Academic Film Criticism Versus Journalistic Film Criticism

July 9th, 2011

If you want to know about academic film criticism versus journalistic film criticism, here’s a basic interpretation: journalistic film criticism will tell you about the basic plot, the quality of acting, and the number of explosions, while academic film criticism analyzes a movie for underlying themes as they relate to broad cultural issues. For those who’d like more than just a one-sentence answer, then by all means read on.

Both forms of film criticism take skill and patience to write, and neither has greater intrinsic value than the other (although some would no doubt argue this point). While they make take different paths, each style arrives at the same destination: informing the potential audience why a film is or isn’t relevant. This is a simple generalization, of course, but it should form a basic understanding of the parallel goals of each.

What is Journalistic Film Criticism?

Journalistic film criticism is the kind you’re likely to find in newspapers, mass-market magazines, television programs, and online. These reviews are widely read by the general public, and they often influence the box office success of a film. Reviews can have such an impact that studios will often withhold advance screenings for movies likely to receive a negative reaction. However, there are films that routinely rake in big cash while being almost universally panned by the critical community (such as the Transformers franchise).

As a general rule, the role of the journalistic film critic has started to decline since the rise of the Internet and the development of more sophisticated marketing schemes by studios. Trash movie reviews (discussed in a later section) are often given equal weight as those written by veteran journalists, and this has served to dilute the quality of the overall quality. A tween interested in reading about the latest Twilight movie is unlikely to be able to muster the patience to make it through even one of Pauline Kael’s shorter reviews.

The Internet has also given rise to aggregate sites such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. These services gather together reviews by bloggers and professional critics alike, then use their positive or negative reactions to a film to determine an overall score.

But while journalistic movie reviews are dying a slow death, they can still manage to help elevate lesser-known indie films to the attention of audiences. A perfect example is The Hurt Locker, a limited-release war movie that received wider exposure and a Best Picture Oscar win after a wave of critical praise.

What is Academic Film Criticism?

Academic film criticism can be found in magazines that specializes in deeper discussions of cinema as well as books and scholarly journals. These writers try to focus on the meaning behind the images shown on the screen–whether cultural, economic, or artistic–and this pursuit has come to be known as film studies or film theory. Sometimes these discussions can reveal elements directely included by the director or screenwriter, while other examinations seek to peel back the film and discover unintentional subtext formed by attitudes of the time. It is widely taught in a number of universities around the globe.

Continued Reading on Academic Film Criticism

As I discussed earlier, academic film criticism tends to be published in either specialty magazines or academic journals. If you’d like to do some reading of your own on the subject, the following periodicals are a fine place to start.

Screen
Sequence
Journal of Film and Video
Cinema Journal
October
Jump Cut
Cahiers du Cinema
Rouge
Quarterly Review of Film and Video
Film Quarterly
Ecrans d’Afrique

Leading Figures in Journalistic Film Criticism

If you’d like to read some fine examples of journalistic film criticism, give the following a try:

Roger Ebert – While he’s the master of the form, Ebert also peppers his full-length reviews with plenty of academic film criticism, as well.
James Berardinelli - Ebert once referred to him as the best of the Internet movie critics.
Peter Travers – Short and to the point, Travers writes movie reviews for Rolling Stone.
Andrea Chase - Writes for Killer Movie Reviews.
Leonard Maltin – Venerable film critic and historian who cranks out books like a madman.
A.O. Scott – Chief film critic for the New York Times.

Leading Figures in Academic Film Criticism

Pauline Kael – The late film critic for The New Yorker magazine, Kael melded journalistic and academic film criticism into a new creature that continues to delight and amaze readers years after her passing. Any of her published collections of film essays are recommended.
Andre Bazin – The co-founded of Cahiers du Cinema and a leading force in post-WWII film criticism.
David Bordwell – Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bordwell’s book Film Art is used in many college film studies programs as an introductory text.
Richard Dyer - Winner of the lifetime achievement award from the Society for Cinema and Media Studies, this British academic has penned books on the influence of celebrity in film, white culture, and gay cinema.
Tania Modleski - Feminist film critic and professor of English at USC. Author of (among others) Loving with a Vengeance: Mass-Produced Fantasies for Women.

Trash Film Criticism

While we’re on the subject, I should mention a third category that I like to call “trash criticism.” This encompasses many of the online movie reviews you’ll come across, and they tend to be of a lesser quality than the two forms discussed above. Trash criticism traditionally focuses on the fanboy audience, meaning adult males who may also be into indie music, comic books, and making snarky comments on Internet message boards.

You can usually recognize trash criticism by the following signs:

1. Reviews are sprinkled with curse words.
2. May use lots of exclamation points at the end of their sentences.
3. Reviews may be of a sub-par quality or features numerous typos. This is not always the case, however.
4. May seem biased in favor of certain films, especially those where the studio flew them out to visit the set.

The perfect example of trash criticism comes from the folks over at Ain’t It Cool News. Harry Knowles and company, while still drawing a large online following, have spent years gushing and cursing about some of the most low-brow pieces of trash to ever hit the theatres. If you’d like to experience trash film criticism for yourself, give Harry’s reviews–or those written by his ridiculously-named colleagues–a try.

Diane Negra – A Cheap Plug

I’d be remiss if I didn’t pause to plug the works of Diane Negra, a former instructor of mine in college. I took a number of classes from her, and each explored the deeper meanings of film and television. Whether we were examining the social context of WKRP in Cincinnati episodes or discussing roles of gender in Valentino’s The Sheik, I found the experience to be both entertaining and informative. Besides, who wouldn’t want to have an excuse to watch lots and lots of episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess?

