Questions
If you have a question, which doesn’t have to be related to film, type your question(s) on the comment box below and submit. I promise to answer as honestly and thoroughly as I can.
What is your favorite movie?
I guess the reason why I get asked this question an awful lot is because people would like a quick feel of what kinds of movies I’m into. This is a difficult question for me to answer because I don’t really have a favorite. There are those that mean a lot to me such as “Child’s Play” (1988) and “The Dreamers” (2003) because they sparked my interest in films. There are those that I find fascinating every time I watch them because I believe each frame is perfectly executed such as “The Shining” (1980) and “Halloween” (1978). And then there are those that just capture me emotionally such as “Before Sunset” (2004) and “Shelter” (2007). So when someone asks me this question and I say, “I really don’t have one,” it’s the truth. I’m not trying to avoid the question because I can’t come up with a title on the spot. I certainly am not trying to be one of those film snobs who feel the need to name the most obscure independent film or a classic movie from the film noir era. It’s just my answer requires a little bit of explanation. Sometimes people aren’t interested in explanation.
Is there any film critic you look up to?
My reviews are influenced by Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper. Remember when “At the Movies” was still on the air? I used to watch their show religiously. Every Sunday night, I had to be home for dinner so I could sit down in front of the TV (on the floor!) and just watch. I found them very entertaining because of the way they argued why a certain movie worked or did not work for them. In my opinion, they successfully brought film criticism to the public. They made talking about movies both accessible and necessary. I also watch archived material from Siskel & Ebert, televised reviews from Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. However, if I were to pick only one film critic I look up to, it would have to be Roger Ebert. I was heartbroken when he lost his ability to speak. But I admire him greatly for continuing to publish weekly reviews. I’m consistently surprised by his sense of humor and wit. I wish he continues to do so for a very long time.
I especially love this bit from Ebert’s review of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009):
“If you want to save yourself the ticket price, go into the kitchen, cue up a male choir singing the music of hell, and get a kid to start banging pots and pans together. Then close your eyes and use your imagination.”
How do you choose which films to watch and write about?
Netflix is one of my best friends because both critic and audience reviews are found in one place. Unlike IMDB, Netflix does not have forums where people fight and say stupid things. However, I wish Netflix associates would remove reviews posted before a particular movie was released. Furthermore, their movie recommendation program is a hit-or-miss for me. I’m also a big fan of Coming Soon because it lists both independent and mainstream pictures that are released each week. I check it every Thursday, read the synopses of new releases, and if I find a movie that sounds interesting, I add it to my Netflix queue. If I feel like watching older movies, I check out Siskel & Ebert. If I’m curious about current releases, I visit Ebert Presents. Overall, I try not to read too many reviews. I find trusting my instinct the best way to decide whether to watch a particular film and I advise others to do the same. As for how I choose which films to write about, that’s easy: I write a review for every movie I’ve seen since I started this website. When I rewatch a certain film, if I feel like I didn’t do it justice on my first review, I write a second review and replace the first.
Given the opportunity, would you seriously consider living permanently in a city abroad (not in the United States)? If so, which city?
If you would have asked me the same question in high school or early university years, I would have said either London or Paris in an instant. But these days, I’m not sure I’m into the city’s hustle and bustle as much. I can definitely see myself settling down somewhere in Greece where my place overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. There’s something calming in idea of having unlimited access to the ocean.
How do you choose which films to watch and write about?
Thank you for your question! :)
Given the opportunity, would you seriously consider living permanently in a city abroad (not in the United States)? If so, which city?
Thanks for the question!