Posts in CAPSULE REVIEW
GUEST CRITIC #16: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me.  As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there.  Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy.  Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering.  My latest "Guest Critic" is a high school classmate of mine, Kelly Meents.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Panel participant on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "Doctor Strange"

After an advance screening of "Doctor Strange," I was invited to participate in a post-film round table podcast hosted by Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat.  After a brief eulogy for deceased comic book artist Steve Dillon, I was one of four Chicago film critics chatting about our feelings, opinions, and reactions to "Doctor Strange" with tangents on other Marvel Cinematic Universe entries, tropes, and tendencies.  

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CAPSULE REVIEWS: The 52nd Chicago International Film Festival

For the third year in a row, this website has been granted press credentials to cover the many facets of the 52nd CIFF.  I am targeting the U.S. Indies slate and will add selections from the Special Presentations, Black Perspectives, and World Cinema programs.  Most of these films are appearing either before or without distribution dates, meaning my reviews here will stay brief capsule form.  Come back to this page often and I will add films as I go!

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CAPSULE REVIEWS: The 2nd Annual Irish American Movie Hooley

The second annual Irish American Movie Hooley at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Arts Institute of Chicago.  Presented by 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey and produced by Hibernian Transmedia, the spirited mini-festival has a slate of three films, two making their Chicago premieres between September 30 and October 2.  This very writer and website was privy to viewing and reviewing this year’s Irish American Movie Hooley selections in advance.  Here are my capsule reviews and recommendations.

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "Sully"

Three top-notch film critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle survived the miracle flight recreations and Clint Eastwood's soft touch of "Sully," starring Tom Hanks. Hear the mixed reactions after an advance screening from Jon Espino, Emmanuel Noisette, and myself!

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "The Light Between the Oceans"

Two founders and directors of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle felt the romantic power of "The Light Between Oceans" from director Derek Cianfrance and starring Oscar contenders Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Rachel Weisz.  Enjoy the first impressions of myself andJim Alexander of The Movie Blog and The Young Folks!

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "Hands of Stone"

Three critics of Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle, including your truly, answer the bell to share their punches and counter-punches on the Roberto Duran biopic "Hands of Stone." Enjoy the hot takes of Emmanuel Noisette, Jim Alexander, and myself!

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "Hell or High Water"

Five top-light film critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle went down to the seedy parts of West Texas and lived to tell about it after an advance screening of the crime thriller "Hell or High Water." Enjoy the hot takes and breakdowns of Leo Brady, Pamela Powell, myslef, Emmanuel Noisette, and Jim Alexander!

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "Suicide Squad"

Four comic fans and film critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle wrestle with the villainy and quality of the hotly anticipated "Suicide Squad" after a recent advance screening for the press. Enjoy the heroic work of myself, Emmanuel Noisette, Jon Espino, and Jim Alexander!

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "Jason Bourne"

Three critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle wake themselves up from the collective boredom and talk about "Jason Bourne" after an advance screening. Enjoy the popcorn throwing of Pamela Powell, myself, and Emmanuel Noisette.

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "Wiener-Dog"

Critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle, and a special guest, take off the leash and dish out the kibble on Todd Solondz's dark comedy "Wiener-Dog."  Hear from Gabrielle Bondi, Scott Pfeiffer, Leo and Christina Brady, special guest Brian Thompson, myself, Jim Alexander, and Emmanuel Noisette talking on the film. Enjoy!

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VIDEO: Post-film reactions to "The Legend of Tarzan"

The critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle have heard the call of the jungle!  Watch and enjoy the first takes of myself and my fellow CIFCC members including Jon Espino of "The Young Folks," Pamela Powell of The Kankakee Daily Journal and "Reel Honest Reviews," and, but not least, Emmanuel Noisette of "Eman's Movie Reviews" offering their hot-and-bothered impressions on "The Legend of Tarzan." Enjoy!

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