Film reviewer. @RottenTomatoes approved. “Blow-Up,” “Bicycle Thieves,” JLG’s “Breathless,” “Jules And Jim,” Yuen’s “The Transporter.” Pflpc: Trabucco glass art.
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Articles by Michael Calleri
CALLERI: Netflix tosses hat into Oscar ring with ‘La Bola Negra’
If you were going to begin handicapping next year’s Academy Awards, which will air on March 14, you would want to start with the top five candidates for Best Picture. They are “The Odyssey,” “I Play Rocky,” “Dune: Part Three,” “Artificial,” and “La Bola Negra.” “The Odyssey” is still in theatrical release in some countries. “I Play Rocky” will be platforming across the United States and Canada shortly. “Dune: Part Three” and “Artificial” are opening in North America in December.
CALLERI: Netflix tosses hat into Oscar ring with ‘La Bola Negra’
Whose Side Are You On Cranberry Sauce
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While watching your favorite streaming series, have you ever wondered what the production would look like in a movie theater? It's possible that some of you even have your own
CALLERI: ‘Heated Rivalry’ shuffling off to Buffalo-area movie theaters
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 5 feet. * WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Ontario from the Niagara River to Hamlin Beach. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions that could capsize or damage small craft. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
CALLERI: ‘A Talent For Murder’ is fan fiction for Patricia Highsmith
By most accounts, celebrated writer Patricia Highsmith was not a particularly pleasant person. She had extraordinary talent as a writer of psychological thrillers, but according to many reports, she preferred associating with her pet cats rather than putting up with people.
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By most accounts, celebrated writer Patricia Highsmith was not a particularly pleasant person. She had extraordinary talent as a writer of psychological thrillers, but according to many reports, she preferred
CALLERI: Ken Russell’s long unseen ‘The Devils’ arrives fully restored
In show business, nothing generates success like a little scandal. Or a motion picture that was essentially censored. In the glory days of post-1960 international filmmaking, British director Ken Russell was one of the true enfant terribles. He and John Waters and Alejandro Jodorowsky made for an interesting trio of iconic and attention-seeking directors. kAmx7 2 4=:49é 42? 36 2AA=:65 E@ E96 46=63C2E65 #FDD6==[ 96 56=:G6C65 2 DEC:?8 @7 >@G:6D DE66A65 :?
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As the motion picture festival train travels around the world - from Venice to Telluride to Toronto to New York, it now makes its annual stop in metro Buffalo-Niagara. The
CALLERI: Rocky KOs Toronto, plus international Oscar may go to Netflix
It seemed like old times. All reports from the premiere public screening of “I Play Rocky” at the recent Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) highlighted the fact that the audience inside the Princess of Wales Theatre was jubilant at what they were watching. And what they were watching was an unusual sports film based on the Academy Award-winning boxing drama “Rocky,” which thrilled moviegoers in 1976.
CALLERI: Rocky KOs Toronto, plus international Oscar may go to Netflix
It seemed like old times. All reports from the premiere public screening of “I Play Rocky” at the recent Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) highlighted the fact that the audience inside the Princess of Wales Theatre was jubilant at what they were watching. And what they were watching was an unusual sports film based on the Academy Award-winning boxing drama “Rocky,” which thrilled moviegoers in 1976.
CALLERI: Depression-era 'The Weight' is a unique adventure
Because it is so rich and varied, one of the many interesting factors regarding American history is that we often find ourselves learning something new. We discover information about which we have minimal knowledge, even if that history is shared with us through the lens of a motion picture camera. In 1933, four years into the Great Depression in the United States, President Franklin D.
CALLERI: Depression-era 'The Weight' is a unique adventure
Because it is so rich and varied, one of the many interesting factors regarding American history is that we often find ourselves learning something new. We discover information about which we have minimal knowledge, even if that history is shared with us through the lens of a motion picture camera. In 1933, four years into the Great Depression in the United States, President Franklin D.
CALLERI: Depression-era 'The Weight' is a unique adventure
Because it is so rich and varied, one of the many interesting factors regarding American history is that we often find ourselves learning something new. We discover information about which we have minimal knowledge, even if that history is shared with us through the lens of a motion picture camera. In 1933, four years into the Great Depression in the United States, President Franklin D.
