The Wonders in the Dark sci-fi countdown rolls on, and here’s another contribution from yours truly: at #25, it’s the 1956 deep-space classic Forbidden Planet: MGM, the studio that produced Forbidden Planet, threw a couple million dollars into the production of the film, and it shows in the final product. Boasting an intriguing storyline that is…
Over at Wonders in the Dark today, I’ve posted another entry in the sci-fi countdown, and this one was a particular joy to revisit. At #47, it’s Daffy Duck’s bravura turn as the daring do-er of the future skies in that masterful Chuck Jones joint, Duck Dodgers of the 24 1/2th Century (1953): 1953 also saw Daffy, along…
It is time yet again for another genre countdown hosted by our friends at Wonders in the Dark! This year, they are tackling sci-fi films, and I am honored to be contributing four essays for this year’s event. First up, at number 66, it’s Brad Bird’s fantastical directorial debut, the 1999 animated sci-fi masterpiece The Iron…
My mother died on a Tuesday. March 22, 2016, to be exact. Less than two months ago. That day will always be etched in my memory due simply to its utter ordinariness. I had some free time that afternoon, and the weather was that rare perfect mix of brilliant sunshine and cool breezes (blessedly minus the…
“How will you fill your empty pages? I pray that all you young people, middle-aged people, and old people like me live each day and enjoy each day, and when God calls you, that you answer Him and go willingly. But leave your mark on the world, on your children and on all the people…
A belated link to my final contribution to the Childhood Films countdown at Wonders in the Dark–at number four, it’s one of my favorite movies of all time, adapted from one of my favorite books, 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird: I don’t think it’s too far off the mark to label To Kill a Mockingbird one…
As the Childhood Films countdown at Wonders in the Dark winds down to a close in the next couple of weeks, there are a number of beloved, brilliant films comprising the top twenty of the list. Among them is a longtime favorite of mine–at #17, it’s Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: To say that E.T. had…
The childhood films countdown rolls along at Wonders in the Dark, and my contributions continue with a look at the movie voted into the #54 spot. From 1988, it’s legendary Japanese director/animator Hayao Miyazaki’s stunning, magical My Neighbor Totoro: What’s most fascinating about My Neighbor Totoro is how it portrays the two young girls, who are allowed…
This year, for their annual extended film countdown, the inimitable folks at Wonders in the Dark have chosen to focus on films about childhood. I was, as always, quite honored to be extended an invitation to participate, and my first contribution is now live on the site. At #58, it’s one of my very…
Mildred: “I want you to have nice things. And you will have. Wait and see. I’ll get you everything. Anything you want. I promise.” Veda: “How?” Mildred: “I don’t know. But I will. I promise.” The title character of the 1945 classic Mildred Pierce, based on the 1941 novel by James M. Cain, is inarguably one of…
Here’s yet another round-up of some great current deals out there. Let’s just call it our public service to anyone looking to add to their personal film collection (we totally don’t need a shopping intervention. Not at all). As always, please note that the sale prices listed are accurate as of posting, and may be…
Today, November 30th, marks the fifth anniversary of True Classics! And though our posting has slowed down quite a bit this year (life, dahlings, life), we are still kicking–and still planning on hosting our annual anniversary contest as a “thank you” to our lovely, loyal readers. So let’s get down to the details: who wants…
Elsa: The Chinese say, it is difficult for love to last long. Therefore, one who loves passionately is cured of love, in the end. Michael: Sure, that’s a hard way of thinking. Elsa: There’s more to the proverb: Human nature is eternal. Therefore, one who follows his nature keeps his original nature, in the end.…
