Andrew Stanton, writer/director of WALL•E, accepting the award for Best Picture from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association last night: It's huge for us, huge. We've been trying since Toy Story to just make a film, and not have the word animated suddenly stick it in a different box. I mean to us, it's no different than choosing black and white or color on something. So, that shouldn't dictate the content. And, it's nice to just finally break the glass ceiling. … [Read more...]
The Los Angeles Film Critics: “WALL-E is the Best Movie of 2008″
December 9, 2008 By 2 Comments
Something is happening. Among American film critics, WALL-E is emerging as a favorite for the year's Best Picture. The L.A. Film Critics just joined TIME's Richard Corliss and The New Yorker's Anthony Lane, heralding Pixar's movie as the Best Film of 2008. The only film receiving similar love is Slumdog Millionaire. Will the Academy take notice? Will they realize that animated films are works of art worthy of comparison with live-action films? Will WALL-E be nominated for Best … [Read more...]
Browser: Gerard Manley Hopkins & Paul Mariani; A moratoriaum on Holocaust films?; Plus, U2, Katherine Heigl, Keanu and more 2008 Film Awards
December 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Paul Mariani, one of my favorite poets, has now penned a new book on Gerard Manley Hopkins. Books and Culture has a review. More... … [Read more...]
Make your case: Why We Love WALL-E.
November 26, 2008 By 18 Comments
It's the most joyous time of the year. Yes, I'm talking about Oscar season. … [Read more...]
The Kindlings Muse Movie Show is Back!
September 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment
After taking the summer off, I was happy to reunite with the team for another Kindlings Muse movie show, recorded at Hales Pub and Brewery. Jennie Spohr was not able to join us; she's home enjoying the company of her newborn. Congratulations, Jennie! But I enjoyed a lively conversation with Greg Wright and Dick Staub about our favorite films of the summer, some new releases, some DVDs worth renting, and took a few moments to share some personal favorites that we consider "classics." … [Read more...]
Browser, 8:14: Ebert on “Clone Wars”; WALL-E’s wisdom; Woody Allen Reflects; Death Cab to despair?; Captain Ahab; Mountain Goats
August 14, 2008 By 1 Comment
ROGER EBERT ON "STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS" It begins: Has it come to this? Has the magical impact of George Lucas' original vision of "Star Wars" been reduced to the level of Saturday morning animation?' And later: This is the first feature-length animated "Star Wars" movie, but instead of pushing the state of the art, it's retro. You'd think the great animated films of recent years had never been made. The characters have hair that looks molded from Play-Doh, bodies that seem arthritic, … [Read more...]
Winner of the Looking Closer review contest!
August 11, 2008 By 5 Comments
Many thanks to the writers who entered the most recent Looking Closer review contest! I'm especially grateful for your patience, as I had to postpone my decision due to a pile-up of competing deadlines, interruptions, and responsibilities. … [Read more...]
WALL·E (2008) – A Review and a Conversation with Andrew Stanton
July 27, 2008 By Leave a Comment
This review and interview were originally published in the online edition of Response, a magazine published by Seattle Pacific University. - Who would have believed that a mechanical trash compactor on wheels would become the most lovable big-screen personality of the year? It’s happening. The moviemaking wizards at Pixar Animation Studioare winning raves from kids and critics alike with Wall·E, thanks to the help of a little robot with a big heart. Yes, it’s business as usual … [Read more...]
Joe Morgenstern: WALL-E for Best Picture!
July 14, 2008 By 1 Comment
Film criticJoe Morgenstern says exactly what I was thinking after I saw WALL-E the first time... and the second time... … [Read more...]
Browser, 6/11: Radiohead w/lasers!; My Chat with Kim Ketola; “WALL-E”; “Where the Wild Things Are”; Outlandish Outlander; Sixpence None the Richer; E.B. White
July 11, 2008 By 3 Comments
Radiohead laser show The new Radiohead video didn't use any cameras. It used lasers. And now, I challenge you to fill in the blank with something that would catch everyone by surprise. For their next video... Radiohead won't use any cameras. They'll use __________________. Thanks to my good friend Henrik Lind for the link! - Hellboy 2, WALL-E, Kung Fu Panda, Get Smart, and My Kid Could Paint That My latest live-radio chat about new releases with Kim Ketola on "Along the Way" is … [Read more...]
Follow Patheos
Movies: