This year’s Primetime Emmy nominations were announced this morning in Los Angeles. AMC’s “Mad Men” and FX’s “An American Horror Story” led the pack with 17 nods each. That may sound like a lot for the latter–a title that doesn’t come up frequently when discussing the most critically acclaimed shows on television–but the high count […]
List of 2012 Emmy nominees in major categories Read More »
“I just want more of life” is how filmmaker Mark Weixler responds when asked by an interview subject why he has chosen to make the documentary “How to Live Forever,” a look at several folks who have defied normal life expectancy and others working to extend said expectancy even further. While this is a plenty
DVD Review: “How to Live Forever” Read More »
The long-awaited Blu-Ray release of David Lean’s 1962 epic “Lawrence of Arabia” will finally happen on November 13 (pre-order it here), but perhaps the more interesting piece of news is that the restoration is also headed for theaters. “One night only” digital presentations of older films have become common over the past few years, thanks
“Lawrence of Arabia” coming to Blu-Ray and back to theaters — will it help sell digital? Read More »
Regular readers of Critic Speak probably realize the absence of something that nearly every other movie blog on the web is currently running: Comic-Con coverage. I figure it’s best that I clue everyone in as to why, because our reasons for avoiding the popular convention will significantly influence the site’s content from now on. Those
A ‘Con’ is right: Why Comic-Con is destructive to film journalism and fanhood Read More »
Peter O’Toole, the 79-year-old actor made famous by his starring role in David Lean’s epic “Lawrence of Arabia,” released a statement today that he has decided to retire from acting. Via The Hollywood Reporter: It is time for me to chuck in the sponge. To retire from films and stage. The heart for it has gone
Peter O’Toole announces retirement from acting Read More »
Ernest Borgnine, the prolific film and television actor whose filmography spanned more than 60 years, died Sunday in Los Angeles of renal failure. He was 95. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Borgnine started his acting career. His big break was in 1953’s “From Here to Eternity.” Shortly thereafter, he won an
Ernest Borgnine dies at 95 Read More »
Filmmakers, like humanity in general, have long been obsessed with death – and why wouldn’t they be? The construct is simultaneously universal and intensely personal, terrifying and exciting, certain and unknown. These bipolarities make for good theater. But for as frequently as The End is dramatized on the silver-screen, the years leading up to it
Reviews by Request: “Make Way for Tomorrow” (1937) Read More »
In the age of viral Internet marketing and 30-second TV spots, audience appraisals that a film “didn’t live up to expectations” usually imply that said film wasn’t as good as its advertising campaign. But what about the expectations established within the film itself? It’s hard not to watch the opening scenes of “The Hunter” with
Blu-Ray Review: “The Hunter” Read More »
Andy Griffith, the actor most famous for playing a small-town sheriff on the appropriately titled “The Andy Griffith Show,” died Tuesday at his home on Roanoke Island, N.C. He was 86. “The Andy Griffth” show ran for eight years, from 1960-1968, and 249 episodes – an almost unthinkable amount by today’s standards. It was a ratings
Andy Griffith dies at 86 Read More »
Ever wonder how Norman Bates’ mother ended up decaying in that rocking chair? Probably not, but thanks to A&E, the answer could soon be made clear. The cable network has ordered a season of “Bates Motel,” which will tell the story of the eponymous character from Alfred Hithcock’s seminal thriller “Psycho.” Created by Carlton Cuse
A&E orders “Psycho” prequel series “Bates Motel” Read More »
