Vanessa Stewart
Los Angeles area freelance writer Vanessa Stewart specializes in articles about movies, books, music, television shows, and anything pop culture-related. An all-around cinephile, Vanessa loves sharing her thoughts on films both classic and contemporary. She also enjoys writing about history, world cultures, and travel. Vanessa holds an MA in English and a BA in Anthropology/History. More about Vanessa at: www.vstewart.com
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 134,480
- Content
- 79
- Fans
- 68
- Contributor since
- 7/7/2009
Featured Contributor
- Arts & Entertainment
Education/Experience
MA in English; BA in Anthropology & History; Ethnography Consultant in Market ResearchInterests
Culture, travel, anthropology, archaeology, history, architecture, movies, music, books, photography, pop culture, television, internet memes, product reviews, frugal livingMotto
A good imagination is crucial in fulfilling your dreams
1
Displaying Results 1 - 79 (of 79) for All Content
-
‘Good for Nothing’ and Other Offbeat WesternsLike the Kiwi-made offbeat western 'Good for Nothing,' there are several films that also offer a unique twist on the genre. Here’s a list of fellow offbeat westerns worth viewing.
-
'This Means War,' and Other Sexy Spy Couples Who Sizzle OnscreenIn 'This Means War,' Lauren Scott (Reese Witherspoon) is dating two CIA agents who are also best friends, FDR Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy). In thinking of this hot romantic triangle, there are other sexy movie spy couples who come to mind.
-
Classic Hollywood the Only Era for Romantic MoviesFor couples who want some old school charm mixed with subtle sexiness for their Valentine’s Day viewing, then watch classic film couples like Bogart and Bergman; Crawford and Gable; and, well, anyone with Cary Grant.
-
'It Happened One Night' the Perfect Valentine's Day Movie PickThe classic film 'It Happened One Night' definitely remains relatable to the couples of today and carries the right amount of romance and screwball comedy that any man will enjoy watching right alongside his girl on Valentine’s Day. -
Animated Films From the 1970s & ‘80s That Scarred My Mind ForeverWhen you’re 7 years old you tend to think that animated films are going to be just like the fun cartoons you watch on Saturday mornings. In the 1970s and ‘80s, there were some animated films marketed towards children that shouldn’t have been.
-
Origin of the Butterfly in Navajo MythologyThe Navajo have a very rich culture and their mythology remains to be filled with stories that ignite their history into reality. Insects have important roles in Navajo mythology and essentially in the Navajo culture as well.
-
Toronto Film Festival 2011: Films Generating Awards BuzzHow a film is received at the Toronto Film Festival is often a predictor of how that film will do come awards season. Running from September 8 through September 18, three films are already generating awards buzz. -
5 Reasons Why 'The Hitcher' Deserves a Blu-ray ReleaseSome films have a lasting effect on your psyche. For many who have seen it, 'The Hitcher' (1986) is definitely one of those films. It has attained cult status since its release on video. Here are five reasons why it deserves the Blu-ray treatment. -
Who Are the Men of 'Saving Private Perez'?Already a hit in Mexico, 'Saving Private Perez' arrived in theaters stateside September 2. Many of the actors are well-known in Mexico, but many American moviegoers may not recognize any of their names. Time for an introduction, don't you think? -
Classic Animated Shorts Coming to Blu-ray in Fall 2011It's that time of year again to start thinking about Christmas presents. Perfect for gift-giving, several classic animated shorts from Rankin-Bass, Tom & Jerry, and Looney Tunes will release in high-definition Blu-ray format this fall. -
'Saving Private Perez': This Mexican Narco-Comedy is Loads of FunJulian Perez is the most powerful drug lord in Mexico. He owns a white lion, lots of gold chains, colorful silk shirts, and snakeskin boots. When his brother goes missing in Iraq, it's up to Julian and his A-Team-like group of specialists to rescue him.
-
Black Leather Pants and Shirtless: 'Doctor Who' Alum David Tennant as Peter Vincent in 'Fright Night'For 'Doctor Who' fans, the prime appeal of the 2011 'Fright Night' remake is David Tennant. For some of those same fans, the real clincher is seeing David Tennant shirtless and in tight leather pants. -
How to Dodge Death: 'Final Destination 5' and Other FilmsAverting death is a theme portrayed in several films. In honor of the August 12 release of 'Final Destination 5,' here's a list of similar films in which characters attempt to avoid death in various, sometimes humorous, ways. -
Will the Music of 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' Live Up to Its 'Apes' Predecessors?Will Patrick Doyle's score for 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' live up to the haunting music of its 'Apes' predecessors? -
Film Review: 'Hanna' A Fairy-tale Adventure Thriller Worth Watching16-year-old Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) has never heard music, worn makeup, or kissed a boy. Why? Because she's a trained killer who grew up in an isolated forest with her ex-CIA dad, Erik (Eric Bana), who taught her everything she knows. -
Film Review: 'Casablanca' a Classic that Lives OnRick (Humphrey Bogart) owns a bar in Casablanca. One night his former flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband walk into his club. They need help to escape Nazi-occupied territory. Will Rick put aside his feelings for Ilsa to help the greater good?
