In his third feature film, Mud, writer-director Jeff Nichols has delivered a stirring coming of age tale that’s part Stand by Me, part Hickleberry Finn, and part William Faulkner. If it had been made in the mid-fifties, I can imagine a young Paul Newman as the title character. As it is, Matthew McConaughey, who keeps adding to his acting laurels with each chosen role, plays Mud. From Bernie to Killer Joe to Magic Mike, and now Mud, McConaughey seems determined to break out of the Hollywood rom-com pigeonhole and create characters that impress and intrigue. And maybe even get him an Oscar nomination one day.
Cryptozoology: the study of hidden or unknown animals, creatures not confirmed or recognized by science. Filmmaker Christopher Maloney has recently completed his documentary, Cryptotrip, about his journey to talk to people who claim to have seen one or more of these unknown creatures. He joins Larry Thomas to talk about his 20 state road trip and how people can view his film.
I have a confession to make. I have never seen a film by Japan’s master animator Hiyao Miyazaki, one of Japan's greatest animation directors, and founder of the legendary Studio Ghibli. His films have earned him international renown from critics as well as public recognition within Japan. Among the titles you may have heard are Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. Miyazaki is often referred to as the “Japanese Walt Disney.”
I have been contemplating an essay for some time about what I call “second chance movies.” You probably have some of these in your cinematic past. A second chance movie is one that, upon first viewing, fell somewhere between seriously disappointing and absolutely hated. And that experience could have been due to a variety of factors: your age at the first viewing, where you saw it, something in it hit too close to home… you get the idea. Then later in life, when you decide to see that particular film again, imagine your surprise when it turns out to be not only good but also ends up as one of your favorites.
If you’re an aviation or movie buff, you’ll want to check out the Reel Stuff Film Festival of Aviation at the U.S. Air Force Museum Theater in Fairborn, Ohio. As Larry Thomas learns, the theater recently underwent an $800,000 renovation, upgrading the digital projection and sound system. From April 13-15, they will be showing such re-mastered films as the first Oscar winner, Wings; Top Gun in Imax 3D; Memphis Belle and more.
