Monthly Archives: February 2013

Got just a few words in with Ray Winstone at the end of our chat about “The Sweeney,” opening in some US cities Friday, about “Noah.” He’s in it, the Darren Aronofsky/Russell Crowe take on the Biblical tale. “I had … Continue reading →

It’s Nicholas Hoult and Ewan McGregor and Stanley Tucci competing for screen time against these — digital giants, sort of LOTR trolls, The Next Digital Generation. Impressive enough, but will it work? Jack and the Beanstalk as a big budget … Continue reading →

He wasn’t the first choice to host the Oscars. And he joked about that. But he never seemed uncomfortable up there, even when a bit bombed. And kept bombing. (The Captain Kirk visit in the lame opening). “Constrained” is the … Continue reading →

  Chris Terrio’s “Argo” script was taut, funny, entertaining and reasonably close to history. Well done. “Django”? That’s another pity vote.

Lovely to have Streisand come and pay tribute to Marvin Hamlisch at the end “In Memorium.” Nicely done. Best speech? We haven’t had a good one. Yet. Think Adrian Brody, people. Not Martin Landau. Leave the laundry lists at home.

The first big prize for “Argo” of the night. “Zero Dark Thirty” had more cutting, but better? Not really. Less is more, in this case.  

Michael Haneke leaves his bad boy days behind with that “Amour” foreign language win. With the BAFTAs being the Academy’s guide this year, you have to figure Emmanuelle Riva will take best actress away from Catniss. Or at least suspect … Continue reading →

Watch the film and you’ll share in this moment of glory with Rodriguez. “Searching for Sugar Man” wasn’t the best documentary of last year, not even the best nominated doc, I thought. But it’s a great, heartwarming story. Here’s my … Continue reading →

Halle Berry was oh so fine, and Shirley Bassey looks good, even if she can’t pull off “Goldfinger” as she once did. But the much ballyohoo’d “Bond Tribute” as the Oscars? That’s it? I’ll bet Connery screwed it up. Refused … Continue reading →