Here’s the thing about movies: they don’t have to be perfect. Very few of them are. And just because a movie has a bad performance, an uneven script or some aspect that isn’t as good as the next doesn’t mean the film is a failure—especially when that film has the ambition and the talent behind […]
Jared Rasic
Film critic and author of food, arts and culture stories for the Source Weekly since 2010.
Posted inCulture
Full Metal Alchemists
COMAG Returns for its annual show
The Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild has been putting on shows in Bend for over 20 years, and each year the creations become more and more experimental, fearless and breathtaking. I’ve gone to their full-on art show at the Oxford several times over the eight years they’ve been putting it on and I’m never left […]
Posted inCulture
Lost in the Stream
Some barely noticed movies you might have missed
Most studios nowadays have a deal set up with a streaming service to launch their new releases either the day and date of the theatrical release or within a month of opening night. This simultaneously allows the studios to get more of a return on their investment if it doesn’t do well theatrically, while also […]
Posted inFood & Drink
All the Flavors
Northwest-Japanese fusion shines at Chomp Chomp
Not too many secret spots are left in downtown Bend where you can just roll in and fill yourself with incredible food and beverages without reservations. But for these last few months I’ve been selfish and absolutely devastated by all the food and adult beverages at my favorite downtown happy hour without having to fight […]
Posted inCulture
One Shell of a Movie
"Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" is perfect
I get that I’m a giant softie whose heart is made of marshmallows and love songs, but the first time I watched “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” I cried four separate times across the brief 90-minute run time. Normally, I love me a good cry, but I was working at Tin Pan Theater at the […]
Posted inCulture
25 And Counting
Jared Looks at the best films for each year the Source has existed
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Source Weekly, I have decided to take on the incredibly losing proposition of looking at each year the paper has been open and choosing what the best movie of that specific year was. Not my favorite one, mind you, but the one I think is the actual […]
Posted inCulture
May the Source Be With You: August Edition
“The Missing,” “Black Bird” and “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Just so you’re aware: the ghost of Jared Rasic is writing May the Source Be With You this week. The flesh of Mr. Rasic burst into flames and then melted away last week when he tried to go for a walk in 102 degree heat instead of curling up on top of his air conditioner […]
Posted inCulture
Way Too Close Encounters
Jordan Peele looks to the sky in ‘Nope’
Don’t let anyone spoil “Nope” for you. It’s not hiding some mind-blowing twist like a Shyamalan picture, but watching Jordan Peele use his considerably astounding craft to weave a story is breathtaking. Following him across the dark and bloody patches of his imagination is a treat for us lovers of suspense and, with his third […]
Posted inCulture
Golf Clap
Great British comedy minds are behind the ‘Phantom of the Open’
When brilliant British (and Australian) filmmakers who cut their teeth in comedy are given somewhat free reign to tell stories on a larger scale, we get beautiful things. And so many of the new guard of British writers and directors come from goofy and humble beginnings. I don’t think this is a secret, but “Paddington” […]
Posted inCulture
Marvel, Marvel, Everywhere!
Thor, phase four and what’s in store
I get it. Everyone has superhero fatigue now, because between Marvel, Disney and DC, we get two dozen comic book movies a year with only a small handful of them being any good. Marvel is also struggling a bit critically right now because they don’t really seem to be building toward anything so far with […]