Welcome to this installment of the Carnival of Cinema. Every two weeks we get together to present the best film-related posts from around the world.




Inception is still on people's mind this week.

Opening the Carnival this week, Arianna Osbourne has some thoughts on Inception over at THE WEEKEND. She also has reviews of the new releases Salt and The Kids are Alright.


Enjoyed Inception? Enjoyed it too much? Find out, head over to Chris' post on MARTIAL DEVELOPMENT and consider if it is good enough to form a religion around.


Ziggy of ZIGGY'S REVIEWS reviews Dinner for Schmucks and claims "Dinner for Schmucks Will have Food Spitting Out of Your Mouth All Through Dinner" I can't imagine spontaneous regurgitation was the primary goal of the filmmakers, but there it is.


Looking for a little something outside the mainstream? Check out SRBRAT's review of Remains at SHORT FILM TALKS.


Looking for a little something older? Check out Marin Lee's review of About a Boy at LEETSEE.COM.


From About a Boy to ABOUT THE MOVIE. That is the site where you can find out more about Zack Snyder's upcoming movie Sucker Punch. Edna Diano has the latest.


The final movie review this week comes from BROKEN PROJECTOR'S Gautam Valluri who is offering a look at Aki Kaurismaki's adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment.




VIDEO DECTECTIVE claims "believe it or not, there are some great chick flicks…even for guys." Maybe so, but not for men. Here is Video Detective's List of the Top 5 Chick Flicks for Guys. Video Detective also has a list of three of the movies will open in movie theaters this weekend: Dinner for Schmucks, Cats & Dogs, and Charlie St. Cloud.

Video Detective also has a top ten list of Japanese Anime Imports to Hollywood.



Closing the Carnival this week, Jim Mercurio analyzes two scripts and poses the question, "Which script do you want to be yours?" Click over to INCURABLE DISEASE OF WRITING to read the post.

Thanks to everyone for their posts.










Click here to buy your copy of
You Are What You See and learn
to change the world from your couch



The Carnival of Cinema is intended to increase readership and availability of a broad range of opinions. This wide selection means that not all opinions will be correct or stated well. The content on the sites linked to in this post are not the responsibility of Good News Film Reviews.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Welcome to this installment of the Carnival of Cinema. Every two weeks we get together to present the best film-related posts from around the world.




Inception is the release getting the attention this week in the Carnival. Sit back and enjoy a slew of reviews on Nolan's latest yarn.

Jason McKinnon sums up nearly every review of the film by claiming, "Every once in a while, a movie comes along that delivers on the enormous hype it created." Click over to THE ATHLETIC NERD for more.


THE VIDEO DETECTIVE holds similar views. Video Detective also has a post about the possible casting of the role of The Riddler in the third Nolan Batman movie. Need more? Go check out this post about Inception and some other releases.


DR. DEB has a more thoughtful view of Inception - yes, pun intended.


Madge Knight of BEST FOR FILM has an article on Inception. She seems less than overwhelmed. Click over to find out why.

Sick of hearing about Inception, Inception, Inception? How about dropping back a week and getting the drop on Predators? Dann of 100 WORDS OR LESS has exactly 100 words on the rehashed flick.

100 words? Heck, I can sum the movie up in two words. Then again, neither words can be expressed in mixed company.


Let's change course and point away from Hollywood for a moment and check out a film that was screened at the Berlinale this year. Road Movie is the subject of Nitin Sinha's review over at DOUBLETHINK.


Our next review is of the documentary Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life of Norman K. Collins. Never heard of it? You have now. Go to OMAHA EVENT NEWS and read Jordy Clements' take on the screening of the film.


The final review this week is for Twilight: Eclipse. Eric Gargiulo of CAMEL CLUTCH BLOG has the review.

If you don't want to bother actually seeing Twilight: Eclipse, you can just shortcut the process and simply check out Tito Adjianto's explanation of the plot at GRAFISTHY NEWS.



Carnival regular, Conan Stevens returns this week with a post explaining how he secured a major role in a new HBO TV series. Visit his site CONAN STEVENS WORLD'S BIGGEST ACTION HERO? for this post and other insights into the life of a working actor.


