Considering the Cinema Movie Review: Long Shot (2019)

Posted on May 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

All movie reviews are inevitably burdened (and occasionally blessed) with subjectivity. There is no such thing as a purely “objective” review, nor should there be.

So, I will confess up front that, while I fancy myself as a person who has a good sense of humor, I typically don’t appreciate films that are Comedies. I simply don’t find them very funny. And perhaps part of the issue is that I prefer films that are dark, violent, crime-infested and troubling.

This same weekend, “The Intruder” (2019), was released in theaters, starring Dennis Quaid, Meagan Good and Michael Ealy. That film appears to be a Horror film, or at the very least, a Thriller, but I “boycotted” supporting that film in the theater due to its egregiously, three-act-revealing trailer.

Therefore, I opted to see “Long Shot” Saturday night, a Comedy starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. “Long Shot” was directed by Jonathan Levin, who also directed “Snatched” (the Amy Schumer / Goldie Hawn trainwreck). As ominous as that seems, I still had hope because Jonathan Levin wrote “Warm Bodies” and “The Wackness.” But most of all, I had faith in Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. Continue reading →

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 005: The Monster Problem, $5 Bargain Bin Gas Station Horror Movies, and Weekend Horror VHS Rentals From the Local Video Store

Posted on April 19, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Are you a Horror fan? Me too! I used to host three different Horror movie podcasts, so I love to explore this powerful genre and its many sub-genres. Therefore, some of my Considering the Cinema episodes are going to be dedicated to focusing solely on Considering Horror Cinema! So, Episode 005 is a long-form show, and it is entirely dedicated to exploring the Horror genre. And while I am expecting Horror fans to enjoy this episode, I am also hopeful that people who are typically non-Horror fans will also give it a listen. Above all, my underlying passion is always the cinema and film criticism. If you feel the same way, I still think you’ll enjoy your time Considering Horror Cinema with me. This is a solo podcast for people who don’t typically like solocasts…

In Episode 005, your host Jason Pyles (aka Horror moniker “Jay of the Dead”) will discuss “The Monster Problem,” video rental store nostalgia and looking for Horror movie gems in the $5 bargain bins at truck stops and gas stations. And to help me reminisce about video store nostalgia, the Gillman Joel Robertson of Horror Movie Podcast, Retro Movie Geek and Universal Monsters Cast appears as a guest contributor! I will also bring you Feature Reviews of I Trapped the Devil (2019), Jordan Peele’s Us (2019), Sole Survivor (1984) on VHS, and for some reason, Camp Death III in 2D (2019). You will also get to hear two of my three specialty segments, Jay of the Dead’s Beastly Freaks, when I’ll review Night Wolf (2012), and Jay of the Dead’s Perishable Predicament, when I review a Survival Horror film called Thirst (2010).

You are welcome to call my new voicemail number at (801) 215-9704 or email me at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment. Be sure to join me for my upcoming Episode 006, when I bring you a recap of the 2019 movies I’ve seen from January through April! Join me! Continue reading →

Us (2019) and Triple Frontier (2019)

Posted on April 18, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

*This column was originally printed in the April 2019 edition of The BP Times newspaper.

Us (2019) – Most people probably know writer-director Jordan Peele from his comedy duo TV series, “Key and Peele,” though he has many prior credits. In 2017, Peele wrote and directed a noteworthy Horror film titled “Get Out,” which was worthily praised for its razor-sharp social commentary about race and its exceptional performances.

Then on March 22, we got another Horror movie that Peele wrote and directed called “Us.” Here’s the premise (without spoilers): A family’s beach vacation becomes horrifying when they encounter doppelgängers — exact replicas of themselves — who try to harm and terrorize them.

Upon seeing the trailer, at first blush, the film appeared to be a Jordan Peele-worthy exploration of how sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I wondered if the themes had something to do with self-sabotage, self-loathing or maybe even perfectionism. Continue reading →

Summer 2019 Preview: Toying With Scary Prospects

Posted on March 7, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

Technically, the first day of summer arrives with the summer solstice, which for 2019 will be Friday, June 21, in the Northern Hemisphere. But for Hollywood, June 21 is already nine weeks into summer movie blockbuster season.

Somehow, the Hollywood marketing machine has unofficially pushed summer back to late April, which is where I’ll begin this month’s Summer Movie Preview. (By the way, this preview will only be dismissive, not exhaustive.)

