The most important director contribution of 2013 is this speech/manifesto/rant by Steven Soderbergh at the San Francisco Film Festival last month. This is as no holds barred a critique and vivisection of Hollywood and the politics that drive the business as you are likely to hear from anyone. A riveting 40-minutes. Watch it also as a preparation for Soderbergh’s terrific, rules-breaking “Side Effects” which came out on DVD/Blu-Ray. Video:

State of Cinema: Steven Soderbergh from San Francisco Film Society courtesy of Vimeo.

Favorite Quote: “Ivan is a philistine.” / “What’s a philistine?” / “It’s a guy who doesn’t care about books or interesting films and things. Your mother’s brother Ned is also a philistine.” / “Then I’m a philistine.” / “No. You’re interested in books and things. You liked ‘The Wild Child’ when we saw it.” / “Lots of people liked that movie. No, I’m a philistine.” Dad and son conversation in “The Squid and the Whale” (2005). — 5-17-13

“Plan 9 From Outer Space” (1959) and “Birdemic: Shock and Terror” (2008), in terms of technical incompetence, are candidates for the worst theatrical films ever made. Grade F would in theory be appropriate. But those two are delightfully awful, delightfully tacky. I’ve had many laughs resulting in geysers of laugh-tears from viewing them. Much more fun than technically proficient, machine-made and personality-free blockbusters. — 5-17-13

As if we didn’t see enough bombings on the TV news at home we now get them incorporated into the plots of our movies like “Star Trek Into Darkness,” stamped as relevant. Uh, no thanks. — 5-16-13

“The Social Network” is the great film of twenty-first century capitalism and society just as “Citizen Kane” was of the twentieth. — 5-16-13

I don’t care what People Magazine says. FlickMinute says Olga Kurylenko (actress of “To the Wonder,” “Oblivion,” “Erased”) is the true 2013 World’s Most Beautiful Woman. I have spoken. — 5-15-13

I tend to think of “To the Wonder” as an Olga Kurylenko movie first, and a Terrence Malick film second. Even though I know it should be the other way around. Can’t help it. Her physical presence is artistic beauty on par with a Malick painting on planetary birth. Or a Malick painting on dandelion fields. Or a Malick painting on spiritual levitation… Malick or someone should just make paintings devoted entirely of Olga Kurylenko.                     — 5-14-13

With “The Great Gatsby,” I think we have this year’s winner for Best Art Direction. It’s too splashy not to be admired from even the film’s detractors. It’s $51 million opening weekend and counting won’t hurt its rep, either. — 5-13-13

Ray Harryhausen died today at age 92. I know he’s famous for “Jason and the Argonauts” (1963) and “Clash of the Titans” (1981), which is indeed great hands-on special effects work. But please go out of the way to see his work on the marvelously gaga “Mighty Joe Young” (1949) if you’re a Kong fan. — 5-7-13

The electromagnetic pulse that circumvents Tony Stark’s heart is such a decisive detail in the previous “Iron Man” installments.  The electromagnetic is removed in a scene in “Iron Man 3″ with such indifference that you wonder why it was such a big deal in the first place. The scene might as well have not been there at all since the removal isn’t punched up dramatically. — 5-7-13

I don’t know what kind of phony, pseudo-intellectual dips@&# era we are living in where that scratchy and decomposing-before-your-eyes “Rules of the Game” (1938) is regarded as a greater film than a masterpiece like the underseen “Walkabout” (1971). I feel the cataracts crusting over my eyes during Jean “austere” Renoir’s so-called cinematic genius. My thoughts and feelings are in a cascade of awe during Roegs’ film. Film history should start over so we can establish givens correctly. — 5-4-13

Isn’t Robert Downey Jr. freakin’ great in “Tropic Thunder” (2008)? He should have been that year’s Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor. I mean, Heath Ledger painted the Joker into a sociopathic radical who terrorized an entire city with a white-hot rage in “TDK.” But I felt voters bent over backwards to honor his name posthumously, as if Ledger were to be denied a proper legacy or something. Downey molds into two characters at once, the actor Kirk Lazarus and the character he’s playing. Or as he says, “I know who I am! I’m a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude!” The Downey genius is unmistakable and the laughs are never-ending, dozens of viewings later. — 5-3-13

