- If there’s one movie that Neil DeGrasse Tyson can’t shit on from a scientific standpoint, it’s Flubber. If there’s a second, it’s quite obviously Home Alone. This whimsical holiday treatise on the laws of physics is finally getting the scientific respect it deserves. Maybe. On Dec 11 at 7 pm, Film Streams will screen the Joe-Pesci-torture-porn as part of the national series, Science on Screen. But the question Jonathan Sikorski and Kacie Baum from UNMC will be examining is distinctly non-Newtonian. They are asking if Kevin McCallister is a psychopath. If this scrutiny on the mental health of Home Alone characters continues, I can think of someone who appears in Home Alone 2 who should be next. I meant the pigeon lady, who did you think I meant? Pigeon Lady for President 2020…
- Here’s a phrase I never, ever, never-ever-never thought I’d say: If you haven’t yet, please watch the Detective Pikachu trailer.
- Legitimately, I did not expect for this film to look like a delightful Roger Rabbit riff. Am I a bit “over” Ryan Reynolds’ smarmy line delivery? Yes I am. Am I more inclined to accept said smarmy delivery when spoken through the pie-hole of a fuzzy, lightning-bolt crapper? Yes I am. As someone who entirely missed the Pokemon phenomenon (Pokenomenon?), this is the first time I have felt the whimsy and epic scope of the premise. This could be one of those signature pop culture moments or, you know, could still really suck.
- Finally, this will be old news by the time you read this, but it’s not right now for me. Stan Lee, a creator of the best comic book characters ever made and technically the highest grossing actor of all time, has died at age 95. His passing produced an immediate majestic eruption of memorials, an emotional volcano cataloguing his influence and complex life story. I can’t add any new insight that hasn’t already shared. However, Lee’s whole schtick was a celebration of every individual’s worth and contributions. Lee installed my conscience. The morality of his heroes was where I learned my own. Through his fantasy, he was my ambassador to the potential of fiction. Through his stories, he was my solace when no one else could provide it. Through his work, he was my friend when I had none. It’s not a tragedy when a 95-year-old, celebrated icon passes away. The sadness comes simply from the world no longer having him and from that nagging sensation that there is a point in life when the people who most shaped you are no longer around. At a time when nerd culture has reached a dangerous toxic flashpoint, here’s hoping Lee’s spirit somehow guides us all through. Excelsior, Stan. Forgive me for not using an exclamation point there.
Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send any relevant information to film@thereader.com. Check out Ryan on CD 105.9 on Fridays at around 7:40 a.m. and on KVNO 90.7 on Wednesdays and follow him on Twitter.