1. Where’s your byline?
Journal & Courier, Lafayette, Ind., as well as rottentomatoes.com
2. Education:
Bachelor of Science in journalism, Ohio University, 1970
3. Film education:
a few classes at OU and watching thousands of movies
4. Indispensable film books:
Maltin Film Guide
5. Favorite film magazines and/or websites:
Premiere, Rottentomatoes, Internet Movie Database
6. Describe a typical work week:
I work 40 hours on the copy desk and go to screenings on my days off, if there are any. I also review DVDs, about 10 a week, so I am usually in front of my TV when I am not at working or sleeping.
7. How many movies did you review in 2006?
About 40 so far.
8. What do you take with you to a screening?
A notebook and flashlight pen.
9. Movie you lambasted that then got you lambasted, & have you since backpedaled?
Nacho Libre
10. To what extent do you believe home theatres will make movie theatres obsolete?
They won't. Sitting in a darkened theater is a magical experience one can never duplicate at home.
11. Advice for hitting a film fest; What are your objectives?
I don't go to many film fests, unfortunately. Paper has no budget for me to attend any.
12. Most over/under-rated film fest and why: --
13. What fests did you attend in 2006, and which would you like to attend in 2007?
None
14. How do you fuel yourself during a hectic fest schedule? --
15. Your ideal film fest theme: --
16. What do you consider the most prestigious non-Oscar film award?
None, films should not get awards. It is comparing apples and oranges.
17. Movies/genres you can discuss better than anyone else:
Serials.
18. If you were locked in a theatre with the work of three directors...
John Ford, Howard Hawks, Michael Curtiz.
19. How often do you watch movies that you aren’t critiquing?
Rarely.
20. Three favorite sick-in-bed/easy-on-the-head movies:
Singin' in the Rain
21. Surprising turn from one of your least favorite actors/directors:
Keanu Reeves, My Own Private Idaho
22. Three essential movies for a proper film-snob library:
Rules of the Game
23. How did you become a film critic?
Just asked an editor if I can write about films and she said, sure.
24. Career moment you’re most proud of:
Sneaking into a screening of the original Star Wars