Ms. Negra has served as author or editor for a number of works, and I wanted to close out this article by listing the titles currently available from Amazon. Each features a certain level of examination of film, although most also pulls back the curtain on television and general pop culture. If you want to feel your I.Q. go up several points, give the works of Diane Negra a try.

Interrogating Postfeminism: Gender and the Politics of Popular Culture (Console-ing Passions)
A Feminist Reader in Early Cinema (a Camera Obscura Book)
What a Girl Wants?: Fantasizing the Reclamation of Self in Postfeminism
The Irish in Us: Irishness, Performativity, and Popular Culture
In the Limelight and Under the Microscope: Forms and Functions of Female Celebrity
Off-White Hollywood: American Culture and Ethnic Female Stardom
Old and New Media after Katrina

If you came into this article wanting to know more about academic film criticism versus journalistic film criticism, hopefully you’re leaving with a bellyful of wisdom. If not, I at least hope you understand the basic difference between the two. Just keep in mind that both are equally valid forms of cinematic literature that enable their readers to better appreciate the art of film.

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Movie Memorabilia for Sale – Auctions, Hollywood Collectors

June 29th, 2011

Collectible Movie Items

If you’re searching for movie memorabilia for sale, you’re about to enter a fascinating world filled with classic props, famous autographs, and plenty of bleary-eyed Hollywood collectors. That’s because what started as a very small niche has exploded into a multi-million dollar industry that’s seen everyone from Sotheby’s to eBay get in on the act.

Whether you’re searching for autographed movie scripts, costumes, lobby cards, posters, or autographed pictures, you’ll be amazed at the amount of cinematic history that’s up for grabs on the Internet. I’ve never been much for collecting movie memorabilia or taking part in auctions, mainly because I don’t have the excess cash to afford it. However, the truly dedicated collector can find some reasonable deals if they’re willing to exercise a little patience and settle for something less than iconic wardrobes and props.

Those who are rolling in the dough don’t have the same problem, however. To prove my point, here’s a list of movie memorabilia that’s been sold over the year (as well as some of the famous individuals who made the purchase).

The Two Biggest Movie Auctions in History

Auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s have held numerous sales of movie memorabilia over the years, and items change hands every day on eBay. But without a doubt, there are two movie memorabilia auctions that dwarf all others.

The first was held by MGM in 1970, and it marked the turning point for collectors of Hollywood merchandise. Up until then, it wasn’t uncommon to see members of the crew walk away with props and costumes, and many items would even get destroyed by the studio (which almost happened to Bogart’s famous trenchcoat from Casablanca).

But all that changed when James Thomas Aubrey, Jr. was hired as president of MGM. His goal was to make money and cut down on expenses, so he arranged an auction to sell off tons of props and costumes that had been gathering dust. In all, seven sound stages were cleared out and hundreds of thousands of items were sold to eager collectors. One of the celebrity collectors in attendance was actress Debbie Reynolds, and she bought up thousands of auction items to the tune of $180,000. Over 40 years later, this would lead to the second entry on our list.

The 2011 Debbie Reynolds auction is being managed by Profiles in History, and it’s scheduled to run from June through December. The print catalog alone was priced at $39.50, and all available copies have already sold out (a free PDF version is still available). Boasting a massive collection of props and costumes, this auction includes items worn or wielded by such Hollywood stars as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Rudolph Valentino, Bette Davis, Rex Harrison, Vivian Leigh, Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, Claudette Colbert, Richard Burton, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Douglas Fairbanks.

The auction is still underway as of this writing, but just take a look at what some items have already sold for:

Signed Movie Items – Celebrity Autographs

There are plenty of signed pieces of movie memorabilia floating around, but I found a number of interesting examples over at Hollywood Memorabilia.com. The most valuable was a signed 16×20 canvas drawing from Peter Max, which was listed at $6,231.17. Next was a copy of the music book for the album Revolver, signed by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr ($5,678).

If I had $2,032.53, I’d buy the 11×14 cast picture from Goodfellas, autographed by Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci. And don’t forget about the 8×10 movie still from The Wizard of Oz, signed by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr ($4,001.32).

Celebrity autographs are a specialty of the site. Items listed at over $2,000 include signatures by such famous individuals as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Princess Diana, Frank Sinatra, and a photo signed by former presidents Reagan, Bush, Ford, and Nixon.

Movie Props for Sale – Online Auctions

If you’re searching for collectible movie props, you’ll want to visit Premiere Props.com. They’ve been in business since 2001, and they deal in props and costumes from many recent Hollywood films. For those who enjoy texting (and who doesn’t?), you can get info on their latest additions by sending “props” to 292929.

When I perused their site, I was drawn to the ankle bomb prop from Inglourious Basterds. While I can’t afford the $999.99 asking price, it’s free to look at the picture and fantasize about killing Nazis.

Then there are a pair of Uggs worn by Sandra Bullock in her Oscar-winning role from The Blind Side ($799.99). The robe and mask worn by Ghostface in Scream 4 goes for $1,299.99, and fans of the Resident Evil franchise can choose between costumes worn by Milla Jovovich ($5,999.99) and Ali Larter ($3,299.99). And who wouldn’t want to have the motorcycle helmet worn by Steven R. McQueen (Steve McQueen’s grandson) in Piranha 3D ($249.99), or the dress that brushed against the body of Mila Kunis in The Book of Eli ($999.99)?

