Author: Jeff Mitchell

‘The Batman’ is a joyless but worthy superhero-detective story

Jeff Mitchell

“The Batman” (2022) – “Sock!” “Pow!” “Zok!” “Bam!” “Kapow!  “Whamm!!” If the aforementioned one-word exclamatory sentences look familiar, then you’re probably a die-hard or casual fan of the celebrated “Batman” (1966 – 1968) television series starring Adam West in the title role (and *spoiler alert* Bruce Wayne) along with Burt Ward as the Caped Crusader’s trusty sidekick, Robin.  Perhaps, you aren’t a fanatic at all, but recognize the references because the campy but gratifying TV show has cemented itself into a permanent foundation of American pop culture.  Well, Tim Burton’s…

Movie of the Week: ‘A Place in the Sun’

Jeff Mitchell

“A Place in the Sun” (1951) – In the words of Paul Simon, George Eastman (Montgomery Clift) is “a poor boy, empty as a pocket, empty as a pocket with nothing to lose.”  George doesn’t have an education or prospects, but through pure happenstance, he lands a job with his uncle’s company, begins at the bottom rung, and slowly – actually, not so slowly – ascends up the corporate ladder with knowhow and good old-fashioned elbow grease. Conversely, Angela Vickers (a 19-year-old Elizabeth Taylor) is “a rich girl.  She don’t…

‘Cyrano’ has no self-doubt

Jeff Mitchell

“Cyrano” (2021) – “I like to think that (this movie) allows (the “Cyrano” story) to speak more universally, and not just specifically to someone my size or somebody who is differently-abled.  We all have that sort of insecurity when it comes to the person that we are.”  – Peter Dinklage, Dec. 26, 2021 “CBS Sunday Morning” interview with Lesley Stahl Edmond Rostand’s 1897 seminal play “Cyrano de Bergerac” – set in the 17th century – is 125 years old, but the title character’s internal struggle has existed as long as…