Reviewing my Huffington Post archive recently, I was reminded that my very first piece, published on the sixth anniversary of 9/11, concerned New York City movies that brought back the city of my youth, which (to age myself) was during the seventies and eighties. A decidedly grittier town back then, it was no less exciting. As a native New Yorker … More Details
One of the singular joys of living in New York City is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, conveniently situated right across the Park from us. I was reminded of this on Wednesday when I attended their “Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity” exhibition. Combining artwork and costumes, it showed how the finest French impressionist painters of the late-19th century were celebrating Paris … More Details
I love St. Patrick’s Day. It’s so inclusive. By that I mean that though it’s a bona fide religious holiday, you don’t need to be particularly pious to enjoy it. Beyond its religious significance, Wikipedia aptly describes March 17th as a celebration of Irish history and identity, including “…prominent displays of the color green, feasting, copious consumption of alcohol, religious … More Details
When I heard the news of Ray Bradbury’s death, I went online to revisit his life and work, and was struck once again by the enduring imprint he left on popular culture. Reading up on him, I was surprised to learn that he disliked being labeled a science fiction writer. He made an important distinction in explaining why, stating that … More Details
Jack Nicholson’s own story rivals any of his films. Born in New York City, he grew up in New Jersey. He grew up thinking his grandparents were his parents, and his mother, his older sister. When years later, he learned the truth, he realized he had no clue who his real father was, and he decided he was not all … More Details
Calling all Anglophiles: the Criterion Collection has a treat in store. Their essential new DVD set, “David Lean Directs Noel Coward”, brings together pristine transfers of four legendary film collaborations between famous English playwright/personality Noel Coward and a young film editor named David Lean. Talk about a heaven-sent collaboration. At this critical juncture in British history (1942-1945), with the Second … More Details
First, let’s acknowledge that I laughed as hard at Bridesmaids as most anyone else. It was a consistently diverting, often very clever romp, and I thought Kristen Wiig and the rest of the cast were, on the whole, first-rate. That said, even with the extra smarts and wit that distinguished this movie from so many imbecilic contemporary comedies, Bridesmaids still … More Details
Thinking ahead to Sunday, what’s my overall impression? Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but this seems like a pretty lean year. Unquestionably, there are a few memorable films in the running, but also a lot of filler — some nominees that simply make you scratch your head in wonderment. For instance, I was stunned to find the oppressive Extremely … More Details
No doubt: it’s been a very good year for both these stars. And much as I admire Jean Dujardin’s sublime performance in The Artist, my hunch is that the industry will favor one of its own on Oscar night. So who will it be — George or Brad? I’m saving my prediction for a later Oscar piece, but for now … More Details
As we kick off Oscar month tomorrow, we also honor the birthday of Clark Gable, who picked up a statuette at the seventh Academy Awards ceremony in 1935. He got it for a movie he did not want to do — a comedy called It Happened One Night – and though he would be nominated twice more, he would not … More Details
