A Reel 25: A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

“Please make me a real boy…”

 

This month marks the 25^th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. 

 

Directed by Spielberg and based on the 1969 short story Supertoys Last All Summer by Brian Aldiss, A.I. told the story of David, a childlike android programmed with the ability to love. When he is abandoned by his adoptive parents, he sets out on a journey to become a real boy to earn back their love. 

 

The journey to A.I. began in the early 1970’s, when the famed late great filmmaker Stanley Kubrick acquired the rights to Aldiss’ story. Kubrick hired several writers and the film languished in development for years, partly because Kubrick did not believe computer-generated imagery was not ready yet to bring David to life on the screen, and did not think a child actor could pull off the part. In 1995, Kubrick handed the film off to Spielberg. Kubrick would pass away in 1999, and the film would finally go into production. 

 

The role of David would go to Haley Joel Osment, who had spooked audiences in 1999 in THE SIXTH SENSE. Osment was joined by Frances O’Connor, Sam Robards, Jude Law, William Hurt, and Brendan Gleeson. Voice-over cameos included Robin Williams, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock, and Ben Kingsley. John Williams would provide the score. 

 

Upon release, A.I. would be a modest box office hit, finishing as the 17^th highest earner of the year. Reviews were mixed-to-good, and it would earn two Oscar nominations: Best Visual Effects and Music Score. 

 

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A.I. is one of Steven Spielberg’s most fascinating and divisive films. Its greatest strength is its emotional ambition: a futuristic fairy tale about a robot child seeking love, it explores humanity’s fears of technology, loneliness, and the need to be accepted. The film’s visuals, performances, and haunting atmosphere remain powerful. Yet its flaws are equally clear. The pacing shifts awkwardly, the tonal changes feel uneven, and the ending remains controversial. Still, its imperfections are part of what makes it memorable: a strange, ambitious blend of wonder and melancholy that grows more interesting with time. 

 

“…and that is something no machine has ever done before you.”

A Reel Review: DISCLOSURE DAY

Over the years, famed director Steven Spielberg has spent a lot of film telling stories about aliens. From the friendly (E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL), to the not-so-friendly (WAR OF THE WORLDS), and to the mysterious (INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL). Although Spielberg has certainly earned the right keep telling the stories he wants, if he is going to keep returning to little-green-men, it’s on him to make it new. Say hello to DISCLOSURE DAY. 

 

On the eve of WWIII, cybersecurity specialist Daniel (Josh O’Connor), steals a piece of alien technology and related files with the intent of revealing the existence of alien life to the world. Meanwhile, TV meteorologist Margaret (Emily Blunt), suddenly finds herself with psychic abilities and the ability to speak several languages. 

 

DISCLOSURE DAY unfolds as a chase-flick. Daniel and his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson), race from location to location, aided by his former co-worker Hugo (Colman Domingo), and chased down by the secret government agency led by Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). There is a bit of redundancy to the film as it repeats itself often; our characters arrive at a location, provide exposition, get discovered by Noah, run away and be chased, and then arrive at another location. It leads to a very predictable unspooling. 

 

Other plot elements are added in to thicken what seems to be a thin plot. The ethics behind releasing the alien files to the world are often discussed; will mankind embrace them, fight them, or treat them as deities? It’s fascinating talk that does come around in an okay-way by movie’s end. Margaret’s abilities and how she acquired them range from fascinating to ridiculous, and her eventual connection to Daniel loosely works.

 

During the chase scenes, Spielberg shows that he has not lost his edge. The action is breathtaking with a scene involving two freight trains a highlight. Spielberg’s visuals and camerawork is also excellent. John Williams’ score sounds like it’s very good, but it too often gets buried in the mix; we hear it the best during the end credits. 

 

Acting is excellent. Emily Blunt shows once again why she is one of the best actors alive. Josh O’Connor makes the transition to big-time action flicks very well, and Eve Hewson is also very good. The supporting cast of Colin Firth and Colman Domingo…all excellent. 

 

The finale leaves us hanging a little, but it requires us to study what was said earlier in the film to finish connecting all of the dots. DISCLOSURE DAY manages to lightly satisfy by the time those well-scored credits roll, and those of us who have followed Spielberg religiously over the years will not miss that the film bears a too-close resemblance to one of Spielberg’s other alien films. It feels like another version of that previous work, and there just isn’t enough done here to make this arrival new. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: Rent it 

A Reel 20: CARS

“I am speed…”

 

This month marks the 20th anniversary of CARS. 

