Ben's Cinematic Obsessions

“The Congress” is one of the most bizarre motion pictures I have ever seen, and I mean that as a compliment. It combines live-action scenes with animated sequences to tell a story about an actress who willingly gives up her identity so she can be digitized by a movie studio so they can make many films starring her. In the process, it offers a look at the value of one’s identity, how we are unique…

“Emperor” is one of those movies I cannot help but view as a frustratingly missed opportunity. On one hand, it is the first contemporary Hollywood movie which takes place during the U.S.-led occupation of Japan at the close of World War II, and it uncovers a part of history many people are not fully aware of. But in the process of delving into the subject of whether a world leader should be…

Ralph Fiennes made his directorial debut with “Coriolanus,” which is based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name. Fiennes also stars as Caius Martius, a Roman general who is both revered, feared, and at odds with his fellow citizens. Fiennes certainly picked a most challenging project for his first directorial effort, but having done many Shakespeare plays onstage, he has a mastery of…

What is it about gangsters which makes them so inescapably attractive? We have had so many movies about them over the years, and they just keep on coming at us like those greatest hits albums Aerosmith keeps releasing over and over again. Is it because they have such great power and generate such intense fear around everyone, even those they love the most? I think these characters tap into our…

After having been too busy with work over the past year or so, I finally got to attend my first ever No Kings rally on March 28, 2026. And while the focus was on major cities like Los Angeles, New York and Minneapolis among others, I decided to head over to Thousand Oaks as I was worried that getting in and out of Downtown Los Angeles would be too chaotic. But there was another reason; I lived in…

I keep thinking of “The Simpsons” episode where Homer and Marge try to teach Bart and Lisa about how great love is. But in the process of looking over their kids’ experience with love, they end up doing more damage than good. Marge reminds Bart of when he had a crush on the older girl who lived next door, and it ends up taking us to the scene where said girl tells Bart how excited she is because…

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is the final film in “The Conjuring” franchise, which has been wildly popular and a staple in the horror genre since the first film was released in 2013. In total, it is the ninth film in “The Conjuring” universe, which also includes the two “Nun” films along with three “Annabelle”…

Everybody has a podcast these days to where there are far too many to catch up on. However, there are a few which I refuse to miss as they lighten up my day which usually has me wondering how I can continue to survive in an insanely cruel world. Considering that I spend a good portion of the day in my car, they are my go-to whenever I go place to place, and these are the ones I am always…

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella. When it comes to 1970’s cinema, there was a sense of exploration, discovery and reflection that hasn’t been found in Hollywood since that decade. The filmmakers had a lot to get off their chests, and their way to process what they were seeing and feeling was through their moviemaking.  One of my favorite films…

“The Toxic Avenger” franchise has always held a special place in my heart as a horror fan. The films have heart, humor, and some fantastic practical effects. When I heard that they were going to remake the film, I was interested in seeing how it would all come together. I’m not one of those horror fans who thinks all remakes are sacrilegious and should never be done. To me, a lot of the great…

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella. When it comes to horror movies, you look for them to be written and directed by fans of the genre, as they bring a sense of passion and enthusiasm which might be missing by someone who is just doing it for the paycheck. James Wan burst onto the horror scene in 2004 with his directorial debut, “Saw,” which was…

On August 12, 2025, New Beverly Cinema presented a Larry Clark double feature of two of his films: “Bully” and “Another Day in Paradise.” Before “Bully” unfolded on the silver screen, actor and filmmaker Joel Michaely brought out a special guest: Daniel Franzese who played Derek Dzvirk. “Bully” was Daniel’s film debut, and it quickly earned him his SAG card. Daniel thanked Joel for being there…

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella. In the interest of full disclosure, I must confess I do not have a vivid recollection of the 2016 film “The Accountant,” which starred Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick. I know I watched and reviewed the first film, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me in either a positive or negative way. Because of this, I…

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella. It has been a while since I’ve sat down and watched a good old-fashioned horror flick that was gory fun from start-to-finish. The last movie which comes to mind, for me, is 2023’s “Saw X.” Now, I know there have been other horror movies which have been critically acclaimed since then, but I like my horror movies,…

With James Gunn’s long-awaited “Superman” now arriving in theaters everywhere, I am eager to find out if this iteration of the Man of Steel will have any opening credits. And if it does, what will the music to them sound like? The score for the 2025 film is credited to John Murphy and David Fleming, and they both have quite a legacy to live up to which makes the challenge given to them all the…

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella. Hollywood has long been a fan of buddy cop movies, as people love to see big action, memorable villains and witty repartee between the polar opposite main characters.  “Lethal Weapon” is a film I’ve heard about ever since I started watching movies, especially the famous line, “I’m too old for this shit,” delivered…