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Articles by Ron Evangelista
Dustin Hoffman | Collider
Original 'Superman' Scribe Robert Benton Dead at 92 Marlon Brando's Good Reason for Turning Down This Oscar-Nominated Western Role Mark Wahlberg Was a Hilarious Scene-Stealer in This Absurd Comedy The Best Agatha Christie Movie Isn't a Murder Mystery The Meryl Streep Scene That Crossed the Line Into Abuse The Battle Sir Laurence Olivier Waged While Filming ‘Marathon Man’ Every Oscar-Nominated Dustin Hoffman Performance Ranked 'Sam & Kate' Trailer: Dustin Hoffman & Sissy Spacek Team Up With...
John Cusack | Collider
One of the Best, Meanest Neo-Noir Movies of the '90s Just Hit Paramount+ Before 'The Beach Boys,' Watch This Moving Biopic of Brian Wilson This Stephen King Horror Movie Should Have Used Its Alternate Ending Amazon Cancelled 'Utopia' After One Season, and We Think We Know Why John Cusack on the Inspiration for His 'Utopia' Character & That Season Finale It's the End of the World as We Know It in New Trailer for Amazon's 'Utopia' Remake ‘Hannibal’: Bryan Fuller Details the Fight to Cast Mads...
Ron Evangelista | Collider
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Robert Downey Jr. Can't Escape His Dreams in This Overlooked, Provocative Movie
Before his mainstream comeback that sent his stock to the stratosphere, Robert Downey Jr. took part in an anthology film that explored sex, love, and its consequences. With a three-headed auteur hydra in Wong Kar-wai, Steven Soderbergh, and Michelangelo Antonioni at the helm,Eros is a fascinating project of sensual essence that blends three distinct directors’ visions.
The Absolute Best Part of 'Death Race 2000' Isn't What You Think
Beneath the layers of camp seeping through the ludicrous crevices of Death Race 2000, there exists a hidden profundity — a scathing critique of contemporary society masked by roaring engines, an unquenchable thirst for incessant bloodshed, and the thunderous applause of a population devoid of any form of moral compass.
This Controversial Surrealistic Masterpiece Doesn’t Make Sense - That’s the Point
The immortal image of a blade slicing a woman's eye, intertwined with clouds crossing through the moon exemplifies the immense contributions of Luis Buñuel's landmark avante-garde film, Un Chien Andalou to the world of cinema.
75 Years Later, This Is Still the Greatest Noir Ever Made
Is there a more iconic image in noir history than a camera slowly zooming into a freshly illuminated Harry Lime (Orson Welles) staring straight into the eyes of his childhood friend, Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) in The Third Man? 75 years later, Carol Reed's seminal filmstill remains a giant of the genre, the strangely playful tones of a zither ominously accompanying its brooding developments.
This Controversial Marlon Brando Classic Set the Standard for Biker Gang Movies
The iconic image of Marlon Brando clad in a leather jacket, boots, and a beret while leaning against a motorcycle signifies the great importance and influence of The Wild One, a film that — a trope that would generate an entire subgenre, millions of dollars in revenue, and a trend that struck fear in the heart of parents carrying traditional values worldwide.
Wong Kar-wai's Only English Movie Stars Norah Jones in a Massively Underappreciated Gem
There is a great misnomer when it comes to Wong Kar-wai's only English feature film, My Blueberry Nights, and that is that it wasn't any good, despite having a stellar cast in Norah Jones (in her acting debut), Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz, and David Straithairn.
Matthew McConaughey Freaked Us the Hell Out in This Underrated 2000s Horror Movie
Years before his career-defining “McConaissance” with his Oscar-winning turn in 2013's Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey delivered a riveting – and wildly underrated – performance in Frailty, a religious, psychological horror film, which was the late Bill Paxton’s directorial debut.
Cary Grant Played a Partying Ghost in This Comedy That Kickstarted His Career
Everybody has to start somewhere, and the dashing debonair Cary Grant burst into Hollywood superstardom with Topper, a screwball comedy that delves into the spiritual world through a comical set of circumstances. Adapted from the 1926 novel of the same name, the film was a giant success.