-
Film Review: 'Better Off Dead' An '80s Classic Still Relevant TodayLane Meyer (John Cusack) is obsessed with his girlfriend Beth. After she dumps him for the captain of the ski team, Lane thinks he's better off dead. What follows are a number of humorously depicted botched suicide attempts.
-
15 Things About New Superman Henry CavillBest known among "The Tudors" fans as the tormented, but passionate Charles Brandon, Cavill is set to play the new Superman in the 2012 film "Man of Steel." Here's a quick rundown on Henry Cavill for those who don't know anything about the handsome actor.Also published on:
-
Spike Lee's 'Bamboozled' and Racial Performance in HollywoodSpike Lee outwardly criticizes two actors, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ving Rhames, in his 2000 satirical film "Bamboozled." Both actors won awards, and both of their acceptance speeches could be called "interesting."
-
Henry David Thoreau's Place in American Conservation HistoryHenry David Thoreau would make his mark on environmental thought with his 1854 masterpiece "Walden." Thoreau's words inspired several prominent naturalists, who in turn, influenced policy-makers. 50 years later, the Conservation Movement in America began.
-
Best Books About Henry David Thoreau's Influence on EnvironmentalismHenry David Thoreau inspired the early Conservation Movement and is considered one of the first American environmentalists. Here are the best books that offer commentary on Thoreau's influence on environmentalism.
-
The First Photographs of a Landscape and a PersonJoseph Nicephore Niepce is credited with taking the first picture of a landscape and Louis Daguerre with the first photo of a person.
-
Friday Midnight Movie Mania at the Nuart Theatre in Los AngelesThe Cine-Insomnia Friday midnight movie series at the single-screen Nuart Theatre is well known among L.A. cinephiles. The Nuart has been attracting insomniacs and nostalgic night owls with their Cinema-Insomnia Friday midnight movie series since 2004.
-
Best Books About Emily DickinsonDuring Emily Dickinson's lifetime, only seven of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published. Today, she is regarded as a great American poet. As a grad student in English, these books helped me gain a better understanding of her world.
-
Gunslingers Galore at the Autry National Center in Los AngelesOut of several exhibits dedicated to the history of the American West at the Autry National Center in LA, one is expressly for Western movie lovers.
-
Almost Famous DVD ReviewReleased in 2000, Almost Famous depicts a time when rock was untainted by the mass-market producers of today - before the big money, MTV, and diluted pop stars.
-
Robert Duvall in Tender Mercies DVD ReviewIn the 1983 film "Tender Mercies," Robert Duvall is Mac Sledge - an alcoholic has-been country music star who finds a sense of redemption. Cast performances are superb, but Duvall overshadows them all. He is an impressive actor as well as country singer.
-
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon DVD ReviewReleased in 2000, Director Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon presents an era of spiritual warriors and a sense of mysticism. It took the Kung-Fu film genre to new heights with its wonderfully written theme.
-
Shadow of the Vampire DVD ReviewReleased in 2000, Shadow of the Vampire toys with the idea that the actor Max Schreck, who portrays the vampire Count Orlok in the 1922 film Nosferatu, is really a vampire.
-
Eyes on the Prize and 4 Little Girls Document the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church BombingThe 1987 PBS series, Eyes on the Prize, and the Spike Lee-directed documentary, 4 Little Girls, both depict the height of civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama, and the subsequent bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.
-
A Young Russell Crowe in Hammers Over the Anvil DVD ReviewIf you're a Russell Crowe fan, then Hammers Over the Anvil is a must-see. This 1991 Australian romantic drama tells the story of a relationship as seen through the eyes of a young boy.
-
5 Best Historians to Write Books About the American WestThese five historians have written fascinating and insightful books about the history of the American West. Each historian brings their own compelling viewpoint on the subject and their books are definitely worth a read.
-
10 Reasons to Get Excited About the "Twilight: Eclipse" SoundtrackThe "Twilight: Eclipse" soundtrack will be released June 8. In "Eclipse," we find Bella torn between her love for Jacob and Edward. With artists like Muse, The Dead Weather and UNKLE, the soundtrack will definitely reflect the film's dark love-torn theme.