I can’t listen to The Lumineers song “Ho Hey” anymore. Feels like a warmed-over Cameron Crowe movie when I hear it. Reluctantly, I think of a Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst schmaltzathon. That would be Crowe’s crappiest film, “Elizabethtown” (2005). — 5-1-13

I didn’t think about it until director Ramin Bahrani brought it up, but his protagonist in his new film played by Dennis Quaid is inspired by Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman.” But come to think of it, I’ve never seen any version — stage or film — of “Salesman” that is as good as Bahrani’s “At Any Price.” — 4-30-13

The great cinematic mind-benders: “Last Year at Marienbad” (1961, France), “Persona” (1966, Sweden), “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” (1972, France), “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976), “That Obscure Object of Desire” (1977, France), “Eraserhead” (1977), “Body Double” (1984), “Brazil” (1985), “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990), “Dark City” (1998), “eXistenZ” (1999), “Being John Malkovich” (1999), “The Isle” (2000, South Korea), “The Cell” (2000), “Mulholland Dr.” (2001, pic above), “Memento” (2001), “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), “Time” (2006, South Korea), “Enter the Void” (2009, France). — 4-29-13

I wasted and damaged many hours of my life watching/studying Jean Renoir, Robert Bresson, Robert Rossellini movies; letting “L’Atalante” (1934), “Il Bidone” (1955), “Au Hasard Balthazar” (1966), “Death in Venice” (1971), “Yi Yi” (2000) suck the life out of me and turn me into a bore. Those movies have long been hailed by many highfaluting snobs. But they won’t get you laid. Movies like “Lenny” (1974) and “Small Change” (1976), the joyous-optimistic comedies of Woody Allen, the suave Cary Grant, Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman and Denzel Washington movies, oh, and of course “All That Jazz” (1979, pic right)… those are the movies that taught me how to talk to girls, the ones that opened up my mind to the possibilities of life, enhancing and sharpening me in the social world. Movies are a reflective time or a diverting time. But bogging the mind on depressing pseudo-intellectual bores was a waste. — 4-28-13

Films I would be willing to watch on a Friday night: “Paths of Glory” (1957), “Sunset Boulevard” (1950), “Unforgiven” (1992), “The Fountain” (2006) and “Fellini’s Roma” (1972, pic left) in place of the others previously mentioned. But if I’m in a light mood I’m going “Groundhog Day” (1993) or anything Bill Murray. I talk movies with friends on Fridays. When inebriated I rant on this mural scene. Chapter 10 on the “Roma” DVD. — 4-27-13

When I was young and nerdy-pretentious, I went with the herd in believing “Grand Illusion” (1938), “All About Eve” (1950), “Seven Samurai” (1954), “The Seventh Seal” (1957) and “Andre Rublev” (1966) — as examples — were great films. Today, no way. I would never spend my precious Friday night watching one of those misanthropic snoozers. It’s hard enough to get through life. I want a pick-me-up comedy, or some inspirational story, or some cool mind-bender on a night like this. — 4-26-13

When I was 10-years old I would get Paul Newman and Richard Dreyfuss mixed up. Glad I saw enough movies to sort that one out. Once I saw “The Hustler” (1961), “Slap Shot” (1977), “The Verdict” (1982) Newman was unmistakable from that point on. — 4-25-13

For years I got “Beyond Rangoon” (1995), “Return to Paradise” (1998) and “Brokedown Palace” (1999) mixed up. Avoid the first one. “Paradise” with Vince Vaughn as an American who is propositioned to serve Malaysia prison time in exchange for friend Joaquin Phoenix’s pardon from a death sentence, is the best one and is well worth seeking out. Phoenix does some of the best crying acting I’ve seen. Rest of the cast is surprisingly exemplary. — 4-25-13

If I were to supply a list of the ten weirdest movies ever made, “Zardoz” (1974) with Sean Connery would be one of them. Click link to read. — 4-22-13

