The Comic Critic Reviews: Appaloosa - 2008

Appaloosa is a slim, trim, and neatly executed Western. Driven by the depth of the characters, the story is lovingly framed with a level of set and costume detail that is hard to equal. The visuals are so tempting that, after the movie, you are left longing to know this mysterious little town’s location. I give it a very strong seven, and was very tempted to give it an eight. I nearly did it, since it contained so many of my favorite actors. I’m still tempted and will do so—if I get enough fans clamoring to sway me to score it higher.

The Return of Stickman #1012

If they took my toenail clippers, they can damn well take bright red blunderbuss. True, I think flying toe nails are more dangerous, especially mine. But, I had my toenail clippers neatly stowed away in my bag and had no plans for taking them out one the airplane. Who knows what havoc that kid might have caused waving his plastic about? Actually, Stickman knows, and tomorrow it will tell you all about it.

The Return of Stickman #1011

There is no rule saying that people who win a huge sum can't complain about their luck thereafter. But, we all know it's in poor taste. And by 'we' I'm talking about the bitter and envious amongst us. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go purchase a lottery ticket.

The Return of Stickman #1010

This strip is dedicated to Tom Brazelton over at TheaterHopper.com who did his next to best in attempting to remove his thumb with a router. I'm sure if he had done his best he would be known and One-Thumb-Up Tom.

The Comic Critic Reviews Requiem for a Dream

There are films depicting the trials and tribulations of a descent into drug addiction, ending with deep soul-searching as our hero climbs up and gets on the wagon. This is not one of those films. Rather than being a joyful after-school special in which lessons are learned with tears shed and hugs given, Requiem for a Dream is more along the lines of some driver’s education films banned in the fifties for their overenthusiastic avoidance-instruction-by-example. If you enjoy watching a sad story about to become a tragedy, then this film is just perfect for you. And you will be well rewarded too. The quality of the script, acting and editing is top notch. So, why didn’t I give it an eight? Because it depressed the bejezus out of me.

The Return of Stickman #1009

Farewell, Gidget! You cute little dog.

The Return of Stickman #1008

One of the reasons this policy has worked well, and undetected, is because the prisoners are provided civilian clothes to wear while in transit. Those orange jumpsuits just make them stand out a bit too much.