 

Directed by John Lasseter and the seventh feature film by Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios, CARS was set in a fantasy world of anthropomorphic vehicles, and followed a young hotshot racer named Lightning McQueen, who on his way to the biggest race of his career, becomes stranded in a long-forgotten town of Radiator Springs on Route 66. 

 

The road to CARS began in 1998 and was set to be the next Pixar film after A BUG’S LIFE. The original storyline would follow an electric car living in a world of gas guzzlers. The idea was shelved in favor of TOY STORY 2, and later revisited and re-inspired by Lasseter’s cross-country trip across America. The film was inspired by an America of the past, and designers visited the design studios of the Big Three Detroit Automakers.

 

The cast would be stacked. Owen Wilson would take on the voice of McQueen, and the late great Paul Newman would voice Doc Hudson, a famed racer in hiding. The rest of the impressive cast would include Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Michael Wallis, George Carlin, Jenifer Lewis, Richard Kind, Michael Keaton, Katherine Helmond, and Pixar alums John Ratzenberger and Joe Ranft. Celebrity voice-cameos included Bob Costas, along with real-life race drivers Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Michael Schumacher. Randy Newman provided the score, while artists Sheryl Crow, Rascal Flatts, John Mayer, and Brad Paisley contributed to the soundtrack. 

 

On release, CARS debuted at no.1, beating out X-MEN: THE LAST STAND. For three years, it held the record for the highest opening weekend for any car-oriented film. It would finish as the sixth highest earner of the year. On the Awards circuit, it would win the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film, and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated. The film would spawn two feature-length sequels, a streaming series, merchandise, and attractions at Disney parks. 

 

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Ever since its first lap in theatres, CARS has been unfairly dented as a film with a recycled storyline, often compared to the Michael J. Fox vehicle DOC HOLLYWOOD from 1991. But old stories in new skins is how Hollywood, and most especially Disney, has stayed in business for 100 years…and a new skin is what CARS does so well. The design of the characters and surroundings is outstanding, the talking cars all have perfect personalities, and the voice-cast is perfect. Despite its age, the animation is still a jaw-dropper, and the opening sequence at a night-time race is still impressive. 

 

The story is familiar, but the fresh paint job makes it new. McQueen discovers the old lesson that what we want to make us happy isn’t always what we need for happiness. This is done with the vanishing America as a backdrop, giving the film an extra emotional gear. It’s a story about slowing down and finding meaning beyond winning, topped off with one of those beautiful, ironic endings where McQueen loses…but wins a lot more. After twenty laps around the sun, CARS does not lose any speed. 

 

“Ka-chow!” 

 

A Reel Review: PRESSURE

Over the years, we have seen countless films focusing on the most exciting professions: cops, doctors, lawyers, pilots…even chefs. But what about meteorologists? The seldom-appreciated, often-mocked job of predicting the weather doesn’t get much love on the big screen. But during a vital few days in 1944, one weather prediction had the pressure of the fate of the world resting on it. 

 

It is June 1944, days before the famed D-Day invasion. General Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser), assigns meteorologist  Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), the job of predicting the weather for the invasion…creating a decision to launch or delay. 

 

Directed by Anthony Maras and based on the 2014 stage play, PRESSURE follows the battle of weather-guys with the immense and important invasion waiting to go. Stagg relies on scientific data, while his counterpart, American forecaster Col. Krick (Chris Messina), relies on historical patterns. Stagg sees stormy weather and recommends a delay, while Krick predicts sunny weather and recommends the attack commence. The two battle while Eisenhower and his Allied leaders need to decide and decide soon. 

 

Director Anthony Maras does excellent work in ramping up the tension, and yes…the pressure hanging over the film. The stakes are enormous; the longer the invasion force waits, the higher the risk of the operation being discovered. But invade during a storm, and it could be disaster. It’s real-world high stakes with science saying how things are, versus wishful thinking, giving PRESSURE a modern-day relevancy. 

 

Acting is superb. Brendan Fraser is perfectly cast as Ike, and Andrew Scott plays the socially awkward but brilliant Stagg very well. Kerry Condon plays Ike’s assistant and lights up the screen, and Damian Lewis as Bernard Montgomery is a delight. 

