This movie is based upon Abraham Lincoln’s personal struggle during the American Civil War. One of the two issues portrayed in the movie involved his quest to abolish slavery by passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. The other issue revolved around his personal life.

The difficulties in passing the bill that might change the future of the country and the history of the world was the main theme. These difficulties were brought about by those who were opposed to change and was further hampered by the conflict between the States. There were only those who would accept the bill’s passage, some for personal gain, and others who wished to reconcile with the Confederacy first. Personal prejudices of many voting on the bill was also a factor holding up it’s passage. Lincoln believed that the Amendment was the essence of the Constitution in that all men were created equal. He used his cunning and oratory skills to convince people to vote in favor of the bill, without changes that might hinder it’s true purpose. (more…)

Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

Joseph O'Donnell

The Arts and Entertainment Magazine’s movie reviewers, J&J, decided to see the comical film, ‘Bad Teacher’, to present our thoughts to our readership. We decided to see this film at the Rave Motion Picture Theater-Centreville Multiplex Theater, in Centreville, Virginia for our critique.

The movie is centered around the character Elizabeth Halsey, who is a foul-mouthed gold-digger, and teaches in a Junior High School. Her life changes dramatically after losing her wealthy fiancé. Now looking for another sugar daddy, she chooses to target Scott Delacorte, a substitute teacher, and heir to a watch-making company fortune. She is pitted against a rival popular teacher, Amy Squirrel, and to gain on the competition Ms. Halsey decides to enhance her bodily features. (more…)

Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

Joseph O'Donnell

The Arts and Entertainment Magazine’s movie reviewers, J&J, had the great fortune to catch the final installment of the Harry Potter series. We obtained tickets to the Regal Theater in Manassas, Virginia for us to critique the film.

The story is the final segment of the series based on the works of J.K. Rowling, and focus’ on the clash between Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter in the classic confrontation of good versus evil. Harry’s quest is to find, and destroy, the remaining magical items, know as Horcruxes, that gave Voldemort immortality. (more…)

Captain America

Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

Joseph O'Donnell

The Arts and Entertainment Magazine’s movie reviewers, J&J, decided to take in one more movie to review for our readers. With the heat index soaring around 117 degrees, the air conditioning in a movie theater is just what the doctor ordered. So we packed off to the Rave Motion Picture Theater in nearby Centreville, Virginia, to take in a flick. In this case it was the new movie, Captain America. Yes….the weather was hot, but the film was not. (more…)

The Green Lantern Movie Review

Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

Joseph J. O'Donnell

The Eerie Digest has decided to see the Green Lantern movie on opening day, and report our findings to all our readers. The movie was not spectacular, but it was not a great disappointment either. This is from our own personal perspective and others may feel differently. We are not fans of the Green Lantern comics, as others would be, and their take on the film may offer a more accurate critique between the film and the comic book series. (more…)

by Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

When I heard that they were going to make a movie based on one of my favorite graphic novels, I was excited. That excitement soon turned into disappointment. There was no contrast between the movie and the graphic novel. I tried to look at the movie from a different prospective.

The settings in this movie are in a post apocalyptic future, where humans are on the brink of extinction because of over welling number of vampires. .The movie’s main character called priest, who belongs to an order of the church that hunts down vampires. This order is made of priests and priestesses that have super natural abilities and well crafted weapons. The order was shut down due to the belief that the vampires were eradicated. The main character was told by an outland sheriff that his niece, Lucy, was captured by vampires.

The priest asked council of the church if he can find Lucy, but the council has denied him of request. The priest has decides to go against the church and find his niece with the help of the sheriff. They track the vampires through the barren wasteland. Unbeknownst to the priest and sheriff, the church has sent priests to capture the main character for break his vows. A priestess of the order decides to help the two in their quest to find the missing girl. They face vampires and familiars who are loyal inhuman servants to the vampires. They find the one who was responsible captured the priest’s niece. It was a former priest, now called Black Hat, who was turned into the first human vampire during the wars with vampires. Black Hat’s objective is to destroy that human race with the aid of the vampires. It is up the priest, the priestess, and the sheriff to save the human race and to rescue Lucy. (more…)

Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

Joseph J. O'Donnell

A J & J movie review

I took our staff to the first day viewing of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ shown in 3D in our local theater. As it was on an early Friday afternoon the audience was small and void of children, making the movie all that more enjoyable.

The picture started out with all the flare of the first movie of the series and Johnny Depp was true to his form. As an actor his talent never ceases to amaze me. The special effects were great, but the 3D was so-so in my view. As usual with the ‘Pirates’ series there was a lot of action, and rarely a dull moment.

The movie is a continuation from the third ‘Pirates’ film with some old, and some new, characters that enhances the story line. Penelope Cruz adds zest and sex appeal for those of us of the male gender, and Ian McShane (who plays pirate Edward Teach-aka ‘Blackbeard’) and Geoffrey Rush ( Barbossa) bring much acting experience and diversity to the story. The costume designs and period setting were spectacular and the makeup was very effective. All the acting was phenomenal and so we rated this picture as a Must-See, and recommend buying the DVD afterwards for your collection.

J & J