Movie Replicas

Movie replicas are reproductions of props used in movies, and the replica sword business is especially popular. Over at All Movie Replicas.com, they have a number of these items, including: a katana from The Last Samurai ($54.99), a Spartan sword from 300 ($199.99), Captain Barbossa’s sword from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise ($699.99), and the legendary Toledo Salamanca blade from Highlander ($1,250). Just thinking about Christopher Lambert and his weird Euro accent gets me all excited about that last item.

Movie Memorabilia from eBay

Since they sell everything else, it should come as no surprise that eBay deals in movie memorabilia for Hollywood collectors. In fact, many of the big auction sites have a presence on eBay (such as Profiles in History). When I visited the site recently, here were a few of the more valuable items up for sale: the only known one-sheet movie poster from A Trip to the Moon ($565,000), a prop car from the 1986 Charlie Sheen movie The Wraith ($325,000), a life-size T1 tank from Terminator 3 ($115,000), a 13-page comedy manuscript handwritten by W.C. Fields ($50,000), a Chucky doll from Child’s Play 2 ($49,999), and an early version of the Academy Award ($85,995).

And if collectible or signed movie scripts are your thing, be sure to check out items such as a Rooster Cogburn script signed by the cast ($19,999), a cast-signed script from The Buccaneer ($12,999), the original shooting script from Superman ($900), or Quentin Tarantino’s original Kill Bill screenplay ($4,500).

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Criterion Collection DVD and Blu-ray Reviews

June 22nd, 2011

I’m a confirmed cinema nut, so it should come as little surprise that I’m hooked on the Criterion Collection. Delivering top-notch restorations and extras, Criterion is the film geek equivalent of smoking a cigar in the back of a stretch limo while receiving the hummer of a lifetime from your favorite Hollywood starlet. Okay, maybe they’re not quite that good, but you get the idea.

In case you’re unfamiliar with Criterion, allow me to provide a bit of background. Founded in 1984, Criterion started out by releasing select film titles (usually arthouse) to the prestigious laserdisc format. This changed to DVDs in 1998, and the Blu-ray format was added in 2008, as well as a video-on-demand service.

The Criterion Collection doesn’t deal in Katherine Heigl movies. Instead, they specialize in feature films that have made important contributions to the medium. Many of the selections are no-brainers (Seven Samurai, The Third Man), while others have led to heated debates on various spots across the Internet (Armageddon, The Blob). But no matter what the title, everyone can agree that the Criterion version is going to immediately be the best on the market.

However, this article isn’t just about singing the praises of the Criterion Collection. Rather, it’s about making you aware of the brave individuals who’ve set out to offer Criterion Collection DVD and Blu-ray reviews. Some include only their favorites, while others intend to see every film released under the Criterion banner. In either case, it’s a deed worth mentioning.

The Criterion Contraption – Roger Ebert called the feat “scaling Mt. Criterion,” and that’s exactly what Matthew Dessem is doing. His goal: see and review every film in the Criterion Collection. It’s a project he started back in 2004, although Criterion continues to release movies at a rate that almost guarantees Dessem will never accomplish his goal. He suggests that anyone interested in emulating his feat start at the first film in the collection (Criterion numbers their releases) and move down the list.

Matthew’s Criterion Collection reviews aren’t brief affairs either. He analyzes all the extra content (commentary tracks are a favorite) and even provides his own images by taking them from the individual titles with the help of a computer. In fact, he first came to the attention of Ebert when he wrote the venerable critic to lightly complain about his unauthorized use of his Dessem’s screen grabs.

So far this year (2011), Dessem has turned out six reviews: The Lady Eve (#103), Double Suicide (#104), Spartacus (#105), Coup de Torchon (#106), Mona Lisa (#107), and The Rock (#108). That’s about one per month, but keep in mind the length of time it takes to watch the film, watch it again with various commentary tracks, watch the special featurettes, etc. He’s never going to complete his quest, but it’ll be fun to watch him try.

By the way, you can find the article by Roger Ebert right here.

Criterion on the Brain – Another writer with the goal of seeing every film in the Criterion Collection. He (I’m showing my sexism by assuming it’s a male) delivers compact and well-reasoned personal opinions on each of the movies viewed, and it may be more approachable to those intimidated by scholarly review sites. According to his blog archive, the first post appeared in 1999, with 2010 and 2011 being especially busy years (154 reviews in 2010, and 57 so far in 2011). The author doesn’t see the films in order, so there’s a certain sense of anticipation while waiting to see what he’ll choose next.

During the month that I wrote this article, they’ve reviewed the following so far: Close-up (#519), The Leopard (#235), Blow Out (#562), House (#539), and Carlos (#582). The author also provides a list of the 10 favorite films he’s seen since embarking on the project. That list alone is worth taking a look at.

Criterion Affection – If you like your Criterion Collection movie reviews short and to the point, you’ll enjoy this site by yet another author who’s looking to watch every film they release. Most reviews are wrapped up in a paragraph, which is perfect for those cinephiles in a hurry. The blog started up in 2010 (according to the archives), and the following reviews were staring back at me from the homepage during my visit: Lord of the Flies, The Vanishing, The Ruling Class, My Man Godfrey, Beauty and the Beast, Walkabout, Unfaithfully Yours, The Times of Harvey Milk, and Fanny and Alexander.

Criterion Reflections – Back in the ‘80s, Dave Blakeslee played guitar for a punk band known as the Church Police. Fast forward a few decades, and he’s a happily married father of four who’s decided to watch every release from the Criterion Collection and review it. Each review opens with a quote from the film, and Dave also takes the time to include (when possible) a YouTube clip to give viewers a better idea of what to expect. His reviews are well-written and show a growing understanding of the art of cinema, which is something I always look for when deciding what to bookmark for future consideration. One of the best Criterion review sites out there, Dave had recently reviewed the following films upon my visit: Floating Weeds (#232), Shadows (#251), Fires on the Plain (#378), Il Generale Della Rovere (#463), Black Orpheus (#48), Hiroshima mon amour (#196), and Good Morning (#84).

