By Brian Skutle We all have points of reference for when we’re introduced to an actor, and whatever that is has a tendency to imprint on us, and influence us whenever we see them in other movies. If your first time really seeing, say, Robert Downey Jr., was in “Iron Man” (2008) or any of his performances as Tony Stark, you’re not going to be … Continue reading Jennifer Connelly: Warmth and Heart, Even in Darkness
By Joan Amenn Over twenty years ago, Disney did something extraordinarily out of character. They allowed animators to create a world more like a live action film than had permitted previously. No doubt it helped that the directors of “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001) were Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, who had collaborated on the blockbuster hit “Beauty and the Beast” in 1991. However, the … Continue reading The Women of the Watery World of Atlantis: The Lost Empire
By Brian Skutle When Disney first purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, naturally, one of the first thoughts for many a “Star Wars”(1977) fan was the idea of getting more films and TV shows. “Clone Wars”(2008-2020) was going on Cartoon Network, but the prequel era had divided the fan base. New stories were not just on my mind, however. A new trilogy of films meant, of course, … Continue reading The Musical Force is Female: Natalie Holt’s Score for “Obi-Wan Kenobi”
Film Critic Calum Cooper steps into the galaxy far, far away to give his thoughts on Star Wars’ new Disney+ show, Obi-Wan Kenobi Continue reading “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022) Review
By Joan Amenn I am a fourth generation Italian American. The stories of my ancestors that I grew up with both mirror and contrast with how my ethnicity have been depicted on screen, much like anyone else’s cultural heritage when subjected to dramatization. Here are some of the films that have special meaning to me. 1. The Godfather Parts 1 & 2 (1972, 1974): I’m … Continue reading Top 5 Favorite Films about Italian American Culture
By Morgan Roberts There are a number of women who are trailblazers behind the camera, but none as remarkable as Lynn Shelton. Raised in Seattle, Shelton’s earlier career was in editing for work in the area as well as creating experimental short films. In 2003, Shelton saw Claire Denis at Seattle’s Northwest Forum. At the talk, Denis discussed her start in directing and how she … Continue reading Women’s History Month Spotlight: Lynn Shelton
By Morgan Roberts When you watch “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (2021), the surface of the film is a biopic that aims to correct some of the wrongs society cast upon Tammy Faye Bakker. However the film, anchored by its core performance, does more than provide a Wikipedia interpretation of the truth; what it does is confront the very things Tammy Faye and many others … Continue reading Finding Faith in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”
By Morgan Roberts With the Oscars inching closer, the conversation around the films nominated is intensifying. And one conversation is sparking debate on representation in film and intent behind that representation. In Paul Thomas Anderson’s film “Licorice Pizza”(2022), you will find more than a killer 1970’s soundtrack and a strong performance by Alana Haim. You will also get to watch a character make a racist … Continue reading Editorial: The Intent of It All
For Valentine’s Day, In Their Own League selects some favorite onscreen “I love yous” — some wordless, some silly, but all heartfelt. Continue reading “As You Wish” : 16 favorite onscreen declarations of love
By Morgan Roberts Brooke Cardinas (Greta Gerwig) is the most intriguing person in the world. As one of the central characters of 2015’s “Mistress America,” Brooke is alluring with her joie de vivre and exciting life. Yet, this film is more than just two women at different stages trying to figure it out, but it is Brooke’s love story with life and people. In 2015, … Continue reading Not So True Love Retrospective: Mistress America
In Their Own League 