Good Writing About Films—and Books
As talented film critics continue to lose jobs right and left, a small ray of sunshine has broken through: a new outlet where good writers are writing essays about notable films based on equally notable books. The estimable Michael…
Bored With 70mm? Try Magnascope!
Now that Quentin Tarantino has revived Ultra Panavision 70 and released a major film in 70mm, and the American Cinemathèque has screened a handful of vintage large-format features, the Northwest Chicago Film Society is giving its audience an experience…
Launching A Film Festival—In Style
It takes a lot of work to run, let alone launch, a film festival, but this past weekend the Coronado Island Film Festival made its debut and scored a remarkable home run. I was asked to be honorary jury…
The Oscars Always Offer a Surprise or Two
I studiously avoid the word “shoo-in” when asked to predict the nominees, although I might have caved this year when it came to Leonardo DiCaprio. (I started hearing that he was “a lock” for Best Actor back in June.…
Another Starry Weekend
Yes, the Golden Globes has a corner on super-glitz and glamour, but I was fortunate enough to attend two smaller-scale events this weekend that offer their fair share of star-power—and credibility. As a member of the jury, I’m privileged…
From Alfalfa to Rosie the Riveter: A New Way to Watch B Movies—For Free
Last week, during a phone conversation with an old friend who is an eminent film scholar and professor I asked, “Have you heard that Tahiti Honey is streaming for free online?” and he said “What? How can I see…
Reviewing Movies on Demand
Usually, my colorful TV partner Grae Drake (from Rotten Tomatoes) and I cover current theatrical releases for our shows on ReelzChannel, and we’ll be doing that with a holiday movie program later this week. In the meantime, we’ve got…