Criterion Confessions – Jamie S. Rich is a novelist, writer of comic books, and member of the Online Film Critics Society. And when he’s not busy writing fictional tales, he’s watching fictional tales from Criterion and giving his thoughts on them. He reviews about six to eight Criterion releases per month, and his blog dates all the way back to 2007. And since the man makes a living with his words, you can darned well bet that it’s going to be well-written. When I dropped in, these were the films he had recently reviewed: Fish Tank (#553), The Makioka Sisters (#567), Insignificance (#566), The Great Dictator (#565), and Diabolique (#35).

As you can see, all the sites listed above are offering different Criterion Collection reviews at any given time. Since Criterion’s library grows each month, this is an excellent way to inform yourself about some of the many titles being offered. While it’s unlikely that any of these valiant cinema fans will ever look down upon the world from the top of Mt. Criterion, it’s fun to watch them try.

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Redbox Franchise

June 16th, 2011

The next time you venture to Wal-Mart or Walgreens, take a look around and see if you can spot the massive red kiosk with a soccer mom standing in front of it (okay, the soccer mom is optional). That’s Redbox, and it’s one of the hottest options for people on the go who want to rent a movie.

In fact, the Redbox franchise is growing at such an impressive rate that it threatens to put a major dent in Netflix business for 2011, 2012, and beyond. As a longtime movie fanatic, I’m in favor of any option that allows me to save time and money.

How to Get Redbox Movie Rentals

I first tried my hand at Redbox movie rentals in 2011, and I was surprised by how easy it was. The Redbox franchise can be found in over 27,000 locations ranging from convenience stores and drugstores to restaurants and grocery stores. Heck, even famous landmarks like the Empire State Building have one.

Each kiosk takes up about 12 square feet of space, but it holds around 630 movies (usually around 200 unique titles, with the rest being duplicate copies). Expect the bulk of available titles to be of the newer variety, although a few classics will be slipped in on occasion. And, yes, you do have the option of seeing the latest Hollywood blockbuster on Blu-ray.

I like to avoid touching doorknobs and other public germ factories, so I always make sure to apply some hand sanitizer after my trip to the local Redbox franchise. If you’re like me, you’ll want to keep this in mind.

Once you approach the Redbox kiosk, you’ll notice a large touch screen. This is where you’ll conduct your business, and any movie can be touched to receive additional information. When you’ve found a title you like, just press “Add to Cart.” More movies can be added in this fashion, or press “Check Out” to complete your transaction. You can pay by credit or debit card, and within seconds you’ll be receiving your selections from inside the machine.

When you’re ready to return the movies, they can be dropped off at any Redbox franchise (there‘s at least one in every state). Just press the return option on the touch screen, and then insert the movie (case included) back into the kiosk. It’s that simple.

I hate going to the video store and finding that all 20 copies of the movie I want are checked out. Redbox allows you to avoid this by reserving titles online. Just visit the Redbox website, pick the movie you want, and pay for it. This will allow you to reserve a copy until 9 pm the following day. When you arrive at the Redbox kiosk, swipe the credit or debit card previously used to reserve the film, and you’ll get your selection straight away.

I prefer to reserve my movies in advance, because people tend to get impatient if you take too long to browse the available titles. If it’s taken care of online, it cuts down on the opportunity for Croc-wearing suburban mothers with cottage cheese thighs to show their dark side.

To find the Redbox franchise nearest you, just text “REDBOX” to 50101. To get a list of the latest movies released every Tuesday, text “NEW” to 727272. With the latter, just keep in mind that sometimes Redbox has to wait up to a month after a film has come out on DVD before they can stock it. You have the greedy movie studios to thank for that.

Cost of Redbox Movie Rentals

One of the major advantages of your local Redbox franchise is price. You can get a DVD rental for only $1 per day, while a Blu-ray movie from Redbox costs $1.50 (plus a small amount of tax for each). I’m always looking for a bargain, so this blows the prices of Blockbuster right out of the water (although readers looking at this article in 2012 may hardly remember the former king of video stores).

Speaking of bargains, the Netflix website offers a free night’s rental to customers who’ve made their first transaction. Just go to the Redbox website, look for the link labeled “Get a free rental” at the bottom of the page, and get all the details.

In addition to Redbox movie rentals, the franchise is also testing the waters by renting video games at select locations. If you can find such a kiosk, expect to pay $2 per day for the latest video game titles for all major platforms. I’ve always wished that Netflix would offer game rentals, so this is a big plus for me.

I’m not big on using my mobile phone, but even I couldn’t resist joining the Redbox Mobile Club. I just texted “REDBOX” to 727272, and now I get a free night’s rental on the first Monday of every month.

Can You Get a Redbox Franchise?

I would love to have a Redbox franchise, but that’s just not going to happen. For starters, I don’t own my own business, and there’s also the matter of Redbox requiring a potential location to have a certain amount of foot traffic per week. I live in a town of 10,000, and the only place that qualifies is the local Wal-Mart. Unless I buy Wally World, it looks like I’m out of luck.

In my fantasy world, however, I own a thriving comic book shop that draws an unusual amount of naïve and busty 18-year-old females. When I’m not busy staring at them inappropriately or debating who would win between Superman and Batman, I envision myself strolling out front and getting cheap-ass movies whenever I want. Yes, my imaginary life is pretty damned good.

