“The Teacher” (Czech Republic) Directed by Jan Hrebek Central and Eastern European films hold a soft spot in my heart. Their history, and its massive changes over the last three decades…and only three generations from a war that destroyed most … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #8: “The Teacher” (Czech Republic)
“Neruda” (Chile) Directed by Pablo Larrain Oh Pablo. You do know how to tell a story in the most prosaic…and bizarre ways! And this film can only be described as prosaic and bizarre. Let me see if I can describe … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #7: “Neruda” (Chile)
“The Confessions” (Italy) Directed by Roberto Ando Rarely has a movie of such big ideas been told in such a small way. This brilliant and sumptuously shot dark-comedy, tackles no less of an issue than worldwide income inequality and G8-induced … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #6: “The Confessions” (Italy)
“Ministry of Love” (Croatia) Directed by Pavo Marinkovic “Ministry of Love”, a post-Balkan War comedy from Croatia, is occasionally quite funny, poignant less often, and, alas, ultimately not terribly satisfying. Revolving around the adventures of a biologist turned governmental minister … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #5: “Ministry of Love” (Croatia)
“One Day Since Yesterday: Peter Bogdanovich & the Lost American Film” (USA) Directed by Bill Teck This will be brief, as the the print we screened was, apparently, not the final cut. There was missing music, some of the interviews … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #4: “One Day Since Yesterday” (USA)
“Christine” (USA) Directed by Antonio Campos I very rarely screen films at the Festival that I know will get a wide theatrical release. I prefer to catch the smaller films, or those that have no hope of distribution outside of … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #3: “Christine” (USA)
“My Journey Through French Cinema” (France) Directed by Bertrand Tavernier In my review for a different film I mentioned how I’d seen two three-hour plus film in 24 hours and that one felt it’s length and the other did not. … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #2: “My Journey Through French Cinema” (France)
“sieranevada” (Romania) Directed by Cristi Puiu I’m seeing twenty-six films at this year’s iteration of the Chicago Film Festival, so you would think I might shy away from those films with extraordinarily long running times, but no, my first two … Continue reading 52nd Chicago International Film Festival Screening #1: “sieranevada” (Romania)
68th Annual Emmy Awards My Predictions (what will win) & My Predilections (what should win) Admittedly, I watch more TV than just about any one I personally know…certainly more than any of my friends. Remaining single, having a giant TV, … Continue reading Jason’s 68th Annual Emmy Awards Predictions & Predilections
“Don’t Think Twice” Written and Directed by Mike Birbiglia I’m not a huge fan of small ensemble films about performers. Maybe because I am one (a seriously jaded one, at that), I find them tedious, derivative and filled with endings … Continue reading “Don’t Think Twice”
The No Spoiler Critic 