More sci-fi classics from the '90s

When the ‘90s rolled in, film buffs were doubtful if films in the next 10 years could measure up to the previous decade’s. After all, the ‘80s saw some of the most iconic movies in almost all genres. However, in many ways, the ‘90s exceeded expectations.

Image source: cnet.com

Image source: imdb.com

On that note, here are three more great science fiction films from the ‘90s. Joe Cianciotto.

Flatliners: Joel Schumacher opened up the decade with a sci-fi thriller unlike any other in the 1990’s “Flatliners.” Incredibly harrowing and impeccably shot, the film gives a unique take on the afterlife, and what may happen if people take a stroll in it before their time. Joe Cianciotto.

Jurassic Park: Master director Steven Spielberg redefined the use of CGI on film with his mega-blockbuster “Jurassic Park.” A breathtaking thrill-ride through a perilous natural (and not-so-natural) park, this film marks the first wide-release wherein creatures seemed all too real. It was something absolutely no one had ever seen before. Joe Cianciotto.

Galaxy Quest: A hilarious and quirk-filled take on “Star Trek” and almost every similar space opera, “Galaxy Quest” is the perfect example of how the elements of a film simply work. From the plot to the action sequences to the comedic timing to the iconic punchlines, “Galaxy Quest” has over the years, become quite a cult favorite, as it deservedly should be. Joe Cianciotto.

Why Peter Jackson’s LOTR will stand the test of time

Why Peter Jackson’s LOTR will stand the test of time Joe Cianciotto. There’s no debate about it, as far as fantasy movies go, Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is the be-all and end-all. One could probably count the other fantasy films that can hold a candle to this epic series of movies with the fingers in his right hand.

Image source: theimaginativeconservative.org

Image source: lotr.fandom.com

What J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnum opus was, and still is to literature, that’s what Peter Jackson’s trilogy is to films. It’s a body of work that has risen head and shoulders above the rest, standing the test of time, and even getting better with age.

While some critics may not give that much credit to Jackson and his team and cite that it naturally helped that they had arguably the greatest fantasy source material, to begin with, it has to be said that no director had been willing to take on the responsibility of a live-action adaptation. Joe Cianciotto.

And Peter Jackson didn’t just take it on; he crafted the best adaptation that any living director could craft. Critically praised and huge blockbuster hits, those three movies didn’t just do the books justice (although nitpickers and elitists would always have something negative to point out), they also ushered in a new era in epic filmmaking, the likes of which the world has never seen before. Joe Cianciotto.

And just like the books, which are revered almost a century later, Peter Jackson’s films will live on just as long. Joe Cianciotto.

Ranking the Star Wars movies now that the Skywalker Saga is complete

Joe Cianciotto. Now that “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” has completed the Skywalker Saga of the Star Wars franchise, it’s time to rank the films.

Image source: wikimedia.org

Image source: newsweek.com

A few notes though before the rankings. First, this is only a list that includes the episodes. That means, no Star Wars Stories. No “Rogue One” and “Solo.” It also doesn’t include that animated film “The Clone Wars.” Joe Cianciotto.
Also, this ranking doesn’t take into account critics’ or viewers’ reviews. It mostly pertains to the overall enjoyment the movies bring and the amount of Star Wars “spirit” that they possess.

So, without further ado, here are the Star Wars episodes ranked from worst to best. Joe Cianciotto.

9. Star Wars Episode II: The Attack of the Clones
8. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
7. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
6. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
5. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
4. Star Wars Episode I: A New Hope
3. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
2. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
1. Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back.

  Joe Cianciotto.

Signs that people might be a true-blue film buff

Joe Cianciotto. The difference is that true-blue film buffs keep the act of watching films sacred. Here are signs that a person might be a true film buff.

Image source: pixabay.com

Image source: pixabay.com

They get rid of distractions.

Film buffs switch off phones when in theaters. At home, they close the doors, turn off anything that might distract them, even tell their friends or family members not to disturb them, and watch the film through and through as though in a movie theater. Joe Cianciotto.

They position themselves in a comfortable (but not too comfortable) manner.

At home, film buffs set up everything from dimming the lights to shutting the drapes to prepping the snacks and drinks before watching the movie.

They don’t overthink on the first viewing.

As difficult as it may seem, film buffs try not to overthink things during the first viewing. They try to take in the experience and leave the more technical insights like on cinematography, dialogue, and editing the next time they watch. Joe Cianciotto.