 

PRESSURE is one of those war movies where most of the fighting happens between characters without a shot fired. The invasion eventually happens, and the short but effective sequence we see on the beach is powerful and will have audiences ducking for cover. Science is the real victor here, giving meteorologists the film they have been waiting for. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

 

A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2026 - Episode VI

The 2026 Summer Movie Season comes in with a roar. This month we have the return of one of the greatest directors who ever lived, a 1980’s icon with another shot at the big screen, and another go-at-it for everyone’s favorite cowboy and astronaut best-friends. We also have re-releases for OCEAN’S 11 (25^th anniversary), and TRAINSPOTTING (30^th anniversary). Here now is a preview for everything coming to theaters in June: 

 

 

 

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE – 1980’s icon He-Man is given another try at the big-screen in this new, live-action adaptation directed by Travis Knight (BUMBLEBEE). The cast includes Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms. The rest of the cast includes Camila Mendes, James Purefoy, and Morena Baccarin. 

 

 

SCARY MOVIE – The sixth installment of the horror-parody franchise, which has a group of friends reuniting when the masked killer they fought 26 years ago returns. The cast includes Marlon and Shawn Wayans, Anna Feris, and Regina Hall. 

 

 

DISCLOSURE DAY – Famed director Steven Spielberg is back with this sci-fi film about the race to unveil a government cover-up of aliens. The cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo. 

 

 

THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD – In this adaptation of the 17^th century ballad, an aged Robin Hood grapples with his life of crime and murder. Hugh Jackman plays Robin, and he is joined by Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgard. 

 

 

TOY STORY 5 – Woody and Buzz are back again, this time helping their gang cope with a new toy: a talking tablet. The cast includes Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee, Annie Potts, and John Ratzenberger. 

 

 

JACKASS: BEST AND LAST – The fifth and final (ha), installment in the long-running reality series. Johnny Knoxville returns with Steve-O. 

 

 

SUPERGIRL – Milly Alcock (TV’S HOUSE OF THE DRAGON), dons the cape of Kara/Supergirl, cousin of Superman in this continuation of the new DC Universe, which sees Kara traveling the universe with her dog Krypto before running into tragedy. Jason Momoa co-stars.

 

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Next month, Reel Speak previews the month of July. 

 

A Reel Legend: Peter Cushing

A Reel Legend tells the stories of cinematic icons who are no longer with us. The actors, actresses, and directors who have shaped the silver screen as we know it today. 

 

This month’s Reel Legend is Peter Cushing. 

 

Born in Surrey, England, in 1913, Peter Cushing initially pursued acting through theater before moving into film and television. During the early years of his career, he worked in Hollywood for a brief period, with his film debut coming in 1939 in an adaptation of THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK. His breakthrough arrived in Britain during the 1950’s, with his portrayal of Winston Smith in the BBC television adaptation of George Orwell’s famed novel 1984. 

 

Later, it was his collaboration with Hammer Film Productions that transformed him into an international star. Cushing became closely associated with their Gothic horror films, often acting alongside Christopher Lee. Their on-screen partnership became one of the most celebrated in horror history. Cushing portrayed Baron Victor Frankenstein in several FRANKENSTEIN films, presenting the character not simply as a mad scientist but as a determined and morally complex figure. He also played the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and appeared as Doctor Van Helsing in Hammer’s DRACULA series, giving the vampire hunter intelligence, courage, and humanity. 

 

Beyond horror, Cushing successfully moved into science fiction and mainstream cinema. One of his most recognizable later roles came in STAR WARS in 1977, where he played Grand Moff Tarkin. Although his screen time was relatively brief, the character would become a towering icon in a cinematic galaxy full of towering villains. 

 

His later roles included the horror-parody THE HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS (1983), with Lee and Vincent Price, THE MASKS OF DEATH (1984), where he played Holmes for the final time, the comedy TOP SECRET! (1984), SWORD OF THE VALIANT (1984), and the adventure film BIGGLES: ADVENTURE IN TIME (1986). His likeness was re-created digitally for STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE (2016). 

 

In total he appeared in over 100 films. He died in 1994 at the age of 81. 