-
Five Funny Moments on "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis"Comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis is known for his surreal-random style of humor. As host of the faux talk show, "Between Two Ferns," on FunnyorDie.com, he makes us laugh while making celebrities uncomfortable.
-
The Seventh Seal Criterion Collection DVD ReviewThe 1957 Swedish drama, The Seventh Seal (Det sjunde inseglet), is arguably director Ingmar Bergman's best film. The Criterion Collection DVD version contains several special features and is definitely worth watching.
-
Book Review: Pox Americana by Elizabeth FennIn Pox Americana, author Elizabeth Fenn pushes previous research on eighteenth century smallpox outbreaks a step further, and puts all of the North American smallpox outbreaks into context with a much larger picture - a massive smallpox epidemic.
-
Book Review: The Contested Plains by Elliott WestElliott West's The Contested Plains: Indians, Goldseekers, and the Rush to Colorado offers a new perspective of how the mass exodus of Gold Rush hopefuls affected the Plains environment.
-
Best Horror Movies to Watch on EasterYou may think it's twisted or downright offensive, but there are horror movies for every holiday, even Easter. For those of you interested, here are my picks for the best horror movies you can watch on Easter.
-
Best Quotes from "Hot Tub Time Machine""Hot Tub Time Machine" is filled with memorable quotes. Here are the best quotes from some of the funniest parts of the film.
-
Top 10 Songs by George JonesCountry music legend George Jones will make you cry in your drink. Even if that drink happens to be chocolate milk. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're drinking, George's mournful vocal style will tug at your heart.
-
Women's History Month: Angela Davis and Women in ConfinementIn her 1974 autobiography, activist Angela Davis reveals the many atrocities that women face in the criminal justice system. During her time in jail, she observed the methods women use in adjusting to physical confinement.
-
Women's History Month: Bell Hooks and Marginalization in FeminismIn "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center," Bell Hooks claims that the feminist movement is centralized around mainstream white, middle-class American women's issues. Thus, women of color are left out of the movement and are marginalized.
-
Review of Serge Guilbaut's "How New York Stole the Idea of Modern Art: Abstract Expressionism, Freedom and the Cold War"In "How New York Stole the Idea of Modern Art," Serge Guilbaut takes a critical look into the real history surrounding the beginning of the American abstract art movement during the late 1940s.
-
Free Online Game "Robot Unicorn Attack" Offers '80s Nostalgia and Super Cheesy FunUnicorns, butterfly faeries, dolphins, stars and rainbows, oh my! The free online Flash game "Robot Unicorn Attack" from Adult Swim is a highly entertaining time waster.
-
Jimmy Scott: One of the Best American Jazz SingersStill relatively unknown, Jimmy Scott is regarded as one of the best American jazz singers of all time. Scott's new album is scheduled to be released in 2010.
-
Starz Original Series Spartacus: Blood and Sand Filled with Sex, Nudity, Fashion and IntrigueStarz Original Series Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a fun sexy romp through ancient Roman culture.
-
The Swell Season's New Album Strict Joy is Bittersweet BeautyThe Swell Season's follow up to their hugely successful soundtrack for the 2007 film Once is their third album Strict Joy.
-
Citizen Kane is the Grandfather of Innovative Film TechnologyOrson Welles' 1941 classic Citizen Kane is an amalgam of visual, sound and photographic innovations. Ahead of its time, the film remains impressive to viewers jaded by the special-effects-filled films of the last two decades.
-
Racial Stereotypes in Classic Film: Tarzan of the Apes (1918)Tarzan first came to the silver screen in 1918. A critical analysis of the film reveals several controversial portrayals of other cultures. Though racial stereotypes already existed, the early film industry helped to solidify them in American culture.
-
Top 10 Wacky Pop Culture Predictions for 20102010 just might be wackier than 2009 according to these predictions.
-
A Meowy Christmas HaikuA holiday haiku about how cats can be little stinkers.
-
A Turkey Haiku for ThanksgivingLarry the Turkey gets his way in the end.
-
Insect Profile: My Pet Praying MantisFind out the facts about the Praying Mantis and read about my own experience having one as a pet.
-
For the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall: Visions of Berlin in 1988This slideshow is in honor of the Fall of the Berlin Wall 20th Anniversary. I lived several years in Berlin, Germany. These pictures were taken in 1988. I was a young photographer at the time using an old point-and-shoot. Forgive the quality.
-
Old Navy Women's Jeans - A Fit for Every Figure!Whether you prefer skinny, boot-cut, or flare style jeans, Old Navy has a pair of jeans for you! Old Navy jeans are low-priced and perfect for the budget-minded shopper.