So if your local video store sucks and you don’t want to commit to a Netflix membership, be sure to keep Redbox in mind. Even the cheapest cinema fan can afford $1 per day, and you might even make a love connection with a soccer mom while waiting in line (at least I did in my fantasy world).

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Netflix Free Trial, Netflix Movies, and Netflix Plans

June 15th, 2011

I’ve been a Netflix subscriber since 2005, so I have a lot of experience with how they do business. Most of it is good–such as introducing the concept of no late fees and bringing Blockbuster to their knees–but then there’s the less-than-desirable practice of “throttling” and their refusal to list the release dates for DVDs and Blu-ray movies. But despite any complaints, I’ve stuck with the company through it all, and I feel perfectly qualified to discuss the Netflix free trial, Netflix movies, and Netflix plans.

Netflix Free Trial

I never took advantage of the Netflix free trial, because I didn’t need any convincing to join the nation’s largest online movie rental service. I heard about their business thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign, and I was sick and tired of my local video store not carrying the titles I was looking for (especially in regards to foreign cinema) and being such dicks about late fees. Armed with a love for cinema and a painfully slow dial-up connection, I went and joined the Netflix faithful.

If you’re less certain, though, you can sign up and receive one month’s membership for free. You’ll only be able to have one or two movies out at a time, but it should be more than sufficient to see how Netflix works and how long titles will take to reach your home.

You’ll also be able to sample the streaming movies on Netflix, which is important considering that they eventually hope to drop the through-the-mail option entirely. Just imagine how much Netflix spends each year on all that pre-paid postage. When their library of movies can all be streamed online, they’ll be making more money than ever before.

Netflix Movies

Netflix currently has over 100,000 movies in their library, and a much smaller percentage are also available to be streamed online. No matter what kind of film genre you’re into, you can bet that Netflix will carry it (no porn, however). I do run into the occasional movie that isn‘t stocked, but those instances are few and far between (I enjoy watching lots of obscure films).

I usually get my movies through the mail, as I live in a rural area and have spotty Internet service. When I send a title back to Netflix, it almost always arrives the following day, and then my next selection can be expected a day later. I’m perfectly pleased with the two-day turnaround time, although this will depend on how far you’re located from a Netflix distribution center.

When I have watched streaming movies on Netflix, I’ve had no complaints. Just make sure you have a fast and reliable Internet connection, and you won’t have a problem. The only downside is having to watch the movie as-is, meaning you can’t select from various menu options like you could with a DVD. Still, that’s a small price to pay for being able to view films over your PC or Mac with just a couple of clicks.

The selection of streaming films on Netflix used to suck, but they’ve taken great pains to improve the quality in the last few years. They have a deal with Starz that allows them to carry many of the same films that are currently being shown on premium cable, and the overall Netflix streaming library continues to grow.

For those who only watch movies on Blu-ray, you’ll be delighted to know that Netflix offers Blu-ray rentals for a few extra bucks a month. I don’t use this option myself, but it’s perfect for those with elaborate home theatre setups.

And speaking of home theatres, the Netflix streaming option can also be set up to be piped directly to your TV. I have a friend who has a massive high-definition television, and it’s always a treat to get to watch movies with him. I’m not aware of the specifics, but any tech geek worth his salt should be able to figure it out.

The only downside is Netflix’s refusal to provide a list of which movies are coming out in a specific week. They used to do this, but people would end up complaining when the movie they wanted wasn’t immediately available. Netflix got tired of the griping, so they just removed the list. I don’t agree with this policy at all, as anyone who pays a monthly membership fee should have the right to voice their opinion without threat of having a service eliminated.

Netflix Plans

There are a wide array of Netflix plans to choose from, and I’ve used a number of them over the years. When I first became a subscriber, I chose the plan that allowed me to have three movies out at a time. As my appetite for cinema grew, I switched to the 8-movies-at-a-time plan (the largest plan offered by Netflix). But after viewing many of the movies I was really interested in, I ended up dropping down to the 5-at-a-time option.

And since there are no late fees, you can keep your movies as long as you like. I have a pal who’s joined Netflix once or twice in the past, but his selections always end up scattered around his house and never get watched. Of course, I don’t suggest this behavior, as you’ll eventually be asked to pay for the movies in question (when you cancel your membership).

To encourage subscribers to take advantage of their streaming option, Netflix also offers a reduced-price plan that eliminates the mail-order option altogether in favor of online viewing. I won’t go with this plan until I have no other choice, but those who spend all their time online may want to consider it.

That wraps up my look at the Netflix free trial, Netflix movies, and Netflix plans. As I stated earlier, I’ve been a customer since 2005, and my overall experience has been above satisfactory. Those who watch foreign and animated films to the exclusion of all else might want to give GreenCine a look before joining up, but anyone else would be crazy not to give Netflix a try.

And don’t even get me started on Blockbuster. If they hadn’t spent years putting the bottom line before customer satisfaction, then maybe this article would be about them instead. But they didn’t, and so it isn’t. It’s nice to know that the gods of cinema dish out a little justice from time to time (although I’m still waiting for them to do something about Michael Bay and James Cameron).

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2011 Pepsi Coupons – Online, Printable, Free

June 15th, 2011

Pepsi: for when they’re out of Coke. I’m paraphrasing a line from The Art of Lying, but that really should be the official company motto. As a longtime fan of Coca-Cola, I drink it whenever I have the opportunity, and I hate to hear the following words at a restaurant, “Is Pepsi okay?”

