Thinking Outside the Multiplex in Indiana (February 25, 2011)
by MIKE MACCOLLUM
Barney’s Version is the “big” new limited release movie opening in the state this week- but we also get an Indian film (without subtitles, unfortunately), and two animated films- one of them with what sounds (to me) like the screwiest story this side of Harry Stephen Keeler. (And if you aren’t familiar with Mr. K, then do yourself a favor, and Google his name.) For all that and more, keep reading on below…. Read more 
DVD of the Week – Review of Get Low (2010)
by NIR SHALEV
Robert Duvall looks great in a beard; in this film the beard is long, scruffy, and looks worn just like him. And even though the presence of old age is remarkably visible on his face and may entirely be Hollywood makeup, the personification of his character’s demeanor is a terrific and natural performance all its own; the beard is simply there for aesthetic purposes. Read more
Movie Review – The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
by NIR SHALEV
Hammer Film Productions is a London-based studio that’s famous mostly for its horror films, ranging from the 1950s to the 1970s. The Curse of Frankenstein was their first attempt at the Gothic stories realm and it was an instant success, due to its relatively faithful adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, its perfect choice in its actors, and good cinematography. This is a good-looking film that’s in color, is well shot and lit, and filled with whatever is needed to add or build atmosphere. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a good Gothic tale of wrongdoing, terrific and convincing performances, and good ol’ fashioned filmmaking. Read more
Thinking Outside the Multiplex in Indiana (February 18, 2011)
by MIKE MACCOLLUM
An American comedy, two collections of Academy Award-nominated short subjects, and two Indian movies about two very different killers- those are the new limited-release films opening in Indiana theaters this week. The other big news is that the (mostly) completely-restored version of Metropolis finally makes it to a big screen in Indiana this week (even if two of the three screenings are already sold out)- and that some Academy Award nominees will be at the Indianapolis Museum of Art next Saturday (see the “special feature” below for more on that). For all this and much more, keep reading on below…. Read more
Movie Review – The Eagle (2011)
by HELEN GEIB
White letters resolve out of gray mist, form a few words to set the stage, and return to the mist. Obscuring mist will be a recurring visual motif, evocative not only of the northern Britain setting, but of the film’s “out of the mists of time” storytelling ethos as well. Read more
Thinking Outside the Multiplex: National Edition (November 26-December 9, 2010)
by MIKE MACCOLLUM
Welcome back to the feature where we look at limited-release films opening in the US. As with the past few weeks, this column finds me in catch-up mode (due in part to a horrible snow and ice storm that hit Indiana a few weeks ago, depriving me of internet access for three days running- followed by me falling and cracking two ribs, thanks to the same ice storm… a jolly little incident that led to nearly four more days off the web).
So anyhow, the time period covered in this column (November 26-December 9) wasn’t an especially busy one- even most of the theaters that usually play offbeat, smaller-scale movies were showing big holiday releases during this period. Still, 33* limited-release movies did find their way into American theaters during this period- and those are the titles covered below. Read more
DVD of the Week – Sampling the Sunshine State in Cinema
by HELEN GEIB
The local forecast for Thursday is an unseasonable 60 degrees, ironic since that’s the day I leave for a long weekend in Florida. While the temperature in Sarasota may not have anything on home, I’ll be soaking up the humidity and, with luck, some of that famous sunshine. To put myself even more in the mood, I’ve chosen a few Florida-set movies to spotlight in this week’s DVD post.
Sunshine State (2002)
Thinking Outside the Multiplex in Indiana (February 11, 2011)
by MIKE MACCOLLUM
It’s another busy week- more Academy Award nominated films make their way to at least one theater in Indiana, while another nominated film (Blue Valentine) goes for a little walk across the state… and a dizzying variety of films will be shown at theaters and other venues across the state as well. So without further delay, let’s dive in to this week’s offerings…. Read more
Movie Review – Another Year (2010)
by HELEN GEIB
Another Year offers a sympathetic and penetrating portrayal of ordinary unhappiness, but is most remarkable as a study of ordinary happiness, a state seldom depicted realistically in movies. Read more
DVD of the Week – Disc Commentary Track for The Shining (1980)
by NIR SHALEV
I’ve chosen to dedicate my first review of a commentary track in 2011 to a Stanley Kubrick classic. The Shining is one of the greatest horror films of all times; a film that revolutionized the use of the steadicam and one that has masterful compositions showing Kubrick’s vision and genius as a filmmaker. Read more