The Best Movies of the 2010s

With December 31, 2019 bringing the 2010s to a close, it’s time to present the best movies of the 2010s as we head into the 2020s. It’s never easy putting together these lists.  Hell, some films improve with time while other films are long forgotten.  Take a look at this year, for instance.  What films will we be talking about in a decade from now.  Will the best movies of the 2010s still be the…

"The Best Movies of the 2010s"

Danny Fingeroth talks Stan Lee

Former Marvel editor Danny Fingeroth, who recently wrote A Marvelous Life, took some time last week to discuss Stan Lee with Solzy at the Movies. A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee was published in November. When did you start to think about writing this book? Danny Fingeroth:  I’ve been toying with the idea for the better part of a decade.  I signed a contract with Macmillan for the book in 2016 and…

"Danny Fingeroth talks Stan Lee"

Chicago Indie Critics: 2019 Awards Nominations

The Chicago Indie Critics, formerly the CIFCC, have announced the organization’s fourth annual awards nominations for 2019. The Chicago Indie Critics awards ceremony will take place on January 4, 2020. THE COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THE 2019 CIC AWARDS: BEST INDEPENDENT FILM (BUDGETS UNDER $20 MILLION) Booksmart Chelsea Barnard, David Distenfield, Jessica Elbaum, Megan Ellison, and Katie Silberman (producers) The Farewell Anita Gou, Daniele Melia, Andrew Miano, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, Chris Weitz, Jane…

"Chicago Indie Critics: 2019 Awards Nominations"

Amanda Crew and Lexy Kolker talk Freaks

Freaks stars Amanda Crew and Lexy Kolker sat down with me during the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival to discuss the film. In addition to her role in Freaks, Amanda Crew may be best known from her role as Monica Hall on Silicon Valley.  She also appeared in Charlie St. Cloud, The Age of Adaline, and Race, among other titles. Lexy Kolker is an actress to keep your eyes on.  Not even ten years old,…

"Amanda Crew and Lexy Kolker talk Freaks"

Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky talk Freaks

Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky, a pair of writer-directors, sat down with me to discuss Freaks during the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. The duo wrote and directed Freaks, which premiered in the Discovery section.  The film stars Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Grace Park, Amanda Crew, and features a stand-out performance from Lexy Kolker. Both Stein and Lipovsky met during On the Lot eleven years ago.  They both finished in the top five and ultimately…

"Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky talk Freaks"

Galaxy Quest: Star Trek Send-Up Is A Classic

Galaxy Quest, the Star Trek send-up, still remains a sci-fi comedy classic as fans across the globe celebrate the 20th anniversary. No list of the all-time best comedies can be complete without Galaxy Quest.  To make such a list without this cult classic would be–By Grabthar’s hammer, by the suns of Worvan–illogical to say the least.  When I first saw the film, I had never been initiated into the Star Trek universe.  A real introduction…

"Galaxy Quest: Star Trek Send-Up Is A Classic"

The Solzy Awards for 2019 – The Best In Film

An annual tradition, Solzy at the Movies presents the Solzy Awards for 2019 as a way of honoring the best achievements this year in film. When it comes to the Solzy Awards, my criteria are the same as the Oscars with the traditional 7-day minimum release in Los Angeles and New York.  Basically, it isn’t eligible if I don’t have a way of seeing it before the end of the year.  My first-watch viewings this…

"The Solzy Awards for 2019 – The Best In Film"

Little Women: Another Remake But A Strong One

Little Women is another re-telling in a long line of adaptations of the beloved two-volume novel by author Louisa May Alcott. Maybe it’s because of my childhood–you know, the whole growing up with the wrong body–but I wasn’t able to really connect with the film upon my first viewing a few weeks ago.  Upon second viewing, I found it to be a much stronger film.  Of course, I still have issues with never-ending remakes but…

"Little Women: Another Remake But A Strong One"

1917: A Masterpiece Achievement In Filmmaking

To put it simply, Sam Mendes’ 1917 is a masterpiece achievement in filmmaking and without a doubt one of the best war films to ever be made. Lance Corporals Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are on the biggest missions of their young lives.  Over 1,500 lives depend on their ability to finish the mission.  Without being able to do so, a countless number of British lives could be lost because of walking into…

"1917: A Masterpiece Achievement In Filmmaking"

Sisters of the Force: My Star Wars Story

Ashley Eckstein took to the stage during Star Wars Celebration for Sisters of the Force to celebrate the women of the Star Wars universe. Almost as soon as the voice of Ahsoka Tano took to the stage for the Sisters of the Force panel, she told the mostly female audience that “Star Wars is for everyone.” The actress couldn’t be more right. All one has to do is look at the online vitriol.  This has…

"Sisters of the Force: My Star Wars Story"