What Happened Between “Focus” and “Six Degrees of Separation”

With Focus, Will Smith’s movie career has finally come full circle. No, it’s not just that the film is a minor hit and a welcome return to form for the actor after 2013’s disastrous After Earth. Rather, Focus returns Smith to a role he had not played since he launched his film career in 1993’s…

China Rules the Weekend with “After Earth” and “Pacific Rim”

Some interesting news out of Hollywood today. After Earth, the Will Smith-M. Night Shyamalan sci-fi flick that bombed with American audiences, is a surprise hit in China. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the film won the weekend in the People’s Republic, earning $13.8 million in ticket sales and even outperforming Chinese martial arts star Jay…

The Trailer for “The Butler” is Out, and it Looks Kinda Lame

The trailer for The Butler is out. Having criticized the casting on several occasions already, I thought I should weigh in. First, watch the trailer:   So this is one of those “Magical Negro” stories, huh? For the uninitiated, the Magical Negro is a stock black American character in film who exists only to help out…

Third Cut is the Deepest for “Men in Black”

“Where has Will Smith been?” Despite a four-year absence from film that has ended with the recent release of “Men in Black III,” it’s a question no one has been asking. Smith is clearly a movie star; the box-office numbers prove it. Everyone likes him. People go see his movies. But he inspires no rabid…

Why Francis Lawrence is the Right Choice to Direct “Catching Fire”

The news was announced this morning, and the internet fan sites are already lit up with outrage. Francis Lawrence will direct “Catching Fire,” the sequel to “The Hunger Games” beginning production later this year. Lawrence has three movies under his belt: 2005’s “Constantine,” 2007’s “I am Legend,” and 2011’s “Water for Elephants.” Producers must feel…