Tag Archives: Forrest Hartman

January 10, 2009 · 11:48 pm

Good movies about bad times

A scene from "Brother, Where Art Thou?"

A scene from "Brother, Where Art Thou?"

During tough economic times, it’s easy to imagine entertainment falling by the wayside. But during the Great Depression, movies remained popular. In part, that’s because films were a relatively inexpensive form of escapism. Since America is once again facing economic troubles, we thought it would be fun to look at some of the greatest movies ever to address financial concerns. Don’t worry. They aren’t all downers. Plenty of movies built around poverty and strife are not only entertaining but inspirational. In fact, we found several sub-genres that fit neatly beneath the umbrella of “Spare-change cinema.”

Click here for full story: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090109/ENT01/901090420/1056/ENT

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January 9, 2009 · 3:51 am

‘Slumdog’ tops Critics’ Choice Awards

I’m a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and we handed out our annual Critics’ Choice Awards Thursday in Santa Monica. “Slumdog Millionaire” took the top prize. Following is a list of all winners.

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January 5, 2009 · 11:54 am

Ask Forrest: The end of an era

There are many things I enjoy about my job with the Reno Gazette-Journal, but the greatest by far is the opportunity to interact with readers.

Since 2005, my Ask Forrest column has given me the opportunity to strike up conversations with people of all sorts. Sometimes our interactions have been as simple as me finding the title of a long-forgotten film. Other times, they’ve led to heated debates. I will forever remember, for instance, when a passionate ABBA fan called me out for lobbing an offhand insult at the group. I responded, of course, with a more thorough condemnation of the Swedish pop act.

But enough reminiscing. It’s time I get to the point of this column, lest my editor accuse me of burying the lead.

Most Gazette-Journal readers know the paper has gone through significant changes in the past year, and one of those changes resulted in a redefining of my job. In 2009, I will continue to serve as Gazette-Journal arts editor, but I will not continue as the Gazette-Journal’s film critic.

My DVD column, which runs in several markets (including Reno) will continue, but my other film writing will be reduced significantly. All the more reason to stop by this site frequently, as I do promise content here that you can’t find in the RGJ.

Click here for full column: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090102/COL14/901020395/1117

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January 4, 2009 · 2:41 am

Video Verdict: New DVDs for Jan. 6

(Left to right) Robert De Niro and Al Pacino star in "Righteous Kill."

(Left to right) Robert De Niro and Al Pacino star in "Righteous Kill."

This week’s DVD releases target mostly male viewers, as they’re heavy on action and include a gritty Robert De Niro and Al Pacino cop drama, a Nicolas Cage thriller and a drug comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco.

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January 2, 2009 · 12:30 pm

Top 10 movies of 2008

Angelina Jolie discovers she's being given the wrong boy in "Changeling."

Angelina Jolie discovers she's being given the wrong boy in "Changeling."

With 2008 behind us, it’s time to look back at what were among the year’s best movies, albums, concerts and more. So let’s cut to the chase, and get the best of last year behind us.

Click below for top 10 movies list: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090102/ENT/90102007/1056

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December 30, 2008 · 5:32 pm

Ask Forrest: How ’bout Eckhart?

Aaron Eckhart in "the Dark Knight."

Aaron Eckhart in "The Dark Knight."

Question: About a week and a half ago, you reviewed “The Dark Knight” DVD release and gave it its deserved due. But you, as everybody has, elevated Heath Ledger to acting-sainthood, while the performance that I found most fascinating in the film has been mostly ignored by all media. Of course, I’m referring to Aaron Eckhart’s turn as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, perhaps the most tragic figure ever in the Batman Rogues Gallery.

In the course of the film, while the Joker appears already fully formed, Dent gets to transform. I never once connected with the Joker, while Two-Face stirred my feelings up for weeks after I witnessed Eckhart’s performance. If you ask an actor or an acting teacher what makes a good performance, they will usually tell you that the broader emotional arc a character has to pursue makes for a more remarkable experience. The Joker makes virtually no emotional journey during “The Dark Knight,” while Two-Face goes almost literally from Heaven to Hell. Where is the press for Eckhart?

Answer: You just succeeded in creating at least a little press, so I hope Eckhart appreciates your efforts.

As for your question …

Click here to read full column: http://www.rgj.com/article/20081226/COL14/812260363/1117/ENT

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December 27, 2008 · 1:00 am

Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 27

Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan in "Eagle Eye."

Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan in "Eagle Eye."

This week’s DVD releases include a Shia LaBeouf action flick, a Keira Knightley costume drama and an offbeat comedy starring British comedian Ricky Gervais.

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December 25, 2008 · 11:45 pm

‘Doubt’ open to viewer interpretation

Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a scene from "Doubt."

Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a scene from "Doubt."

It’s no surprise when Meryl Streep turns in a powerhouse performance, but it is worth noting. So, let’s get that out of the way.

Streep is wonderful as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the uber-strict principal of St. Nicholas Catholic School in the Bronx. The children fear her, the other nuns/schoolteachers treat her with kid gloves, and she rules St. Nicholas with iron-clad certainty. But beneath the dark robes and steely demeanor is a woman who cares deeply about her students and the church. This is clear when she begins to suspect the new parish priest of wrongdoing, and asks her nuns to stay vigilant.

It’s 1964 and St. Nicholas has just admitted its first black student, and the young man’s skin color has made him a target. The boy isn’t experiencing any real trouble, however, because Father Flyn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) has taken him under his wing. But, as Father Flyn spends an increasing amount of time with the boy, Sister Aloysius becomes concerned by their relationship.

Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/article/20081225/ENT01/312250001/1056/ENT

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December 24, 2008 · 2:50 pm

Some holiday fun

I would give this movie four stars because it’s so infused with holiday spirit. But the lead actor (wink, wink) never changes facial expressions, making his performance awfully wooden. I guess some folks should stick to criticism.

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more about “Some holiday fun“, posted with vodpod

 

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December 23, 2008 · 1:38 pm

Chamber music festival in Reno

Reno pianist James Winn says the Nevada Chamber Music Festival is not only an excellent event for local music lovers, it’s great for local musicians.

“I think it’s good for Reno audiences because they get to hear these wonderful people,” Winn says. “It’s good for Reno musicians because we get to play with these wonderful people and keep our chops up at the level where they belong.”

This year’s festival, which begins Dec. 28, features seven concerts with some of the finest classical musicians in the world. The lineup includes Grammy-nominated violinist James Buswell, world-renowned cellist Clive Greensmith, Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster Martin Chalifour and Cleveland Orchestra principal violist Robert Vernon.

These internationally known musicians will perform alongside Winn and other players from Reno, and the locals say that helps them gauge their abilities.

Click here for full story: http://www.rgj.com/article/20081221/LIV/812210303/1089

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