Looking Closer
Lucky Life is now streaming at Hulu, and my review is up at Good Letters, the blog at ImageJournal.org. Read more
Lucky Life is now streaming at Hulu, and my review is up at Good Letters, the blog at ImageJournal.org. Read more
No, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is not incomprehensible. Not at all. … (more…) Read more
A Looking Closer Film Forum is an evolving “conversation” among critics… a “round-table” review of perspectives from critics I regularly consult as I revise my list of viewing priorities. I haven’t seen the film yet, but these reviews have intrigued me. Check back from time to time, as I may add more reviews to the list. Beasts of the Southern Wild Jeffrey Wells (Hollywood Elsewhere): “The passionately praised Beasts of the Southern Wild … is everything its admirers have said it is.... Read more
One of my favorite movies of 2010 was Lucky Life. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. It was never released in the U.S. It only played a couple of festivals, if I recall correctly. But it needs to be seen. It’s the newest film by the director of 2007’s awe-inspiring film Munyurangabo. You may remember that I was particularly excited about that film, and that I interviewed the director, Lee Isaac Chung. (The Interview: Part One, Part Two) Lucky... Read more
Listening to music is, for me, a treasure hunt. The whole journey is worthwhile, with highs and lows, unforgettable discoveries and a whole lot of unremarkable scenery. What I love most is an album that just keeps opening up, like a house full of secret doors, so that ten years later I’m still enjoying it like it’s brand new. Here, for example, are ten albums from 2001 that I’m still playing frequently and finding new reasons to appreciate… (more…) Read more
Part of me is saying, “Oh, brother. Wes Anderson’s style is becoming so familiar that I couldn’t tell the difference between a parody and the real thing.” Another part of me is saying, “This looks like all kinds of fun.” (more…) Read more
I just discovered that this month marks the important anniversary of one of my favorite books. And so, I recommend that everybody read this testimony about the book. … Then, pre-order a copy of the 50th anniversary edition for a young reader that you know. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Want to respond? Visit Jeffrey on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. Read more
Funny. (more…) Read more
[This review was originally published at Filmwell.] • It happens every January — movie ads fill up with boasts about awards they’ve won. In a few days, those boasts will start to include Oscar nominations. And The Artist is currently the most boastful of all. Filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius’s tribute to Hollywood’s silent film era is stirring up enthusiasm among audiences and critics alike. And The Artist looks to me like the right film to love right now, if you want to be cool,... Read more
Well, Anne and I just had one of the most glorious movie dates of our 16 years together. I am exhausted with happiness. What a knockout of a film! Excuse me while I unleash my unedited, disorganized first impressions… (more…) Read more
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