Daily Archives: July 11, 2013

Movie Preview: A first look at Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks”

It’s the story of Walt Disney’s courtship of “Mary Poppins” creator P.L. Travers. Sounds more fun than this trailer — at first — suggests. Tom Hanks is Disney, his fellow Oscar winner Emma Thompson is the almost un-courtable Travers. But … Continue reading

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Movie Review: “Blackfish” turns the unflattering spotlight on SeaWorld and its killer whales

Some of the video of SeaWorld accidents is disturbing, and a lot of the footage of orcas — killer whales — being herded so that their young can be grabbed for use in theme parks is heartbreaking. But the most … Continue reading

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Next Interview: Help me with some questions for “Bill Hader”

Bill Hader did the Saturday Night Live thing for years.  He was most famous for “Stefon,” a homeless gay New York City correspondent who carried a torch for Seth Myers. And now, as that ends, his movie career is lighting … Continue reading

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Movie Preview: Kristen Bell faces the “grow up” lecture in “The Lifeguard”

Something about the job that requires a swimsuit says “Not quite an adult yet.” Lifeguards in their thirties (“I’m 29.”) are screenwriter shorthand for “didn’t sell out” (Sam Elliott in “Lifeguard” in the ’70s) but also never grew up — … Continue reading

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Movie Review: “Grown Ups 2”, a make-work project for Sandman’s pals

The gang’s all here for “Grown Ups 2,” Adam Sandler’s latest lowbrow make-work project for all the ex-jocks, jockcasters, “Saturday Night Live” has-beens and other hangers-on he keeps on payroll. It’s another pointless romp through Sandlerland — where the women … Continue reading

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