Tell “The Hobbit” Screenwriters: What Do You Hope They Get Right?

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 at 12:23 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

I was rereading a chapter of Watership Down the other night, refreshing my memory on the way that Richard Adams builds such excruciating suspense without sacrificing beautiful descriptive language. And I began worrying about what might happen when Hollywood gets around to cooking up another big-screen version of this great story. That got me worrying about The Hobbit… again. (As if I don’t have enough to worry about.) Let’s compose an open letter to the screenwriters of The Hobbit, now... Read more

At the Death House Door (2008) – A Guest Review by Kenneth R. Morefield

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 at 1:27 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Some of you know that the failure of the Academy to nominate Steve James’ documentary Hoop Dreams stands as one of the greatest embarrassments in Academy history. Some of you know James’ next project, Stevie, is one of my favorite documentaries. So you can bet I sat up straight when this review of James’ new film At the Death House Door came in from Kenneth R. Morefield… (more…) Read more

Flight of the Red Balloon (2007)

Last updated on: April 11, 2013 at 1:06 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

An abridged version of this review was published today at Christianity Today Movies. – How is childhood like a red balloon? Watching Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s new film Flight of the Red Balloon, there are many possible answers to that question. (more…) Read more

Sam Phillips’ “Don’t Do Anything” Does Not Disappoint

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 at 12:30 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

I’ll be reviewing Sam Phillips’ Don’t Do Anything for Christianity Today, and I’m thrilled. Feels like a landmark moment for me, since Sam’s journey has blazed the trail for me in my understanding of, and appreciation for, the wide world of artmaking. To get to review one of her albums for Christianity Today is a privilege and pleasure. So now… I’m off to turn up the stereo (which is currently spinning Mockingbird, Allison Moorer‘s sensual new album of knockout covers…... Read more

The Browser, 4/1: Five favorite Peter Weir Films; Vega and Bird Blog

Last updated on: March 16, 2013 at 10:04 am By Jeffrey Overstreet

What would your five favorite Peter Weir films be? The House Next Door offers Craig Simpson’s answer, and others get into the game. (more…) Read more

Good Medicine by Way of Paris and Taiwan: Thank You, Hou Hsiao-Hsien!

Last updated on: March 14, 2013 at 1:35 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

I may have the flu, I may have a voice like a gravel-crusher and a fever of 101, but I’m still here, propped up in bed editing Cyndere’s Midnight. It may have had something to do with my diet of aspirin, soup, hot tea, cough medicine, whisky, and Airborne, but I was hypnotized and delighted by Flight of the Red Balloon, the new film by Hou Hsiao-Hsien, which I watched while slumped on the couch yesterday afternoon. It’s one of... Read more

Buzz About This Album Began in 1994. On May 6, It’s Here.

Last updated on: March 16, 2013 at 10:50 am By Jeffrey Overstreet

Music reviewer extraordinaire Andy Whitman has already heard it, and he’s posted some comments at ArtsandFaith.com. Read more

I Flew, I Got the Flu. Plus: Myers Crashes Another “Expelled” Event.

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 at 12:35 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

On my way home from New Orleans, I felt a sore throat and a fever come on quite suddenly. The six hours of flying were most unpleasant I’ve ever endured. I don’t recommend flying with the flu. So I’m home, and I’ll probably be asleep for the next 24 hours. (more…) Read more

A Notable Follow-up to the Dawkins/Expelled Post

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 at 12:34 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

After the “letter to the editor” post regarding Richard Dawkns, P.Z. Myers, and Expelled — the post that suddenly doubled my previous “best-day” record here at Looking Closer (10,000 visitors in less than 14 hours) — I’m still recovering from the mountain of angry mail that came in. Most of it consisted of people taking cheap shots at Stuart Blessman for his post. (He later went on to blog about it here.)Very few actually dealt with the movie itself. Most of... Read more

Update from New Orleans

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 at 12:32 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

It’s a warm, sunny, breezy day here in New Orleans.¬†And I’m enjoying it immensely. I had a tasty, huge meal of crawfish (four different ways), crab (stuffed), and barbecue shrimp pasta last night at Deanie’s Seafood. Last night’s stroll down Bourbon Street was¬†wild and crazy.¬†I first heard the term “Storyville” when, as a much younger fellow, I first heard Robbie Robertson’s album of that title. I’ll have to revisit that record now. While that nickname apparently has a colorful history,... Read more

What happened to Jesus 40 days after His resurrection?