Rewatching Oscar

Celebrity entertainment critic and columnist Rex Reed passed away yesterday at the age of 87. I used to read his work in several New York publications when I started getting into films reviews and journalism in my early 20s. He had a style that was unique … almost self-congratulatory. He loved being in the spotlight as much as the celebrity he was interviewing. However, Reed did have this way about him that was oddly entertaining. I wouldn’t call it charisma. It was more performance-like. It says a lot about a person that one of the most well-known things in his resumé was being a judge on The Gong Show.
He loved talking to legends of cinema’s past: Bette Davis, Alice Faye, Marlene Dietrich, Mike Nichols, and hundred more. They gravitated towards him. He spoke their language.
Personally, as a film critic, I honestly try to learn a lot from those who preceded me in this medium. I learned both what to do AND what not to do from Rex Reed. He really was one of a kind.

It’s Wild Wednesday! Today’s Oscar-nominated (and winning) movie is the 2019 powerful war film … 1917.
This movie will floor you. It’s emotional, gripping, and very original. Tell me your thoughts. Check out my video review in the comments below.

He’s baaaaaack!!

It’s Timeless Tuesday! Today’s Oscar-nominated (and winning) film is the was classic from 1941 … Sergeant York.
Gary Cooper shines in his Oscar-winning performance in a movie that’s more than just a war film. Tell me what you think. Check out my video review in the comments below.

It’s Music and Mayhem Monday! Today’s Oscar-nominated (and winning) film is the uproarious comedy from 1993 … Mrs. Doubtfire.
This movie is funny, sweet and sentimental … but honestly, it’s really is all about showcasing the brilliant comedic talents of Robin Williams. What are your thoughts on this popular cross-dressing hit? Check out my video review in the comments below.

It’s Surprise Sunday! Today’s Oscar-nominated film is the 1998 fantasy/comedy … Pleasantville. This beautifully told well-executed story is an obvious social commentary on race, individuality, and societal change. Wonderful performances by the entire cast helps make this a gem of a film.
Check out my video review in the comments below.

It’s Spine-tingling Saturday! Today’s Oscar-nominated film is the noir/thriller from 1952 … Five Fingers.
Who remembers this classic led by the brilliant performance of James Mason? Check out my video review in the comments below.

Episode #104: MOONLIGHT (2016) is now LIVE!!!

This powerful drama from writer/director Barry Jenkins takes us on the emotional journey of Chiron, from a young child to adulthood, trying to find himself through his battles of abuse and neglect. Beautifully shot and thematically layered, Moonlight is a powerful and painful coming-of-age story. Looking back, did the Academy get it right by honouring it with the Best Picture Oscar?

Film Critic Jack Ferdman dives head first into Moonlight, as well as all of the other films eligible for an Academy Award for 2016, and then gives his Rewatch Oscar to the film he thinks was most deserving.

Moonlight (2016) Rewatching Oscar · Episode

It’s Foreign Film Friday! Today’s movie is the 1985 action/war epic from Japan … Ran.
Akira Kurosawa’s take of King Lear is nothing short of miraculous. Brilliantly shot and wonderfully acted, the legendary director doesn’t waste a single shot taken or a single word spoken. Tell me your thoughts on the gem. Check out my video review in the comments below.

What a year 2016 was! There were so many amazing films released … with these nine making the cut for Best Picture. Moonlight took home the top prize, however, looking back, do you agree with the Academy’s choice? What was your favourite film of that year? Check out my Rewatching Oscar episode tomorrow on Moonlight and the rest from 2016.

It’s Thoughtful Thursday! Today’s Oscar-nominated (and winning) film is the adventure from 2012 … Life of Pi.
A film full of images you won’t soon forget, and themes of faith, fear, and survival so prevalent, Life of Pi is a wonderful cinematic journey worth taking. What are your thoughts? Check out my video review in the comments below.