One of the most valuable things in life is honesty; particularly, the honesty of someone calling out your bad ideas. When someone cares about you on a personal or professional level, they’ll do their level best to pull you back from the brink. I cannot emphasize how important that is, but let me explain with my own idiotic example. I do screenwriting on the side. Years ago, I was batting about script ideas with my writing partners. As we kicked around ideas, I was struck by the Bad Idea Fairy. “Guys, guys, so there were gold reserves in the sub-basements of the Twin Towers. What if, in the... Read More

Making a good movie is monstrously difficult. First, you need a script that has compelling characters and an interesting plot. After that, you need a talented director and crew to bring the script to life and create a world that feels emotionally real. After that, you need the right actors to give the various roles energy and depth. It’s a miracle when all of those disparate elements come together in harmony. Every year, every single year, films are made and released that go beyond good. They’re special. While you’re watching them, you can feel a realization blooming deep inside... Read More