HST… is becoming Middle of the Row!

Having Said That faithful, we are changing names, getting a fresh look and not much else will be different but our name; Middle of the Row!

Dissecting Arrival: Heptapod for Dummies

Arrival brings an intelligence and a beauty that is often lacking from Science Fiction films, but do potential plot holes and contradictions prevent it from being one of the best? SPOILERS ABOUND!

Favorite Music of 2016

The Bad News: There were not as many albums that I loved this year The Good News: I loved more individual songs than usual this year I reworked the rankings to account for that crazy ass 2016. Having a set criteria sucks anyway.

Is Alien Undermined by One Bad Special Effect?

I recently rewatched the Sci-fi/horror classic Alien. The good news is that it is still the innovative, compelling, and suspenseful film that I remembered. The bad news, I forgot how awkward the climax was.

Film Review: Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Taika Waititi

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an offbeat and charming film with a strong emotional core. The success of the film is another indication that writer/director Taika Waititi has become a proficient filmmaker.

Grant’s 2015 Music Awards

While I had high expectations for some 2015 releases like the return of Modest Mouse, Jason Isbell’s follow-up to Southeastern, and the last Death Cab for Cutie album to feature Chris Walla, it was instead the year of the female singer-songwriter.

Is Inside Out Receiving Too Much Praise?

Inside Out has received overwhelming praise, but how does the film stack up against the best Pixar films? Grant and Zac discuss.

Grant’s Film Awards for 2014

As the Academy Awards are around the corner, I took a look back at the best films of 2014. Also, I answered the tough questions like: what was the best Tom Cruise movie of 2014?

The Human Experience as Depicted in Boyhood and Under the Skin

Boyhood and Under the Skin are two of the best films of 2014. The deeper meanings of the films could be interpreted many different ways, however both films applied innovative methods to provide us with a perspective on the human experience.

HST 2014 in Review: Music

This year in music seems defined not by the return of highly anticipated musicians, but instead by the breakout of some lesser-known talents. Here are my picks for the best music of 2014.