Category: Entertainment

Marvel didn’t only establish a cinematic universe with the success of movies like “Iron Man” and “Captain America: The First Avenger,” it changed the shape of Hollywood.  In many ways, it was no longer enough to make a good movie; every big budget flick also had to establish its own universe to compete with Marvel’s […]

Frequently, we get emails or tweets here at SpecialOperations.com in the realm of questions about the training and the qualification course. Many of course deal with Selection and I have to tell people that the Instructors don’t actually kill anyone during the events and one doesn’t have to be 10-feet tall to pass. But one […]

Marvel movies can be hit or miss. Sometimes they blow you out of the water and sometimes they’re entertaining but relatively forgettable. When “Guardians of the Galaxy” came out, I was reminded as to what I liked so much about many Marvel movies–they’re fun, have their compelling moments and are a great ride from start to […]

Today’s generation of veterans find themselves existing within a unique social dynamic. Among ourselves, veterans often operate like a pack of wolves, supporting one another against external threats while often tearing each other apart internally.  Outside the ranks of the initiated, the public at large also sees veterans in a sort of dichotomy of opposition: […]

A Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq war, Bobby Lane, was going to commit suicide.  He had his plans laid out, but before he would put a gun to his head for the final time he decided to go surfing–just once.  He then is formally introduced to Van Curaza, a former professional surfer who has […]

A movie review by Mr. Matthew Phinney: Cinderella Man Universal (June 3, 2005) Cast: Philip Craig, Russell Crowe, Eric Fink, Paul Giamatti, Mark Simmons Director: Ron Howard Let’s get “Cinderella Man” underway. Round 1: Being a boxer, it’s often difficult to watch a boxing movie for the entertainment and not get sucked into how wonky […]

Walking into a critic’s screening creates an unusual juxtaposition of feelings in the pit of your stomach. On the one hand, you’re acutely aware that you’re getting to see a movie months before its release, and as the theater staff usher you off to a screen with a form of pseudo secrecy, it’s easy to […]

The trailer for the new Taran Killam helmed action comedy “Killing Gunther” looked like an opportunity to watch an action icon introduce some levity into his normal shtick, with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Gunther” featured heavily throughout the two-and-a-half-minute commercial.  With witty one-liners, plentiful explosions, and Schwarzenegger’s smiling face abutting each shot of the rest of the […]

There are no spoilers in this review. If you are going into this movie thinking you’re going to get a sequel to one of the great action flicks of the ’80s, reminiscent of “Commando” or “Escape from New York,” you’re going to be disappointed–remember that the original Blade Runner was not that type of movie either.  It was […]

By Matthew S. Phinney Sicario Lionsgate (2015) Cast: Benicio DelToro, Josh Brolin, Emily Blunt, Jon Bernthal Director: Denis Villeneuve I dig this movie. It’s got suspense, action, mysterious characters, and a healthy mix of blunt force awesome and calculated violence. It boasts a formidable cast of Benicio DelToro, Josh Brolin, Emily Blunt, Jon Bernthal, that […]

I approach movies differently if I intend to review them for an audience.  When I’m invited to a critic’s screening, I bring a notebook and I approach the story as though I would any other: with intent and an analytical eye.  “Spider-Man: Homecoming” wasn’t such a film.  As I buckled in to watch the third […]

Sometimes it is a nice thing to be pleasantly surprised. CBS’ new drama series “SEAL Team” had its debut with the pilot episode Wednesday night and from the look of the first showing, they did it right. The good folks at CBS may have a long-term, viable hit on their hands if they can play […]