-
Memories of Old College Chums on HalloweenA humorous Halloween poem written in haiku-style stanzas about my old college roomies - Freddy and Jason.
-
Two Must-See Kitschy Chick Flicks: Fathom and Valley GirlIf you love kitsch, then check out the lime-green-bikini-clad Raquel Welch in the 1967 spy comedy "Fathom," and Nicolas Cage as a Hollywood punk in the '80s teen flick "Valley Girl."
-
Commentary on Donald Worster's Dust Bowl: The Southern Plains in the 1930sHistorian Donald Worster chronicles the environmental history of the southern Great Plains region, paying particular attention to the phenomenon known as the Dust Bowl.
-
Druids' GroveA Halloween Haiku
-
Young-Masculinity Portrayed in 1950s Film: 'King Creole' and 'Rebel Without a Cause'Film played a part in how the public perceived roles of masculinity in the 1950s. Elvis Presley in "King Creole," and "Rebel Without a Cause" with James Dean, gave a voice to the teenage male who couldn't relate to his father's gray-flannel-suit world.
-
Film Review: The Last Picture Show (1971)Based on Larry McMurtry's 1966 novel, the 1971 film The Last Picture Show is director Peter Bogdanovich's attempt at an honest portrayal of life in a small 1950s Texas town.
-
Two Great Must-See Classic Films: It Happened One Night and ShaneFrank Capra's 1934 romantic comedy "It Happened One Night," and the 1953 western "Shane," are both family-friendly classic films that made American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest Movies.
-
The Beatles Remastered: Everything You Want to KnowHere is everything you're dying to know about The Beatles Remastered albums being released on September 9.
-
A Preview of The Beatles: Rock BandHere is everything you want to know and more about the long-awaited release of The Beatles: Rock Band.
-
From Fantasy to Reality: Perceval and The Lady of ShalottThrough analysis and comparison, Perceval by Chretien de Troyes, and the poem The Lady of Shalott by Lord Alfred Tennyson, reveal the individual's eternal struggle between the worlds of fantasy and reality.
-
Romance and the Noble Indian in Cheyenne WarriorAn in-depth cultural critique of the 1994 film Cheyenne Warrior (contains spoilers).
-
Who was Henry David Thoreau's Intended Audience when He Wrote Walden?Did Thoreau write Walden to appeal to young bachelors who do not want to settle down and get married? The answer lies within the pages of Walden, .
-
3 Alternative Methods for Stress ReductionFeeling stressed? Here are three things you can do to gain some peace of mind.
-
A Peek Inside Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CaliforniaAn inside look into Hearst Castle. Flash is not allowed inside the buildings, so please forgive the quality. Photos taken in February 2009.
-
Warrior Societies and the Heroic CodeThere's more to warrior societies than just testosterone-filled warmongers fighting and drinking. Closer inspection of historic accounts reveals a culture that had beliefs, traditions, and morals.
-
Review of The Presence of the Past: Popular Uses of History in American LifeDuring the 1990s, Roy Rosenzweig and David Thelen conducted a national survey of 1,500 Americans to find out how they are involved in the process of history making. Their 1998 text, The Presence of the Past summarizes their results.
-
Rules to Follow in German ConversationDu oder Sie? Summary of when to use formal German pronouns, turn-taking in conversation, and the lack of inferences in the German language.
-
Origins of the First CrusadeA narrative summary of the key events and societal issues that preceded the onset of the First Crusade.
-
Joshua Tree National Park: More to See than Joshua TreesHere are three must-see spots when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
-
Robert M. Utley's The Last Days of the Sioux Nation: Wovoka and the Ghost Dance ReligionRobert M. Utley's The Last Days of the Sioux Nation depicts the Sioux as they begin life on the reservation and their subsequent attempts to regain freedom. This article interprets Utley's description of Wovoka and the Ghost Dance religion.
-
Free Things to Do in Rancho CucamongaStrapped for cash and live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA? Here are 7 great fun and free things to do in the city.
-
Book Review: Late Bloomer by Melissa PritchardHere is a review of Melissa Pritchard's 2004 novel, Late Bloomer.
-
Louis S. Warren's The Hunter's Game: Poachers and Conservationists in 20th Century AmericaThis article offers commentary on Louis S. Warren's text "The Hunter's Game" which discusses the history of hunting and wildlife conservation in the United States.
-
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf: A Book ReviewA thoughtful book review of the historical non-fiction text "The Crusades through Arab Eyes" by the Lebanese author Amin Maalouf. Originally written in French, this review is of the English translation.