Francois Truffaut
The 10 Best François Truffaut Movies, Ranked The 10 Best Movies Set in Paris, Ranked Why François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard Ended Up in a Feud Collider's Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies: #8 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' JULES AND JIM Criterion Blu-ray Review
This H.P. Lovecraft Story Was “Unfilmable” Until This Low-Budget Version Nailed It
The Call of Cthulhu, a 2005 silent film, masterfully brings Lovecraft's eerie tale to life, delighting horror fans and the movie-seeing public. Lovecraft's notorious prose made adapting his work a challenge, yet the silent film form brilliantly captures the essence of his storytelling. The success of The Call of Cthulhu proves that Lovecraft's stories are not "unfilmable," opening new possibilities for future adaptations.
I Assure You, You've Never Seen a Movie Quite Like This Disturbing, Mind-Bending Noir
Accidental Luxuriance of the Translucent Watery Rebus challenges traditional narrative expectations through experiential, abstract visuals. The film invokes noir elements while forging a choric connection with viewers through dystopian imagery. Experience over understanding is key to appreciating the vivid, unsettling, and thought-provoking nature of the film.
I Never Understood the Superhero Movie Hype; Then I Saw 'V for Vendetta'
The superhero genre is over-saturated and traditional superhero present a simplistic view of right and wrong. V for Vendetta challenges traditional superhero norms with an anti-hero and a story that rejects the genre's troupes. V for Vendetta proves that superheroes are symbols that can fit varied worldviews. Growing up, superhero movies never really appealed to me.
Get Your Pitchforks Out — Jackie Earle Haley’s Freddy Krueger Is Scarier Than Robert Englund’s
Jackie Earle Haley brought a scarier and more sadistic version of Freddy Krueger to life in the 2010 remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street. The new Freddy erased the corny one-liners and farcical spirit, focusing on bloodshed and fear factor. While fans may prefer Robert Englund's portrayal, Haley's performance provides a refreshing and terrifying take on the iconic character.
The Coen Brothers Turned Down 1989’s ‘Batman’ To Make These Two Films
The Coen Brothers turned down directing Batman in 1989 because the project didn't originate with them. The duo opted to make Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink instead of Batman. By sticking to their principles and making their own films, the Coen Brothers achieved critical acclaim. It's surprising to know that the Coen Brothers, one of the most prolific and critically successful filmmaking duos of our time, had the opportunity to be at the helm for 1989's Batman.
VIDEO: Joel Coen Thinks One of The Best Coen Brothers Movies Is "Pretty Damn Bad"
VIDEO: Joel Coen Thinks One of The Best Coen Brothers Movies Is "Pretty Damn Bad" Blood Simple (1985) Your changes have been saved Follow Followed Follow with Notifications Follow Unfollow Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your Collider account Your browser does not support the video tag. Talk about being hard on yourself!
What Is the “Wilhelm Scream” and Why Must It Die?
The Wilhelm Scream originated from a 1951 Gary Cooper Western Distant Drums & has appeared in over 400 movies and TV shows. Though the Wilhelm Scream can be occasionally fun to hear in a movie, its overuse typically ruins the experience. The Wilhelm Scream is often heard throughout the Star Wars franchise. It's a sound that has permeated the cultural zeitgeist, spanning across a diverse set of films from the Star Wars franchise to Kill Bill and everything in between: the dreaded Wilhelm Scream.
Who Is Christy Martin, the Boxer Sydney Sweeney's Entering the Ring To Play?
Sydney Sweeney was recently announced to play boxing icon Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic by David Michôd. Christy Martin overcame abuse, violence, and adversity to become a celebrated hall-of-fame boxing icon. Martin's resilience and success in boxing paved the way for women's boxing to be in the limelight. Sydney Sweeney has been one of Hollywood's fastest-rising actors in the past couple of years, and it looks like her shine is just going to brighten even more.
