The glass bottom boat of the cultural press
“Flame on!” With that iconic phrase, Marvel Comics’ first super-group – the Fantastic Four – finally make their appearance on the big screen this summer. Can Tim Story’s presentation of the classic comic book possibly live up to the hype? More importantly, does the movie reach Spider-Man levels of filmmaking genius…or will it join Hulk and Elektra in the dustbin of superhero duds? Our resident Jack Kirby worshipper, Steve Stav , just might have the answer.
Jack Kirby was the creator or co-creator of almost every Marvel Comics super-hero and villain you ever heard of, including The Fantastic Four, Magneto, the X-Men, and Doctor Doom. Ben Varkentine says this book may not be the place to start for newcomers, but fans will have a picnic.
Christopher Lee presides over sex and torture in Jess Franco’s exploitation gem, Night of the Blood Monster now in 4K!
An idyllic campground filled with interesting people faces destruction in Happy Campers, part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
An American success story of rum and sex and hula dancing. The Donn of Tiki was part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
An all-animal department store caters to the high-end clientele in this superb Japanese cartoon. The Concierge was part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
John Cleese is this year’s celebrity at the Florida Film Festival, and Monty Python’s Holy Grail its featured film. This event was part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
Today’s Smmoth Jazz Roundup is a collection of short reviews of easy-to-listen-to jazz.
In Perfect Harmony: The Lost Album (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
The Mighty Warriors: Live in Antwerp (Elemental Music). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
40 years on, Michael Gira and Swans continue to bring a ritualistic experience that needs to be heard in order to be believed. Featured photo by Reese Cann.
The biggest astronomical event of the decade coincides with a long overdue trip to Austin, Texas.