Greg Smith

Jul 7, 2024 | collider.com | Amanda Bynes |Dan Byrd |Gregory Lawrence |Jom Elauria |Greg Smith

Superbad Released in 2007, Greg Mottola's Superbad was a generation-defining, culture-calcifying comedy. It represents a certain height of the powers of Judd Apatow's film posse, and opened the door for a few other generations of comedy talent afterward, from writers Seth Rogen and Andrew Goldberg to stars Michael Cera and Jonah Hill. It introduced new iconography into the pop culture lexicon, especially Christopher Mintz-Plasse's work as the immortal "McLovin." Most importantly, Superbad is...

Jan 22, 2024 | collider.com | Gregory Lawrence |Greg Smith

The late Norman Jewison's direction in Fiddler on the Roof emphasizes the film's inherent humanity, rather than calling attention to itself at every turn. Jewison's visual choices are intentional and rooted in character or theme, showcasing his mastery as a visual director without the need for ostentatious displays. Our modern movie musicals draw inspiration from previous generations, such as Jacques Demy and Fred Astaire, and amplify their stylistic choices. I love directorial spectacle.

Nov 11, 2023 | inverse.com | Greg Smith

War is hell. Human beings place their bodies and souls at near-certain risk, using god-awful weapons against other human beings. As we witness warfare well into the 21st century, we see a repetitive kind of playbook: The ruling class sends their inferiors toward death, drumming up interest with inflammatory, othering rhetoric, and profiteers make money from the required resources.

Sep 30, 2023 | collider.com | Gregory Lawrence |Greg Smith

Hardball satirizes and sidesteps the trope of the white savior by showing that the inner-city children are already good as they are. Keanu Reeves' character, Conor, becomes a coach out of survival rather than any desire to be one, leading to an organic coaching style. Conor empowers the children by reacting to their circumstances and treating them as worthy individuals, without imposing his own agenda on them.

Apr 9, 2023 | collider.com | Greg Smith