You might have noticed I’m giving a lot of 3-star reviews lately. All that indicates is that there’s been a lot of middle-of-the-road movies in 2013 that are watchable but stop short of approaching anything special. I nearly gave “42″ a 3.5 star rating (I flirted with 4 until the realization it was going to cover only one pro season in Jackie Robinson’s career). Main point: There’s good concepts, good sequences, good distractions so far this year. But I am starving however to get films that are more ambitious. Very few outside of ”The Place Beyond the Pines” and “Side Effects” demonstrate that powerful follow-through.  – 4-19-13

Best Films of the Decade 2000-2009 written three years ago, with “Spring Summer Fall Winter… and Spring” (2003, South Korea) ranked at the top. Click link to read. — 4-17-13

“Spring Summer Fall Winter… and Spring” (2003, South Korea). Every time I see it I want to live inside the film. Living on a floating pagoda immersed in peace and quite, that would be wonderful. But I couldn’t do it for a lifetime like the Master does in the film. I am too addicted to modern technology and conditioned by fast city life. But it’s true my wish is to live inside this film as a meditation retreat for two weeks every year. Then sadly get back to my dependent reality. — 4-14-13

My original review of Terrence Malick’s magnificent, fierce, impressionistic head-trip that is “The Tree of Life.” Click here.

“A film is, or should be, more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what’s behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later.” – Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999). — 4-12-13

I was at the review screening for “42″ the Jackie Robinson story and all I could think about is how much I wanted a Virgil’s Cream Soda. No reason. I just mused that in 1947 people drank more cream sodas than they do today. I was thirsty. I tracked one down at Whole Foods after the movie. Update: “42″ has the highest opening weekend gross ever for a baseball movie at $27.3 million. Also, my Cream Soda cravings are over. — 4-10-13

It’s amazing how the masterpiece “Aguirre the Wrath of God” (1972) would have vanquished away into ancient history had Roger Ebert not have written compellingly about it, had he not venerated Werner Herzog. It’s known today as one of the best films ever made, and that’s all due to Ebert since no other critic bothered backing it up before him. Now we’re all behind it.             — 4-8-13

One of Roger Ebert’s final pieces was his retrospect review of “The Ballad of Narayama” (1983, Japan), an old-century period piece where the villagers enforce a tradition of throwing elders past age 70 off the mountain or once they’ve become of no use. I always remembered the film being “very good” in my memory, but it now takes on a new poignancy since it’s one of Ebert’s last pieces. See it when you can. — 3-8-13

I would like to remind those who plan on attending “Jurassic Park 3D” this week to go out of their way not for the 3D, but for the IMAX experience, an occasion where the surcharge is worth the splurge. — 4-5-13

Mentor Roger Ebert has passed away. The way I am and THE WAY I WRITE is in large part due to him. We met in 2006, we talked favorite movies but wish I had made more of it. Ironically, I’m in Chicago now and cannot write a tribute while on the road. He is the one who will still be on my mind thirty years from now.– 4-4-13

I keep getting asked why I didn’t review “Spring Breakers” when I had the opportunity. I’m sorry but Harmony Korine, the director, drenches his movies in filth and depravity. He is without class. Sure, his  new film is a commercial breakthrough for him. I hope he’s happy, but I don’t care to see a movie by him until he’s found a new level of maturity. — 4-3-13

“The Place Beyond the Pines” has 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I can’t believe those ungrateful ones who reviewed it ungratefully. To dislike it you must have a conceited mental devise of things specifically required, and “Pines” must have failed a convoluted and winded test for them. Plus, to review it negatively is irresponsible. Derek Cianfrance is exactly the kind of director that gives me hope for the future of film, and his “Pines” is exactly the kind of film we need more of. If we don’t embrace films like “Pines” then we are asking for a dumbing down of the entertainment industry, and a dumbing down of society as whole. — 4-3-13

The two best films of 2013 so far are “The Place Beyond the Pines” and “Side Effects.” Click for reviews. — 3-28-13

This has been the year of Bruce Willis sell-out roles (“A Good Day to Die Hard,” “G.I. Joe 2,” upcoming “Red 2″). Looking back at better times, my five favorite Willis films in order: “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “The Sixth Sense” (1999), “12 Monkeys” (1995), “Die Hard” (1988), “Die Hard 2: Die Harder” (1990). — 3-26-13