Okay, maybe I’m being a little hard on our pals at Pepsi Cola. After all, they need all the positive reinforcement they can get after Pepsi dropped to the #3 soft drink behind Coke and (of all things) Diet Coke. Since Diet Coke tastes like drinking battery acid combined with cheap gin, I sympathize with their predicament.

If you love Pepsi as much as I love their competitor, you’ll want to keep reading for info on where to find Pepsi coupons, a brief history of the company, and even a few examples of clever product placement on TV and in feature films. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be thirsting for a soft drink like never before.

My Experience with Pepsi

I’ve never been a Pepsi customer on a regular basis, but I did drink Mountain Dew like a fiend as a little kid (back when they still used a hillbilly on the bottle). There have also been a few occasions where I’d go to a theatre that only carried Pepsi, and so I would be forced to watch the film while slurping down something other than my chosen brand.

Oddly enough, I actually worked for Pepsi for a few weeks after graduating from college. A couple of friends worked there, and they put in a good word. It was a disaster, though, as I quit over the phone the first time I faced dealing with massive pallets filled with Pepsi in the back of a Wal-Mart. However, from what I’ve heard, it’s a dream environment compared to Coca-Cola and their habit of not paying employees for overtime.

I also remember buying a Coke to drink while I was being trained to work for Pepsi. My co-worker warned me that I could be instantly fired if anyone from corporate ever saw such a thing, which was another reason to get the hell out of there. Nobody tells me I can’t drink Coca-Cola.

Pepsi History

Pepsi was invented by Caleb Bradham in North Carolina in 1898. The concoction was originally known as “Brad’s Drink,” but someone wisely figured out that the name sucked. In 1903, it was changed to Pepsi-Cola.

The company made strides during the Great Depression by offering a larger bottle and a cheaper price than Coke. The strategy worked, and soon the two soft drink titans would engage in a battle throughout the decades.

It’s interesting to note that Coke had the opportunity to buy Pepsi out on three occasions between 1922 and 1933, but they declined each time. It’s a good thing, too, as I’d hate to order a Coke in a restaurant and be told that they have Big Red instead.

In case you’re wondering, the phrase “Pepsi coupons” extends far beyond the distinctive blue can. The company makes a ton of soft drinks and other beverages, and most coupon sources will carry a wide selection of these.

As of this writing, here are the 2011 Pepsi products available for purchase in the United States. If I left one or more off, be sure to bitch about it in the comments section.

Pepsi

Diet Pepsi

Pepsi Max

Mountain Dew

Diet Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew Voltage

Sierra Mist

Diet Sierra Mist

Gatorade

Tropicana Juice

G2

Propel Fit Water

Where to Find Pepsi Coupons

You’d have to be seriously dense not to be able to find Pepsi coupons. The darn things are everywhere, as Pepsi will try any method possible to lure customers away from the competition.

One option is to waste a bunch of time surfing the Internet in search of online, printable Pepsi coupons. But for every legitimate site you manage to find, you’ll have to deal with a dozen that feature nothing but spam and viruses.

No, your best bet is to buy the Sunday edition of the newspaper (preferably one for a city larger than 20,000). You’ll find it brimming with inserts and coupons, and rest assured that a number of these will be for Pepsi products. Clipping coupons isn’t my thing, but I do enjoy getting great deals (even if it’s on something other than Coke).

Pepsi Product Placement

Pepsi and Coke are in a constant battle for product placement and brand recognition. Of course, Pepsi needs it more considering that they’re behind in the cola wars, so they tend to pop up all over the place. In fact, of the thirty-seven #1 box-office movies in 2004, Pepsi products appeared in seven of them. Here are a few examples:

In Conclusion

While I don’t like Pepsi as much as Coke, I’m always willing to drink it when the competition isn’t available. And thanks to the mountain of free Pepsi coupons released every week in newspapers, it’s often the smarter option for budget-minded consumers. Besides, when a movie is really good, it doesn’t matter what you’re drinking in the darkness.

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Good Childrens Movies

June 14th, 2011

As a service to our readers, I wanted to write about some good childrens movies currently available on Blu-ray and DVD. I confess that it’s been a while since I was a kid, so many of my selections reflect that. In addition, some of the films listed below aren’t really children’s movies at all, but rather motion pictures I watched and enjoyed as a youngster. While this may leave you wondering as to the stability of my childhood, I guarantee that all of the following will entertain without causing too much trauma.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – I saw this at my local single-screen theatre as a kid, and I remember bawling like a baby at Steven Spielberg’s timeless tale of a little alien stranded on Earth and befriended by a young boy. Sales of Reece’s Pieces went through the roof as a result, and anyone who likes Drew Barrymore will get a kick out of seeing her back when she was a child actress. Not all kid’s movies stand the test of time, but E.T. certainly does.

Up (2009) – Pixar seems infallible when it comes to making computer-animated films that appeal to all ages, and the Oscar-winning Up is just one of many examples. Ed Asner provides the voice for Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who dreams of making a trip to South America in honor of his late wife. But things take a turn for the hilarious when an energetic Wilderness Explorer winds up tagging along, and the mismatched duo soon find themselves in a dangerous jungle pursued by a crazed explorer (Christopher Plummer) and his pack of talking dogs. My favorite character was Dug (Bob Peterson), a lovable and squirrel-obsessed dog with the ability to speak through a collar around his neck.

Bambi (1942) – You’d have to be made of stone not to cry during this Walt Disney classic, and the nature setting allows it to remain fresh after almost seven decades. One of the greatest animated films ever made, this adaptation of the Felix Salten novel details the maturation of a white-tailed deer named Bambi despite the many perils presented by mankind. Just thinking about Bambi’s doomed mother gets me all misty-eyed.