April 26 is when we’ll finally get to see the gripping conclusion to a remarkable, 11-year story arc that will finish with “Avengers: Endgame.” Or will it? Let the backpedaling begin! Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Ep. 004: Creep Van (2012), Rituals (1977) and Once Upon a Time in Queens (2014)

Posted on February 20, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to the Episode 004 show notes for Considering the Cinema, the official (albeit occasional) podcast of the Considering the Cinema blog. My name is Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”), and this is where I consider the cinema and muse about movies.

The first three episodes of this podcast were released under the Movie Podcast Network. I have since amicably parted ways with the Network and my “full-time” podcasts. Now I maintain this blog and its occasional podcast episode releases as a mere hobby, purely for fun. So, if you want to listen to this podcast — I’d love that — but I have three fair warnings up front:

1. This podcast has no release schedule. Since it is just for fun and a genuine hobby, I’m only going to work on it when the mood strikes me. So, the two best ways to make sure you don’t miss any releases are to: subscribe to this FREE podcast feed or follow me on Twitter: @ConsiderCinema.

2. This show is a solocast, meaning, I’m the one and only host. Who knows? I may have a guest join me, once in a blue moon, but for the most part, you’re only going to hear from me. Having said that, I plan to keep the episodes short, and if they’re not short, I’ll try to find a way to spice up the solocast.

3. My third and favorite warning: Considering the Cinema is the epitome of freedom in movie podcasting, which means, there is no set theme or format for this show, so I can podcast about anything I want. The reason this is a warning is, it will probably get weird sometimes. There are some really bizarre episodes that I’d like to do, so you can’t say I didn’t warn you.

So, if you can live with a solocast that has no release schedule and no typical format, then welcome to Considering the Cinema — A Podcast About Movies and Film Criticism. Continue reading →

91st Academy Award Best Picture Nominees

Posted on February 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

*This column was originally printed in the February 2019 edition of The BP Times newspaper.

Feb. 24 is the 91st Academy Awards ceremony (aka “Oscar Sunday”), when the film industry awards its winners with the most prestigious honor in the business. Here’s a quick overview of the “Best Picture” nominees to help with your Oscar ballot.

A Star Is Born – Co-writer and director Bradley Cooper stars alongside Lady Gaga in a tale about a famous musician who falls in love with an unknown singer and helps to launch her career. Excellent performances. Stirring but melancholy.

BlacKkKlansman – A wild Spike Lee film that’s based on actual events, this Crime Comedy Biopic is about two police officers — one who’s African American and the other Jewish — as they somehow infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan! It stars John David Washington (Denzel’s son). Continue reading →

Top 10 Movies of 2018

Posted on February 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

*This column was originally printed in the January 2019 edition of The BP Times newspaper.

During 2018 more than 600 films were released in the United States. I only saw about 150 of those new releases. Therefore, while I admit that my Top 10 Movies of 2018 list isn’t exhaustive, I can assure you that the list below contains my favorite filmic experiences of the year.

10. The Clovehitch Killer – A teenage boy begins to suspect that his very own father might be an infamous serial killer who’s still at large. Is he or isn’t he? You’ll be waffling more than IHOP!

9. Bodied – Asian filmmaker Joseph Kahn’s razor-sharp social commentary doubles as a ruthless and unflinching comedy about a Caucasian dude who’s drawn into the world of battle rap! This film is potentially offensive to everybody, as it explores political correctness, racism and who can say what and to whom. Continue reading →

Eighth Grade (2018) and The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

Posted on February 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

*This column was originally printed in the December 2018 edition of The BP Times newspaper.

Drama is conflict. If you examine any engaging story with a protagonist that you’re rooting for, you will discover that your lead character is probably beset with conflict.

For this month’s column, I have two movie recommendations that you can stream right now on Amazon. Each movie has a protagonist whose plight elicits sympathy, due to having to face overwhelming conflict.

Eighth Grade (2018) – Do you remember middle school, or have you tried to block that experience from your memory? Many people consider middle school a brutal period in their lives. That’s mostly the case with Elsie Fisher’s character, Kayla, in Bo Burnham’s wince-inducing “Eighth Grade.” This film captures and painfully depicts the awkwardness and insecurity that Kayla feels every day at school. But remarkably, it also shows us the courage and resilience of a young person who’s trying to successfully assert herself into the social stratum. Continue reading →

Movie Conversation Pieces

Posted on February 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

*This column was originally printed in the November 2018 edition of The BP Times newspaper.

Want to spice up your Thanksgiving dinner conversation? This month’s Considering the Cinema gives you fascinating movie trivia. You won’t believe these films exist! Some of these tales are sad, but all of them are true.