To clarify, I think Julianne Moore in “Safe” (1995) and Val Kilmer in “The Doors” (1991) are the two greatest performances to ever get snubbed by the Oscars. — 3-26-13

Great underrated female performances that Oscar failed to nominate: Jessica Chastain in “The Tree of Life” (2012), Yun Jung-hee in Poetry (2011, South Korea), So-Ri Moon in Oasis (2004, South Korea), Naomi Watts in “Mulholland Dr.” (2001), Reese Witherspoon in “Election” (1999), Uma Thurman in “Gattaca” (1997), Julianne Moore in “Safe” (1995, pic left), Tilda Swinton in “Orlando” (1993), Juliette Binoche in “Damage” (1992), Gong Li in “Raise the Red Lantern” (1992, China), Jessica Lange in “Men Don’t Leave” (1990), Annabella Sciorra in “True Love” (1989), Susan Sarandon in “Pretty Baby” (1978), Mia Farrow in “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968), Catherine Denueve in “Repulsion” (1965), Marilyn Monroe in “The Misfits” (1961), Tatyana Samojlova in The Cranes are Flying (1957, Russia), Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), Beulah Bondi in “Make Way for Tomorrow” (1937), Barbara Stanwyck in “Baby Face” (1933). — 3-24-13

Great underrated male performances that Oscar failed to nominate: Woody Harrelson in “Rampart” (2012), Bruno Ganz in “Downfall” (2005, Germany), Ewan McGregor in “Young Adam” (2004), Matt Damon in “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999), Russell Crowe in “L.A. Confidential” (1997), Al Pacino in “Heat” (1995), Johnny Depp in “Ed Wood” (1994), Jeremy Irons in “Damage” (1992), Val Kilmer in “The Doors” (1991, pic left), Jeff Bridges in “The Fabulous Baker Boys” (1989), Tom Cruise in “Rain Man” (1988), Jeff Goldblum in “The Fly” (1986), Robert DeNiro in “The King of Comedy” (1983), Dustin Hoffman in “Straight Time” (1978),  James Stewart in “Vertigo” (1958). See four entries below for five more, starting with Michael Caine. — 3-24-13

On second viewing, “Drive” (2011) is superb, better than my original memory. Polished, dreamy, trancelike noir. I only think the very ending is fatally flawed in Nicolas Winding Refn’s film. You have to have a metaphysical gift in getting around and forgetting the final shots so you can appreciate the rest of it. — 3-23-13

“Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” is greenlit for a much gratuitous sequel. It barely crossed $50 million at the American box office, but unfortunately it made $200 million internationally. So thanks to undiscerning and unshaped minds worldwide, we are going to get another unnecessary eyesore. This can only tarnish the reputation of Jeremy Renner, but I’m sure Gemma Arterton needs the work. — 3-21-13

I enjoyed “Hugo” (2011) much more the second time around on home video, surprisingly loved it, without the intrusion of theatrical 3D. Now I’m able to admit that the 3D gave the movie a kind of glaucoma that impeded my appreciation of the color, lighting and scope of the images. Seeing it at home, I was really able to not just love, but savor, the visual beauty of Martin Scorsese’s period picture. Standing out is the Paris train station which is the best I’ve ever seen it in the movies. “Hugo” is no longer a 3D blotch, I’ve got a better renewed perception of this near sublime work now. Original review: B. New grade: B+. — 3-21-13

The great underrated performance in Michael Caine’s career is “A Shock to the System” (1990). As Graham Marshall, he plays a cutthroat executive who commits third-degree homicide, then first-degree, to get ahead on the corporate ladder. Oscar should have beckoned, look at the nominees that year and you will see they screwed up. Underrated, just like Philip Seymour Hoffman’s best performance is his unheralded work in “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” (2006), Sean Penn’s best performance is “The Falcon and the Snowman” (1985), Harry Dean Stanton’s best performance is “Paris, Texas” (1984),  and Henry Fonda’s is “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1969). — 3-19-13

