Film Review: In ‘The King’s Speech,’ Colin Firth plays a piercing Prince Albert
Jordan Wilson Contributing Writer While Tom Hooper’s “The King’s Speech” is unfortunately rated R for the use of one or two choice terms, it is in truth more than suitable for a wider age group than its rating permits – and certainly one of the best films of 2010. The film opens in 1925 as […]
Winter movie preview: Five films you shouldn’t miss
Jordan Wilson Staff writer Moviegoers and film critics alike have a lot to look forward to over the last three weeks of December – check out these brief previews of five upcoming premieres that might just be worth the price of admission. “The Fighter” (Dec. 17 – Wide Release) Director David O. Russell (Three Kings, […]
Actor, writer Crispin Glover showcases independent film to help Byrd effort
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer Actor/producer/writer Crispin Hellion Glover hosted “An Evening with Crispin Glover,” at the Byrd Theatre Friday night, part of his current worldwide tour to screen and promote his newest film project titled, “It is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE,” about a man with a severe case of cerebral palsy who compulsively murders long-haired […]
“127 Hours,” a stunning exercise in desperation and willpower
Jordan Wilson Staff writer Director Danny Boyle’s follow-up to his 2008 triumph “Slumdog Millionaire” proves once and for all that he is a true cinematic visionary. James Franco stars as Aron Ralston in “127 Hours,” based on the true story of an engineer and adrenaline junkie who bikes across deserts, wedges himself into canyon crevices, […]
Film Review: ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” the best Potter film since Azkaban
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer “These are dark times; there is no denying,” Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy) says, as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” opens. Indeed, the forces of darkness are stronger than ever this time around, and Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his companions Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and […]
Film Review: ‘Morning Glory,’ broadcast morning news at its grouchiest
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer In almost every morning news anchor’s delivery, it’s easy to detect a slightly sarcastic tone: They have to appear plucky and bounce banter back and forth with the co-anchor, while always maintaining energy and interest about whatever news is being discussed – most of which tends to be terribly uninteresting, i.e. […]
‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ at Singleton Center, wickedly sharp and deliciously naughty
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer Whether we like it or not, we all enjoy watching characters on stage, in films and in literature being naughty. In life we generally try to do the right thing and make the most ethical and appropriate decisions. Christopher Hampton’s play “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” performed in the Raymond Hodges Theatre Saturday […]
Film Review: ‘Due Date,’ the miracle of (getting to) a birth
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer There is a moment in Todd Phillips’ new film “Due Date” when Robert Downey, Jr.’s character, Peter Highman, has a splendid opportunity to walk away from Zach Galifianakis’ character, Ethan Tremblay. He would also be completely justified in doing so, considering the absolute hell that Ethan has put him through up until […]
Film Review: ‘Paranormal Activity 2,’ a demon gets what a demon wants
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer Last year’s “Paranormal Activity” was a tremendous sleeper hit because of its simplicity and its refusal to condescend to audiences. “Paranormal Activity 2” takes everything that worked in the first one and runs with it – a wise choice by director Tod Williams (taking over for Oren Peli) and screenwriter Michael Perry. […]
Album review: Lennon & Ono remixed and revitalized
Jordan Wilson Staff Writer John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s musical collaboration “Double Fantasy” was originally released on Nov. 17, 1980, just three weeks prior to Lennon’s murder at the hands of Mark David Chapman. Following the tragedy, the album went on to win the Grammy award for “Best Album of the Year” in 1981, and in […]