt III
Why not? A few days ago I reviewed Legally Blonde (2001), so here is another film whose main character shares the same shade of hair: Clueless (1995). There are some similarities about the two: both female leads come from privileged, California families, and they each have a self-possession that can be both a blessing and… Read more “Clueless, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Scoob! by Cameron J. Czaja
Even though I was a huge Scooby-Doo fan when I was a little kid, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about watching Scoob! or if I was going to see it when it first came out. I’ll elaborate on that part. So, because theaters are still closed due to Covid-19, Scoob! was getting the video on… Read more “Scoob! by Cameron J. Czaja”
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Albert W. Vogt III
If nothing else, there is a nice reminder for these troubling times printed in large, comforting letters on the back of the book-within-the-book that lends its title to this movie: DON’T PANIC. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005) was one of those films based on a classic novel that I always thought of as… Read more “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Lorax, by Cameron J. Czaja
For a while now I was indecisive on what movie I should review next for The Legionnaire. Then I realized that Earth Day was approaching soon, so I decided that my next review will be Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. I beat around the bush with this one. I actually strongly dislike this film and it’s one of… Read more “The Lorax, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, by Albert W. Vogt III
Recently I mentioned that I watch The Blues Brothers (1980) whenever I am dealing with a bout of Chicago nostalgia. Another great movie for getting your Windy City fix is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). It is also a comedy, but presented in a very different way. Instead of being on a mission from God… Read more “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Blues Brothers, by Albert W. Vogt III
Whenever I am missing what I still consider to be my hometown (broadly speaking), that town being Chicago, I decide to watch The Blues Brothers (1980). Now that I have covered my three favorite movies of all time (The World’s End, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes… Read more “The Blues Brothers, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Real Genius, by Albert W. Vogt III
When watching Real Genius (1985), you need to pay close attention. If you do, you will be rewarded with brilliant one-liner after brilliant one-liner. I love clever dialog such as the viewer is given in this film. And none of it is extraneous, but instead always advances the plot. This is great because as a… Read more “Real Genius, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? by Albert W. Vogt III
Hopefully our economy is not headed for a depression, like the Great Depression during which Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) is set. This film is a bit of an oddity though, present conditions aside. It was done by the Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan Coen), the same duo who brought us The Big Lebowski,… Read more “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? by Albert W. Vogt III”
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, by Albert W. Vogt III
What would a movie look like that is tailored to the Nintendo generation and that is set in the Toronto hipster scene? It would look like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and it is my second favorite movie of all time. It came out in 2010, so I am not worried about spoiling much. It… Read more “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The World’s End, by Albert W. Vogt III
With movie theaters currently shut down, why not do my top three favorite movies of all time? Number three is The World’s End, and again I have to admit to hesitation over another doom’s day movie with our current situation. Still, unlike Bird Box, The World’s End approaches the subject with humor, while also adding… Read more “The World’s End, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Sandlot, by Albert W. Vogt III
While driving to my Coronavirus date night, part II, as per my usual, I had on sports talk radio. As it so happened, I tuned it at the exact moment that they were interviewing Patrick Renna. If that name does not immediately ring a bell, he played Hamilton “Ham” Porter in 1993’s The Sandlot. As… Read more “The Sandlot, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Up, by Albert W. Vogt III
In 2018, for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party I dressed up as a young(er) Carl Fredericksen (voiced by Ed Asner) from the 2009 Disney classic Up. I had never seen the movie before, and I am not going to rehash my “interesting” relationship with the Mouse. It was an easy enough costume to… Read more “Up, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Chicken Run, by Albert W. Vogt III
With COVID-19 making life a little harder to live, particularly for movie reviewers, I have decided to go back and watch some classic movies and review them. If you pay even the slightest attention to the news these days, it makes it seem like a seeming apocalypse is afoot. One thing this panic has done… Read more “Chicken Run, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Onward, by Cameron J. Czaja
It’s been two months since 2020 began and I finally watched a film that I was anticipating and that movie was Onward. As you know by now, animation is one of my favorite genres of film because those types of films have the potential to be something great on a visual level. Recently, however, I’ve… Read more “Onward, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Sonic the Hedgehog, Cameron J. Czaja
Ah Valentine’s Day, a day where couples can spend time together and watch a newly released film. Unfortunately, I can only relate to the second half of that sentence and the movie that I saw on Valentine’s Day was Sonic the Hedgehog. While I’m somewhat of a fan of the video game series, I was… Read more “Sonic the Hedgehog, Cameron J. Czaja”
JoJo Rabbit, by Cameron J. Czaja
For those who don’t know the director of Jojo Rabbit, it is directed by Taika Waititi, who has slowly become a very well-known figure in Hollywood thankJos to his recent films such as Hunt for the Wilder People and Thor: Ragnarok. When I first heard about this project, I was very optimistic yet very skeptical… Read more “JoJo Rabbit, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Dolittle, by Albert W. Vogt III
