One instantly accepts Daniel Dae Kim as Chin. He’s solid and straightforward and offers practical wisdom that balances nicely against Danno’s more emotional temperament—when the two have scenes together (which they need more of). Scott Caan is very likeable as Danno (when he and McGarrett aren’t arguing incess [...]
Author Archives: Robert Falconer
Cowboys and Aliens’ Writer Andrew Foley on the Genesis of the Comic
One of the emerging trends in both written and cinematic storytelling these days is the ‘mashup’…i.e. take one classic work of literature, throw in some contemporary horror, perhaps add a dash of puerile humor…mix in blender, and voila, you have an original property. Sort of. If you consider either “Pride [...]
‘Rango’: Fear and Loathing with Sergio Leone
A lizard in a Hawaiian shirt? Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas may seem like an odd reference to bring up when introducing an animated film, but Paramount Picture’s new release, Rango, often feels like an odd psychotropic blend of both that and a Sergio Leone spaghetti western (those versed in the gr [...]
‘The Adjustment Bureau’ More Than a Serendipitous Affair
At first glance, the idea behind the romantic-thriller The Adjustment Bureau might seem thoroughly implausible, suggesting as it does that none of us really control our destiny, and that the paths of our lives are controlled by shadowy agents of Fate itself. The story is loosely based on the Philip K. Dick eight page s [...]
Interview: Behind the Badge with Southland’s Michael Cudlitz
“Most of us go to work every day with a pretty good idea of what’s going to happen. As Detective Bryant will be reminded of today…cops never do.” It’s perhaps one of the most veracious lines ever to introduce an episode of television, and featured at the start of Southland’s fourth episode this season, entitle [...]
Why Do So Many Foreigners Play American Superheroes?
It’s a question that many moviegoers and fans have begun asking more and more frequently: Why are so many major American superhero roles going to non-American actors? UK thespian Henry Cavill’s recent casting as the Man of Steel in director Zack Snyder’s Superman is the most recent example of a fundamental change in ho [...]
Somebody Call The Mechanic, this Film Needs One
If I’m honest, the 1972 Charles Bronson vehicle The Mechanic wasn’t a great film. Sure, it had two compelling performers, Bronson, and his apprentice, played by Jan Michael Vincent. But as interesting as the concept was, it was all a bit too ‘utilitarian’ (some might say ‘mechanical’), trading the subtleties and nuance [...]
‘The Green Hornet’: Less Sting, But Not a Stinker
Last week yours truly was interviewed by MSNBC’s Michael Ventre in connection with a piece he was writing, ultimately entitled “Is Seth Rogen too Goofy to Play Green Hornet?” I expressed to Mr. Ventre my concerns about Rogen’s take on the material. Yes, there are actors who have played against type before in comic book [...]
Casting for ABC
By now you’ve heard the news that Marvel Entertainment and ABC are reportedly considering a revival of the Hulk on television. Disney, ABC’s parent company, acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009, and this June the company launched Marvel Television to create small screen adaptations based on its vast archive of comic c [...]
Eastwood’s ‘Hereafter’ More Concerned with Life than Death
I have a theory about Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Hereafter, and why critics seem to be generally lukewarm towards it. My theory stems from the assumption — correctly held, I believe — that the subject of the afterlife paints any filmmaker wishing to treat the material seriously into a corner. Setting aside for a [...]