Want to see a movie being made? You can also visit CARTOON JR. There Wendy provides some tips to hunt down local filming locations and to see movies being made.


There is only one list post this week.

URBAN CANDY SHOP has compiled a list of their favorite actresses with guns in the movies.



Need a good round up of the latest movie news? Melina Corrado of MELINA GEEKLY has a good post laying the latest out for you. Click over to read more.


Thanks to everyone for their posts.












Click here to buy your copy of
You Are What You See and learn
to change the world from your couch



The Carnival of Cinema is intended to increase readership and availability of a broad range of opinions. This wide selection means that not all opinions will be correct or stated well. The content on the sites linked to in this post are not the responsibility of Good News Film Reviews.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Welcome to this installment of the Carnival of Cinema. Every two weeks we get together to present the best film-related posts from around the world.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Julie Davis of Happy Catholic was kind enough to include me in her podcast FORGOTTEN CLASSICS this week.


Julie discusses my book You Are What You See: Watching Movies Through a Christian Lens. I also read Chapter Six: Hollywood's Lowercase God for her show.


Click the link and listen in. Julie's podcast is always interesting and she is a welcoming and thoughtful host (I thought that before she promoted my book).


If you like what you hear, you can get more sample chapters, videos, resources or just plain ol' buy the book at the official site http://www.youarewhatyousee.com.

Labels: links, You Are What You See

Welcome to this installment of the Carnival of Cinema. Every two weeks we get together to present the best film-related posts from around the world.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Welcome to this installment of the Carnival of Cinema. Every two weeks we get together to present the best film-related posts from around the world.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Welcome to rebirth of the Carnival of Cinema, a bi-weekly display of the best in film. Every other week we will have links to movie reviews, film commentary and industry advice submitted from around the world.

The last Carnival was in 2008. Sometimes a guy needs to take a year off.

Getting us back into shape Conan Stevens.

This week Conan offers us a whole bunch of behind the scenes info. on Bangkok Adrenaline, a film he wrote. Bangkok Adrenaline has recently been released on DVD in the U.K.

Conan isn't one to sit still. Sure, his movie is out on DVD but why should that slow him down. Here is the synopsis for his latest movie; currently looking for funding. Go to 7FT STUNT ACTOR CONAN STEVENS for more on getting involved.


Next up we have THE CRITICAL CRITIC'S Vaprak review of Iron Man 2. "With so many conflicts that require different resolutions, Iron Man 2 had promise going for it. Then..."

Why would I cut this off? Because it would spoil the review. Click on the link to find out more.


Third in line this week is SR from THE MOVIE BLOG. This week SR lists 8 Things I don't like in Hollywood Movies.


I don't suppose one of the 8 things is vampires that sparkle?

Hey, speaking of the mincing undead...

Wanna see the new Twilight Eclipse trailer? Toni of WIFELY STEPS has the goods.


Sticking with the adaptations, Casey Markee from BOARDING SCHOOL WIZARD BLOG lists "15 Fictional Boarding Schools We Wish Were Real!"


Hey remember Jan Svankmajer's adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, Neco z Alenky? Yeah, me neither but hey Steve has. Go to FLICK FREAK to read his review.


If teen vampires and wizards or little girls on a drug freak out aren't your thing, than maybe Edward Phillips has a list of the 20 Best Picture Films That Were Even Better Books. Click over to ONLINE UNIVERSITIES for more.


Next, Mike Ross of STAR COSTUMES BLOG offers what he calls "the most wicked moms in film history. In proving the psychopath doesn’t fall far from the tree, these bad mamma jammas have provided us with some of the more memorable roles in cinema history."

I couldn't have said it better. So I didn't


Finally, we have NO FILM SCHOOL'S Ryan Koo. He ends out carnival this week by offering you The DSLR Cinematography Guide.















Click here to buy your copy of
You Are What You See and learn
to change the world from your couch



The Carnival of Cinema is intended to increase readership and availability of a broad range of opinions. This wide selection means that not all opinions will be correct or stated well. The content on the sites linked to in this post are not the responsibility of Good News Film Reviews.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

I was asked to do an interview with the site Only Good Movies

Labels: interview, links

First things first, THIS IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK - LANGUAGE WARNING.

