Category > Cinemascoping
The initial reviews for Joe Johnston's The Wolfman have been mixed at best and it's easy to see why. Its opening moves far too fast, one of its key actors phones in his performance and its third act flirts with silliness. That being said, I found this reboot of the 1941 classic engaging and at times daring in the way it pushes the boundaries of studio produced horror films and the weighty issues it takes on within its pulpy narrative …
Ed note: Chuck's best films of the decade list continues here. Note, once again: This is in no way intended to be a definitive list of the best films of the last 10 years. Undertaking such a project would be foolhardy and arrogant. No, this is simply my list on what I feel were the most significant movies made from 2000-2009 and is intended as nothing more than one critic's opinion, as well as a starting point for further discussion …
The purpose of "Best of " lists is to prompt reflection and discussion. Yet, often they become the focal point of divisiveness in which readers react vehemently if their personal favorites are ignored. So, in the spirit of this on-line magazine (remember the name gang), let's clarify a few things. This is in no way intended to be a definitive list of the best films of the last 10 years. Undertaking such a project would be foolhardy and arrogant. No, …
I wasn't sure what to expect from the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It, but I didn't anticipate being bored. However, that's exactly how I felt sitting through this cobbled-together collection of footage taken while the performer was preparing for what was to be the penultimate event of his career. His death casts not only a pall on the film but also proves to be the final, impenetrable barrier in getting to know the man. As put together by director …
There's no doubt that director Christian Alvert is doing his level best to duplicate Alien with his outer space, creature feature Pandorum. From its setting (a vast spaceship adrift in the cosmos), characters (a rag tag crew of misfits) to its monster (a horrific, carnivorous creature), this is a rip-off of Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic if there ever was one. Surely Alvert, if cornered, would refer to it as an homage, which would be stretching things, as the film does …
As activists go, Rick O'Barry is surely one of the most extreme you're likely to meet. An oceanographer who worked on the 60s television show Flipper as a dolphin trainer, he has taken an enormous burden upon himself. Convinced that the mania surrounding the hit TV show he worked on has led to the explosion in popularity of oceanariums and zoo dolphin shows, O'Barry has gone out of his way to stop the illegal sale of these mammals in Japan. While the …
Shane Acker's 9, a nearly feature-length (79 minutes) version of his experimental short film is a truly a wonder to behold. Set in a seemingly alternate reality in which World War II is combined with elements of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds with a touch of The Terminator thrown in for good measure, the film is visual knock out. With its post-apocalyptic vision of the world, in which ragamuffin creatures go toe-to-toe with machines that have achieved consciousness, is …
Having delivered a sobering warning about the state of our environment, with his Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, one would think the next obvious step for filmmaker Davis Guggenheim would be to do a feature on Greenpeace or the plight of the Amazon rain forest. While those are worthy subjects, the director thankfully tackled a far lighter but no less rewarding topic in his newest film It Might Get Loud, a stirring documentary with the simple premise that "three musicians …
The cinema of Quentin Tarantino has always been derivative in nature. A self-proclaimed movie geek who taught himself film history by working in a California video store, the director's movies are allusion-packed affairs that riff on his favorite genres as he puts his distinctive spin on them. The quandary of his films is that they're immature in nature yet often brilliant in execution, making for a seductive combination that's enamored film-goers and critics alike. Without question, Pulp Fiction was a …
Writer/Director David Twohy's films will never be confused for high art. Actually, the word "films" is a bit of a misnomer in referring to his work — "movies" is more accurate — yet there's no denying they're a great deal of fun. I'd be hard pressed to come up with an accurate way to measure just how much popcorn has been consumed by those who've seen The Arrival, a fun sci-fi alien conspiracy flick with Charlie Sheen, Below, a genuinely …
Most Recent Arts Comments
Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…
Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…
You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…
And boom goes the dynamite.
I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…
Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…
I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…
“Making art accessible to everyone and cultivating the art and artists in Champaign County is 40 North’s main mission.” FACT: When the Urbana City Council proposed to form a new public arts council of its own in 2008, 39 South actually sent letters from board members Cody…
On behalf of the New Art Film Festival, I’d like to thank you for highlighting our event in this article. It is our pleasure to put together this showcase for the community and the recognition is highly appreciated by all of us involved in the NAFF. Also,…
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Most Recent Comments
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
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Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…