The Paul Thomas Anderson Companion

Hard Eight (1998) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rsO8zykxvA Cast: Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwenyth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, F. William Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman Cinematographer: Robert Elswit Editor: Barbara Tulliver Synopsis: A wise old gambler, Sydney (Hall), teaches young John (Reilly) how to succeed in Vegas. When John's crush, Clementine (Paltrow), ends up in trouble, Sydney has...

On Rewatching “The Last Jedi”

Like many, I was disappointed with Rian Johnson's recent Star Wars film. I thought The Force Awakens was a great film, evoking the spirit of the original trilogy while also adding new characters and moments to the mythos. Yes, it borrowed its plot too heavily from A New Hope, but the core dynamics of story...

“The Last Jedi” is a mixed bag

*SPOILERS ABOUND* There are some great scenes in the latest Star Wars film. A confrontation in the throne room of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) between both apprentices, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey (Daisy Ridley). A daring sacrifice to save the remnants of the Resistance fleet by Vice Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern). Luke staring...

“Sicario” is a taut thriller

Often lost among all the talk about terrorism, gang violence and mass shootings is the fact that the United States is still fighting a drug war. Billions of federal and state dollars are being used to keep cocaine, heroin and other narcotics off the streets, and it has largely been forgotten in comparison to other...