The Running Wild Blog
Articles on the craft of filmmaking and the films we create.
MOVIE MONDAY: Reviews of Niagara, The World of Suzie Wong, and Twelve O’Clock High
My weekly movie reviews. You can also read these on letterboxd. Niagara (1953) Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars Rather than watch someone else play Marilyn Monroe, I decided to take a look back at one of the Monroe pictures I hadn't seen, one I've always been...
BONUS WESTERN MOVIE REVIEW: Gone with the West (1975)
I continue to study the Western genre. I have now launched a podcast about the making of Western films. Listen here This half-hippie, half-Spaghetti rip-off of Peckinpah and Monte Hellman films certainly belongs on the list of the worst Westerns ever made....
Some Thursday Thoughts: THE FIVE EXPECTATIONS I HAVE FOR ACTORS – Part 4
Over the next few weeks, I'll share some of my philosophy for acting and a few key principles I look for when casting or choosing to work with someone again. 4. Film Literacy You may have noticed that these pieces the last couple weeks reference...
MOVIE MONDAY: Reviews of Flesh and Blood, Heavy Metal, The Head Hunter, and Fire and Ice
My weekly movie reviews. You can also read these on letterboxd. Flesh + Blood (1985) Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Pretend for a moment that you didn't know this film existed and I told you about it: Paul Verhoeven made his English-language debut with...
MOVIE MONDAY: Western Movie Reviews – Week 174 – Dirty Dingus Magee
Each Monday, I continue to share Western movie reviews. I have now launched a podcast about the making of Westerns and the overall filmmaking process. Click here to listen. Week 174: Dirty Dingus Magee (1970) I wish Burt Kennedy's comedic Westerns were...
Some Thursday Thoughts: THE FIVE EXPECTATIONS I HAVE FOR ACTORS – Part 3
Over the next few weeks, I'll share some of my philosophy for acting and a few key principles I look for when casting or choosing to work with someone again. 3. Camera Technique One of the most essential components to film acting is awareness of the camera....
Announcing the First Annual Tombstone Film Festival
Welcome to the Inaugural Tombstone Film Festival, presented by 12 Westerns in association with Tombstone Forward. The Tombstone Film Festival has been created by John Marrs and Travis Mills to showcase the best Western feature and short films in America's most iconic...
BONUS WESTERN MOVIE REVIEW: Rio Diablo (1993)
I continue to study the Western genre. I have now launched a podcast about the making of Western films. Listen here Rio Diablo is better than it has any right to be. With a cast of Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Naomi Judd, this should have most likely been a...
MOVIE MONDAY: Western Movie Reviews – Week 173 – Sidekicks
Each Monday, I continue to share Western movie reviews. I have now launched a podcast about the making of Westerns and the overall filmmaking process. Click here to listen. Week 173: Sidekicks (1974) Yet another buddy comedy from director Burt Kennedy,...
MOVIE MONDAY: Reviews of The Survivor, Salem’s Lot, and The River Wild
My weekly movie reviews. You can also read these on letterboxd. The Survivor (2022) Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars It feels like Barry Levinson hasn't been in top form for a while, though I missed his Al Pacino collaborations and cannot speak to those. With The...