Ghostbusters (1984) – I still remember rushing out of the theatre in excitement after seeing this supernatural comedy starring Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd as a trio of bumbling ghost hunters. If the comedic starpower isn’t enough, add in the presence of Sigourney Weaver and an irresistible title song from Ray Parker, Jr. Let’s hope they never decide to “re-imagine” this one, as the original still works surprisingly well.

WALL-E (2008) – Another homerun from Pixar, WALL-E tells the story of a gentle robot tasked with cleaning up a trash-laden Earth in the future. When he finds a lone plant growing on the surface of the otherwise barren planet, it prompts a visit from a probe known as EVE. Instantly smitten by the sight of another robot, WALL-E follows her into space and gets involved in a series of adventures. Funny and touching at the same time, which is all the more impressive when you consider the minimal amount of dialogue used. Fans rightfully pitched a fit when it was overlooked for a Best Picture Oscar nomination, leading to the category being increased to 10 nominees the following year.

Charlotte’s Web (1973) – An animated classic that I used to watch on television as a kid, Charlotte’s Web revolves around a young pig (voiced by Henry Gibson) who’s befriended by a wise spider named Charlotte (Debbie Reynolds). I always cried thanks to the bittersweet ending, but there were also plenty of laughs to be had thanks to the lively musical numbers and the antics of a rat named Templeton (the wonderfully distinctive voice of Paul Lynde). A live-action version was made in 2006, but this one remains the better option. If you show this to younger viewers, be prepared to field some questions about death after the credits roll.

Star Wars (1977) – Before George Lucas completely sold out, he tore up the box office with this sci-fi tale of a young farmer named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who gets thrust into the middle of an interstellar rebellion. As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of super-cool smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), but I didn’t really appreciate Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) until she showed lots more flesh in Return of the Jedi. If you’re looking for movies for young boys, this one is a guaranteed hit.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) – When a young girl named Dorothy (Judy Garland) winds up in the fantastical world of Oz, she must contend with the Wicked Witch, flying monkeys, and a host of bizarre pals ranging from a cowardly lion to a dancing scarecrow. They used to show this on TV once a year, and I was always a loyal viewer. Even if you have to rent it, it’s still worth the effort thanks to dazzling musical numbers and plenty of colorful characters designed to please kids of all ages.

A Special Note on Good Children’s Movies

Since I’ve talked about good children’s movies that I would recommend, it’s only fair that I mention one that scared the crap out of me in my youth. I caught it on television as a kid, so there’s no telling what kind of psychological damage would’ve been done by seeing it on the big screen. I’m talking about Carrie, the 1976 film adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel.

I just about lost my little mind when poor Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) got doused in pig’s blood, and even the presence of William Katt and John Travolta on-screen couldn’t stop the terror. It should be a no-brainer, but allow me to be clear: Don’t let your kids watch Carrie or any other movie where tormented high school students get covered in blood and then use telekinetic powers to exact revenge. If you’re an adult, however, run out and rent it as soon as possible.

That concludes my look at good children’s movies. Admittedly, some (most) of these are dated, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth a look. After all, the term “classic” exists for a reason.

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Amazon DVDs for Sale – 2011,2012

June 13th, 2011

I used to venture out of the house to buy my movies, but I’ve started staying inside and taking advantage of all the Amazon DVDs for sale. It’s not that I dislike people; I just like saving money even more. And whether we’re talking 2011, 2012, or even 2013, I don’t see this trend changing anytime soon.

The main reason I’m a fan of Amazon is convenience. I click on the movies I want, Amazon bills my credit card, and the selections arrive right at my doorstep via USPS or UPS. Products are always shipped in a timely fashion, and I’ve yet to receive anything that’s damaged or not as advertised.

The second reason I love buying movies from Amazon is the ability to save money. While there are always plenty of Amazon DVDs for sale, the site’s everyday prices are also heavily discounted. In some cases, they offer films that have been marked down by as much as 70 percent. Sure, some of these movies stink, but most are well worth adding to your collection.

Amazon Deals on DVDs

On any given day, Amazon will offer deals on thousands of DVDs. In some cases, the discount may only be a few bucks, but others will be slashed by over 50% of their original price. These are often titles that have been available for a while, but a good movie is a good movie. As long as it’s cheap and entertaining, why does it matter what year it came out?

If you’re looking for deals on DVD or Blu-ray, Amazon offers the following categories:

Action & Adventure
African American Cinema
Animation
Anime & Manga
Art House & International
Classics
Comedy
Cult Movies
Documentary
Drama
Educational
Exercise & Fitness
Gay & Lesbian
Horror
Kids & Family
Military & War
Music Video & Concerts
Musicals & Performing Arts
Mystery & Suspense
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Special Interests
Sports
Television
Westerns

Each week, Amazon offers “spotlight deals” with discounts of 58%, and these titles are almost always crowd favorites. When I checked it out, movies such as Batman Begins, The Maltese Falcon, Forrest Gump, and Saving Private Ryan were being featured. These will change, of course, but it gives you an idea of the quality of the titles being spotlighted.

While I enjoy regular discounts, I also like to save obscene amounts of cash whenever possible. Amazon has a section offering DVDs for 70% off, so I was immediately drawn there. Some of the titles were awful, but movies like Natural Born Killers, Giant, Casino, and Pale Rider are steals at such a discounted price. As the old saying goes: It pays to shop around.

Amazon Blu-rays for Sale

Customers seeking a more high-definition experience will want to check out the Amazon Blu-rays for sale. Some of these items are admittedly substandard (anything with Katherine Heigl, for example), but I was surprised by the low prices offered on many top-notch Blu-ray titles.

