Back in 1997, when I first heard about Air Bud a film that revolved around a basketball playing golden retriever, I thought “there’s another way someone’s trying to make a buck off Michael Jordan’s moniker. While that was likely true,…
Even if you understand motion picture studios have always milked a franchise whenever they saw the chance, sometimes you still have to ask why. If a movie is popular enough, especially a comedy, a studio is bound to follow it…
In this direct-to-video animated release of Wonder Woman, the plot is based on George Perez’ reboot of the character. Specifically, the “Gods and Mortals” arc that started the character’s second volume back in 1987. The film presumes that Wonder Woman…
Room 222 was a half-hour comedy-drama that aired on ABC from 1969-74. Set at integrated Walt Whitman High School in Los Angeles, Room 222 is credited with breaking new narrative ground in television. The series, created by James L. Brooks…
On the face of it, the premise of Fernando Meirelles’ (City of God, The Constant Gardner) seems intriguing: an epidemic of white blindness sweeps the entire world, with no warning. In a short period of time, almost everyone is rendered…
Back in 1992, the original Poison Ivy served to relaunch Drew Barrymore’s career after she had emerged from years of alcohol and drug addiction. That film was nominated for a coveted Grand Jury prize at Sundance and went on to…
Paramount was ecstatic. The low-budget slasher flick Friday the 13th had been a surprise hit and its sequel had done solid business as well. However, the tide seemed to be turning against them. The MPAA was cracking down on horror…
As a big Dick York fan, I have to admit I never totally adjusted to Dick Sargent as Durwood, Derweed or whatever his name was. The seventh season was Sargent’s second in the role and by then he seemed to…
Buoyed by the success of Friday the 13th, Paramount wanted a sequel and wanted it fast. Friday the 13th, Part 2 hit theaters in May of 1981, less than a year after its predecessor. Having served as an associate-producer on…
Cheech & Chong may not have invented “stoner” comedy but they sure perfected it. With the exception of their 1985 album, Get out of my Room, I’ve never been a huge fan of their drug based humor. But for their…