Adam Sandler in Funny People.Editor's note: There are no new ideas in Hollywood – only new spins on old ones. This occasional column looks at new releases and argues why you should see old ones first.By John Thomason Stand-up comedians are self-absorbed, narcissistic, snobbish, petty, antagonistic people. It’s a blanket statement, but it’s born of a stereotype that I’ve found … [Read more...]
Film review: ‘Angels and Demons’ has less content, more action than ‘Da Vinci Code’
Tom Hanks works on behalf of the Vaticanin Angels and Demons.By Hap Erstein Although critically maligned, Ron Howard’s film version of The Da Vinci Code did pull in over $750 million worldwide, enough to get Hollywood interested in cranking out a sequel.And they found it in author Dan Brown’s screen worthy earlier yarn, Angels and Demons, now turned into a follow-up … [Read more...]
Film review: “The Great Buck Howard” is cheesy in the nicest sense
John Malkovich in 'The Great Buck Howard.'By Hap Erstein Those with a taste for whimsy should appreciate a small sleeper comedy called The Great Buck Howard, opening locally on Friday, a satirical jab and affectionate celebration of B-list show biz types who persevere long after their time in the limelight has run out. The best thing about the film is the wondrously … [Read more...]