Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

In the exploration of Francis Ford Coppola's post-Apocalypse Now (1979) filmography, or rather, his post-genius period, you'll find a body of work that hardly stirs the level of recognition and acclaim of his work in the 1970's. That doesn't necessarily mean there is nothing worth watching as the Coppola name alone provides any title some semblance of credibility. Although, there does seem to be a considerable drop-off following Apocalypse Now, especially in comparison to the consistently impressive output of New Hollywood contemporaries like Scorsese and Spielberg. 

'The Place Beyond the Pines' Review

With The Place Beyond the Pines director/writer Derek Cianfrance focuses on human relationships much like he did in his 2010 tragic drama Blue Valentine. This time, however, Cianfrance deals in epic proportions, still with a sharp focus on the human condition and the desperate situations that arise from our need to fulfill some moral obligation.

Ebertfest Recap -- Thursday -- Bernie (Also on readbuzz)

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The last film of Thursday’s Ebertfest was Richard Linklater‘s 2011 black comedy Bernie.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) Review

Well, at least it was a good idea. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone provides showmen a grandiose stage to display their showmanship, but as a comedy the film simply falls flat.  Built upon an actually promising premise, especially when played out by a group of terrific comedic actors, nothing very interesting, or necessarily funny, happens in the story.

THIEF (1981) Review

            We now know where Michael Mann’s infatuation with thieves began. He loves them so much that they usually play the protagonist or as close as they can get to one. His feature film debut Thief (1981), starring James Caan, is an interesting precursor to Heat (1995) and Public Enemies (2009), Mann’s subsequent heist thrillers that owe much of their refinedness to his sprawling, yet explosive debut.

CineHeaven's Highly Informal Mission Statement

CineHeaven's mission is quite simple: watch, discuss, love, and breathe film. As a film writer, I strive to facilitate discussion about films and the broader topics they force us to examine. Film criticism and scholarship offer never-ending interpretations of film that help in better understanding and, above all else, appreciating the art of filmmaking.

CineHeaven is a blog for film lovers who enjoy participating in dialogue that forces them to examine a film from a new perspective, contemplate the film's various possible meanings, or challenge the writer's (me) assertion about any of these things, all ending in a wonderfully constructive and intelligent discussion.

I hope to write many more good reviews than bad (after all I do get to choose what I see), but if I don't like a film then of course that's what I'll write. I must say, however, that writing about a film you like is a genuinely more enjoyable experience than writing a negative review.  I will employ a 5-star system, obviously 5 being the best and 1 the worst. I'm not a big fan of the star rating, but it does remind me to be clear in my review about my positive or negative reaction to the film.

I will be a college graduate as of May, so I feel it necessary to offer my credentials as a serious film writer, as well as not to be mistaken for a middle-aged basement dweller who's just as fed up with Hollywood as he is his mother's insistence that he move out and find a nice girl.

I major in Cinema Studies, which has provided me extensive experience in film analysis and theory. I've written for Champaign-Urbana's entertainment magazine, buzz, since May of 2012. This is merely an estimate (and a rough one), but in my lifetime I've seen over 1,000 films. Since April 2012, I've kept a film viewing log, with the total, as of today, standing at 270. This proves two things: 1) I need to get laid 2) I know what I'm talking about.

I look forward to filling the pages of this blog with invigorating and unique insights into the world of cinema.