As of this writing, you could get the following for just under $5: Caddyshack, Blazing Saddles, Pan’s Labyrinth, Excalibur, and Soylent Green. If you like junk, you can also snag Big Business (with Bette Midler) or Jumpin’ Jack Flash (with the Whoopi) for just a few bucks.

The $5 to $10 range includes a wide range of quality titles, including Full Metal Jacket, Office Space, 300, The Hangover, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. While I already own 300 on DVD, seeing the Blu-ray at such a low price is seriously tempting.

For over $20, you can buy a lot of TV series on Blu-ray. This price range also includes a number of film collections, including the X-Men Trilogy, the Bourne Trilogy, and the entire Rocky series. If you’re really into a specific franchise, you’ll want to give this section a look.

While I hate 3D, fans of the genre should be aware that Amazon also carries 3D Blu-ray movies. Most of these aren‘t on sale, however, as the whole point of the 3D craze (in my opinion, at least) is to gouge the consumer for as much money as possible.

Keep in mind that offers change all the time, so the Amazon Blu-rays for sale will look quite different by the time you read this. By 2012 or 2013, I’m certain the list will be unrecognizable (including that inevitable Oscar-winning performance by Ashton Kutcher).

Movie Discounts at Amazon

While the Amazon DVDs on sale are reason enough to visit the site, I suggest watching out for additional bargains and special offers. When I was doing the research for this article, I noticed Amazon was offering a special allowing customers to buy two select Blu-ray titles and receive $5 off their next DVD or Blu-ray purchase.

I was expecting these “select” titles to be limited or downright crappy, but I was surprised to see a number a names that I both recognized and enjoyed (including Halloween, Last Action Hero, Tombstone, and Event Horizon). Peal Harbor also made the list, proving that even Amazon isn’t perfect.

If you’re reading this article in late 2011, 2012, or some point in the future, this deal will have expired. However, that doesn’t mean Amazon won’t be offering other special deals in its place. Keep your eyes peeled.

Amazon Instant Video

In addition to selling DVDs and Blu-ray movies, Amazon offers a service known as Amazon Instant Video. For only $3.99 you can view a movie online, and many of the latest releases are available. If you’re the type of person who only watches a movie once, this will cut down on plenty of clutter around your house. It’s also significantly cheaper than many pay-per-view services.

I’ve only used the Amazon Instant Video service once, but I had no problem with playback or picture quality. I was especially pleased, as I viewed Hobo with a Shotgun several weeks before it started a limited theatrical run.

Amazon Disc + On Demand

When you view the specific pages for Amazon DVDs on sale (Blu-ray movies are also included), you’ll notice some have an icon labeled “Disc + On Demand.” While I’ve never used it myself, this sounds like a great option for those impatient types who don’t want to wait several days to view their purchase. You still receive your DVD in the mail, but you’ll have the immediate option of watching your movie via PC, Mac, or over 100 compatible TVs and devices. And for 30 days after your purchase, you can access it online anytime you want.

A Final Word

Let me be clear about something: I don’t work for Amazon, and I have no intention of doing so in 2011, 2012, or any year beyond that (like they would have me). I’m just a customer who’s deeply satisfied with their service, and I’m using my little blog as a platform to say so. So the next time you’re in the mood for some home entertainment, at least consider the vast collection of Amazon DVDs for sale.

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Kurt Loder Movie Reviews

January 27th, 2011

I’ve always enjoyed Kurt Loder movie reviews, but the man in question has done so much more during his amazing career. For example, he was drafted into the Army after dropping out of college, and that’s when his journalistic career began. Since that time, he’s written for Circus, enjoyed a much-celebrated run with Rolling Stone, joined MTV in 1987 as their only legit journalist, and co-authored the Tina Turner autobiography, I, Tina. Now in his 60s, Loder is still going strong.

If you’ve never experienced his writing, be sure to check out these Kurt Loder movie reviews. I’ve included a link for each, so you’re just one click away from the full article.

That concludes our look at some Kurt Loder movie reviews. You can catch the shorter versions by watching MTV and sitting through hours of reality programming, or you can just head to their official website and enjoy Kurt Loder’s opinions in all their uncut glory. You the man, Kurt!

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Harry Knowles Movie Reviews

January 25th, 2011

If you’ve ever read any Harry Knowles movies reviews, you’re bound to remember the experience…they’re the ones that seem unusually enthusiastic and peppered with curse words and bizarre punctuation. They’ll also drone on at great lengths about personal details that nobody really cares about. But some people must enjoy it, because Ain’t It Cool News (Harry’s website) continues to draw in geeks from around the globe. Then it, that might have something to do with all the insider info that Harry and his crew have fed to them by studio execs eager to get a positive word or two about their project in return.

Still, it’s not too shabby for an obese ginger kid who got his start while confined to a bed. Harry Knowles has popped up on the Forbes Power List, and he’s made appearances on Politically Incorrect and Roger Ebert and The Movies. He’s also made cameos in a number of films, leaving some (including Ebert) to question his ability to remain objective. But Harry doesn’t care; he’s too busy hanging out with guys like Robert Rodriguez and holding his annual Butt-numb-a-thon film festival every December.

And once you’ve checked out the Harry Knowles movie reviews below, be sure to read the multi-part Film Threat expose that was released several years ago. It’s an interesting look at the relationship between Knowles and the studios.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look at some of the Harry Knowles movie reviews available online. I would’ve included more, but frankly their shitty site design over at Ain’t It Cool News always causes my computer to lock up. Hope you have better luck than I did.

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