Category Archives: Reviews

James Earl Jones: A Voice That Changed Galaxies

That voice. Deep as the cosmos, rumbling like distant thunder.

Now silent.

When George Lucas sought the perfect voice for his galactic villain, he struck gold. No, platinum.

Star Wars without Jones? A paper tiger in a plastic mask. He didn’t just speak lines. He breathed life into the Dark Side.

“Luke, I am your father.” Five words that changed cinema forever. Only Jones could deliver them with such gravitas.

James Earl Jones, born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, overcame a severe childhood stutter to become one of the most distinctive and respected voices in American entertainment.

Raised by his grandparents on a Michigan farm, Jones found his voice through poetry and acting. He studied theater at the University of Michigan before serving in the U.S. Army. His career spanned over seven decades, encompassing stage, screen, and voice work.

On Broadway, he won Tony Awards for “The Great White Hope” and “Fences.” In film, he’s known for roles in “Dr. Strangelove,” “Field of Dreams,” and as the voice of Mufasa in “The Lion King.” Jones was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Oscar, multiple Emmys, and a Kennedy Center Honor, reflecting his profound impact on American arts and culture.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

From stage to screen, Jones commanded respect. But as Vader, he ruled galaxies.

He proved that sometimes, the most powerful presence is the one you never see. Just hear.

In the annals of cinema, few voices resonate like his. Fewer still shape a franchise so profoundly.

Star Wars soared on special effects and mythic storytelling. But it was Jones who gave it gravitas.

A legacy in black. A presence in the dark. James Earl Jones: the voice that launched a thousand star destroyers.

The Force was with him, always. And through his enduring work, it always will be.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Rest in Power J.E.J.

’Wise Guy’ A Breakthrough Session


“Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” is a triumph of storytelling. It’s as much about the creator as it is about the creation.

Alex Gibney directs with respect for Chase and “The Sopranos”, but avoids excessive hero-worship. The documentary presents an honest, well-rounded portrait of its subject.

The documentary is grounded in Chase’s own words.

A replica of Dr. Melfi’s office serves as the primary setting. It’s a brilliant move, evoking the introspective tone of “The Sopranos” itself.

Here, Chase is at his most candid. He revisits pivotal moments that shaped his career and the cultural revolution of “The Sopranos”.

The documentary is split into two parts. Each offers a different lens on the show’s evolution.

Part one explores Chase’s early struggles as a network television writer. We see his fight to find his voice in an industry resistant to darker, personal narratives.

Gibney excels in showing Chase’s transformation. From an industry outsider with a rejected mobster script to the visionary behind “The Sopranos”.

The second half shifts to the show’s production. It’s an insider’s look at the alchemy between Chase and his ensemble cast.

Archival footage feels like gold to series fans. Early auditions and behind-the-scenes moments offer fresh perspectives on familiar characters.

The documentary goes beyond nostalgia. It invites viewers to rethink “The Sopranos” through Chase’s complex relationship with his Italian-American roots.

Family dynamics that haunted Chase are explored in depth. They provide insight into the show’s psychological underpinnings.

Interviews with key cast members are revealing. Edie Falco and Michael Imperioli offer touching reflections on James Gandolfini.

Gibney doesn’t shy away from addressing the final episode. Chase, historically tight-lipped, provides just enough insight without demystifying its ambiguity.

“Wise Guy” is more than a documentary. It’s a love letter to fans who’ve walked the streets of New Jersey with Tony Soprano.

It also serves as a psychological portrait of a man who rewrote television’s rules. Chase’s balance of dark and light, personal and universal, shines through.

Gibney and Chase have created something worthy of the series itself. It’s nuanced, complex, and utterly compelling.

“Wise Guy” captures the essence of both Chase and his creation. It’s a fitting tribute to one of television’s most influential series.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hollywood’s TV Budget Dilemma


Hollywood’s appetite for big spending has metastasized from film to television, and it’s a foreboding swagger.

Despite recent labor settlements, the entertainment world faces a new challenge: streaming platforms pouring billions into shows with mixed critical and audience reception.

Here’s a snapshot of the most expensive productions:

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: $465 million for the first season.
  • Citadel: $300 million for Amazon’s spy series.
  • Stranger Things: $270 million for season four.
  • The Acolyte: Disney invested $180 million in this Star Wars spin-off.
  • Halo: $90 million for the video game adaptation.
  • Game of Thrones: $90 million for its final season.
  • The Mandalorian: $100 million for the first season.
  • WandaVision: Marvel spent $225 million on this series.

These TV budgets dwarf the $65-80 million average for feature films. Even tentpole blockbusters rarely see the kind of spending that’s become standard in television.

What’s driving these costs? High-end visual effects and star-studded casts are overshadowing the nuanced storytelling and character development that defined TV’s recent golden age.

These financial behemoths aren’t exactly lighting up the internet: Citadel scores just 53% with fans on RottenTomatoes; Acolyte stands at just 13%.

The challenge now is to find a balance between ambition and fiscal responsibility.

Here are some shows that managed the balance:

  • Succession (HBO): This critically acclaimed drama proves that sharp writing and stellar performances can create a cultural phenomenon without relying on special effects.
  • The Bear (FX/Hulu): This breakout hit showcases how a focused, character-driven story can captivate audiences and critics alike.
  • Abbott Elementary (ABC): This mockumentary-style sitcom has garnered both popular and critical success, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted comedy.
  • The White Lotus (HBO): Despite its luxurious settings, this anthology series racks up awards without breaking the bank.
  • Baby Reindeer (Netflix): This intense, autobiographical limited series showcased how a deeply personal story, told with raw authenticity, can create impact.

Each of these shows was produced at a fraction of the cost of their big-budget counterparts, yet they’ve achieved critical acclaim, audience engagement, and cultural relevance.

Hollywood has chosen spectacle over story in its pursuit of movie riches. Here’s hoping it resists the same rabbit hole on the small screen.