Friday, January 16 2009
The New Classics - The 30 Best Films of 2008
Unlike previous years, where classics came crawling out of the celluloid woodwork with regular reckless abandon, 2008 was more calm… and considered. That's not to say that choosing 30 top titles was hard. The difficulty in placing them in some manner of rank order suggests the actual depth of quality involved.
Wednesday, January 14 2009
Tough and Tender - The Top 20 Female Performances of 2008
Twenty talented ladies, 20 performances worthy of multiple little gold men. Unfortunately, as in all years, someone has to come out on top. But after looking over this impressive list, picking the preeminent turn of 2008 seems almost impossible.
Friday, October 10 2008
Woody Allen’s “Asian” Problem
Hollywood has rarely offered Asians opportunities to be anything other than karate heroes, geishas, wartime prostitutes, or sinister "yellow peril" villains.
Thursday, October 9 2008
Various Artists: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
This soundtrack flows so freely on its own merit -- seeing the film is no prerequisite.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz) is the figure least obviously dictated by the Woody Allen template. And for that, you are eternally grateful.
‘Barcelona’ Betrays Allen’s Stifled Storytelling
Vicky Christina Barcelona is really nothing more than rich people bitching. Now where exactly is the fun in that?
