Movies

The overall effect of 'The Grandmaster' is like that of an 800-page novel in rich, luxurious, numbing prose. The surface is gorgeous and expansive, but the substance beneath can be summarized in a single paragraph.

'Grabbers' is a fun and likable comedy-horror/sci-fi hybrid that fans of this genre in general, and Shaun of the Dead in particular, will definitely appreciate.

We at Pop Mythology, in a desire to helpfully offer some of that ultra-rare commodity known as "perspective," decided to have a roundtable discussion looking back at casting choices that were unpopular or controversial at the time but that turned out quite well.

'The World's End' has more giddy energy than a dozen joyless summer spectacles and proves that sometimes the end can be the best place to be.

So Ben Affleck is the new Batman. And the fire rises on Twitter.

There is some good material here and Hit Girl remains great, but often 'Kick-Ass 2' sets up for something outrageous and then cowers from it. “Have fun. That’s what it’s all about,” says Jim Carrey's character. Sadly, 'Kick-Ass 2' doesn't listen.

We loathe our corrupt governments and hate our two-faced presidents and iron-fist dictators, but by seeking to overthrow them as a result of our unhappiness, we become them. 'Snowpiercer' offers a different solution.

There is even greatness somewhere beneath the surface of 'Elysium.' But the film doesn’t do the needed digging to bring out its potential. It definitely packs a punch. It just doesn’t know where to aim.

There were very few people in attendance when I saw 'Fruitvale Station,' but every one of us sat in shocked silence as the credits rolled. This is a film that deserves open and thoughtful discussion about why young men like Oscar Grant wind up in such situations and how we as a society can prevent this from happening again.

'Snowpiercer' is a masterpiece. As far as futuristic, allegorical dystopian sci-fi epics go, it is of the highest order, on a par with classics like '2001: A Space Odyssey,' 'Blade Runner,' 'Terminator 2' and 'Children of Men.'

'Pacific Rim' is neither an argument for or against nuclear power but reflects humanity’s own careful and at times hypocritical balance of it. Meanwhile, the original 'Godzilla' was a clear and strong anti-nuclear message.

'The Way, Way Back' is a nostalgia film that doesn’t trade-in emotional depth for shallow warm-fuzzies. The result isn't new, but it is refreshing.

'The Conjuring' has everything that I look for when going into a horror film – relatable characters, strong writing, a balance between the male and female lead and a suspenseful atmosphere that lasts the entire film.

Zombies are everywhere these days. From the popularity of 'The Walking Dead' to Brad Pitt's summer blockbuster 'World War Z,' you'd have to be from the Land of the Dead yourself to be unaware of this trend. But just when did zombies become a popular horror trope and when did they become such a big part of our cultural awareness?

Freed from the onerous task of having to tell Logan’s convoluted origin story, 'The Wolverine' plumbs the popular anti-hero’s tortured psyche and emerges with introspective gold while also delivering the kind of ballistic, berserker action that fans expect of the character.