Next (2007) -vs- Blade Runner (1982)
The Smackdown What a luxury in life– and the movies– to get a “do over.” No mistake remains uncorrected, no last word is ever really final. That’s how it is with the most celebrated screen […]
2007
Children of Men (2006) -vs- 28 Days Later (2003)
The Smackdown The apocalypse has gone post(al) in both of these films set in England. The action in both starts in London then moves to the country, where the living is not easier. In both […]
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) -vs- Carmen (1983)
The Smackdown Spain has given us an Inquisition by which all others are measured, funding for the voyage of Columbus, a compelling Civil War, tapas culture and a growing Spanish cinema. Although Smackdown would never […]
Fracture (2007) -vs- Primal Fear (1996)
Both “Fracture” and “Primal Fear” are high-concept legal thrillers that are helmed by the same director, Gregory Hoblit. Both films also pit charismatic up-and-coming actors against venerable movie icons who have been acting longer than their young co-stars have been breathing on this planet. Lastly, both movies feature a movie ending plot twist. However, one twist will have you clapping your hands because of its beautiful artistry and the other will have you smacking your face because of its absurdity. Read further to find out which is which…unless you’re ok with smacking yourself in the face. […]
Spider-Man 3 (2007) -vs- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The Smackdown After facing responsibilities while battling an eight-armed mad scientist, what more can Peter Parker learn by confronting a vengeful best friend, a sandy common criminal, and a disgruntled photographer overtaken by alien goo? […]
Superman Returns (2006) -vs- Batman Begins (2005)
The 70s-80s Christopher Reeve Superman and the 80s-90s Michael Keaton-Val Kilmer-George Clooney Batman were many things, but one of them was not realistic. They were comic book films made by studios that thought superheroes were still best when served up just a little bit silly. This was ironic because the actual comic book adventures of these two heroes were getting grittier every year and the problems and conflicts more and more adult. Still, we had to get to the 00s of the 21st Century to see studios wise up to the idea that audiences wanted more — they didn’t want to escape so much as they wanted to immerse. Batman Begins kick-started an entire new look at the franchise that was wildly successful followed by Superman Returns the next year with a more mixed critical response. Now Batman is nearing the end of its proposed trilogy and Superman is getting a re-re-boot. That’s a story for later; right now, let’s look at these two monster-sized franchises and see which new beginning did the best job.
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) -vs- Cool Hand Luke (1967)
The Smackdown With the passing of the great actor Paul Newman, let’s pay tribute to the American anti-hero that he played so well, especially in the iconic Cool Hand Luke. We’re talking about those leading […]
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) -vs- Spider Man 2 (2004)
The Smackdown With “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Spider-Man 2,” we’re putting two sequels in the ring today, both films coming off fantastically successful launches to their respective franchises. They are each […]
In the Land of Women (2007) -vs- Garden State (2004)
The Smackdown Here we have two writer-directors telling coming-of-age stories starring TV stars who are trying to give off a semi-leading-man feature vibe while projecting angst and alienation. Making his debut, writer-director Jonathan Kasden gives […]
Perfect Stranger (2007) -vs- Shattered Glass (2003)
The Smackdown Apples and oranges. Comparing films, or people — even apples and oranges — forces tough judgment calls. That’s why it feels safer to key our comparisons on hard, irreducible nuggets of experience. Our […]