If one film deserves to be hailed as one of the greatest films of this year, it’s the story of Piscine Molitor Patel and Richard Parker. In a film that is beautifully told, wonderfully acted, and visually stunning, we see their powerful, heartbreaking story. Life of Pi is based on the best-selling novel of theContinue reading “Which Story do You Prefer?”
Category Archives: Film
When a Bad Guy Tries to Be Good
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new film Wreck-It-Ralph is easily their best film in awhile, and probably the best animated film of the year. It’s funny, witty, full of adventure and heart. It’s a tale of a bad guy who yearns to be good. Well, maybe not good. For 30 years, since the day his gameContinue reading “When a Bad Guy Tries to Be Good”
A Beautifully “Odd Life”
Parenting isn’t easy. Even when your kids are “yours,” it’s not an easy task. Imagine if your child sprang up from your garden, full grown. It would be even harder. Walt Disney Pictures’ new film The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a beautifully-filmed and well-acted reflection on what it means–and what it takes–to beContinue reading “A Beautifully “Odd Life””
The Beautiful Tapestry of Fate: Pixar’s “Brave”
Pixar Animation Studios’ new film Brave is both a grand return to form and an exciting new avenue of storytelling from one of the greatest studios in the history of film-making. After the commercial success of Cars 2, which I found to be the worst of any of their 12 films (in spite of itsContinue reading “The Beautiful Tapestry of Fate: Pixar’s “Brave””
Why I’m Such a Fan of Marvel’s “The Avengers”
I rarely see films more than once in the theatre any more. When I was young and could spend money on just myself, it was easy. I love movies, and I love seeing them on the big screen. In 1988, for example, I saw Robert Zemeckis’ amazing movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” no less thanContinue reading “Why I’m Such a Fan of Marvel’s “The Avengers””
Mirror, Mirror: Princessly Charming
It’s certainly a “tale as old as time.” And it’s definitely one where the basic plot is known to everyone: baby princess is born with milky complexion, jet black hair, bright red lips. Mom dies, father remarries, evil queen outlives the dad, and the girl, who is now in her teens, is taken out toContinue reading “Mirror, Mirror: Princessly Charming”
A Wondrous, Heartfelt Masterpiece with No Extra Parts
I’d imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn’t be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that meansContinue reading “A Wondrous, Heartfelt Masterpiece with No Extra Parts”
Faith Without Machine Guns is Dead
I was privileged to go to a sneak preview of the film, Machine Gun Preacher, which opens here in Seattle tomorrow. I knew some of the story–a violent drug dealer finds Jesus and becomes a champion for children in Sudan, building orphanages and killing people along the way. But I was unprepared for the powerContinue reading “Faith Without Machine Guns is Dead”
A Few More Favorite Film Scores (In No Particular Order)
My last post on film scores was quite enjoyable, and the responses were very interesting. Some people sure feel passionate about their movie music (including me)! I have such a love for film scores that I’ve decided to make it an ongoing series, with favorites discussed and presented. All the scores I’ll present here willContinue reading “A Few More Favorite Film Scores (In No Particular Order)”
Completely Subjective Ranking of 10 Best Film Scores of All Time
I love music. I love making lists. I love listening to film scores. In fact, I have 466 film score albums in my iTunes library. So here, I’m combining two of my favorite things: lists and film scores. It’s not easy narrowing 466 to ten, but here’s my attempt: my list of the top 10Continue reading “Completely Subjective Ranking of 10 Best Film Scores of All Time”
Duane S. Montague 