 

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When STAR WARS exploded onto the big screen in 1977, it took just minutes for Darth Vader to establish himself as the baddest villain in the galaxy. Whoever Vader had to answer to would have to carry some kind of weight, and Cushing delivered. As the only man on board the Death Star who could order Vader to release a chokehold, Cushing gave Tarkin a commanding menace that would set the tone for the evil Galactic Empire. Together with his fellow British actor Alec Guinness, he would bring a legitimacy to this brand-new galaxy of rebels and imperials. 

 

And just as he did with STAR WARS, Cushing brought a legitimacy to the horror genre. He treated the genre of fangs and blood with seriousness and professionalism, setting a standard that future horror actors would forever be hunting. Many later actors admired his disciplined approach and his ability to bring emotional authenticity to fantastical stories. Modern filmmakers, horror fans, and performers continue to recognize him as a major influence. Peter Cushing remains a symbol of classic British cinema, remembered not only for the characters he played but also for the dignity and craftsmanship he brought to the art of acting…as all Legends should . 

A Reel Review: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

Nearly 50 years ago, STAR WARS exploded onto the big screen and changed the world forever. Since then, there have been ten live-action feature films (and one animated), building a galactic franchise despite many gaps in-between Sagas and stand-alone films. Here in 2026, for the first time in seven years, STAR WARS is back to the big screen, using perhaps its greatest asset: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. 

 

Set some years after the fall of the evil Galactic Empire, the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal), and his Force-wielding, judge-me-not-by-my-size foundling Grogu (played by himself), are working for the New Republic in bringing former Imperials to justice. Mando and Grogu are tasked with hunting down an important target, which leads them to a messy confrontation with the crime-lord Hutts. 

 

Directed by Jon Favreau, MANDO is a fetch-quest film. Capturing the Imperial asset (warm or cold), leads Mando and Grogu to the rescue of Rotta the Hutt (son of Jabba), in order to secure the information from Jabba’s other mafia-like leading siblings. One scrape leads to another, and the limits of Mando and Grogu’s abilities and powers are put to the test. 

 

MANDO is a high-energy film, racing from one location to the next, staging one battle after another, at light-speed pacing. Staying full-throttle is the beating heart of the film, and it is very much reminiscent of the early days of STAR WARS, when providing thrills took precedence over building a franchise. There’s little time for character development, nor does the film care. 

 

Jon Favreau, who learned how to direct effects-driven action sequences from his time in the Marvel universe, delivers some stunning set-pieces that bring the tension and the fun. And when the film does slow down for necessary pauses, the quiet moments are very well done. The entire cast is excellent, the references to the bigger STAR WARS universe are well-placed, and Ludwig Goransson’s score is outstanding. 

 

When STAR WARS first arrived, it was very much a stand-alone story with only hints of a larger world and what could come next. THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is done very much in that style: it does not spend time building what comes next, nor does it rely on what came before it. It is self-contained, breezy, and fun…and is everything STAR WARS promised in 1977. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

A Reel 40: TOP GUN

“I feel the need, the need…for speed!”

This month marks the 40^th anniversary of TOP GUN. 

 

Directed by Tony Scott (brother of Ridley), TOP GUN followed hot shot Navy fighter pilot Lt. Mitchell, codenamed Maverick, who is given the chance to train at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. 

 

The film was inspired by an article in California magazine. Famed action-film producer Jerry Bruckheimer became interested and hired screenwriters Jim Cash and Jack Epps, Jr. to write the script. Tony Scott was hired to direct on the strength of his work on a commercial, which featured a Saab 900 turbo racing a fighter jet. 

 

Tom Cruise was offered the role but was reluctant. Cruise, who was filming LEGEND at the time for Tony’s brother Ridley, was convinced by Ridley to take the role. The rest of the cast was filled out by Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Tom Skerritt, Michael Ironside, James Tolkan, Meg Ryan, and Tim Robbins. 

 

With script approval from the U.S. Navy, filming began in California in 1985, and later to Miramar. The Navy made aircraft and crew available for filming. Kenny Loggins performed two songs for the soundtrack, including Danger Zone. Berlin added Take My Breath Away. 

 

On release, TOP GUN earned mixed reviews but was a box office smash, finishing as the top earning film of the year worldwide. It would be nominated for four Oscars, with Take My Breath Away winning for Best Original Song. In 2015, TOP GUN would be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. In 2022, the sequel, sub-titled MAVERICK, opened to widespread critical acclaim. 

