What made 1976’s Rocky such a brilliant and celebrated picture? At its heart, the movie wasn’t about boxing, or about a particular opponent. Rocky was about the struggle within. It was about overcoming yourself and exceeding expectations, regardless of winning or losing.
Author: Wes
Review: Wonderful Nightmare
Any review of what is essentially a remake of a movie doesn’t have to turn on originality so much as execution of the story. And, for the most part, Wonderful Nightmare does exactly that, turning a thoroughly unlikable lead character Yeon-woo (Uhm Jung-hwa) until a more humbled version of herself by the end of the film.
Review: Jurassic World
Jurassic World appropriately pays homage to the first film, while forging ahead with its own personality and unabashedly campy jokes in what is ultimately a thoroughly enjoyable and thrilling summer popcorn flick.
Review: Edge of Tomorrow
The dazzling actions scenes of Transformers meets the loop in the space-time continuum of Groundhog Day in a perfect blend of heart-pounding action, well-told exposition and occasional touch of humor in Edge of Tomorrow.
Review: Kung Fu
Kung Fu, the latest play from David Henry Hwang, scores big points on fluid action and amazingly choreographed martial arts, but the script still leaves a viewer wanting for more. If you enjoy martial arts and theater, this production is worth your time.
Review: Rocky on Broadway
There’s a confluence of factors that make Rocky one of the most entertaining, moving and thrilling spectacles on Broadway in recent history. It pays homage to the original 1976 Oscar-winning cannon, brilliantly and effortlessly fuses together underdog and love storylines, and still maintains a dazzlingly unique theater-going experience.
Review: The Unlikely Ascent of Sybil Stevens
The Unlikely Ascent of Sybil Stevens is an entertaining exploration of the complexities of becoming a limited vortex public figure in the Internet age and the dangers that can go with it.
Review: Bronx Bombers
I gave Simonson’s two previous plays on Broadway tepid reviews, and it wasn’t surprising that both lived very short stage lives on Broadway. I can’t imagine Bronx Bombers being much different. The plot is wildly inconsistent. The message is convoluted. The pace is uneven.
Review: Cinderella on Broadway
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s 2013 version Cinderella on Broadway is a perfectly enjoyable and entertaining — albeit purposely superficial — take on the timeless fairy tale classic.
Review: The Divine Nature of Basketball: My Season Inside the Ivy League
Once you’ve moved beyond the initial introductory chapters, the book is an entertaining page-turner and written with the exuberance of someone eager to share his passion. If you love college basketball, Breslin’s book is certainly worth a look.