I submit that this was the worst fake-out trailer of all time. When the audience realized the real subject of the movie, and saw the horrible execution of an already idiotic idea, there was almost a riot in the theatre. Wow. Every time I see it, I feel physical pain. Not only does it lack a single original idea, but it parrots the genre cliches without even trying, without a single spark of enthusiasm, style, or bravado. What a spectacular... Read more
On June 12, LookingCloser.org will celebrate the 30th anniversary of my favorite adventure film: Raiders of the Lost Ark. How? Here are the details: (more…) Read more
Terrence Malick’s new film The Tree of Life played at Cannes this week, and there are suddenly dozens and dozens of reviews all over the Internet. The differences in viewers’ reactions are striking, sometimes even confounding. And many of their responses read more like reactions than reviews. But some reviewers have taken the time to think deeply about the film, about what it might mean, about the risky decisions that the director made in juxtaposing scenes about the origins... Read more
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This review was originally published at Christianity Today. A follow-up review was published at Image upon the release of the “extended cut” of the movie.. Both are reproduced below. – The New World – Theatrical Release Review (January 20, 2006) It’s all in the eyes. That’s one of the lessons in The New World, an epic story of love and change, from the celebrated writer/director Terrence Malick. As the Europeans arrive on North American shores in 1607, we watch history unfold... Read more
A lot of folks have been asking why I haven’t posted my review of Terrence Malick’s new, Palme d’Or-winning film The Tree of Life. I appreciate the enthusiasm. My zeal for Malick’s film The New World may have created the impression that my life comes to a standstill when the reclusive director releases a new film. But that’s overstating it. I admire all of Malick’s films, yes, but I only feel a great passion for The New World. I’ve been... Read more
Today is Kermit the Frog’s 56th birthday! I just found out, and I’m surprised. Because I just finished a series of blog posts about Kermit and his extraordinary big-screen debut, The Muppet Movie. The more I replay The Muppet Movie in my mind (I memorized the movie word for word when I was a kid), the more I realize how much it has influenced my life. It’s kind of a miraculous little movie. (more…) Read more
There have been some wonderfully encouraging reviews and blog entries about The Ale Boy’s Feast. (I’m particularly grateful for these posts by Robert Joustra, Lindsay Stallones, and Rachel Starr Thomson.) There have been some very silly ones too, including one from a blogger who declared that I must never have taken a creative writing class in my life. But a picture is worth a thousand words, so you’ve got to see this… (more…) Read more
In view of what Americans are learning tonight about the killing of America’s #1 most wanted enemy, and in view of the uproar that’s sure to ensue… I hear the call of Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, o mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I want my heart to hope that all people, from the most respected to the... Read more
Did you love The Station Agent like I did? How about Pixar’s Up? Are you a fan of The Wire? Have you taken your friends to see Win Win yet? (more…) Read more
Looking Closer
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