What? Philip Pullman? Again? The Christian Century joins the party with a cover story on Pullman, after most of the partygoers are gone. But I think there’s still some punch in the punchbowl… for those still up for throwing some punches… These books are a gripping account of a story that is familiar in our culture: organized religion is bad and dangerous, self-reliance and heroic work are good and redemptive. For many readers, this story will ring true. Many... Read more
Three quick notes before I close up shop here at 1 a.m. … I had a chat with Fantasy Debut’s Tia Nevitt about Auralia’s Colors this week, which you’re welcome to read. She asked thoughtful questions. (A while back, she finished reading the book and posted her thoughts.) Adam Walter, one of my favorite bloggers, just posted some wonderful observations on my favorite comedy of 2007: Lars and the Real Girl. He also noted Ebert’s response (but warns of spoilers).... Read more
‘Tis the season for top ten lists. So, having posted my top¬†10 (and more)¬†favorite movies and albums for the year, let’s move on to the next most exciting thing. I’m kicking off a new annual list: Top Five Favorite Responses from Angry Readers Full disclosure: Although I’ve received plenty of spectacular responses here at the blog this year, all five of these first-rate put-downs were were mailed straight to Christianity Today in response to the re-printing of my commentary on the... Read more
My Netflix queue just went into cardiac arrest as I read about all kinds of new movies on the 2007-Best lists from Doug Cummings and Robert Koehler. What would I do without tour guides like them? Nate Bell separates wheat from chaff. Brandon Fibbs is impressed with many, but only one “gobsmacked” him. David Hudson still has the greatest film-lover’s blog on the web, and his own list is as interesting as any I’ve read. (I can’t wait to get... Read more
Coppola’s Favorite Young Directors Francis Ford Coppola on his favorite “young directors”: Q: With the caveat that you can’t name anyone related to you, are there any young directors out there whose work feels to you like the stuff that you and your chums were making back in the day? A: I know this is gonna sound funny, but the one young director I really admire is Woody Allen, because he writes ’em, and he makes ’em, and he goes... Read more
Paste reports the almost inevitable news (first noted at Empire) that Terry Gilliam is keeping the dream alive. He once was lost (in La Mancha), but he will be found. “[Producer] Jeremy Thomas is very close to getting all the pieces of paper signed from all the people who you gotta get signed,” Gilliam told us. “He’s been on it for a year now, and he’s come the closest to getting it untangled from the legal swamp it was in.... Read more
TheOneRing.net is buzzing again, now that a big-screen version of The Hobbit is a sure thing. The big question of the day: Who should be cast? They perpetuate the popular idea that Martin Freeman should play young Bilbo. Or Colin Firth. I like both ideas, but… (more…) Read more
Once upon a time, I was naive enough, and arrogant enough, to post lists of “the year’s best films.” But now, I’m reluctant to even offer a list of recommendations. It would probably be better if I posted my Favorite Movies of 2007 in 2009 or 2015. And speaking of lists, here are a few reasons why… (more…) Read more
Filmed in 1977 as a thesis project on a budget of about $10,000, Charles Burnett’s award-winning Killer of Sheep won an award in Berlin in 1981, and was among the first 50 films entered in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. The National Society of Film Critics named it one of 100 “essential films.” And Andrew O’Hehir at Salon.com calls Burnett “the most important African-American director” and “one of the most distinctive filmmakers this country has ever produced.” But... Read more
Matt Zoller Seitz is still writing about There Will Be Blood. Here he is in The New York Times celebrating Paul Thomas Anderson. Read more
Select your answer to see how you score.
Looking Closer
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In