A guy named Mike from Milwaukee has put together a 70-minute review of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

In all seriousness, this is the best review I have ever read, seen or heard. He not only dissects Lucas' cinematic smear, he eviscerates it. There is no watching this movie when he is done with it. He points out the usual issues with the film's logic, structure and character. He kicks it up a notch however and locates details so hugely obviously, so incredibly inept, no one has ever pointed them out before.

Mike is hilarious and makes the 70 minutes fly by. He is funny but he is seriously on the mark and knows exactly what he is talking about.

Anyone who works in the industry and anyone interested in making or writing film needs to sit through the whole thing.

Again with the warning, he has a DARK sense of humor and isn't afraid of salty language. Swear words and dark humor aside, the man couldn't be more right.

Labels: links, miscellaneous, Star Wars

If this trailer doesn't make you smile there is something wrong with you.

Labels: links, movie trailer

I'm late at finding this site I know, but it I love it just the same.

The Editing Room has "abridged" copies of major screenplays. Take a McMovie like The Dark Knight and reduce its script down to its ridiculous plot devices and broken internal logic and toss some smart dialog for spice.


CHRISTIAN BALE IN A RUBBER SUIT flips HEATH’S TRUCK using his BAT-PHYSICS-VIOLATOR, then rides up a wall in order to turn around like a BADASS. FANBOYS in the AUDIENCE cheer wildly for this, even though it looks RETARDED.

So it’s finally here. Me at one end of a Chicago street, you at the other. The epic battle between good and evil, teased in every advertisement for the movie! This is going to be awesome.

CHRISTIAN BALE crashes his bike like a PUTZ. HEATH laughs, then gets arrested by GARY OLDMAN, who is alive after all. Then the scene ends.

You see, this was all an elaborate plan to capture you! Including all the parts where a bunch of cops got killed!

That’s nothing, because MY plan included everything in your plan, but also some other stuff that gives me the upper hand after all! Eckhart and Gyllenhaal have been placed at opposite ends of the city with bombs strapped to them. You’ll only have time to save one.

That’s alright, the police will just save the other one.

Actually the police here are so incredibly inept that I am able to take their failure for granted in my grand scheme. Not that I look like the kind of guy that makes plans or anything.


Basically, its just a slush of sarcasm and sneering - wonderful. This is not only great criticism it is hilarious.

Labels: links

Welcome to this weeks' edition of the Carnival of Cinema, a weekly round-up of the best film-related posts submitted from around the world.

This week it seems that nearly everyone wants to let us all know what they think of Keanu "Well At Least He Got All His Lines Right" Reeves' latest cinematic deposit The Day the Earth Stood Still.

To open up this collection of opinion on the new release we turn to THE ONLY REVIEW's Ben Roper. Ben has sat through the film and offers up his thoughts.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Welcome to the Carnival of Cinema. Each week we present the best film-related posts submitted from around the world.


Since I am a huge fan of zombie films, we're starting this week with Scott Davis' report on the status of World War Z on his site ZOMBIECHATTER.COM.


Starting out the non-zombie related posts this week we have a thoughtful defense of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull mounted by Mansur Ahmed of FILM, LITERATURE AND THE HUMAN CONDITION. Mansur ties Jones to String Theory. Sounds odd? He makes sense. Mansur follows up with a look at Stanley Kubrick.



Gunther Heinrich has a short post about "the beauty of cinema with all its problems and errors." on his site MAD MIND.


On the subject of the beauty of cinema, Audrey Tautou has a film titled Hors de prix (Priceless). Missy from OBSERVATIONS FROM MISSY'S WINDOW has a quick look at the release from 2006.


Next up, A_X raves over Charlene Choi's Diary: "Yes, the movie is mind-blowing! I seldom am impressed by Chinese show, but Diary--starring by Twins' Charlene Choi--ought to be an exception." Head over to ANONYMOUS X for more.

From Tautou to Choi to Delgo.


Holly of WOMAN TRIBUNE is happy that Delgo "an animated movie by Fathom Studios, urges diversity and peace" is making it to the big screen "when we need it most."


