Disney’s kennel has served them well, either in live action or animated form. When it comes to shaggy dog stories, the studio has rarely barked up the wrong tree. Released in 1959, The Shaggy Dog was the studios first live-action film, and modestly shot in black and white, became instantly profitable. The tale of a young boy (Tommy Kirk) afflicted by an ancient spell which transforms him into a four-legged hairball, The Shaggy Dog spawned one theatrical sequel and numerous television films. Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone who lives near the ocean knows and understands its power and seduction. The sea is a mighty mistress, one who demands total respect. Cross her and she can be unrelenting in her ferociousness. Respect her, and she can open up the world to anyone willing to take advantage of her riches. Read the rest of this entry »

You know a family film misses the mark when a light from across the aisle catches your attention and turns out to be a kid playing video games. As I struggled through Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, I kept wondering who would enjoy this dull and dreary exercise. Definitely not the kid sitting across the aisle. Read the rest of this entry »

Alex (William H. Macy) has a problem. He wants out of the family business, but he doesn’t know how to tell his father. In his mid-40’s, Alex wants to settle down and take care of his wife and young son. The problem is his father Michael (Donald Sutherland), a man who cannot tolerate weakness, and sees it as a sign of betrayal. Read the rest of this entry »

He’s big, he’s mean, and he’s green, and I’m not talking about the Jolly Green Giant at harvest time. I’m talking about Marvel Comic’s angst-ridden super hero “The Hulk,” who literally leaps to the big screen in director Ang Lee’s big budget cartoon. Read the rest of this entry »

“Dancer in the Dark” is the kind of film you either love or hate. There’s no in-between when it comes to director Lars Van Trier’s haunting musical about one woman’s harrowing journey through an unjust legal system. Read the rest of this entry »