A benefit for film lovers in Los Angeles is that we have access to limited release films. Limited release films are exactly that: films that are released in a small number of theaters. If you live nearby the designated theater, then watching a limited release film isn’t too much of a hassle. If you live a bit farther though, watching one of these films becomes a bit of a trip. … [Read more...] about Making the Trip to See Limited Release Films
I Saw it on TV: Movies and Television as Visual Learning Tools
Movies and episodes of television shows are often used as teaching tools in school. I still know the Preamble to the Constitution by heart all because of that one episode of Schoolhouse Rock! I watched nearly 10 years ago. The effectiveness of visuals as teaching tools benefits some learners more than others. As a visual learner myself, I always found that movies and television … [Read more...] about I Saw it on TV: Movies and Television as Visual Learning Tools
“(Loosely) Based on a True Story”
Often times when we’re asked to analyze truth in film, the easiest target is the biopic. How strictly the story aligns with true events can vary. Because the films can have creative liberty in creating a story based on true events, assumptions are made about which events were snipped, altered, or added. This provides discussions about whether or not those events that … [Read more...] about “(Loosely) Based on a True Story”
Something Old, Something New: Spin-offs and Sequels
With the premier of Better Call Saul earlier this week, I started to think about spin-offs and sequels. Whether or not they can be considered “original” could turn some people off. Some also think there is a fine line between “selling out” and providing viewers what they want. (The audience does matter, after all.) These shouldn’t be issues, however, because spin-offs are more … [Read more...] about Something Old, Something New: Spin-offs and Sequels
“Please Refrain from Talking During the Movie”
The increasing popularity of television is affecting the movie-going experience. The preference for television over film is understandable: Watching TV is easy, fast, and cheap. Online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu provide instant access to our favorite shows and shows that we’re curious about. You can binge watch a show you like, and there’s no … [Read more...] about “Please Refrain from Talking During the Movie”