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There are three kinds of sequels. The good ones, the bad ones, and the ones nobody asked for. Somewhere down the motion picture studio production line, somebody thought it would
CALLERI: Is the 2nd time the charm? ‘Practical Magic’ returns
There are three kinds of sequels. The good ones, the bad ones, and the ones nobody asked for. Somewhere down the motion picture studio production line, somebody thought it would be a good idea to do a follow-up to 1998’s “Practical Magic.” Here’s the catch, “Practical Magic” was a critical and box office failure.
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When was the last time you laughed, really laughed, while watching a new movie that's just been released from a studio and is playing in a theater? Chances are it's
CALLERI: Comedy abounds in winning ‘Coyote vs. Acme’
When was the last time you laughed, really laughed, while watching a new movie that’s just been released from a studio and is playing in a theater? Chances are it’s been a while. As an added bonus, except for the little ones at home, the film also turns out to be fun for the whole family. If you’ve been eagerly waiting for a comic gem, I’m writing to tell you that the wait is over.
CALLERI: Comedy abounds in winning ‘Coyote vs. Acme’
When was the last time you laughed, really laughed, while watching a new movie that’s just been released from a studio and is playing in a theater? Chances are it’s been a while. As an added bonus, except for the little ones at home, the film also turns out to be fun for the whole family. If you’ve been eagerly waiting for a comic gem, I’m writing to tell you that the wait is over.
CALLERI: Three Alfred Hitchcock classics shuffle off to Buffalo
“We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces.” This famous line is spoken by the character of the legendary actress Norma Desmond, played by Gloria Swanson, in the acclaimed 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard,” which is directed by Billy Wilder. The motion picture industry, especially Hollywood, was built on faces; some of the most glamorous and alluring in entertainment history.
CALLERI: Three Alfred Hitchcock classics shuffle off to Buffalo
“We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces.” This famous line is spoken by the character of the legendary actress Norma Desmond, played by Gloria Swanson, in the acclaimed 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard,” which is directed by Billy Wilder. The motion picture industry, especially Hollywood, was built on faces; some of the most glamorous and alluring in entertainment history.
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When eating in a restaurant, "never order fish on Monday."
CALLERI: ‘Kitchen Confidential’ serves up a lazy movie meal
When eating in a restaurant, “never order fish on Monday.” That warning was just one of dozens of eye-opening pieces of advice from American chef Anthony Bourdain, whose life changed immeasurably after the publication in 2000 of his groundbreaking and vividly entertaining book “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures In The Culinary Underbelly.” Bourdain succeeded in ripping the mask off the art of elevated food service, especially regarding the preparation of high-quality ingredients and the...
CALLERI: ‘Kitchen Confidential’ serves up a lazy movie meal
When eating in a restaurant, “never order fish on Monday.” That warning was just one of dozens of eye-opening pieces of advice from American chef Anthony Bourdain, whose life changed immeasurably after the publication in 2000 of his groundbreaking and vividly entertaining book “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures In The Culinary Underbelly.” kAmq@FC52:? DF4466565 :? C:AA:?8 E96 >2D< @77 E96 2CE @7 6=6G2E65 7@@5 D6CG:46[ 6DA64:2==J C682C5:?8 E96 AC6A2C2E:@?
MOVIES: The suburbs have unexpected visitors in sci-fi thriller
Picture this. You are walking your dog down your street in the morning, or a cat if you’re my next-door neighbor, who actually does walk her pet cat on a leash, and something seems remarkably odd. No, not my neighbor. As you stroll, the street ends suddenly where it shouldn’t, and you are unable to go any further. Are you hallucinating? Or, perhaps you are still in the throes of what is clearly a very interesting dream.
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Picture this. You are walking your dog down your street in the morning, or a cat if you're my next-door neighbor, who actually does walk her pet cat on a
CALLERI: The suburbs have unexpected visitors in sci-fi thriller
Picture this. You are walking your dog down your street in the morning, or a cat if you’re my next-door neighbor, who actually does walk her pet cat on a leash, and something seems remarkably odd. No, not my neighbor. As you stroll, the street ends suddenly where it shouldn’t, and you are unable to go any further. Are you hallucinating? Or, perhaps you are still in the throes of what is clearly a very interesting dream.
