A vampyr played tennis in the Big East for 12 Years

  Requiem for the Big East (2014) A part of ESPN’s excellent 30 for 30 series, this is the story of the Big East Conference from its founding in 1979 until its demise in 2013.  While the Big East exists as a conference today, it’s a completely different entity. This was fascinating, but rushed.  It’s too difficult to condense thirty years… Continue reading A vampyr played tennis in the Big East for 12 Years

A little bit of drinking, a little bit of grass, and a tiny thumb

  Drinking Buddies (2013) Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson) are coworkers at a Chicago brewery.  Despite their obvious compatibility and attraction, they’re only friends because Kate is dating Chris (Ron Livingston), while Luke is in a relationship with Jill (Anna Kendrick).  As Kate and Luke grow closer, their relationships are tested. Director Joe Swanberg… Continue reading A little bit of drinking, a little bit of grass, and a tiny thumb

Taxes, water, and fashion statements

  Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) During the middle of a severe drought, one 19th century Indian village asks the local British magistrate for relief from the annual land tax (lagaan).  Somehow, this request turns into a wager: if the villagers defeat the magistrate’s cricket team, their land tax is cancelled for three… Continue reading Taxes, water, and fashion statements