unsolicited criticism
My Highly Subjective List of the Best Films of 2024
Movies, what’s new at the movies? It seems like my larger local theaters are devoting more screens to Indian and Asian films; that’s good, meet the needs of your demographic. Something called Terrifier 3 was also playing; I never saw a single commercial for it yet it was playing. Not playing: Juror #2 from 94-year-old […]
What I’ve Been Watching: Edition XXVII
So many of us will be completely staying at home for the next four years. This rundown of the shows I’ve checked out in the past handful of months may prove helpful. LOVED History of White People in America (YouTube) It’s a shame Martin Mull passed away, as we could use a MAGA-era installment of […]
What I’ve Been Watching: Edition XXVI
Wars, death, extreme weather, out-of-control Supreme Court, human rights violations, political campaigns, assassination attempts, etc. etc. — the real world has been getting just a little too real. Thank goodness for TV! Here are the shows I checked out in the past 6 months or so…. LOVED Fargo (FX) Best season of Fargo in a […]
Single Review: “Capture the Flag” by Roe Knows Best
4 stars out of 5Listen on Spotify hereListen/buy on Bandcamp hereKnow Roe? No? I didn’t really either till last August, when I saw Roe Knows Best perform solo in a sweltering New Jersey basement. (Previously, I’d only heard a couple of her songs on Pizza Bagel Records compilations.) Now, I attend a lot of shows […]
My Highly Subjective List of the Best Films of 2023
Over the past couple of months I’ve noticed people in pajamas at the movie theater. At first I was annoyed (“People used to dress for Broadway!”), but I suppose whatever gets people to the cinema these days is OK by me. And I dare say that crowds are slowly returning even though A) films are […]
What I’ve Been Watching: Edition XXV
This edition is a little skimpy (slower time of year? fewer new shows due to writers/actors strikes?). I’d like to say I filled my time enjoying the splendor of nature but I think I was just watching more old movies on TCM. Anyway, here’s my TV wrap-up from the past six months. LIKED A LOT […]
Meatball Sandwich Review: Milano’s
Forgive me, Father, it’s been five years since my last meatball sandwich review. I have no ready excuse, though I do know that since my go-to chicken parm provider closed a couple of summers ago, I have been on an unofficial quest to find a replacement. But I never stopped loving you, meatball sandwich. And […]
What I’ve Been Watching: Edition XXIV
As the writers’ strike necessarily drags on — and now the actors are joining them on the picket line — we may run out of new scripted shows. Fear not, I will once again be your guide to series you might’ve missed. Here are the programs I’ve checked out in the past half year-plus. LOVED […]
My Highly Subjective List of the Best Movies of 2022
It’s getting to be a bit of a drag for those of who like going out to the movies to see quality releases. Forced by finances, art theaters are devoting a chunk of their screens to big dumb Hollywood dreck. And many movies lucky enough to get a big-screen debut are quickly shuttled off to […]
What I’ve Been Watching: Edition XXIII
Not nearly as many new shows on the list this edition. Is it possible that I watched less TV?!? Perish the thought! Still, I’m not quite sure of the reason. Was I busier watching additional seasons of previous favorites? Or tuning in to more movies, specials, and one-off documentaries? Or just fewer compelling new series? […]
Jack Silbert, curator