Commentary

durham visions

[Durham Visions] So You Got a Camera - Now What?

Start on Auto, shoot a lot, notice what you like, and ease into settings—photography clicks fastest when you learn by doing.

Nerdspresso

Bask in the Stupid Awesomeness of a Rebooted Anaconda

Buoyed by a vivacious cast that’s clearly up for anything, this flick feels like what might happen if you actually went into the jungle with your buddies to make a movie.

Nerdspresso

Movie Stars, Mini-Vans, and the Mouse House: A Nerd's Eye View of Hollywood East in the '90s

I look back on my time in the minor leagues of film and TV with great affection. Valuable lessons were learned. I now know how Amy Grant likes her salad and the best way to approach a revolving door.

The Gourmand Next Door

Holiday Wine Time

How to make sure you bring the right bottle to the holiday party.

Nerdspresso

Rob Reiner: One of the Few Good Men

Looking back over Reiner’s filmography, there’s always a relatable character, a standout performance, or a line that I still quote today.

Nerdspresso

It's Just Not Christmas Without Stop-Motion Santa

These shows were as much a tradition as hanging stockings or Grandma getting run over by a reindeer. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, you staked out prime real estate by your giant cabinet-style TV to absorb all the holiday magic. 

Nerdspresso

Treacle & Tripwires: Is Home Alone a Christmas Classic?

When tradition meets counterprogramming - and a kid becomes Rambo with Legos.

Nerdspresso

Santa, Swole & Saving Christmas: "Red One" Brings the Boom

From Die Hard to Prime’s Red One, we weigh Santa’s action glow-up - and whether this swole St. Nick finally earns a spot in the canon.

Nerdspresso

Del Toro's "Wolfman" Remains Top Dog

"Punctuated by a foreboding Danny Elfman score, The Wolfman offers atmosphere to spare. It is supported by a strong cast, even if they’re not used to full strength."

The Gourmand Next Door

Defying Conventions on Turkey Day in Durham

What to eat on Turkey Day when you don't want turkey.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] A Toast to the Feast: Beaujolais Nouveau Now, Chablis Always

From juicy Beaujolais Nouveau to mineral Chablis, here’s what to pour with turkey, sides, and all the trimmings.

Nerdspresso

[Nerdspresso] Digging Up My Fossilized Dino Baggage with Jurassic World Rebirth

A shoddy camcorder bootleg, missed opening night, and a zippy new sequel finally reset my dino expectations.