CALLERI: The suburbs have unexpected visitors in sci-fi thriller
Picture this. You are walking your dog down your street in the morning, or a cat if you’re my next-door neighbor, who actually does walk her pet cat on a leash, and something seems remarkably odd. No, not my neighbor. As you stroll, the street ends suddenly where it shouldn’t, and you are unable to go any further. Are you hallucinating? Or, perhaps you are still in the throes of what is clearly a very interesting dream.
CALLERI: Criterion restores classic jury film; ’Terrors’ celebrates 10th year
Courtroom dramas not only have intense appeal among members of the legal profession, but they’ve also earned a devoted following from movie fans. One of the best films about law and jurisprudence is “12 Angry Men.” There are those who firmly believe it is the absolute best. I think it is extraordinary and can be considered one of the finest examples of realist cinema to have come out of the Hollywood studio system.
CALLERI: Criterion restores classic jury film; ’Terrors’ celebrates 10th year
Courtroom dramas not only have intense appeal among members of the legal profession, but they’ve also earned a devoted following from movie fans. One of the best films about law and jurisprudence is “12 Angry Men.” There are those who firmly believe it is the absolute best. I think it is extraordinary and can be considered one of the finest examples of realist cinema to have come out of the Hollywood studio system.
CALLERI: Criterion restores classic jury film; ’Terrors’ celebrates 10th year
Courtroom dramas not only have intense appeal among members of the legal profession, but they’ve also earned a devoted following from movie fans. One of the best films about law and jurisprudence is “12 Angry Men.” There are those who firmly believe it is the absolute best. I think it is extraordinary and can be considered one of the finest examples of realist cinema to have come out of the Hollywood studio system.
CALLERI: Love could be a crime in ‘One Night Only’
The new film “One Night Only” covers a lot of bases when it comes to trying to fit into a specific movie genre. It is part romance, part relationship comedy, and part sociological fantasy. Its romance tiptoes around the concept of love, its comedy falls into the realm of satire, and its sociology is more political than anything else. The film, which is playing in theaters, offers something completely different from what’s overpowering the current box office.
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In October 2019, legendary director Martin Scorsese created a stir when he again brought up the age-old "what are movies" debate, saying that "The Avengers" and other comic films were
CALLERI: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is caught in a familiar web
JENNINGS: Howard Jones still believes things can get better Howard Jones called me from his tour bus on the way to Salt …
Movies: ‘The Odyssey’ returns Homer’s legendary poem to the screen
The new movie “The Odyssey” begins with a title card that reads: “In a time of apparent magic …” Your magician is director Christopher Nolan, who also wrote the screenplay based on the ancient Greek tale told by a number of poets, but primarily by Homer in his epic poem of the same title as the film. kAmw@>6C’D H@C< :D A2CE @7 2 =@?8\DE2?5:?8 EC25:E:@? @7 @C2= DE@CJE6==:?8 2?5 6I:DED 2=@?8D:56 9:D “%96 x=:25[” H9:49 AC64656D “%96 ~5JDD6J[” 2D :>A@CE2?E 6I2>A=6D @7 DA@<6?
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The new movie "The Odyssey" begins with a title card that reads: "In a time of apparent magic ..."
CALLERI: ‘The Odyssey’ returns Homer’s legendary poem to the screen
The new movie “The Odyssey” begins with a title card that reads: “In a time of apparent magic …” Your magician is director Christopher Nolan, who also wrote the screenplay based on the ancient Greek tale told by a number of poets, but primarily by Homer in his epic poem of the same title as the film. Homer’s work is part of a long-standing tradition of oral storytelling and exists alongside his “The Iliad,” which precedes “The Odyssey,” as important examples of spoken narrative.
CALLERI: ‘Hud’ and ‘The Elephant Man’ restored by Criterion
One of the major questions regarding the upcoming epic adventure “The Odyssey” is whether or not showings in IMAX will actually have full houses because of advance ticket buyers across the United States, who have been buying out entire IMAX theaters hoping to scalp the tickets for higher than retail prices. It turns out that many moviegoers have been ignoring the scalpers, leaving them holding a lot of tickets.