I'm happy that The Dark Knight is on DVD just when we need it the most. Its about time the world was enlightened and accepted the truth that clowns are dangerous and scary.


What? The Dark Knight is out on DVD? Why yes it is and Darrell of SOUTHCON: THE SOUTHERN CONSERVATIVE has some thoughts on the special edition release.


Let's take a look at some of the big releases.

MANNY THE MOVIE GUY comes through again this week with a post about what's cooking down at the local multiplex.

This time around, Manny has seen the rehash of The Day the Earth Stood Still. Is it moving? Click over to find out.


Mike McCutchan has seen the film as well. Go find out what he thinks of the flick over at SQUIDOO: SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.


The holiday season is upon us. As we all avoid the word "Christmas" while wishing one another unspecified well wishes because some non-Christian jerk might get huffy because they're intolerant*, try to enjoy a good Christmas movie (read corporate infected holiday movie that has hollowed out the theological underpinnings of the day and replaced them with self-serving traditions that equate purchasing with love.**)


The first holiday movie post of the year comes from Liz N. Liz states that traditional Christmas films like Miracle on 34th St. and Its a Wonderful Life are "as present yet unobtrusive as the smell of spiced cider." To cut down on the holiday boredom, Liz offers a list of alternative holiday films you may want to consider on her site SOCIAL TRIVIA GAMES / KWANZOO.


Sean Kelly is second in line with his review of the new release Four Christmases. Go over to SEAN KELLY ON MOVIES to find out if you should see the thing.

Trench is third in line with his review of the new release Four Christmases. Go over to 7MILESDOWN to find out if you should see the thing.

Once you're done figuring out if you should see it, hang out at the site and check out the reviews of Twilight and Fireproof.


Concluding the Carnival this week, Tony Huynh would like for you to see his friend's student film about EverQuest. Check it out over at LIMITLESSUNITS.COM.





* - Comment intended for my American audiences. I have no idea if my international readers have to suffer through this childish PC tradition of devaluing one religion for the sake of appearing polite.

** - The editor's rude interruptions do not reflect the opinions of the writers.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Darrell at SOUTHCON has a good review of the 2-disc special edition DVD for The Dark Knight. Head on over and check it out.

Labels: links, miscellaneous

Julie Davis of HAPPY CATHOLIC has complimented me with the Superior Scribbler's Award. Note, this isn't the Superior Grammar Award.


Thank you Julie for your kind words. I do appreciate it.


It falls to me to keep this going and award this to five others. No problem.


1. Jeff Burton of BURTONIA. His site is rarely updated and his posts are sparse but when he does manage to cobble together a post he makes it worth the wait.

2. Conan Stevens of CONANSTEVENS.COM. Conan is a regular on the Carnival of Cinema and writes some great posts. His site chronicles his acting career and offers fascinating insight into the life of a real working actor.

3. Darrell of SOUTHCON. Darrell's full posting has slowed down a bit, but he's still kickin'. Whether its his musing about a YouTube video or grumbling about some media talking head, Darrell's posts are direct and entertaining.

4. Angela Walker of CHRISTIANS IN CINEMA writes quick and well written posts about Chrisitan film. She is a good resource for those looking to keep tabs on the genre.

5. Last, but not least, EegahInc of THE B-MOVIE CATHECHISM. EegahInc offers up some creative blogging that I just love, in particular his Outtakes posts.


This award comes with some rules:

• Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
• Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
• Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post, which explains The Award.
• Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List (scroll down). That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
• Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Labels: links, miscellaneous

The Carnival of Cinema has been posted and can be found over at BOHEMIAN CINEMA.

Thanks to Jonathan for hosting the Carnival this week.


To submit your film-related post to this weekly collection of movie reviews, commentary and industry advice follow THIS LINK. Each week we display the best posts submitted from around the world.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links

Welcome to the Carnival of Cinema a weekly display of film and bad grammar.

Each week we bring to you the best submitted posts on film from around the world. If you're looking for movie reviews, commentary or industry advice, we've got you covered.


We begin this week with the obvious topic, a teenage girl falling in love with a vampire.


Keira opens up our gaggle of Twilight posts with her views on the film and its casting. Click over to LOVE ROMANCE PASSION to read what she has to say.


