“Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30

Brian De Palma’s deeply moving morality tale Carlito’s Way (1993) recently had its thirtieth anniversary. The film has long held a special place in my personal movie pantheon, ever since seeing it opening night, November 12, 1993. Based on two novels by New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres (which I’ve read and highly … Continue reading “Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30

Hot Shots of the Week: Wolfing Around with Michelle

I adore Mike Nichols’ Wolf (1994), but every time I watch it—and I try to watch it every October—I’m utterly gobsmacked that he got Michelle Pfeiffer to film that completely bonkers final showdown. As good guy Wolfman Jack (Nicholson) looks on from inside a cage, bad guy Wolfman James Spader uses his hairy paws to … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: Wolfing Around with Michelle

Noirvember: Nineties Noirish Erotic Thrillers

It’s Noirvember, a time to celebrate all things noir, including the 1990s noirish erotic thriller. The month is almost over and I didn’t get to do any other noir posts, so to make up for that I’ve super-sized this post. Hands down, one of the best erotic thriller posters of all time, plus a terrific … Continue reading Noirvember: Nineties Noirish Erotic Thrillers

Happy Birthday, Frankie

When it comes to my most beloved Michelle Pfeiffer characters, Frankie resides right at the top, along with Susie, Angela, Selina, and Stephanie. Today, November 11th, is Frankie’s birthday—we know this because Johnny asks her, and she tells him, during a beautiful scene between the two in Frankie and Johnny (1991). It takes until the … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Frankie

The Art of the Ad: Sex, Lies, and Video Games, Part IV

The golden age of arcade and video game advertising is such a fertile period for unabashedly sexy and blatantly sexist ads that we’re back with a fourth installment of material. This is starting to become the Friday the 13th of the Starfire Lounge, with sequel after sequel. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I got … Continue reading The Art of the Ad: Sex, Lies, and Video Games, Part IV

Random Image Dump #14

Earlier this year we lost the beautiful Jane Birkin. In this photo, she’s positively radiant. More recently, we lost the talented, sexy, and lovable comedic actor and businesswoman extraordinaire, Suzanne Somers. Absolutely killer movie poster art by Bruce Timm for Dracula A.D. 1972. Timm (Batman: The Animated Series and Mad Love) expertly captures the feel … Continue reading Random Image Dump #14