Upon observing certain aspects of the world around him, my father used to say, “The more things change the more they remain the same.” Nothing could be more apropos to Dad’s favored expression than the film industry’s current trend of releasing 3-D movies.

Hollywood’s first Golden Age of 3-D films lasted briefly, from 1953 to 1954, and came about as a response to the competition -- television. “I’m amazed that, almost 60 years after the first 3-D heyday, which lasted two years, Hollywood once again sees 3-D as the future and savior of the industry,” explained Bruce Goldstein, Film Forum’s Director of Repertory Programming, who put together the Classic 3-D screening series at Film Forum running August 13th – 26th, 2010.

In light of television's fascination with the lives of others, especially those of different economic orders either up or down the scale, the recently released Twelve fit right into the general zeitgeist. Though veteran director Joel Schumacher's film didn't exactly charm the critics or audiences when it came out, one bright spot in the film's ensemble cast was the face time from actor Billy Magnussen.

His very non-hero of a character (not a bad guy but a pained, tortured guy), older brother Claude to Rory Caulkin's younger bro Chris provided great fodder for anyone who's ever had a gripe with the offsprings of the rich and privileged. Having lived on the Upper East Side, deejayed in preppie clubs (such as long-shuttered Surf Club) and gone to the area waterholes, I have an informed knowledge of these spoil brats. These are the kids who people such series as Gossip Girl or NYC Prep and provided material for 17 year-old author Nick McDonell, whose book inspired this film.