Joel Coen Thinks One of The Best Coen Brothers Movies Is "Pretty Damn Bad"
The Coen brothers' debut film Blood Simple is a mix of genres that showcases their signature style and storytelling skills. Despite Joel Coen's disapproval, Blood Simple is a classic neo-noir with suspense, deception, and genre hybridity that captivates. The crude yet enthralling cinematic style of Blood Simple influenced independent filmmakers in the 80s, sparking a new wave in cinema.
This Documentary on Netflix Is the Most Haunting Movie You'll Ever See
Content Warning: the article below discusses mass murder and graphic violence. The Act of Killing on Netflix is a haunting documentary that showcases real perpetrators of violence who live without remorse or regret. Through innovative reenactments, the film blurs the lines between reality and fiction, pulling viewers in as unwilling participants. The brutal honesty of the documentary forces audiences to confront the terrifying reality of perpetrators confidently walking the streets with power.
This Forgotten ‘90s Western Throws Genre Stereotypes Out the Window
The Ballad of Little Jo challenges Western gender norms, showcasing a female lead adopting a male persona to survive. The Western twists genre stereotypes by portraying an interracial relationship and taking the spotlight away from white male protagonists. The legacy of The Ballad of Little Jo lies in subverting Western genre norms and bringing a feminine focus.
How ‘Harold and Maude’ Finally Became the Classic It Was Always Meant To Be
An unconventional love story between Harold and Maude challenges societal norms, inviting viewers to embrace passion without inhibition. Despite initial backlash, the film's timeless appeal resonates with audiences seeking genuine romance portrayed in a rebellious light. Late-night college screenings sparked a shift in perception, turning Harold and Maude into a cult classic celebrating love lived dangerously.
The Surprising Origin Story Behind Denzel Washington’s Directorial Debut
Denzel Washington was personally moved by Antwone Fisher's story, leading to his directorial debut. Antwone Fisher overcame a difficult upbringing and found healing through a bond with his psychiatrist. The emotional depth in Antwone Fisher showcases Denzel Washington's sensitivity in his directorial debut. Denzel Washington, one of the most acclaimed and celebrated actors of our time, had an interesting path to his first directorial feature, Antwone Fisher.
True Sci-Fi Should Be Closer to Horror
Science fiction thrives on inherent horror & dread, not just spectacle, presenting dangers within fascinating worlds. The unknown in sci-fi generates terror, from exploring new dimensions to encountering extraterrestrial life. The horror woven into sci-fi films, like The Thing and Interstellar, taps into the genre's true essence and represents the harsh realities of existence. More often than not, science fiction is rooted in spectacle, leaving audiences in a state of awe and wonder.
Why Did It Take 20 Years for ‘Unforgiven’ To Get Made?
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Why Did It Take 20 Years for ‘Unforgiven’ To Get Made? Original
Clint Eastwood's decision to delay the production of Unforgiven and wait until he was older to play the lead character of William Munny added depth and authenticity to the film. The delays in production allowed the concept of redemption and the toll of time and hardship to be fully explored in the story. Unforgiven is widely recognized as one of the greatest Western films in history and showcases Clint Eastwood's brilliance as both an actor and filmmaker.
Censorship Robbed Us of Stanley Kubrick’s Bloody Vision for ‘Spartacus’
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Censorship Robbed Us of Stanley Kubrick’s Bloody Vision for ‘Spartacus’ Original
Spartacus faced numerous production troubles, including conflicts over creative control and issues with censorship, which ultimately shaped the final film. Dalton Trumbo's involvement as the screenwriter significantly influenced the political themes of the film, mirroring the turbulent Hollywood climate during the red scare.
The Gangster Movie That Changed Sean Connery’s Career Forever
Sean Connery's performance in The Untouchables showcased a new dimension of his acting, displaying vulnerability and frailty. Connery's portrayal of Jim Malone earned him critical acclaim and his first and only Academy Award. The Untouchables marked a significant turning point in Connery's career, leading to a series of films that showcased his sensitive side. It would be a great disservice to confine the image of Sir Sean Connery to merely being the star of seven James Bond films.
