“I guess they had it coming…”“We all got it coming…” In Christian circles, that exchange probably rivals “make my day” or “do you feel lucky, punk?” as the most iconic piece of Eastwood dialogue. The irony of its status is that the doctrine that it Read More …
The Coen Brothers often gravitate toward stories about folks that are in over theirheads in situations spiraling from one single decision. Actions have consequences, andwhat is intended as merely passive involvement ultimately results in very activeparticipation. In the case of Fargo (1996), Jerry Lundegaard’s (William Read More …
Pride. Greed. Wrath. Lust. Envy. Gluttony. Sloth. The Seven Deadly Sins. It has been almost thirty years since David Fincher’s Se7en was released in movie theatersaround the globe, and yet it is still reigns supreme as one of the greatest serial killer movies of all Read More …
Dear Elmer Gantry, meet me at the revival meeting. Do not sit in the preacher’s seat and do not sit in the front row where everyone can see you. Try to be as invisible as you can, and try not to say anything. Try instead Read More …
At the most basic level, Heat deserves its place on a “Crime and Punishment” list as a cop and robber heist film, told through a riveting cat-and-mouse chase by director Michael Mann. On a much more fascinating level, the importance of its inclusion here reflects a broader Read More …
“The way we work, changing destiny and all…we’re more like clergy than cops.” Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film Minority Report explores a future where “Precrime” technology (enabled by psychics with precognitive powers) allows law enforcement to arrest individuals before they commit crimes. John Anderton (Tom Cruise) Read More …
The Godfather has provoked so much nostalgia that it is easy to forget or overlook the fact that Michael Corleone’s recitation of the “offer he can’t refuse” story is met with horrified disgust from his girlfriend. “That’s my family, Kay, not me,” he insists. By Read More …
Claims that modern-day systems are rigged against the average guy have replaced “the Devil made me do it” as the go-to justification for why someone should not be held responsible for bending or even breaking the rules. Toby and Tanner Howard may not be wrong Read More …
Spotlight is pervaded by incredulity, pain, and anger, laced with sadness and guilt. Working with a script co-written by Josh Singer, director Tom McCarthy brings precision and persuasive detail to a portrait of a specific time, place, and perspective: Boston, seen through the eyes of The Globe‘s Read More …
The Big Lebowski showcases the best of the Coen brothers’ comedic talents—lovably ridiculous characters, hilarious echolalic wordplay, and delightful sight gags—making this one of their most successful pure comedies. But just as effectively, Lebowski functions as Coen brothers wisdom literature. If A Serious Man is their Book of Job, then Read More …