Why does “Being There” highlight “Basketball Jones” so prominently?
"Being There" calls a lot of attention to Cheech & Chong's "Basketball Jones" as Chance first arrives at the Rand mansion. Its lyrical and cultural content work both on…
How does “Grave of the Fireflies” critique the concept of nationalism?
"Grave of the Fireflies" is largely a story about two people surviving the devastating consequences of war. But it also contains themes about the dangers of nationalism when unchecked,…
What is wrong with the McCallister family in the “Home Alone” films?
The McCallisters in "Home Alone" are a bit off. Perhaps that's why the films look elsewhere for sources of holiday sentiment.
Does Seita in “Grave of the Fireflies” make the right decisions?
Seita certainly doesn't make all the right decisions in "Grave of the Fireflies," but we know that from the film's first few minutes. What's more important is the way he…
Why did “Goblet of Fire” depict the other wizarding schools as single-gender institutions?
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" represented Durmstrang and Beauxbatons as single-gender schools, likely to simplify their identities within the confines of the film.
Was “I Live Here Now,” The Leftovers second season finale, a successful ending to the season?
"The Leftovers" second season finale, "I Live Here Now," more than suitably serviced the season and ended it on a satisfying, compelling note.
How does “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” stress the importance of group education?
In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," students are forced to form Dumbledore's Army, a secret study group training in defense of the dark arts.
What is the significance of Harry and Dumbledore’s meeting place in “HP and the Sorcerer’s Stone”?
Dumbledore meets Harry in front of the Mirror of Erised, a magical device that reveals a person's innermost desires. Here, the bond between the two is formed, and Dumbledore is established as…
How was “A Night at the Opera” a transitional film for The Marx Brothers?
"A Night at the Opera" took the Marx Brothers away from Paramount and over to MGM, where their affiliation with Irving Thalberg noticeably changed their style and resulted in a higher…
Why was Pittsburgh used as Gotham city for the majority of “The Dark Knight Rises”?
"The Dark Knight Rises" was shot largely in Pittsburgh as a city that has interesting architecture and a fine representation of tightly-knit upscale and working class areas side-by-side.
What do “Ran” and “Madadayo” reveal about Kurosawa’s later life?
As the director entered a dark time in his career, and life for that matter, his material become darker and more personal.
What does “Youth” say about aging?
"Youth" is a meditation on aging and the attempt to look back on our lives as we near the end.