NYC Film Critic

In Theaters: January 30, 2009
The Uninvited
DVD Round-Up: January 27, 2009

Neglected my posting duties this week.  Very sorry about that.  In addition to links to my various film posts, I’m also including several Obama-themed GIANT entries I penned for our “A New Day” extravaganza.  I’ll try to be more on point next week, but look at this way–now you’ve got plenty of reading material for the weekend!

Film
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
My Bloody Valentine 3-D
DVD Round-Up
Oscar Reaction

Obama
Obama’s Entertainment Cabinet
Obama DVDs
The Superhero President
Role Call
100 Days…100 Movies

Some reading material for you this long weekend.

In Theaters: January 16, 2009

Talking With…Grace Park

Hotel for Dogs

Skins, Secret Diary of a Call Girl and My Best Friend’s Girl are all on the run-down for this week’s DVD column at GIANT.

DVD Round-Up: January 13, 2009

The Golden Globes aired last night and I posted a quick reaction to it on GIANT this morning.  Check it out here.

Short version: Glad for Kate Winslet, even though I’m not a fan of either of film she won for and actually think the Supporting Actress win for The Reader is a farce.  She’s the freakin’ lead in the movie!  If that’s a supporting performance than Mickey Rourke should be running in the supporting category for The Wrestler as well.  Also can’t generate much enthusiasm over Slumdog Millionaire‘s success.  I know critics and audiences love it, but I still don’t quite understand why and none of the hyperbolic reviews have mounted a convincing defense for me.  At this point, a Best Picture win seems like a foregone conclusion, but part of me still thinks the movie is still too small to take home the big prize.  In fact, with the recent box-office success of Gran Torino (another film I simply don’t understand the appeal of), part of me wonders if we shouldn’t be looking for ol’ Clint to beat out the young lovers from Mumbai.

Also emerging out of last night’s festivities is word that Matthew Weiner and AMC are still locked in a battle over Weiner’s contract to continue with Mad Men.  Personally, I don’t understand why AMC would even consider trying to continue the series without him.  Of course, if some of the rumored reports of Weiner’s demands are true ($10 million a season?) I hope he’s willing to put the show first and take a modest salary hit.  A third season of Mad Men sans Weiner would be akin to cancellation and I’m not ready to let go of this series just yet.  Anyone remember the Palladino-free final season of Gilmore Girls?  Please, please, please don’t let the same thing happen here.

Looking for a good horror film to see this weekend?  Well, don’t go see The Unborn in that case.  I explain why in my Friday movie column over at Giantmag.com.

The Unborn

Looking for a DVD to rent this weekend?  Well…sorry to say there’s not much out there.  Take a peek at my weekly DVD column for a full roundup.  I also fill you in on nine movies and shows to look forward to this coming year.

DVD Round-Up: January 6, 2009
Top 9 of ’09

Greetings one and all. It’s a pleasure to be back at last.

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