“I’m just a lowly, lowly cook” says Steven Seagal at his last modest moment. “Under Siege” (1992), the best of the “Die Hard” knock-offs using a Navy battleship setting, delivers laughs and thrills both smart and low-brow. Zippy, bursting camera movement gives the movie a sensational flow. Pop-in Playboy Playmate Erika Eleniak and you’ve got a terrific token babe. Tommy Lee Jones was rarely more manic outside of an Oliver Stone picture. Terrific times. Better than the last three “Die Hards” themselves. — 3-19-13

Last night I recommended to friends “Cabin in the Woods” if they want to see last year’s best horror movie. I want to add that once you’ve seen that to check out other essential film cousins “Evil Dead 2″ (1987); “Cube” (1997); “Dark City” (1998); “Cabin Fever” (2002). Horror fans should see all five, it all connects. — 3-18-13

Film Recommendation: “Oslo, August 31^st” (2012, Norway). This drug addict picture might actually be useful to some. Anders is a 34-year old who has cleaned up in rehab for ten months. On a one-day release to the city to attend a job interview you can see him developing excuses to relapse into his old ways. Oslo is a city of reminders to his previous failures and self-abasement. He would be best to escape his hometown permanently, since everything there is a trigger to his old self-destructive routine. I revise my original grade of B+ to A-. — 3-18-13

It’s hard to make-out with your wife during “Blue Valentine” but at least I thought about it while it played on Instant Netflix. You get started with the nookie but every few minutes Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams do something to turn you off again. — 3-16-13

Steve Buscemi (in this weekend’s “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone”) is underrated in comedy. Even in non-comedies he’s funny. See “New York Stories” (1989), “Fargo” (1996), “Con Air” (1997). Yes, I’m serious about “Con Air.” He’s really funny in that, an antidote to the action overdrive. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine. — 3-15-13

“Oz the Great and Powerful” could be the first movie that depressed me that wasn’t horrible. It’s just that I was hoping it would recapture the purity of the original without the amped up special effects and doomsday plot. I gave it a positive review for good qualities, concerned more for newbies to Oz culture than what I liike for myself. But I just wish that it didn’t have to have the plot amount to Armageddon for the Land of Oz. That’s so cynical 21st century storytelling. — 3-11-13

Director Victor Fleming on why he made “The Wizard of Oz“: “I wanted my two little girls to see a picture that searched for beauty and decency, and sweetness and love in the world.” — 3-11-13

Favorite Quote: “Child, you’re talking to a man who’s laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe… I was petrified,” says Oz, “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). — 3-10-13

I insist that the Alicia Keys song “Girl on Fire” absolutely applies to Jennifer Lawrence, whom I picture (whether it’s “Hunger Games” or simply her celebrity) when I hear that song. If Lawrence never existed I don’t think Keys’ song would have the same viability. — 3-7-13

Curd Jurgens as the villain in “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) is probably among the biggest a$$hole villains I’ve seen in the movies. He’s one of the most memorable villains even though he’s just sitting back in his power chair most of the time. — 2-3-4-13

Korean film director Chan-Wook Park’s five best films in order: “Oldboy” (2005, pic right); “Lady Vengeance” (2006); “Thirst” (2009); “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” (2005);  ”Joint Security Area” (2000). If you are looking for a great foreign thriller, all of those would be a good idea for a goosebumpy night. But the first one (Warning) is transgressive in its willingness to shock. — 2-28-13

Happiest to see “Life of Pi” win 4 Oscars and Jennifer Lawrence win. I’m going to fantasize that Jennifer wins again in the future. And that Ang Lee wins another one, too. — 2-25-13

Going to an Oscar party tonight with an prediction contest. My friends want to handicap my score because I’m a film critic. Hey, do your homework people. Starting with, if you can’t get right who is going to win Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway) then you don’t deserve to win. — 2-24-13

Oscar prediction: “Argo” wins only two Academy Awards but one of them is Best Picture. Steven Spielberg wins Best Director for “Lincoln.” Here are some classic titles that Spielberg wasn’t even nominated for: “Jaws” (1975); “Empire of the Sun” (1987); “A.I.” (2001); “Minority Report” (2002). And while he was deservedly nominated for “Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind” (1977); “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981); and “E.T.” (1982, pic right) he didn’t win. Update: Spielberg didn’t win, and I’m glad about it. I want to see Spielberg win again for something reflective of his true personality and style. — 2-23-13

