“Who Needs Reasons When You’ve Got Heroin?” (#9)

“Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin can openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance. Choose fixed-interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose a […]

‘Jobs’ & ‘Homes’: Politics, Technology & Economy In America’s Recent Past

Whether you’re a fan of former president George W. Bush or not, you have to admit his term contained some profound low points, kicking off with 9/11 and ending in a nasty recession. You may or may not blame Bush himself for these and other pieces of unfortunate Americana in the 21st century, but let’s […]

Top Ten Films: 2008

Before I started my own entertainment-related blog, my Top Tens had to whore themselves out on my friends’ pages. This one was originally posted on Justin Plus One. As usual with my Top Tens, I have preserved them as they were, even if, in hindsight, I may disagree with some of my own choices. (Did […]

Sun, Moon, & Stars: Wes Anderson’s A-List ‘Kingdom’

Is there a director with a more distinct signature than Wes Anderson? His meticulous mise-en-scene has spawned a slew of copycats; the word “twee” might have been created specifically to refer to his brand of filmmaking. Fantastic Mr. Fox was one of my Top 10 Films of 2009, but beyond that, the Anderson ouvre has […]