Martin Scorsese Saved Sergio Leone's Last Film After the Studio Butchered It Original
Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America was heavily edited for its U.S. release, resulting in a loss of the film's nonlinear storytelling and spirit. Martin Scorsese played a crucial role in restoring the film to its original vision, working with Leone's family, and finding lost footage. The restoration of this cinematic masterpiece is significant not only as a tribute to Leone's legacy but also to highlight the importance of film preservation and restoration in the industry.
Why François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard Ended Up in a Feud
Truffaut and Godard's opposing views and approaches to filmmaking caused a rift in their friendship and artistic partnership. Politics played a significant role in driving a wedge between Truffaut and Godard, ultimately leading to the end of their friendship. Despite their feud, the influence of the Nouvelle Vague and the friendship between Truffaut and Godard can still be felt in cinema today.
‘Scarface’ Was Originally X-Rated, and Brian De Palma Wasn’t Happy About It
Scarface faced controversy over its content and received an X-rating, sparking a protest against film censorship. The film also faced setbacks during filming, including objections from the Cuban community in Miami. Director Brian De Palma argued with the MPAA over the film's rating, refusing to make further changes to appease the board. Brian De Palma's Scarface is as unapologetic as it gets and has grown to be one of the most iconic and over-referenced mobster flicks in film history.
Robin Williams Helped Steven Spielberg Get Through ‘Schindler’s List’ Original
Schindler's List is an emotionally powerful film that tackles the horrific events of the Holocaust, and it was a personal project for filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who comes from a Jewish background. Spielberg faced doubts and struggles during the production of the film, including resistance from studio executives who wanted the film to be in color and contain more Hollywood-style catharsis, which Spielberg vehemently opposed.
‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ Was Banned in Ireland Because of Real-Life Tragedies Original
Quentin Tarantino's film From Dusk Till Dawn faced controversy and was banned in Ireland due to its ill-timing following real-life tragedies, adding to debates about the relationship between film violence and real-life crimes. The violence portrayed in the film is not particularly realistic, but the Irish Film Censor Board saw it as irresponsible given the timing of the film's release after the Dunblane massacre and Port Arthur Massacre.
Johnny Depp’s Directorial Debut Is a Film You Can't See in the US
Despite scathing reviews, Johnny Depp's directorial debut film, The Brave, has a tangible spirit and a central theme of sacrifice that shines. The film offers insight into the intersection of ethics and religion, as the main character confronts a priest who refuses to help him in his desperate situation. The Brave may be flawed in terms of self-indulgence and length, but it deserves recognition for its relatable portrayal of a man willing to go to extreme lengths for his family.
Johnny Depp’s Directorial Debut Is a Film That He’s Forbidden to Release in the US Original
Despite scathing reviews, Johnny Depp's directorial debut film, The Brave, has a tangible spirit and a central theme of sacrifice that shines. The film offers insight into the intersection of ethics and religion, as the main character confronts a priest who refuses to help him in his desperate situation. The Brave may be flawed in terms of self-indulgence and length, but it deserves recognition for its relatable portrayal of a man willing to go to extreme lengths for his family.
This Is the First Movie to Ever Have a Twist Ending Original
Robert Wiene's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a groundbreaking film with a twist ending, making it a pillar of German Expressionism and a pioneer in cinema. The film's expressionist visuals, including the use of shadows and dark mise-en-scene, perfectly capture the angst and trepidation of post-World War I Germany. The twist ending was revolutionary at the time and has influenced countless films since then.
The Best Detective Movie Isn't 'Knives Out' — It's This Kurosawa Classic Original
High and Low is a thrilling crime movie that delves into the essence of criminality while examining morals, ethics, and societal hierarchies. The film's gripping phone conversations highlight the power of communication and its ability to destroy societal hierarchies. High and Low explores the ethical dilemma of doing the right thing, even when faced with personal consequences, and offers a compelling study of ethical decision-making.
