Godzilla vs. Kong – science weighs in on which monster would actually win the fight
The 2021 film “Godzilla vs. Kong” pits the two most iconic movie monsters of all time against each other. And fans are now picking sides. Even the most fantastical creatures have some basis in scientific reality, so the natural world is a good place to look to better understand movie monsters. I study functional morphology […]
‘Ten Commandments’ screens in NEPA movie theaters on March 28 for 65th anniversary
From a press release: Throughout film history, Hollywood has produced a number of sweeping epics and generation-defining movies. However, one Biblical saga – Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments” – has withstood the test of time. Shot in Egypt and the Sinai on one of the biggest sets ever constructed for a motion picture, the […]
How the philosophy in ‘Groundhog Day’ can help us through pandemic times
Today, many of us will recall the American comedy film “Groundhog Day.” Originally released in 1993, it stars the incomparable Bill Murray as Phil Conners, an insufferable Pittsburgh weatherman. A minor local celebrity who believes himself destined for much better things, he resents his piddling assignment to report on the Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, […]
WVIA rebroadcasts ‘War Stories’ about Pittston WWII vet Patrick Solano on Jan. 29-31
From a press release: In remembrance of Patrick Solano, a decorated World War II veteran who became a public servant under nine Pennsylvania governors, WVIA will air a special rebroadcast of the award-winning original documentary film “War Stories: Pat Solano” this Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. […]
WVIA hosts live ‘Short Takes’ watch-along with filmmakers and producers virtually on Jan. 13
From a press release: WVIA’s production division VIA Studios Global will present a “VIA Short Takes” watch-along on Wednesday, Jan. 13 where viewers will get to ask the series creators and producers questions live. Geared towards aspiring and seasoned filmmakers alike, the panel will feature the award-winning team discussing the process of making documentaries for […]
Are the streaming wars really a threat to the film industry?
In a world of countless entertainment opportunities, movies are one of the few remaining proven ways to attract a new audience and retain existing ones. Yet the dominant narrative seems to be that, in the age of the Internet, the old system of theatrical release can no longer cater for audiences worldwide – or so […]
‘All is right’ – why Christmas movies are so appealing during the holiday season
With the pandemic limiting travel over the holiday season, many Americans will be settling in front of the television to watch their favorite holiday movies, along with their favorite drink – a cup of hot apple cider or a glass of wine – to add some cheer. Holiday movies have become an essential part of […]
Disney’s pivot to streaming is a sign of entertainment and economic changes to come
Disney has announced a significant restructuring of its media and entertainment business, boldly placing most of its growth ambitions and investments into its recently launched streaming service, Disney+. The 97-year-old media conglomerate is now more like Netflix than ever before. What this means is that Disney will be reducing its focus from (and potentially the […]
Lehigh Valley voice actor stars in audio adaptation of Roger Corman’s campy ‘Wasp Woman’
From a press release: The Voiceover Repertory Company, which features a voice actor from the Lehigh Valley in a lead role, has released their premiere production, “The Wasp Woman,” as a streaming audio drama available on all major podcast platforms and on vorep.net for free. “The Wasp Woman” is a campy adaptation of the 1959 […]
Sean Connery was ‘Bond, James Bond,’ but so much more in his storied career
Coverage of the passing of Sir Sean Connery has inevitably been dominated by his legacy as the screen’s first – and best – James Bond. Connery’s “Bond, James Bond” moment near the beginning of “Dr. No” (1962) is one of the iconic moments of cinema history and has spawned countless imitations and parodies. Perhaps the […]