They are immersed.

Probably the most important thing film buffs do is to be immersed in a film. They can imagine being part of the movie as if the characters are right in front of them. Joe Cianciotto.

Ranking the top five MCU films to date

Joe Cianciotto. And just like that, the Marvel Cinematic Universe wraps up its Phase 3 with a bang. After "Avengers: Endgame" came and went, leaving record box-office numbers in its wake on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film of all-time, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" capped things off with a heartfelt epilogue.

Image source: EpicDash.com

Image source: Disney.com

In line with this, below are the top five MCU Films to date. Joe Cianciotto.

5. Avengers: Infinity War

Edging out Endgame on this list, many people believed that Infinity War had a tighter story altogether and provided more gravitas to the overall story of the MCU.

4. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Joe Cianciotto. With the split of Disney and Sony, Far From Home will probably be the last time audiences see Spidey in the MCU. If that’s the case, it couldn’t have been a greater exit. Far From Home is the best Spider-Man live-action film in over 10 years.

3. Marvel’s The Avengers

The first Avengers film wasn’t so much a film as it was an event. Much like the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, something of this magnitude had never been done before in cinema history. Joe Cianciotto.

2. Thor Ragnarok

While some of the more traditional fans still balk at how Ragnarok mocks the God of Thunder rather than raise him up to a status worthy of a god, it was far and away the most original of the MCU films. It was also hilarious. Joe Cianciotto.

1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The peak in MCU storytelling, this second Captain America film turns everything and everyone on its head with a twist that had forever changed the MCU. It also deepened many of the main characters’ stories, laying the groundwork for the rest of the existing MCU phases. Joe Cianciotto.

Three inspirational films to come out of Hollywood in the past 50 years

All heart -- Joe Cianciotto

Image source: hollywoodreporter.com

Image source: nbc.com

Hollywood has come out with a number of inspirational movies in the past half-century, films that have made audiences tear-up at their most triumphant or emotional moments.

As the first part of a tribute to all the inspiring films in the past 50 years, here are three movies that have tugged at audiences’ hearts.

Rudy (1993): Americans love football, and they love football movies. And while there have been a dozen or so quality films on the sport, none of these films was as inspiring as “Rudy.” The film, based on the life of Daniel Ruettiger, wasn’t a box-office hit, but it created a cult following that endures until today, with many people saying that watching the “Rudy” saved their lives. Joe Cianciotto.

Rocky (1976): Probably the most inspirational film on combat sports ever made, “Rocky” is the original and definitive underdog Hollywood hero. In it, Sylvester Stallone plays the down-on-his-luck prizefighter who is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance and makes the most of it, finding redemption, love, and destiny all at once. Joe Cianciotto.

Braveheart (1995): “Braveheart” is a historical epic loosely based on Scottish medieval history. Mel Gibson both directs and stars in the Oscar-winning movie that’s both brutal and beautiful. At its heart, the film tackles one of man’s basic needs – freedom, and his determination to get it at all costs. Joe Cianciotto.

Easter eggs fans might have missed in 'Avengers: Endgame'

"Avengers: Endgame" marks the end of phase one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe after 21 films. It was a three-hour extravaganza containing all the humor, heartbreak, and action to cap the movie. And like most Marvel movies, this too had its fair share of Easter eggs served to fans who are extra observant or who’ve done multiple viewings of the film. Here are some Easter eggs fans might have missed in Avengers Endgame. Joe Cianciotto.

Image source: quora.com

It’s no longer a secret that Tony Stark dies at the end of the film. During his wake, the camera scrolls to all those who are present which are mostly members of the Avengers and their factions. There was one sore thumb in the scene, a teenage boy whom fans have never seen before. The young man is actually the kid from "Iron Man 3," Harley Keener. Joe Cianciotto.

It hasn’t been hinted yet that the X-Men universe existed in the same universe as the MCU. That is until an Easter egg was found in the scene where Antman was looking for his daughter’s name among those who have disappeared. During the search, the name Roberto da Costa appeared on the list. Da Costa, of course, is a member of the New Mutants called Sunspot. Joe Cianciotto.

Lastly, several MCU films have featured cast members of the Russo’s previous show Community. They’ve featured Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, and Jim Rash before. And in Endgame, they added Yvette Nicole Brown and Ken Jeong to the list. Joe Cianciotto.