Monthly Archives: November 2014

Jon Stewart reveals why he made “Rosewater,” and how

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Roger Moore

Discussions of “Rosewater,” the film directing debut of “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, bring to mind Dustin Hoffman’s famous line about “Ishtar.” “A baby isn’t born knowing how rich his parents are.” Not that “Rosewater,” earning respectful and generous reviews … Continue reading →

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Box Office: “Interstellar” wins Friday, “Big Hero” should win weekend.

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Roger Moore

It may be that Deadline.com, after years of underestimating the Saturday impact of kids’ movies on weekend box office, is guessing right this time out. “Interstellar,” almost 3 hours long and in limited IMAX release since Wed., won Friday with … Continue reading →

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Movie Review: “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain”

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Roger Moore

There is no zombie film, no torture porn picture that can match the horrors or pathos of “Bhopal” A Prayer for Rain.” The worst industrial accident in history makes a harrowing backdrop for a disaster film, and gripping melodrama. This … Continue reading →

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“Toy Story 4” — Pixar admits it is utterly out of ideas

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Roger Moore

It’s been pretty obvious, these last few years, that Disney Feature Animation has finally outstripped its upstart in-house rival Pixar in the ability to deliver feature length CG animated tales that kids and parents will want to see. Pixar started … Continue reading →

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Box Office Predictions — Will Disney/Marvel eat “Interstellar’s” lunch?

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Roger Moore

It’s the first wide-appeal, brand-name cartoon to come out since last summer, so the lackluster box office take of the superior “Boxtrolls” and “The Book of Life” is no indicator for how “Big Hero 6” will do. It’s an action-packed … Continue reading →

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Movie Review: “On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter”

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Roger Moore

  There’s something about motorcycles and motorcycle documentaries that brings out the kid in us all. The immediacy of the experience, the speed, the hair’s breadth away from danger — good films get across the intoxicating hobby and sport that … Continue reading →

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Critical Mass: Reviewers love “Big Hero 6,” appreciate “Interstellar”

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Roger Moore

Good to very good reviews for the two films going into wide release this weekend. “Big Hero 6” shakes up the best animated film Oscar race, a Disney/Marvel cartoon that preps children for superhero movies. Yeah, Disney and Marvel are … Continue reading →

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Questions for Jon Stewart? He’s the next Movie Nation Interview

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Roger Moore

Pundit, wag, TV wit, anchorman, William & Mary alumnus, AARP recruit, that rare bird known as a Jewish New Yorker, and now movie director. I’m interviewing Jon Stewart about his film directing debut, “Rosewater,” and as always, I’m looking for … Continue reading →

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Next Interview: Questions for Laura Dern?

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Roger Moore

I’ve been a fan of Laura Dern forever — from the David Lynch years (“Blue Velvet,” Wild at Heart”) to “Rambling Rose” to “Citizen Ruth” (my favorite of hers) to “The Rocket Boys.” “Wild” is a Reese Witherspoon Oscar contender, … Continue reading →

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Tonight’s screening: “The Theory of Everything”

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Roger Moore

November is when critics start to wrap up their screenings of the Top Ten List contenders, from “Instellar” and “Rosewater” and soon to open films with Oscar buzz, to “Foxcatcher” and tonight’s outing, “The Theory of Everything.” As Stephen Hawking … Continue reading →

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