This is a well-written and well-argued breakdown of “Breaking Bad” — how to view not only Walt but his wife, Skyler, who gets a lot of online backlash. http://openseasonreviews.tumblr.com/post/56255159700/so-you-think-skyler-white-is-a-bitch
In praise of good bad movies
I love a good bad movie. Not a movie that’s so bad it’s good (like those from “Mystery Science Theater 3000”), but one that’s enjoyable in its own loopy way, like “Sahara,” “Point Break” and a handful of others I…
The best profession in the world
Remembering Helen Thomas today, who died Saturday at age 92. I have her book “Front Row at the White House,” which she was kind enough to autograph for me. It arrived signed in the mail (my friend James, who had…
Waiting on “The Walking Dead”
Why does “The Walking Dead” have to release such an amazing Comic-Con trailer but not start again until October? Sigh.
Young Lives with Ancient Wisdom
The preternaturally wise child is a tricky character to bring to life. Here, my picks for films that do it well: http://www.wordandfilm.com/2013/07/ways-to-live-forever-and-5-other-young-lives-with-ancient-wisdom/#
Get started. Be great.
I love this, from Screenwriting U’s Facebook page: “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great. — Les Brown.” Yes.
Honoring Joan
Joan Didion is among those receiving a National Medal of the Arts and the National Humanities Medal tomorrow. I’ve admired her and treasured her writing for years. “Slouching Toward Bethlehem” is one of my favorites.
A summer tradition: the coming-of-age epiphany movie
With “The Way, Way Back” opening this week and “The Spectacular Now” coming next month, a warm-weather tradition continues: the coming-of-age epiphany movie. Start with a youth in transition (“The Wackness”) or a restless adult with unresolved issues (“A Walk…
Who’s strong and brave here to save the American way?
Happy 4th of July! We played the “Star-Spangled Man” segment from “Captain America: The First Avenger” for our son this morning. Here, my other suggestions for red, white and blue viewing.
Richard Matheson, you are legend
Few writers intertwined word and film better than Richard Matheson. The prolific author, who died Sunday at age eighty-seven after a long illness, was a multimedia writer before anyone coined the term. Perhaps most famous for the apocalyptic vampire tale…