How ‘Roman Holiday’ is a triumph of subtext

 

(1953 – Director: William Wyler Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck)

Roman Holiday is a gorgeous motion picture. It’s a movie about restraint, a realistic romance, and the beauty of taking in what’s around you. It’s playful. It’s funny. And is wonderfully acted. Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn may be one of my favorite on screen couples.

‘Bernie’ and the consequences of being nice

 

(2011 – Director: Richard Linklater   Cast: Jack Black, Shirley Maclaine, Matthew McConaughey)

Bernie and Jack Black are a match made in heaven. This may very well be Jack Black’s career-defining role.

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’: J.J. Abram’s continuation of the great reboot

 

(2013 – Director: J.J. Abrams   Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch)

What J.J. Abrams is doing to the Star Trek franchise is brilliant. I’m not sure I’ve seen a franchise rebooted in a better fashion than the two most recent Star Trek films. Abrams has masterfully woven unending references from the original stories into an alternate timeline that allows new viewers to not fall behind.

Woody Allen’s ‘Manhattan’ and the immaturity of adults

 

(1979 – Director: Woody Allen   Cast: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton)

Manhattan is a timeless cinematic tribute to life in New York City. It’s movies like this that will cement Woody Allen as one of the all time greats.