John Wilson, editor of Books and Culture, attended an Iron and Wine concert. And in this short testimony about the experience, he captures perfectly exactly what disturbs me about Sam Beam’s writing… and what disturbs me about the fact that many young Christians hastily embrace Iron and Wine because of the “spirituality” in the lyrics. Granted, Beam is a talented poet and an excellent, inspired musician. But he’s singing about the Bible from the point of view of a “conscientious... Read more
Sixpence None the Richer was, for a long time, my #1 pick for Band That Should Get Back Together. Then, they did! So who should take a hint and follow their example? I might recommend The Police, but, well… too late. And then, what about Portishead? Look! Here they come, together again, releasing 3 very soon! Lone Justice might be near the top of my list now. Or The Smiths. Whiskeytown might force Ryan Adams to slow down and write... Read more
It’s business as usual as readers respond to the 2007 Critics Choice list at CT Movies. What did readers think of Juno, which was the #1 favorite film amongst CT’s film critics? And what about Into Great Silence, which showed up on both the Critics Choice list and the Most Redeeming Films of ’07 list? Let’s sample the first two letters posted on the updated Feedback page… (more…) Read more
For No Depression, style was substance. Alas, time has run out for the last great music magazine in which writing about music was the Main Event. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of Paste. But Paste is a very busy magazine, and sometimes it’s a challenge to get past the wild and crazy designs to actually read the text. No Depression was a consistent, dependable delivery of passionate perspective on music every single time, with no razzle nor... Read more
Best Engagement Story Ever? My friend Tara Mansbridge and I had an extensive IM chat this weekend. She sent Anne and me an exciting announcement — she’s engaged to a fantastic guy named Bryan. This was no surprise. Tara recently relocated from Toronto to Colorado Springs due to Bryan’s influence. But we’re delighted that it’s official now. Why am I blogging about this? Because it’s the best movie-related engagement story I’ve ever heard. In fact… I think it’s the best... Read more
Since Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films, fantasy has become (predictably) a disappointing genre at the movies. It’s becoming all too familiar… a director borrows Jackson’s techniques for dazzling audiences, but demonstrates ignorance when it comes to good scripts and character development. Or the filmmakers get so excited about editing their film for maximum excitement that they make mincemeat of their actors’ performances. Pan’s Labyrinth is the most impressive exception, but for the most part, Peter Jackson’s achievements... Read more
Did you see Stephen Colbert’s rather memorable interview with Dr. Philip Zombardo? When the misguided doctor begins to explain that Lucifer was justified in rebelling against God, Colbert takes him to school. Sunday school. And he does so in his own fearless fashion, mixing truth with his own brand of irony. But viewer discretion is advised: There is a crass, but bleeped, exclamation in this clip. (And yet, who can blame him for having strong feelings on this subject?) Thanks... Read more
When I was a kid, my idea of a great Friday night on the town involved going to the library and assembling a stack of storybooks so immense that my mom had to help me carry them to the counter. So it’s a thrill to be invited again to read at a public library. (more…) Read more
Scott Derrickson on U23D Filmmaker Scott Derrickson found some time in the middle of his hard work on The Day the Earth Stood Still to comment on my euphoric reaction to U23D. He writes: I had a very similar experience Jeffrey. The new Technology is astounding, and I now understand why Cameron is obsessed with it. It’s a new kind of cinema. There is no frame. It’s not something you watch, it’s something you’re IN. And like you, I’m so... Read more
Once in a great while, I have a dream in which I can fly like Superman. When it happens, it’s extremely vivid. I feel wind, gravity, and a fearless thrill of soaring high over the city and then swooping down to tease the rooftops or the treetops or the surface of the ocean. Nothing in my waking life creates quite the same feeling. Well… it hasn’t until now. (more…) Read more
Looking Closer
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