Dragonslayer (1981) Dir. by Matthew Robbins Starring Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson and one impressive puppet Plot Tired of a twice-yearly lottery to select a virgin to sacrifice to the rampaging dragon Vermithrax, the citizens of Urland seek the aid of the wizard Ulrich. Before he can help, however, the king’s head knight insists … Continue reading Dragonslayer
2021
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) Dir. by Mel Stuart Starring Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum and Jack Albertson Plot When eccentric and reclusive candy company magnate Willy Wonka announces a contest for a lifetime supply of chocolate, a worldwide hunt begins for five Golden Tickets. Poor paperboy Charlie Bucket lucks into the final Ticket, … Continue reading Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Clash of the Titans
Clash of the Titans (1981) Dir. by Desmond Davis Starring Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith and Burgess Meredith Plot A retelling of the Greek myth of Perseus: the son of Zeus, the infant Perseus and his mother are cast into the sea by his grandfather, the king of Argos, whose kingdom is destroyed by … Continue reading Clash of the Titans
Renaissance Man
Renaissance Man (1994) Dir. by Penny Marshall Starring Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines and James Remar Plot Unemployed advertising executive Bill Rago, desperate for any job he can get, takes a gig teaching “basic comprehension” to Army recruits about to wash out of Basic Training. He has no idea where to begin, until they express interest … Continue reading Renaissance Man
If Looks Could Kill
If Looks Could Kill (1991) Dir. by William Dear Starring Richard Grieco, Roger Rees and Gabrielle Anwar Plot Teenage slacker Michael Corbin is given a surprise on graduation day when his diploma is withheld due to an incomplete grade in French. In order to get the credit he needs to graduate, he has to accompany … Continue reading If Looks Could Kill
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) Dir. by Steve Barron Starring Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas and Josh Pais Plot While investigating a series of mysterious crimes, TV news reporter April O’Neil is saved from a mugging by the Ninja Turtles, a group of four anthropomorphic reptiles trained in ninjitsu by their rat master, Splinter. When Splinter … Continue reading Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) Dir. by Kevin Reynolds Starring Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman and Morgan Freeman Plot Robin of Locksley, a Crusader imprisoned in Jerusalem, escapes with the help of the Moorish prisoner Azeem. Returning to England, he finds that the Sheriff of Nottingham has branded his father a devil-worshipper and seized his … Continue reading Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Maverick
Maverick (1994) Dir. by Richard Donner Starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner Plot Bret Maverick, a professional gambler in the late 1800s, finds himself $3000 short of the entrance fee for an elite poker tournament with a $500,000 cash prize (about $12 million in today’s dollars). To obtain it, he engages in a … Continue reading Maverick
Cinematic Nostalgia 