The First Movie Tom Hanks Produced Remains His Best
Tom Hanks' first produced movie, Cast Away, surpasses all his other efforts and is considered his most iconic and successful project. Hanks dedicated himself to the role of Chuck Noland, losing 55 pounds and enduring a dangerous infection during production. Cast Away introduced the iconic character of Wilson the volleyball, which became an unlikely but beloved companion for Chuck and a symbol of comfort for the audience.
Alfred Hitchcock & Salvador Dalí's 'Spellbound' Scene Brought Major Drama
Spellbound is a collaboration between master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock and surrealist Salvador Dalí, resulting in a truly imaginative psychological thriller. The film centers around a young psychoanalyst who becomes infatuated with her new hospital director, only to uncover his dark secret and set off on a journey to unravel the truth.
‘The Hi-Lo Country’ Is an Underrated Western Worth Checking Out
The Hi-Lo Country is an underappreciated Western that captures the essence of the genre through its classical tenets and powerful performances. Rather than relying on gunfights, the film focuses on the emotional side, where every shot fired shakes the feelings of the viewers. The film explores themes of masculinity, friendship, love, and the struggles of cowboys in an ever-changing world with a subtlety that sets it apart from other Westerns.
Clint Eastwood’s ‘Unforgiven’ Was Remade as a Samurai Epic That Slays
There have been a lot of things said about the magnificence of Clint Eastwood‘s Unforgiven. Undoubtedly one of the finest Westerns in cinematic history, its influence has been so far-reaching that it gave birth to a Japanese remake in 2013 starring . Directed by , the jidaigeki reconstruction takes the spirit of the Eastwood flick and transforms it into a gripping and bloody samurai epic. This remake is bloodier, more fleshed out, and it explores the waters which the Western did not test.
Clint Eastwood’s ‘Unforgiven’ Was Remade as a Samurai Epic That Slays
The Unforgiven remake is a commendable effort that explores new aspects of the story not touched upon in the original Western. It brings something new to the table while still staying true to the spirit of the original film. The remake delves deeper into the friendship of the main characters and adds more exposition to their pasts, offering different interpretations of their motivations and dynamics.
Gene Hackman Is a Smug and Greedy Villain in This John Grisham Adaptation
The film world has woken up to a tragedy today with the news that legendary actor Gene Hackman has been found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For decades, Gene Hackman has been a household name when it comes to brilliant villain actors who have captured the imagination of the audiences. Hackman's critically acclaimed career spanned six decades, and he portrayed more than his fair share of iconic characters on screen.
‘Enter the Dragon’ Went From a Troubled Production to a Martial Arts Masterpiece
Bruce Lee's iconic martial arts film, Enter the Dragon, defied personal conflicts and cultural differences to become a global phenomenon, earning over $2 billion in profits. The making of Enter the Dragon faced challenges including clashes between American and Hong Kong film crews, language barriers, and script disputes with screenwriter Michael Allin.
We Can Thank Jackie Chan and 'Rush Hour' for Rotten Tomatoes Original
In 1998, Rush Hour was released and became a breakout Hollywood film for Jackie Chan, propelling him to international stardom. The comedic nature of Rush Hour, featuring the contrasting personalities of Chan and Chris Tucker, made it a box-office success and spawned a series of popular buddy-cop comedy films.
Sergio Leone's Last Spaghetti Western Is Totally Bizarre - and It Works!
Sergio Leone's Duck, You Sucker! is often overlooked in his filmography, but it showcases his most experimental and artistic tendencies. The film features a hilarious and emotionally charged banter between James Coburn and Rod Steiger, highlighting the theme of friendship amidst political chaos. Duck, You Sucker! takes a satirical approach to the Mexican Revolution, offering a cynical commentary on the demand for more political films while still retaining Leone's signature style.
‘Scarface’ Was Originally X-Rated, and Brian De Palma Wasn’t Happy
Scarface faced objections and controversy due to its portrayal of the Cuban community, but ultimately won the support of the governor and continued filming in Miami. The film was initially given an X rating by the MPAA, which threatened its profitability, but director Brian De Palma refused to make changes and it was eventually re-rated as R.
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