In what will be a very predictable Oscar night, in terms of winners, I have only one prediction that will come as a “shock.” John Gatins wins Best Original Screenplay for “Flight” because I think a large bloc of Academy voters have a closet admiration for it because they have a familiarity with drinking and drug excess, and Gatins work holds a mirror to them. This win upsets the leading contenders in this category, “Django Unchained” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” Update: I was wrong. — 2-23-13

Time Magazine’s original review of Spike Lee’s masterpiece “Malcolm X” (1992) is one of the most thoughtless, rudest and unappreciative reviews ever. Click Times review.  – 2-21-13

Critic Lisa Schwarzbaum to exit Entertainment Weekly after 22 years, leaving film criticism behind entirely. What I’ll remember about her is how she gave an A- grade to just about every other art house film, foreign import, indie pic. —2-20-13

“A Good Day to Day Hard.” In relation to worst sequels ever, I think I actually had more fun at “Jaws IV: The Revenge” (1987). — 2-16-13

Grading the Die Hard movies. “Die Hard” (1988), grade: A. “Die Hard 2: Die Harder” (1990), A-. “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995), B. “Live Free or Die Hard” (2007), B-. “A Good Day to Die Hard” (2013), D. — 2-14-13

Rude film critic Rex Reed was an actor in “Myra Breckinridge” (1970), one of the worst movies ever made. It’s one of the few movies that made my eyeballs want to puke. Mostly the shots of Rex. — 2-12-13

Gaspar Noe’s “Enter the Void” (France) is a brilliant esoteric film. It’s an acquired taste, but if you’re the kind of person who digs “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Eraserhead,” “Mulholland Dr.” and “The Tree of Life” then it might very well be up your alley. Update Note: To best describe it, ”Enter the Void” is like the grunge version of “The Tree of Life.” – 2-11-13

My five favorite Steven Soderbergh films in order are “King of the Hill” (1993, pic right), “sex, lies & videotape” (1989), “Traffic” (2000), “Side Effects” (2013), “Haywire” (2012). — 2-8-13

One of the dependable pseudonyms that gives me the giggles regularly is that Steven Soderbergh uses Peter Andrews as his cinematographer for all of his films. Soderbergh is Peter Andrews. — 2-7-13

“Side Effects” is a brilliant, complex character-driven film that miraculously comes all together at the end, literately and coherently. And yet the moviegoers who declare themselves as smart consumers have practically been trained (by society!) to expect only intelligent films to be released October, November and December. Soderbergh’s (final!) film comes out in the month of February which has become representative unfortunately of the dumbed-down movie season. — 2-6-13

It’s kind of endearing that Roger Ebert is so naively fond of “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” But in truth, because I have been to India several times now, last year’s “Trishna” with Freida Pinto is a far more accurate portrait of how India really is. — 2-5-13

How did “Argo” manage to win the SAG ensemble award? Was it the only movie last year that SAG saw? –1-28-13

CASES MOVIE BETTER THAN THE BOOK: “Woman in the Dunes” (1964, Japan); “Jaws” (1975); “Barry Lyndon” (1975); “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976); “The Shining” (1980); “Orlando” (1993, pic below); “This Boy’s Life” (1993); “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994); “Minority Report’ (2002); “Perfume” (2006); “The Namesake” (2007); “Winter’s Bone” (2010); “Life of Pi” (2012). — 1-22-13

“Django Unchained” starts out with a brilliant first half, but Q.T. goes way over-the-top with excess violence and revenge fantasy. Samuel L. Jackson might be the best part as house slave Stephen. Bringing substance to the part he saves the movie. –1-15-23

“Disgrace” (2008) with John Malkovich has to be one of the most un-commercial movies of the last several years. It’s not bad, but it’s not life-enhancing either. Only got made because Malkovich wanted to do it, and because it could be made on a modest budget. –1-8-13

I’m becoming convinced that “Amour” (Austria) is a young person’s movie. Really. Not too young. Like ages 17 and up. When you talk to the older crowd, the elders, they are angry and bummed out. Dispirited. It’s not content they want to deal with. We young persons though develop a greater empathy though of aging, and the anger that goes with it, by viewing it. –1-5-13