 

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With thrilling aerial stunts, a memorable soundtrack, and charismatic performances from the cast creating fun, and memorable characters…TOP GUN captured our hearts and our adrenaline from day one. The film inspired a generation of new fighter pilots, influenced even more filmmakers, and made Tom Cruise the world’s biggest star; a title that he would never have to give up. 

 

Today, TOP GUN can be looked at as a big chunk of 1980’s cheese, especially when compared to its towering (and superior), 2022 sequel. But decades after its release, its themes of ambition, friendship, and balls-out heroism really hits hard. TOP GUN flies as a cultural landmark. 

 

“Let’s turn and burn!”

 

 

 

 

 

A Reel Opinion: The Last Year

It will be a day long remembered. 

 

STAR WARS Month has arrived again. The month of May has long been held as the time to celebrate that far, far away galaxy that has captivated fans for decades. It is a time to revisit the films, streaming series, novels, and soundtracks that have long held inspiration, fun, and dreams of dusting across the stars. This year is a unique year, as it is the last year to celebrate STAR WARS before it turns 50 years old. That’s right, STAR WARS will be a half-century old next year. 

 

There is a certain point of view to look at before STAR WARS becomes a really old movie. When the first generation of fans saw the film in the Spring or Summer of 1977, a movie that was 50 years old was considered to be ancient. And that was no hyperbole. 

 

Fifty years before STAR WARS puts us into 1927, which was in the silent era. In this year, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscars), were founded, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit had his debut, and THE JAZZ SINGER, starring Al Jolsen, became the first box office hit with sound…a hit that would change things forever. And to top it off, the science fiction epic METROPOLIS premièred; a film that would hold inspiration over STAR WARS. 

 

It is ironic, or perhaps the will of the Force, that 1927 would be a milestone year in the film industry, because when STAR WARS arrived 50 years later, things would change forever again. Where 1927 introduced sound and the Oscars, the galaxy full of stories concerning Jedi, droids, smugglers, rebels, and a Galactic Empire would alter not just film but our culture. In one year, we will be celebrating just that. We will be celebrating what STAR WARS has done to the world and to our lives. It will be a day long remembered. 

A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2026 - Episode V

The wretched Spring weather may still be hanging around, but May is the official start of the Summer Movie Season; a time to start having fun again. This month sees re-releases for SHREK (25 years), and TOP GUN (40 years)…with the latter being paired in a double-feature with TOP GUN: MAVERICK. This month also sees the return to the big screen for the biggest franchise in motion picture history. This is where the fun begins…

 

ANIMAL FARM – Andy Serkis (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), directs this new animated adaptation of the classic George Orwell novella. The voice cast includes Seth Rogan, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, and Kathleen Turner. 

 

DEEP WATER – In this survival film, an international flight crash-lands in shark-infested waters. Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley star. It is directed by Renny Harlin (DIE HARD 2, CLIFFHANGER). 

 

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 – Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprise their roles in this sequel to the 2006 smash-hit. David Frankel also returns to direct. 

 

HOKUM – Adam Scott stars in this horror flick about an author who travels to Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes, and finds his rented house to be haunted. 

 

MORTAL KOMBAT II – Karl Urban (STAR TREK, THE LORD OF THE RINGS), plays Johnny Cage in this sequel to the 2021 flop, based on the popular fighting video game. 

 

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES – Hugh Jackman starts in this mystery-comedy where a flock of sheep set out to discover who murdered their favorite shepherd. 

 

IN THE GREY – Stylistic action director Guy Ritchie (THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.), helms this thriller where an elite team of agents are tasked with reclaiming a stolen fortune. The cast includes Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rosamund Pike. 

 

 

STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU – The famed far, far away galaxy returns to the big screen for the first time since 2019. Jon Favreau (IRON MAN) directs, and the cast includes Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, and Sigourney Weaver. 

 

 

PRESSURE – Brendan Fraser (THE MUMMY, THE WHALE), plays General Eisenhower in this drama leading up to the D-Day invasion. He is joined by Kerry Condon, Damian Lewis, and Andrew Scott. 

 

 

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Next month, Reel Speak previews the month of June.