In 1970 Gil-Scott Heron unleashed his seminal spoken-word piece “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” I find that ironic, because it’s exactly the kind of piece Elliot Haizlip would feature on his PBS show, Soul!, which premiered in 1968. The program was a revolution in its own way, as the only show broadcast widely that was made for and about black Americans. Mr. Soul!, the … Continue reading CIFF Capsule Review: Mr. Soul!
Buster Keaton was born this month in 1895. His transition from Vaudeville family act to silver screen icon began over 100 years ago. And yet, his talent and charm make his movies as relevant today as they were when they were made. The true test of comedy, in my opinion, is whether or not it can make you laugh out loud when you’re alone. I’ve … Continue reading CIFF Capsule Review: The Great Buster
McKenzie Chinn has been a rising star of stage and screen in Chicago for a while now. Olympia, which she wrote and produced, could be the breakout she needs to go to the next level. The film deals with romantic relationships, artistic integrity, and loss as the main character transitions into her 30’s. As a writer, Chinn has a flare for getting to the root … Continue reading CIFF Capsule Review: Olympia
I finally saw the last movie I was waiting on yesterday, and I’ve adjusted my list accordingly. I saw a lot of 2017 releases, and I’ve decided that instead of doing a top ten, I’ll just rank them all. I hate it when the critics lists come out and half the movies no one has seen because they only played in NY and LA. I’m fortunate to live somewhere that gets most movies, but even I sometimes have to wait until they’re available on Amazon or iTunes to watch them.
First, here’s a quick list of movies I didn’t get to see. I’m not counting A Fantastic Woman, because I’ll be seeing it soon at the Music Box Members screening next month.
Stronger
Battle Of The Sexes
The Glass Castle
Raw
Wind River
Valerian
Kedi
Brigsby Bear
The Square
Norman
The Killing Of A Sacred Deer
Downsizing
Darkest Hour
All The Money In The World
The Meyerowitz Stories (New And Collected)
Brawl In Cell Block 99
Most of these are available streaming in some way, but I haven’t had time to view yet. I’m most upset about The Square and The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. I love the work of both directors and I’m sure I will enjoy these movies once I see them.
Now onto my list:
60. Song To Song
Directed by Terence Malick, starring Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, and Natalie Portman.
59. Baywatch
Directed by Seth Gordon, starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron
58. A Ghost Story
Directed by David Lowery, starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara
57. The Little Hours
Directed by Jeff Baena, starring Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Katie Micucci, and Dave Franco
56. The Bad Batch
Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, starring Suki Waterhouse and Jason Momoa
55. Killing Gunther
Directed by Taran Killam starring Killam, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Colbie Smulders
54. Landline
Directed by Gillian Robespierre, starring Jenny Slate, John Turturro, and Edie Falco
53. Atomic Blonde
Directed by David Lietch, starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy
52. War For The Planet Of The Apes
Directed by Matt Reeves, starring Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson
51. Kong: Skull Island
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, starring Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson
Earlier today I posted the rankings of the 43 movies I saw that were released in 2016. Included in those 43 were all nine of the films nominated for Best Picture at this weekend’s Academy Awards. I don’t think any of my favorite movies have a shot at winning (as most aren’t even nominated-COME ON! No nomination for “Drive It Like You Stole It” in … Continue reading Follow-up: Oscar Predictions
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