I was mildly interested in seeing Dolittle given how much I enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. (Dr. John Dolittle) as Iron Man in the recent run of Marvel movies. It is curiosity raising to see how an actor who played such an iconic character follows up such a generational performance. I will give this movie credit… Read more “Dolittle, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Spies in Disguise, by Cameron J. Czaja
The last week of December is probably one of my favorite weeks of the year because not only do we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we start to get a lot more movies coming out, some of them I’ve been anticipating for a while. This week I saw two new films, but the one… Read more “Spies in Disguise, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Jumanji: The Next Level, by Albert W. Vogt III
I saw Jumanji: The Next Level in the charming central Florida town of Spring Hill. Going into it, I expected a packed theater, and thus my girlfriend and I arrived early to get a good seat. What a charming throwback to the bygone era of non-reserved seating? We got there about twenty minutes before the… Read more “Jumanji: The Next Level, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Playmobil: The Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja
I thought I was going to get a break from reviewing a film this week because usually there’s nothing big coming out the week after Thanksgiving. Or so I thought. What peaked my curiosity to see Playmobil: The Movie is how they were going to make a movie about the Playmobil toys and how bad… Read more “Playmobil: The Movie, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Zombieland 2: Double Tap, by Albert W. Vogt III
Zombieland (2009) was a ghoulish parody of the then craze of undead movies and shows gripping the nation at that time. It starred Jesse Eisenberg (Columbus), Woody Harrelson (Tallahassee), Emma Stone (Wichita), and Abigail Breslin (Little Rock), with a memorable cameo from Bill Murrary playing himself. Zombieland 2: Double Tap (2019) is a ghoulish parody… Read more “Zombieland 2: Double Tap, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Addams Family, by Cameron J. Czaja
I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan of The Addams Family, but I am a causal one. When I heard they were making an animated film based on everyone’s favorite macabre family I was somewhat excited. The last I saw anything associated with The Addams Family was the Broadway adaptation several years ago and to… Read more “The Addams Family, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Abominable, by Cameron J. Czaja
Something I noticed before watching this film about a yeti is that this will be the third animated film within a year involving yetis. The first one was Small Foot (2018) and the second one was Missing link, which came out earlier this year. I have seen both Small Foot and Missing Link and I… Read more “Abominable, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Dora and the Lost City of Gold, by Albert W. Vogt III
Dora and the Lost City of Gold is about the title character, Dora (Isabella Moner), a socially inept teenager with deadbeat parents who seemed content to let their only child be raised by a monkey. Along the way, mom (Elena, played by Eva Longoria) and dad (Cole, played by Michael Peña) wander into the jungle… Read more “Dora and the Lost City of Gold, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Yesterday
When I go into a movie these days, it is with a notebook so that I can write down various observations along the way. Most of the time they are things that do not make sense to me that I want to put into my reviews, but usually do not make it into them. If… Read more “Yesterday”
Toy Story 4
Before I begin, let me get a disclaimer out of the way: I have not seen Toy Story 1, Toy Story 2, or Toy Story 3. Actually, you could probably name a Disney movie and I have not seen it. I do not typically go in for that sort of thing. But I have a… Read more “Toy Story 4”
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Before seeing Pokémon Detective Pikachu, a friend of mine who loves the franchise told me, “If you’re a fan of Pokémon you’ll love it. . . .” If you are keeping score at home, I do not fall into that category. I am not going to take the time to defend my nerd status. However,… Read more “Pokémon Detective Pikachu”
Missing Link
Movies that want to take themselves seriously try not to schedule their releases when there is a competitor involved. Sometimes this involves other reasons like the need for reshoots or world events causing them to make other plans. More often, though, it is because a movie wants to maximize its profits and another big time… Read more “Missing Link”
Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
I needed a break after last week’s Miss Bala misery. I noticed that Cold Pursuit was also out this week, but wished to avoid another bleak weekend. Something lighter was in order, I felt, and so it was off to see Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. I am not a huge fan of animated films. Being without a wife and family… Read more “Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”
Stan & Ollie
Last week I saw a sad movie, Glass, both in its content and its quality. Was there anything truly heroic about characters who were supposed to be superheroes? Throw in the fact that little of it made a lick of sense and I left the theater with a sour taste in my mouth, which is… Read more “Stan & Ollie”
The Upside
This week I decided on a very different movie than Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse. As this blog develops, please know that I will be seeing and reviewing a wide variety of movies. I am not the biggest Kevin Hart or Brian Cranston fan. Hart typically plays his over-excited self in everything, though I did enjoy Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. I never… Read more “The Upside”
Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse
I decided to make my first review a light one: Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse. Like many people, I have been taken in by the Marvel craze. Then again, given my penchant for their comics when I was younger, this was probably predictable. I have to confess, though, to not being the biggest fan of animated movies. Being usually… Read more “Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse”
