Josh Matthews, Author at Josh Matthews

What Makes This Movie Great? — Episode 6, Ratatouille

The 2008 animated movie "Ratatouille" is arguably the most complex and sophisticated kids' film ever, at least in terms of its themes. At the end of the movie, something strange happens. The villain becomes partners with the hero. That villain, Anton Ego, is a food…

Josh MatthewsDecember 13, 2019

Podcast & Radio Interviews Uncategorized

The Philosophy of Movies — Dante at the Movies (2019 Episode 5)

In this podcast episode, I talk to Dr. Walker Cosgrove, Associate Professor of History at Dordt University. Dr. Cosgrove has written and delivered a paper recently on how Dante and his Divine Comedy impacted the movies. We talk in this episode about three of them:…

Josh MatthewsDecember 11, 2019

movie education Video Essays

Focal Points in Movies

This video presents a basic idea for any "introduction to film" student. All movies images (or shots) have focal points. Noticing these focal points is helpful, even crucial, in beginning to view and interpret movies. I also call focal points "dominants," which are the areas…

Josh MatthewsDecember 7, 2019

Action Movie Reviews

Ford v. Ferrari (Movie Review)

Directed by: James MangoldWritten by: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason KellerStarring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Berntha Ford v. Ferrari promises a showdown between car companies. It is, partly, and it fulfills the promise of its title in spectacular fashion, with one of the most spectacular racing scenes I’ve…

Josh MatthewsDecember 6, 2019

Movie Lists Video Essays

The Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (Video)

My Youtube video of the top-10 movies of the 2010s. I put a surprise at #1, one which nobody will have in any "best of the decade" list.

Josh MatthewsDecember 4, 2019

movie education Video Essays

Shot-for-Shot Analysis of the Opening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

I analyze the first three minutes of Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark," starring Harrison Ford. This analysis is from a film critic perspective. I talk about how the shots and editing influence movie viewers. We will look at how the shots create the…

Josh MatthewsDecember 2, 2019

Best Movies Movie Lists

A Midwestern American Dude’s “Best Movies of the 2010s” List

My alternative list to the Best Movies of the 2010s, from my particular point-of-view.

Josh MatthewsNovember 30, 2019

movie education Video Essays

Understanding Movies 101 — What Cuts in Movies Are

What is a cut for in movies and videos? Some students don't know, so this video will show you what they are. I also argue that movies are not inherently stories, but instead they are just a collection of images in a sequence. The story…

Josh MatthewsNovember 30, 2019

movie education Video Essays

Understanding Movies 101 — Extreme Close Shots

Close shots in movies are intense, but when and why are they used? This video gives you several of the reasons why extreme close shots are a key part of many movies. Observing extreme close shots is important for learning film grammar. Noticing them will…

Josh MatthewsNovember 27, 2019

movie education Video Essays

What Long Shots in Movies Mean

Which movie images can make you feel awestruck, terrified, or both? The long shot is a crucial aspect of film. It shows you vast landscapes, vistas, horizons, and images of things that are enormous. But these shots aren't just about showing you pretty landscape pictures.…

Josh MatthewsNovember 26, 2019

Josh Matthews

What Makes This Movie Great? — Episode 6, Ratatouille

The Philosophy of Movies — Dante at the Movies (2019 Episode 5)

Focal Points in Movies

Ford v. Ferrari (Movie Review)

The Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (Video)

Shot-for-Shot Analysis of the Opening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

A Midwestern American Dude’s “Best Movies of the 2010s” List

Understanding Movies 101 — What Cuts in Movies Are

Understanding Movies 101 — Extreme Close Shots

What Long Shots in Movies Mean

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