Life Itself Directed by Steve James USA, 2014 In Roger Ebert’s memoir Life Itself, he dedicates an entire chapter to his love of Steak ‘n Shake. “If I were on death row, my last meal would be from Steak ‘n Shake,” he explains. “If I were to take President Obama and his family to dinner …
15. Stranger by the Lake Directed by Alain Guiraudie Written by Alain Guiraudie France Though Stranger by the Lake premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival (and appeared on Sound On Sight’s best of 2013 list), it finally reached North American audiences in January of this year. Alain Guiraudie’s stunning noir-tinged thriller is …
Picking the best movies that come out in any given year is no easy feat. For film fans, a quality feature can come out at any time, from any one, and discovering an enjoyable and well-crafted feature is truly a pleasure. As we reach the halfway point of the year, many excellent films have already …
A look at the masthead of the new RogerEbert.com is just one sign that the film world is still celebrating the life of the late film critic Roger Ebert, who died over a year ago this April. This Wednesday marks his 72nd birthday, and Chaz Ebert is commemorating the occasion with a Google+ Hangout Event …
Day Two of Ebertfest began early (9 am), with a discussion panel titled “Challenging Stigma Through The Arts”, which focused on Short Term 12 and its depiction of struggling teens. The panelists, a combination of artists, critics, and social work professionals, explored the connection between trauma, expression, and the arts, as well as the progression …
Ebertfest had an emotional start this year, kicking off with Steve James’ documentary Life Itself. This film, more of a memorial to Roger Ebert than a biography, examines the life and work of Ebert, along with the handful of decisions and relationships that most significantly shaped his life. It was a lovely way to begin …
Life Itself Directed by Steve James USA, 2014 The new documentary Life Itself, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week in advance of its theatrical release and subsequent airing on CNN (as this is a CNN Films production), is a rare beast. It is an honest and unflinching celebration of a man’s life, …
China Heavyweight Directed by Yung Chang Canada, 2012 In 1959, Chairman Mao banned Western-style boxing for being too American and too violent. Thirty years later, the ban was lifted. Although symptomatic of China’s ameliorating progress, Canadian director Yung Chang, in his documentary, China Heavyweight, exhibits how the country has yet to purge itself of Mao’s …
I always hear people say they don’t make movies like they used to.Well truthfully they don’t, but they still make great movies each and every year. 2011 was another successful year and while I only listed about 50 films below, I honestly could have stretched the list to at least 75 movies I’d feel comfortable …