Is “Teen Beach Movie” Just Plain Goofy, or a Solid Homage To a Bygone Genre?
The teen beach party film subgenre of the 1960s was classified by its over-the-top attitude and focus on humor, whimsy and fun. Teen Beach Movie captures those feelings and presents them to a…
On “Breaking Bad,” What is Gustavo Fring’s Background?
Gus Fring was one of television's greatest villains. Part of his mystique was formed on the fact that nobody really knows his past - he was simply a powerful drug dealer that came from…
How Did the Cast of Characters of “Breaking Bad” Evolve as the Seasons Progressed?
Breaking Bad was a drama that ended in an entirely different place than the creators could ever have imagined. One of television's strongest dramas took a great approach to writing characters…
What’s the Significance of “Blue Ruin’s” Title?
"Blue Ruin's" title carries a deeper meaning than simply referring to the rusty blue Pontiac that the film's protagonist drives. As it turns out, "blue ruin" actually…
What Does “Blue Ruin” Say About Guns in America?
When "Blue Ruin" premiered at Cannes, the audience assumed it was taking a jab at U.S. gun culture. When it was shown in Texas theaters, people enjoyed the film's gun-savvy humor. Is…
How Important are The Costumes in a Show like Outlander?
For a period show like "Outlander," atmosphere—the look and feel of the whole production—is critical. The audience has to believe, from exterior landscape shots free of cell phone…
Why is “Outlander’s” Use of Voice Over a Problem? Or is It?
The use of voice over has been one of the nagging criticisms (like in this early review from Indiewire ) of "Outlander" from the beginning of the first season. Claire, the series’ time…
What is the Deal With the Music During Outlander’s Difficult Strapping Scene?
"Outlander’s" massive, and rabid, fan base knew what was coming. The show’s producers, creative team, and actors had been preparing the viewers for what fans of the book have often…
Which Films Influenced “Alien” And How?
Ridley Scott's sci-masterpiece was based on an original screenplay by Dan O'Bannon. Of course, like most great movies, "Alien" was influenced by many films that came before it…
How Does “Blue Ruin” Deconstruct the Revenge Thriller?
In "Blue Ruin," director Jeremy Saulnier and actor Macon Blair turn revenge thriller cliches upside down by creating a "hero" who doesn't know anything about the bloody…
As in “Veronika Decides to Die,” Why Would a Girl with a Death Sentence Have to Stay at the Hospital?
Why is Veronika kept in the hospital after being told she has only a week to live?
In “Veronika Decides to Die,” What “Unusual Activities” Were Going on Under Dr. Blake’s Care?
Dr. Blake's treatment therapies are unconventional, and his approaches towards healing Veronika and getting to the root of her depression are no exception.