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One of the major questions regarding the upcoming epic adventure "The Odyssey" is whether or not showings in IMAX will actually have full houses because of advance ticket buyers across
MOVIES: A comedy about married couples who get 'The Invite'
If you are exhausted by the infantilization of American movies, there is hope. If you think a film about neighbors in an apartment building is going to be just another failed comedic farce, well, there’s even more hope. Say hello to “The Invite,” a fresh, funny, fearless feature that offers a promising jaunt to the movies and delivers an even better jolt to the system. It is playing in theaters. kAmx? “%96 x?G:E6[” p?86=2 2?5 y@6 W~=:G:2 (:=56 2?5 $6E9 #@86?X 2C6 :?
CALLERI: A comedy about married couples, and ‘Terrors’ returns to the drive-in Original
If you are exhausted by the infantilization of American movies, there is hope. If you think a film about neighbors in an apartment building is going to be just another failed comedic farce, well, there's even more hope. Say hello to “The Invite,” a fresh, funny, fearless feature that offers a promising jaunt to the movies and delivers an even better jolt to system. It is playing in theaters. kAmx? “%96 x?G:E6[” p?86=2 2?5 y@6 W~=:G:2 (:=56 2?5 $6E9 #@86?X 2C6 :?
CALLERI: ‘Supergirl’ continues the trend for moody action characters
Superman goes back to 1938. Superman is the well-known superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, whose first appearance was in issue #1 of "Action Comics,” which was published in the United States on April 18, 1938. Publicity confirms that Superman has appeared regularly in comic books from DC Comics since that date, and he has been adapted for films, television shows, radio serials, video games, and novels.
CALLERI: ‘Supergirl’ continues the trend for moody action characters
Superman goes back to 1938. Superman is the well-known superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, whose first appearance was in issue #1 of "Action Comics,” which was published in the United States on April 18, 1938. Publicity confirms that Superman has appeared regularly in comic books from DC Comics since that date, and he has been adapted for films, television shows, radio serials, video games, and novels.
CALLERI: Hugh Jackman stars as a brooding Robin Hood in new film
While King Richard the Lionheart was fighting in the Crusades, his younger brother John was rising in the Royal rankings and eventually became King of England. John didn't do well when it came to dealing with the peasantry. Legends arose around a fellow called Robin Hood, whose birth name was Robin of Locksley. He became part of literary folklore and poetry and ballads would follow. Supposedly, according to mythology, his actual family had money and productive land.
CALLERI: Hugh Jackman stars as a brooding Robin Hood in new film
While King Richard the Lionheart was fighting in the Crusades, his younger brother John was rising in the Royal rankings and eventually became King of England. John didn’t do well when it came to dealing with the peasantry. Legends arose around a fellow called Robin Hood, whose birth name was Robin of Locksley. He became part of literary folklore and poetry and ballads would follow. Supposedly, according to mythology, his actual family had money and productive land.
CALLERI: In ‘Disclosure Day,’ Steven Spielberg asks: Are outer space aliens real?
Director Steven Spielberg has long had a fascination with aliens from outer space and their application in science-fiction movies. Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extraterrestrial” is a beloved family classic. His “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is a masterwork, and a film that left me in awe after seeing it. I thought it was perfect, and I certainly didn’t need those special editions with extra footage that followed.
CALLERI: In ‘Disclosure Day,’ Steven Spielberg asks: Are outer space aliens real?
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CALLERI: YouTuber Kane Parsons scores big with ‘Backrooms’
History has been made and movies will never be the same. If you’ve been wondering what your 14-year-old son or daughter has been doing on their computer alone in their room, you might hope that they are making unique videos or, at the very least, writing an enticing screenplay. Regarding the future of motion pictures, all bets are off. The next sentence should not be taken as an insult because it isn’t.
CALLERI: New film brings Jack Ryan back into the world of spies
In “The Godfather Part III,” the character of an aged and retired Michael Corleone is again faced with the prospect of getting deeply involved with gangland affairs. He famously says, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” The character of Jack Ryan has been featured in five full-length films, starting in 1990, as well as a recent television streaming series that ran four seasons. He was created by novelist Tom Clancy.
CALLERI: New film brings Jack Ryan back into the world of spies
Michael Calleri reviews films for the Niagara Gazette, the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, and the CNHI news network. Contact him at moviecolumn@gmail.com.
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