Hey! How’s it going? Feels like I haven’t spoken to you in weeks, what with all the running around I’ve been doing and movies I’ve been writing about. Everything alright at home? How’s the family?
I was doing pretty well when I started writing this, but as I start this day and I read about the senseless violence in Colorado, it leaves me shocked and saddened. I really don’t understand this world sometimes. We’re dealing with a lot of gun violence here in Toronto in recent weeks, but at least none of them have involved someone mowing down random people in a crowd.
This really isn’t how I wanted to start my weekend, and my heart goes out to all affected by this terrible incident in Aurora.
Meanwhile -
For your listening and reading fulfillment, I give you…
Jess and Rachel made me one happy classics lover this week when they covered their first classic actor on Reel Insight. Take a listen to their conversation on Jimmy Stewart, and try not to get too hung up on Rachel’s dislike for ANATOMY OF A MURDER.
If you come across a negative DARK KNIGHT RISES review and you are unsure of how to handle yoursefl, The Droid has you covered.
There’s a Canadian Film Festival happening right now in Australia, and it gave Andy Buckle a chance to catch up with INDIE GAME – one of my favorites of the year so far. Check out his review.
There has often been a question about what sort of criticism can be offered below a certain age, and Sam turned it into quite the discussion over at The Duke.
At our little gathering last week, a running joke was a film student’s affinity for Woody Allen. As if on cue, Jessica has compiled a list of her ten favorite Woody films for Go, See, Talk!
Sometimes, it’s difficult to explain why I choose to be a writer. Wouldn’t you know it, The Kid sums it up so. damned. well.
There are a few really dumb 80′s movies that will always have a special place in my heart, and REAL GENIUS is one of them. Dan checked it out last week as part of his ongoing 1980′s Comedy Marathon.
Remember when I broke my anime cherry? Well Stevee Taylor is breaking hers now.
Another thing I did while I was away was catch up with BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD. I’m still hashing out my thoughts on it to post a review next week, but while I do – take a look at James’ take on the film over at TO Screen Shots.
The Tweet of The Week is a call to arms…
Enjoy!
17 comments
CS says:
Jul 20, 2012
The shooting in Colorado is indeed senseless. It is yet another reminder of how little people value the life of others these days. I just do not understand what people are thinking these days.
Hope your vacation was well. Did you get a chance to see The Imposter when you were across the border?
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
My trip was stellar, thanks for asking! One of the best I’ve ever taken, even though I didn’t do all *that* much while I was gone.
I didn’t catch up with THE IMPOSTER as I totally forgot to even look for it – I was too seduced by being able to see BEASTS. Hopefully it rolls through town soon and I can see it here.
Nick says:
Jul 20, 2012
Oh boy. I’m getting called out publicly. This might be the tipping point.
I’ll have to spend the rest of the afternoon figuring out what a hashtag is.
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
Get on it!
Colin Biggs says:
Jul 20, 2012
A terrible tragedy to say in the least. I cannot fathom what those families are going through right now.
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it all weekend. I’m not looking forward to learning more about what sort of twisted logic this guy had for doing this.
Rachel says:
Jul 20, 2012
Ummm…Jess didn’t like it EITHER!!! I got a big one to tear apart for our Audrey episode…
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 20, 2012
Yeah, but Jess is wrong all the time.
You on the other hand…
Rachel says:
Jul 20, 2012
Really surprised my general “meh” attitude for The Philadelphia Story hasn’t gotten me any death threats…yet.
Colin Biggs says:
Jul 20, 2012
Haven’t you heard? Millenials have no use for old movies…
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jul/14/entertainment/la-ca-film-novelty-20120715
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
I did read that this week actually. However Rachel’s closer to my own age, which I don’t think qualifies her as a “millenial”…and even if it did, she’d be one of the ones that always gives me hope.
Stevee says:
Jul 20, 2012
After a day of being somewhat down in the dumps, the shooting came as an extremely depressing shock. What a horrible world we live in.
Thanks for the link, though.
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
Buck-up young Taylor, it’s a new day.
We must reluctantly move forward, and do so in a way that tells people like that troubled man who did this that they will not stop us from doing what we love with the people we care about.
Sam Fragoso says:
Jul 20, 2012
I have a story to tell about the shootings — and how I should’ve been there.
Thanks for the link.
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
Yikes. If you wanna tell it, I’m all ears.
Andy Buckle says:
Jul 22, 2012
Thanks for the link, Ryan! Wow, INDIE GAME was fantastic wasn’t it? Such a privilege to watch these guys at work, and discuss their work at length. Their journey is very moving. I have also watched and reviewed GOON as part of the Canadian Film Fest, and liked it a lot too. I have a few more to come over the next few weeks.
Ryan McNeil says:
Jul 22, 2012
Funny thing about GOON:
Lindsay saw it at TIFF last year and came away raving about it. I thought it was going to be corny (as many hockey films are) and steered clear, but when others started recommending it too, I had to give it a chance. I loved it, of course and now think myself silly for not having listened to my wife in the first place.
Looking forward to reading your other posts on all things Canadian!