In 2020, Donald Trump was impeached by the United States House of Representatives and later acquitted by the United States Senate; The United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union; COVID-19 wreaked havoc on world health and economic systems; Massive protests erupted in the US in response to police brutality against minorities, particularly the death… Continue reading The world turned upside down: A look back at 2020
Tag: Keanu Reeves
Everything that follows is older than Willow Smith: A look back at 1999
In 1999: The euro was established; US President Bill Clinton was acquitted in impeachment proceedings; Nunavut became Canada’s third territory; Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School; Napster debuted; The US Women’s team defeated China to win the Women’s World Cup; Kiribati, Nauru, and Tonga joined the… Continue reading Everything that follows is older than Willow Smith: A look back at 1999
Coppola’s children of the night
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) This film was woefully miscast. Gary Oldman is so compelling as Count Dracula it’s hard not to root for him, while Keanu Reeves is so wooden as Jonathan Harker it’s difficult to believe he’s the hero of the film. Outclassed by the actors around him, he’s unable to generate any interest in his… Continue reading Coppola’s children of the night
An old man goes to a hell house and a flood breaks out
Venus (2006) Elderly actor Maurice (Peter O’Toole) begins a relationship with Jessie, the much younger niece of his friend Ian. Jessie tolerates his amorous advances because she’s struggling financially and Maurice provides her with a steady income, while the pursuit of Jessie provides Maurice with a purpose and renewed vitality. Richard Griffiths, Leslie Phillips, and… Continue reading An old man goes to a hell house and a flood breaks out