I was talking to a friend before the screening of the new Cate Blanchett movie, “Tár,” last weekend, discussing the movies that intimidate us—movies that are crafted by genuine auteurs whose vision is so distinct and personal, it can almost be a losing battle to try to craft a review of them. There are certain movies […]
Film
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The Unbeatable Rock
Black Adam is just fine
Hey there! Welcome to this review of The Rock’s new DC superhero movie “Black Adam.” Before we get to the fireworks factory, let’s talk for a second about the craft of writing and thinking about movies critically. I watch hundreds of movies a year, some of which are so bad they get a big, fat […]
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They Shoot Horror Films, Don’t They?
The state of spooky in 2022
Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been a few quality horror films that were released so far in 2022, but this has also been one of the worst years for horror movies I’ve ever lived through. Even the best horror flicks of the year still lose steam in their third acts or fall apart […]
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May the Source Be With You: Special BendFilm Wrap-Up Edition
Memories of the best lil’ film festival in Central Oregon
Last week, the 19th Annual BendFilm Festival concluded and gifted me with one of the most magical experiences of my life. To my very specific wavelength, I’m not sure there’s anything more fascinating than experiencing a piece of art and then immediately getting to interact with the creator and learn about their process and intention. […]
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Making the Moments Count
The Source Weekly’s film buff plots an entire BendFilm Festival schedule so you don’t have to
Between working for BendFilm, Tin Pan Theater and the Source Weekly, I haven’t been able to go to the BendFilm Festival just as a spectator in several years. I’m either working at one of the venues, writing about the movies or, if I’m really lucky, interviewing the filmmakers as they roll through Bend. This year […]
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The Empathy Machine
BendFilm Festival returns for its 19th year
This makes me feel incredibly old, but I’ve seen at least one movie at every BendFilm Festival since its inception 19 years ago. Having watched the fest go from folding chairs in Midtown Ballroom at midnight (checking out Ti West’s first feature, “The Roost”) to interviewing indie legends like John Sayles and Debra Granik, BendFilm’s […]
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It’s Viola Davis’ World
The Woman King entertains, as long as historical accuracy isn’t expected
I know this is incredibly obvious, but most movies are full of crap. If it’s not a documentary, it’s definitely full of crap, and if it says, “Based on a true story,” it’s usually just as full of crap as the rest. Look at “The Conjuring” franchise. There’s more evidence that the Warrens were snake oil […]
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Here We Come, Sweater Weather
In honor of the Fall Style issue, the Source Weekly takes a look at the fall slate for pop culture
I‘m shocked that summer is almost over since it feels like I just started complaining about being ready for summer to be over. I thought I had months of freestyle whining left. Oh well, now I can enjoy the weather for a couple of months before I have to start complaining about winter and looking […]
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May the Source Be With You
September Edition: Dungeons, Dragons and Middle Earths
So many nerdy things are happening in the realm of TV and podcasts that, dare I say, it’s an exciting time to be alive for dorks like me. I’ve already expressed my love of comics and superhero movies plenty of times across these pages, but now my lifelong obsession with fantasy is finally paying off. […]
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An Existential Fairy Tale
Magic remains in "Three Thousand Years of Longing"
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 […]