For more on Twilight, Toni of WIFELY STEPS lets you know all about it - no literally, she has spoilers so don't read the whole post if you don't want the movie ruined for you.


And for an opposing point-of-view we have POINTLESS BANTER's Bobby Finstock who doesn't mince words and strongly claims "If you're an adult and you're excited to see Twilight, you are an idiot."


Okay...awkward...apparently Keira, Toni and Bobby won't be hanging around together any time soon.


If a vampire flick made for suburban white girls ain't your thing maybe you'll be more impressed with a critically acclaimed Norwegian vampire movie.

Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in) is getting great praise. Learn more about the film head over to NEWMAN'S OWN MOVIE CORNER for a review.



While we still have the thoughts of sharing a theater with hundreds of screaming teenage girls watching Twilight rumbling around in our heads, let's move on to ZOMBIE CHATTER where Scott Davis exclaims "movie talkers should burn in Hell." (language warning)

Having them cursed to bake in the freshly toked ovens of Hades may be a bit strong, let's start with just kicking them out of the theater and see if that stops it.

Scott also has a look at the Screaming Pumpkins documentary If All Go Wrong.

If that isn't enough for you Scott also has a review of the documentary documenting the life and work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson.


We celebrated Thanksgiving this week here in America. In honor of that great day the folks over at BRITANNICA BLOG have reposted Gregory McNamee's Thanksgiving movie article.


MANNY THE MOVIE GUY is likewise getting in on the turkey action with his own list of the best Thanksgiving movies of all time. His site is also sporting interviews with the cast of Milk, including James Franco, and a review of the new film Australia.


At the same time Harvey Milk gets a biopic, ol' Dick Nixon gets another film tossed his general direction as well.

Frost/Nixon, Ron Howard's film about the post-Watergate interviews of Nixon conducted by David Frost gets a write up by Jimbo the ENTERTAINMENT BUFF.


From Nixon and Frost to Seagal and Statham.

Over at OBSERVATIONS FROM MISSY'S WINDOW, Missy compares the action film heroes Jason Statham and Steven Seagal (we assume she's talking about the pre-potbelly & weeping over baby seals version.)


And on the subject of people who kick other people in the face, go see a list of the best martial arts movies of 2008 over at MARTIAL DEVELOPMENT. Personally, my pick from Chris' list is Redbelt.


From butt-kicking to butt-kissing...


Conan Stevens is great at giving a realistic view of life as an actor. This week he offers up his observations on fans, or pretend fans as is usually the case, who flock to pucker up to actors. Good post, go check it out at CONAN STEVENS ONLINE.


In Conan's post he details a moment when he saw Jean-Claude Van Damme cornered by a gaggle of adoring "fans". Sean Kelly also has a take on the Muscles from Brussels.


The new film JCVD (standing for Jean-Claude Van Damme) gets reviewed over at SEAN KELLY ON MOVIES. Click over to see if its better than Universal Soldier.


Had enough of butt-kicking action stars? Okay, let's balance things out with a screenplay analysis of Moulin Rouge. Head over to ZEE SAYS=FILM ADDICT + TEEN LIBRARIAN for more.


...and now for something completely different.


Gracchi offers a post discussing the differences between Hollywood and cinema and another one reviewing The Baader Meinhof Complex, a new film about the German RAF terrorists from the 1970's. Check out both posts on WESTMINSTER WISDOM.


Keeping with the criminality, Sarah Scrafford has a list of top 100 crime films of all time over at her site MASTERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE.


Next up, Audrey Berger has posted an interview with Gail Currey, Vice President/General Manager of Lucasfilm Animation Ltd. To check out the article, click over to her site CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALK.


We close this week with a duo of posts covering the latest Bond.


At RIDING WITH RICKEY, Rickey Henderson takes on Quantum of Solace.


Finally, Liz N. over at KAWNZOO/SOCIAL TRIVA also takes a look at the James Blond flick.




Thanks to everyone for their submissions. Next week the Carnival of Cinema goes on the road. Jonathan Pacheco of BOHEMIAN CINEMA will be hosting the Carnival on his site. To submit your film-related post to his edition, FOLLOW THIS LINK. Thanks to Jonathan for helping out.

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links