A- Documentary Directed by Steve James The first thing you have to understand about Life Itself, Steve James' biographical documentary about Roger Ebert, is that James is hardly a dispassionate observer. He was not a close friend to Ebert, but he owed a lot to the famous film critic. It was Ebert, and his partner … Continue reading A Life Itself at the Movies
Category: Other Reviewers
On David Pogue, Piracy, and the Call for Making Movies Available Online Immediately
Last week, tech journalist David Pogue wrote a piece for the Scientific American calling for the Hollywood studios and the MPAA to make new movies available for streaming and downloads as soon as they open in theaters.Streaming movies offers instant gratification: no waiting, no driving—plus great portability: you can watch on gadgets too small for … Continue reading On David Pogue, Piracy, and the Call for Making Movies Available Online Immediately
SFIFF: Roger Ebert
I may have to tell some of my readers who James Schamus is, but Roger Ebert needs no introduction. First film critic to win a Pulitzer. Co-star of the longest-running, most successful film-related television show in history. Champion of independent, foreign, and classic cinema who never lost his deep appreciation of Hollywood entertainment. Victim of … Continue reading SFIFF: Roger Ebert
Films You Can See Again and Films You Can’t
There are two kinds of movies at film festivals--those that have been picked up by an American distributor, and those that haven't (there's also a gray area: films that distributors are negotiating over). The difference is important when you're deciding what to see. If a film doesn't have an American distributor, chances are you will … Continue reading Films You Can See Again and Films You Can’t
Bowing to the Inevitable
Last night I settled down in front of my TV, turned on the set and the DVR, and started watching the latest episode of Whatshisname and Roeper. A little way into the first review I stopped it and asked myself "Why am I watching this crap?" I stopped it and deleted the show. I've been … Continue reading Bowing to the Inevitable
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