“The Main Event” (1976) with Ryan O’Neal and Barbara Streisand is the last movie I would expect on New Year’s at 4 in the morning on foreign television. This has to be one of the suckiest movies ever. –1-1-13

“Speed” (1994) is a terrific family movie. Really. Especially ’round the holidays. Everybody gets revved up as a group, cheering. Especially the women in the family. They’ve rarely seen a movie more exciting. Observing them is half the fun. –12-30-12

In India, they really like Tom Cruise movies on television. The exception is “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999). You won’t see that film here. –12-30-12

In India, the baby-talking picture “Look Who’s Talking” (1989) with breast milk fixation jokes is more censored than the sex trafficking rampage-revenge picture “Taken” (2009) with Liam Neeson. — 12-29-12

I can’t believe “Samsara” isn’t on more critics year’s ten best lists. I don’t blame you if you haven’t heard of it, but if you’ve seen it you would know too it deserves the reverence. To see it is to know it belongs as a piece of history. –12-27-12. ‘Samsara’ trailer:

Most overrated 2012 movies: “Lincoln,” “Skyfall,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” “End of Watch,” “Easy Money.” Of those, at least “Lincoln” is worth a look. –12-26-12

I hand it to Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes that it has a terrific, grand entrance of James Bond when he enters the Macau, China casino on a dragon-boat with fired lanterns lighting the way. It would have been totally mesmerizing had I liked the movie up to that point. –12-22-12

I keep hearing that “Skyfall” is the best James Bond ever and that it is enriched by being the first 007 entry to dig deep into his childhood. Yet besides stepping inside the manor he grew up in and meeting an inconsequential caretaker, I don’t see it. What insight?? We came into his orphan background already when discussed in “Casino Royale” (2006) which provided far more shades of character. –12-22-12

“Hitchcock” is such a paint-by-numbers biopic of Alfred Hitchcock that if you were a newbie and wanted to learn something about him, I’d advise you to watch one of his films instead. Start with “Strangers on a Train” (1951), “Rear Window” (1954), “Vertigo” (1958) or “The Birds” (1963). — 12-20-12

Watching “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000) on cable. I am reminded again that it has some of the best shot composition that I’ve ever seen.” — 12-19-12

Most bastardized films that play on network cable TV are “Scarface” (1983), ”Carlito’s Way” (1993), “Casino” (1995) and ”25th Hour” (2002) because of the way they are mercilessly edited and censored. Better to always see them on DVD/Blu-Ray formats or at least no-commercial movie channels. — 12-17-12

It took me a few years to recognize it but I believe I was very emotionally moved by Woody Harrelson’s performance in “Seven Pounds.” — 12-5-12

Mychael Danna’s music for “Life of Pi” is the first soundtrack of the last couple of years that I’m enjoying listening to.” — 12-2-12

“Life of Pi” is Ang Lee’s fourth masterpiece. The others are, listing in both ascending year of release and in order of preference,  ”The Ice Storm” (1997), “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” (2000) and “Brokeback Mountain” (2005). — 11-30-12

“Take this Waltz” is available on Instant Netflix but is wrongly cataloged under Comedy when it should be filed under Romantic Movies or Drama. — 11-29-12

It’s true. I regret not having given “Rampart” 4-stars (damn my 3.5). I embrace the ambiguous ending now which I can already foresee my own projection of what will happen next to Dave Brown. No rebounds for him. — 11-27-12

I wonder how many people who have seen all “Twilight” movies have bothered to see a vampire movie that matters, like “Let the Right One In” (Sweden) or “Thirst” (South Korea)? Probably few. Subtitled movies are tough for tweens. — 11-26-12

Is it me or does Elle Goulding’s “Lights” the only modern pop song that could have been successfully integrated into Sarah Polley’s “Take This Waltz?” — 11-25-12

Anyone that hits the ad to the right of the page helps me get recognized by Google, even if you X out of it immediately that’s okay! — 11-24-12

This space is where I will write quips about my personal life and on random critical observations. — November 21, 2012