Roar (1981) – Considered “the most dangerous film shoot in history,” “Roar” is a bizarre Drama film in which a family lives among wild lions (with leopards, tigers, cheetahs and elephants nearby). During the 11-year film production, the actors were in genuine peril, with reports of 70 crew members getting injured by the predators. No one was killed, but some of the attacks actually appear in the film. “Roar” may be rated PG, but the blood and violence depicted onscreen is real. Continue reading →

Creepy October Movie Recommendations

Posted on February 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

*This column was originally printed in the October 2018 edition of The BP Times newspaper.

Even movie lovers who aren’t horror fans want a creepy watchlist for October, so this first edition of Considering the Cinema has 17 easy-to-find recommendations.

Amazon: “Summer of 84” follows a youth who worries that his policeman neighbor might moonlight as a serial killer.

Netflix: As beautiful as it is scary, “The Wailing” is a haunting South Korean horror film about a mysterious sickness that overtakes a village. Also from South Korea, “Train to Busan” is a full-bore, action-zombie flick that’s a fun and violent crowd-pleaser. But if you prefer more low-key zombies, I’d recommend “Cargo.” Martin Freeman plays a virus-infected father who only has a couple of days to find a suitable caretaker for his baby before joining the ranks of the mindless undead. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Ep. 003: Ephraim Katz and The Film Encyclopedia

Posted on February 3, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Considering the Cinema is a podcast about movies and film criticism hosted by Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”), from Salt Lake City. This audio podcast is a free, usually short-form solocast for cinephiles and anyone with an interest in movie news, film theory, movie trivia, cinema history, movie reviews and film criticism. The topic for Episode 003 is “Ephraim Katz and The Film Encyclopedia.”

Follow Jason here:
On Twitter: @ConsiderCinema
Website: ConsideringTheCinema.com
Email: ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com
Letterboxd: Letterboxd.com/ConsiderCinema

Considering the Cinema Ep. 002: A Very Scary Guy (Who Sleeps With the Fishes)

Posted on February 3, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Follow Jason here:
On Twitter: @ConsiderCinema
Website: ConsideringTheCinema.com
Email: ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com
Letterboxd: Letterboxd.com/ConsiderCinema

Considering the Cinema Ep. 001: The Sympathetic Antagonist

Posted on February 3, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Follow Jason here:
On Twitter: @ConsiderCinema
Website: ConsideringTheCinema.com
Email: ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com
Letterboxd: Letterboxd.com/ConsiderCinema

Considering the Cinema: Its History in a Nutshell

Posted on February 3, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

The first incarnation of this Considering the Cinema blog was launched way back in July of 2008, nearly 11 years ago. This was the first post. It began as a way for long-distance friends to keep in touch and continue to enjoy movies together.

My original partner in crime was a guy named Andy. We discussed unusual films, cinematic oddities. The site had a few great contributors whose opinions about film I respect. Believe it or not, that initial site was somewhat active for three years until July of 2011.

It was June of 2010 when I launched my first audio podcast, Considering the Sequels. We more or less took our blog and transformed it into a monthly podcast where we reviewed movie franchises.

Very long story short, that first show began a nine-year odyssey of podcasting for me. I hosted and produced several successful shows, most notably Movie Podcast Weekly and Horror Movie Podcast. Both belong to the illustrious Movie Podcast Network, which I helped to create. I also recorded a small solocast called Considering the Cinema. You can hear those four free episodes here:

MoviePodcast.Network/category/podcast/considering-the-cinema/
– Special Features 021: Considering the Themes of Batman Begins (2005)
– Considering the Cinema Ep. 003: Ephraim Katz and The Film Encyclopedia
– Considering the Cinema Ep. 002: A Very Scary Guy (Who Sleeps With the Fishes)
– Considering the Cinema Ep. 001: The Sympathetic Antagonist

Presently, at my day job, we have an in-house, company newspaper. Naturally, my film column for that monthly publication is called Considering the Cinema. Most of the blog posts that follow will be from that newspaper column, which I would note, is written for a broad, workplace audience rather than a bunch of cinephiles…

Recently, I’ve unplugged my podcasting microphone, so to speak, and I’m focusing my time and attention on other matters. But I will always love the cinema, film criticism and our community of friends and fellow cinephiles. Therefore, this humble website — my fourth incarnation of Considering the Cinema — will serve as my remaining home base for my occasional and irregular musings about film. This blog will have no set schedule, and in time, it may have a little audio podcast content, too. Nothing regular, but you’re welcome to join me.

On Twitter: @ConsiderCinema
This website: ConsideringTheCinema.com
Email: ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com
Letterboxd: Letterboxd.com/ConsiderCinema

Thanks for checking in.

Sincerely,
Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”)