Even as a little movie that most aren't going to see, let along hear of, "'71" enters my scorecard as the first great film of 2015. This is one is going to get remembered all year on this website. It will make the half-way "Best of 2015 (so far)" list in late June and will hang around until the year-end. Like my fervent love of "Whiplash," I may have found another hidden gem to stump for.
Read MoreAmerican Westerns have become a lost art and a dying breed. So much has been done that it's hard to find a fresh take. If you have felt that loss and need a jolt, an extremely taut and good homage to the American Western has emerged in "The Salvation," playing now in limited release and Video on Demand, from Danish filmmaker Kristian Levring. Headlined by Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Jonathan Pryce, the film moved the needle a bit during the 2014 film festival circuit, including a pair of screenings at the 50th Chicago International Film Festival last October (where yours truly caught the ride).
Read MoreThe title robot at the center of "Chappie," the latest science fiction film from Neill Blomkamp ("District 9" and "Elysium") lacks the qualities to become anywhere close to one of the best movie robots of all time. Both the film and the robot lack impact, presence, purpose, distinction, and, worst of all, uniqueness. It's a shame too because there were some intriguing "big ideas" floating around in "Chappie" that could have developed into something that had the chance to be impactful, purposeful, distinct, unique, and resonating.
Read MoreNormally ever year, there's a few more movies during the spring season to sink our teeth into that the winter season before it. Normally, there's little more buzz and hype because the slow opening of the year is over, the awards season is done, and summer is around the corner. This year, I don't think that can be said. Read on and see if you can find something to spark your interest.
Read MoreWhen was the last time you saw Will Smith have fun in a movie or when do you last remember you yourself having fun at a Will Smith film? My answer is "Hitch" and that was 10 years ago. It's been too long to be able to say that. Thanks to "Focus," we don't have to ask that question anymore. As my fellow film critic peer Tim Day would say, Will Smith just got his swagger back and it's a breath of fresh air. Oh how much we missed it!
Read MoreHere is your lineup of films coming your way in the surprisingly slow months of March and April. Add these to your calendar or print and slip this list on the fridge. As always, release dates shift all of the time, so be aware. My full seasonal preview will be coming soon! Enjoy!
Read MoreLet's put a bow on the 2014 Oscar race. Last night, I correctly predicted 16 of the 24 winners. In my final update of this year's Awards Tracker, here are the final tallies, Oscar winners, and my reactions. The Oscar winners in each category are in bold. See you next year for another data session and awards season!
Read MoreOnce one awards season ends, another one begins! The winners from last night's 87th Academy Awards can bask in the glow of immortality for a while. Meanwhile, business in Hollywood will quickly shift and move on to the 88th Academy Awards that will happen in February 2016. Before the year of 2015 is out, we will soon learn and adopt another crop of competitive films to equally revere and nit-pick. Here are 16 films to watch for the 2016 Oscars.
Read MoreAlright, folks! I've done all of the research I can. I've read all of the tea leaves and broken down every race. I've made my detailed picks in seven columns and editorials over the past week. Here's my master list. In the three years of writing these Oscar nominations and following the data on my website, my prediction score has improved every year. Last year, I correctly guessed 20 of 24 awards up from 19 and 17 from the two years before. I'm gunning for another 20+ night again.
Read MoreIn this seventh and final post, we've come to the big one, folks. Here's my analysis and breakdown of the race for Best Picture. This is a close one, so read on! Let's do this! I've said it all season. Stick with me and I will win you your Oscar pool.
Read MoreIt's time to begin making my formal and official Oscar predictions. In this sixth post, we climb into the acting areas of "The Big 8" Oscar categories. Here, we look at the male acting awards of Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Let's do this and pick some winners! I've said it all season. Stick with me and I will win you your Oscar pool.
Read MoreIt's time to begin making my formal and official Oscar predictions. In this fifth post, we start to get the acting areas of "The Big 8" Oscar categories. Here, we look at the female acting awards of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Let's do this and pick some winners! I've said it all season. Stick with me and I will win you your Oscar pool.
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