'Pixar in a Box' exemplifies the rise of DIY filmmaking
As the barriers for entry for filmmakers crash down, opportunities are arising for self-made films to flourish. Pixar, noting this trend, has introduced a class on their secrets. Read more »
Writer archives: Erik Benjamin
Pulp predicts the 2017 Oscars
Pulp's movie columnists Erik Benjamin and Lilly Stuecklen give their take on who will walk home with an Oscar tonight. Read more »
'The Great Wall' mirrors a changing global economy, with a hint of white
“The Great Wall” opened last weekend in the U.S. to mixed results, despite being an overwhelming success in China. This film represents a shift away from an American film economy, despite relying on actors like Matt Damon to sell tickets. Read more »
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ does not have to be a guilty pleasure
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin argues “Fifty Shades Darker” can be much more than a guilty pleasure. It might just be the perfect source of escapism. Read more »
Super Bowl weekend proves to be scary at box office
Super Bowl weekend typically isn’t a good time to release a film. Movie columnist Erik Benjamin shares why horror genres can break that trend. Read more »
Controversy transports 'A Dog’s Purpose' into irrelevance
"A Dog's Tale" garnered a lot of attention recently because of a controversial video filmed on set. Movie columnist Erik Benjamin says the talk doesn't matter. Read more »
The rise and fall of M. Night Shyamalan and how he shattered expectations
From a break out phenomenon with "The Sixth Sense" to the hard flop "Lady in the Water," M. Night Shyamalan's career has been anything but predictable. Read more »
3 movies to watch before Inauguration Day
These three films have certain qualities that make them a good watch before Donald Trump is inaugurated Friday. Read more »
5 movies to check out over Christmas weekend
Christmas, for some people, is the most wonderful time of the year. It might be the most wonderful time for the cinema too. Here are movie columnist Erik Benjamin's top 5 Christmas picks. Read more »
Brand strength helps Disney crush box office record
Disney recently smashed the amount of money made in a year at the box office. Read Erik Benjamin's take on why and how they got there. Read more »
Hollywood buckles up for tumultuous Trump presidency
As the United States moves into what will certainly be an eventful Donald Trump presidential term, movie columnist Erik Benjamin speculates on what that means for Hollywood. Read more »
What to watch with your family this Thanksgiving weekend
Instead of continuing political debates from Turkey Day this Thanksgiving weekend or pushing someone for a black friday deal, settle down with some films that please the whole family. Read more »
Doctor Strange highlights new directions of superhero movies
When creating franchises, one has to worry about keeping the audience entertained. We love superhero movies — they’re all the rage right now. We love… Read more »
Why aren't we still talking about mockumentary 'Borat'?
Borat, at the time a cultural phenomenon, is turning 10 years old this week. As popular as it was at the time, no one talks about it anymore. Movie columnist Erik Benjamin tells us why. Read more »
This weekend's box office success and the power of counter-programming
This weekend, three new movies opened at the box office, and while three in one weekend is usually a little crowded, for whatever reason, these three films all managed to actually succeed. Read more »
Kevin Hart's new movie changes the comedy game
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin said he is excited about Kevin Hart's new release, which he predicts will have a big impact on comedy we know it. Read more »
'Birth of a Nation' should be separated from director's past
Especially within the context of "Birth of a Nation," movie columnist Erik Benjamin contends that an artist's work should be thought of in its own right. Read more »
New live-action Lion King poised to be smash hit
Disney announced it will make a live-action adaption of their classic film "The Lion King," and movie columnist Erik Benjamin can't wait. Read more »
Human Rights Film Festival will bring together social and academic community
This weekend, the Human Rights Film Festival will bring together a selection of films curated by 23 academic departments. Read more »
Rotten Tomatoes is unreliable when it comes to film criticism
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin explains how Rotten Tomatoes has ruined the freshness of film criticism with the use of its binary system and arbitrary ratings. Read more »
Joseph Gordon-Levitt highlights the decline of movie star
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin explains why Joseph Gordon-Levitt should be one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but instead represents the decline in stereotypical movie stars. Read more »
Toronto International Film Festival displays exciting movies to keep on radar
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin discusses the highlights of the Toronto International Film Festival, and what movies we can look forward to this fall. Read more »
September could be the next big month for movies
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin chronicles the ups and downs of September in film, a month historically associated with mediocre cinema. Read more »
Here are the movie winners and losers of summer 2016
Movie columnist Erik Benjamin relives the summer season and highlights what worked and what fell flat, from comedies to tragedies to animated movies. Read more »
