Congrats to Colleen Lindsay!

Last updated on: March 12, 2013 at 4:09 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Several months ago, I received some encouraging words regarding Auralia’s Colors from fantasy-lit enthusiast Colleen Lindsay, otherwise known as La Gringa, who blogs at The Swivet. That prompted me to contact her, and I’ve enjoyed our correspondence ever since. Previously, she was director of publicity at Del Rey. Working at Doubleday, she contributed to the success of the book Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light. I bring this up because Lindsay’s just taken an exciting step in her career, and... Read more

A Mike Leigh Joint

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:10 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Just spotted another must-see title for my 2008 moviegoing calendar. Mike Leigh‘s Secrets and Lies remains one of my all-time favorite films. Naked, while it is unrelentingly dark and disturbing, contains my favorite big screen performance by an actor (David Thewlis, although Daniel Day-Lewis may give him a run for his money, the more I think about There Will Be Blood.) Topsy-Turvy was a hoot, and a high point in Jim Broadbent’s colorful career. And Vera Drake was sorely mistreated... Read more

Most Underrated Franchise Entry?

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:09 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Okay, after thinking that I was the only one on earth to hold this opinion, I’ve met two smart, thoughtful moviegoers in the last 24 hours who count The Matrix Revolutions as their favorite movie in the Matrix series. So since I’m coming out at a Revolutions fan, this is your big chance: What franchise film do you consider the most underrated and overlooked? (more…) Read more

What Will the Coen Brothers Direct Next?

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:27 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

It’s common knowledge that the Coen Brothers’ next feature is Burn After Reading, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Frances Macdormand. The synopsis from IMDB: “A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.” And then comes Hail Caesar, about a 1920’s theater troupe staging a production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. That stars Tim Blake Nelson. But what’s this breaking news? The Coens will then... Read more

Specials: CT Readers Choose Best of ’07. The Passion of the Screenwriter. Is Juno Overrated?

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:30 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Where does Evan Almighty rate higher than No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood? In the Readers’ Choice Awards at Christianity Today Movies! (Earlier, the CT Movies Critics Choice awards.) – The Passion of the Screenwriter A screenwriter sued Mel Gibson and his production company on Monday, claiming he was misled by the actor-director into accepting a small payment for writing “The Passion of the Christ,” and was refused extra money when the film became a blockbuster.... Read more

Greenman Review!

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:20 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

At the distinguished fantasy-lit review site called The Greenman Review, Matthew Winslow has turned in a review of Auralia’s Colors! Read more

WWGD?

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:21 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

What would Gandalf do? The Associated Press: Tolkien estate sues New Line Cinema (more…) Read more

Specials: Reepicheep. Indy trailer. Katherine Heigl. Philip Yancey.

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 9:19 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Today’s specials concern a mouse, an archaeologist, the star of Gray’s Anatomy, and one of my favorite Christian writers… (more…) Read more

“National Treasure 2” Versus “Persepolis”

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 1:03 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Animation World Magazine features a dismaying and inspiring article (yes, both) by Martin “Dr. Toon” Goodman about the acclaimed animated film Persepolis. Goodman ponders the reasons that this celebrated film it is not playing in multiplexes, whereas National Treasure 2 is. While Persepolis struggles to be shown in the smallest of art film houses, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets is smeared like celluloid scum across thousands of screens, insulting the intellect of millions. Oh, this film is good enough... Read more

Thank You, John Alvin!

Last updated on: March 11, 2013 at 1:07 pm By Jeffrey Overstreet

Why am I drawing attention to the death of John Alvin? Because as I look back over John Alvin’s work, I find myself on a trip down memory lane to look at images that kindled my imagination, decorated my bedroom walls, lit up the inside of my school locker, and blazed on the covers of my notebooks over the years. Peruse the incredible career of John Alvin over at Ain’t It Cool, and you just might realize that he meant... Read more