Rob Reiner:"Misery" (1990)

Adapted from a Stephen King novel, Rob Reiner's Misery cast James Caan as a writer at a career crossroads. The film opens with Paul Sheldon (Caan) completing work on his latest novel, a break from his popular series of novels featuring the character Misery Chastain. He gets into a severe car accident and is saved by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), ...

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Smashing Pumpkins:"Siamese Dream" (1993)

While Gish had placed the Smashing Pumpkins on the "most promising artist" list for many, troubles were threatening to break the band apart. Singer/guitarist/leader Billy Corgan was battling a severe case of writer's block and was in a deep state of depression brought on by a relationship in turmoil; drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was addicted to hard...

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Ridley Scott:"Blade Runner" (1982)

A blend of science fiction and noir detective fiction, Blade Runner (1982) was a box office and critical bust upon its initial exhibition, but its unique postmodern production design became hugely influential within the sci-fi genre, and the film gained a significant cult following that increased its stature. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard,...

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Loretta Lynn:"Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)" (1967)

The title track was one of those defining songs for Loretta Lynn, not only one of the best but one of the most likeable country & western artists. She bats one home run after another in these vocals, singing her brains out and coming across as totally convincing in each role she takes on. The cynical "I Got Caught" is one of her finer originals,...

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The Vaccines:"What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?" (2011)

The Vaccines suffer the slings and arrows of those who consider the well-heeled rockers fake indie, a criticism that has dogged bands long before the Strokes, who do seem to have been a pivotal group in this London band’s life. Still, those critics do have a point: The Vaccines' debut, titled What Did You Expect from the Vaccines? with a self-satisfied...

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Rian Johnson:"Looper" (2012)

A hired gun from the future discovers that his greatest adversary is himself in this twisting sci-fi mindbender starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and directed by Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom). In the year 2047 time travel has yet to be invented. Thirty years later, however, it has. Though immediately outlawed, time-travel...

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Homeland

Plot After American troops raid a terrorist compound in the Middle East, they discover Sergeant Nicholas Brody (Lewis), a marine who has been missing and presumed dead for eight years. Though returning home to his loving family and a national hero’s welcome, obsessive CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Danes) isn’t so sure. Having previously received...

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