David Newman is conducting Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert over the course of three nights at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This was my first time getting to see a film at the CSO, let alone watch the CSO in action. It was a fun experience–anytime I get to watch a Star Wars film on the big screen is always a good time. The last time I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on…
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies"
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an action-packed farewell to the iconic Harrison Ford character and an absolute blast of a time. There’s a universe where this isn’t just the farewell to Indiana Jones as a character but the final John Williams film score. However, Williams walked back his retirement comments during a conversation with Steven Spielberg in January. We’re all the better for it because John Williams is a master at his…
"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is An Action-Packed Farewell"
Julie Cohen and Every Body documentary subjects Alicia Roth Weigel and Sean Saifa Wall were on hand to discuss the film during Tribeca. Our conversation took place one day after the world premiere at Tribeca. If I had more time, I would have asked about the end credits. However, this film is more than just its end credits because Every Body is a pivotal film in the fight for intersex rights. It’s a film that…
"Every Body: Julie Cohen, Doc Subjects on Intersex Film"
Paramount+ announced the movies, TV series, and sporting events that will be coming to the streaming platform in July 2023. ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES & PREMIERES 7/7 – Big Nate Season 2 premiere 7/14 – Goliath premiere* 7/18 – I Wanna Rock: The ’80s Metal Dream premiere 7/23 – Special Ops: Lioness premiere 7/27 – Zoey 102 premiere LIBRARY TITLES July 2 Tough As Nails (Season 5) July 5 Face’s Music Party (Season 1) Nick Cannon Presents:…
"Paramount+: Coming in July 2023"
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is inviting 398 artists and executives into the long-running organization. New invitees are among those who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures.“The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership. They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide,” said Academy…
"The Academy Invites 398 To Membership Roster – Oscars Watch"
Catherine Hardwicke spoke with Solzy at the Movies about directing Prisoner’s Daughter in the Las Vegas heat and other challenges. Our conversation took place one day after the word premiere at TIFF in September. Hardwicke spoke about some of the challenges that came with directing the gritty drama about a daughter who takes in her estranged father, who is dying of cancer. She also spoke about how she went from being a production designer to…
"Catherine Hardwicke on Directing Prisoner’s Daughter in the Vegas Heat"
Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi will return to TIFF for the world premiere of Next Goal Wins at the festival’s 48th edition. Next Goal Wins is a soccer comedy directed and co-written by the New Zealand filmmaker. It is the first film announced by TIFF to be making its world premiere at the 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (September 7–17).“We’re thrilled to welcome Taika back to the Festival and share his audacious take…
"Next Goal Wins to Premiere at TIFF – Toronto 2023"
Stephen Kijak spoke with Solzy at the Movies about directing his new HBO documentary, Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed. I caught up with Kijak over Zoom shortly after the in-person festival concluded. The last time we spoke was on the ground during SXSW in 2018. That was quite the experience especially since I didn’t know it was happening until after landing in Austin. Anyway, this interview experience was very different in that it was…
"Stephen Kijak on Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed"
The road trip comedy looks pristine as ever now that National Lampoon’s Vacation is taking the “Holiday Road” to 4K Ultra HD. The film’s arrival on 4K UHD comes as the comedy is about to mark its 40th anniversary. Obviously, the studio has another reason to give it the upgrade: Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary. As Warner Bros. celebrates every story, they could have at least included some sort of 40th anniversary marking somewhere on the…
"National Lampoon’s Vacation Arrives on 4K Ultra HD"
Titanic takes a Romeo and Juliet approach while James Cameron and the crew go to painstaking efforts in recreating the ship and sinking. “It’s been 84 years…” There’s something about the RMS Titanic that has a staying power in the public consciousness. Maybe its because this supposedly unsinkable ship became just that: sinkable. The reported want of White Star Line managing director J. Bruce Ismay (Jonathan Hyde) to have Titanic to make the news in…
"Titanic Is An Epic Achievement In Filmmaking Over 25 Years Later"