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Movie Maniac

The Eagle's Rod Pocowatchit's musings on the screen scene

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2011 at the movies: From magic to mayhem

By Rod Pocowatchit | Jan. 1 at 9:53 a.m.

Welcome to 2012! But before we get too far, let’s look back at the films we had in 2011.

A ‘Story’ perfect for Christmas, and you won’t shoot your eye out

By Rod Pocowatchit, The Wichita Eagle | Dec. 25 at 7:17 a.m.

It just wouldn’t be the holidays without the marathon showing of the 1983 film “A Christmas Story.” Sure, I could pop the DVD in and watch it anytime I want, but it wouldn’t be the same. Christmas without Ralphie would be like popcorn without butter. Morally wrong.

Independent films are likely to attract Oscar attention

By Rod Pocowatchit, The Wichita Eagle | Dec. 4 at 10:14 a.m.

In the midst of the big-budget holiday movie season, don’t forget the little guys. There are several cool independent films now playing or on the way, and many will attract awards attention.

Don’t let your love of ‘Twilight’ intoxicate you

By Rod Pocowatchit, The Wichita Eagle | Nov. 27 at 9 a.m.

I am not the target audience for the “Twilight” films or books, meaning I am not a teenage girl — although I probably throw a football like one.

Hollywood holiday film fare

By Rod Pocowatchit, The Wichita Eagle | Nov. 20 at 6:39 a.m.

How is it the holidays already? Wasn’t it just summer?

‘Tower’ a reminder of how good heist films can be

By Rod Pocowatchit, The Wichita Eagle | Nov. 6 at 6:57 a.m.

I was fully ready to loathe the new caper comedy “Tower Heist.” It didn’t help that it starred Ben Stiller (his stutter schtick in the “Meet the Parents” films is the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard to me) or Eddie Murphy (I’d rather get a colonoscopy than sit through another of his multi-role “Nutty Professor”-type comedies.)

Tallgrass Film Festival had some winners

Oct. 30 at 7:59 a.m.

The ninth annual Tallgrass Film Festival wrapped Oct. 23 with a sold-out screening of Anne Buford’s “Elevate” and the Closing Night Gala party at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Tallgrass twists on: film festival preview

By Rod Pocowatchit, The Wichita Eagle | Oct. 17 at 11:02 a.m.

The theme for this year's Tallgrass Film Festival is "get twisted." And if the opening night film is any indication of the vibe for the rest of the fest, we may be in for a real twisted treat.

This month's Tallgrass Film Fest boasts strong lineup

Oct. 9 at 12:07 a.m.

The Tallgrass Film Festival recently announced its full lineup, and it looks to be a strong program.

Kansas' 'Earthwork' film comes to Wichita

BY ROD POCOWATCHIT, The Wichita Eagle | Sep. 25 at 12:08 a.m.

Some independent films on the horizon in Wichita:

‘Moneyball’ hits a home run

BY ROD POCOWATCHIT, The Wichita Eagle | Sep. 23 at 11:07 a.m.

Baseball movies are a genre unto their own, whether funny (“Bull Durham”) or serious (“Field of Dreams”). And baseball usually transcends the limits of the game, becoming a symbol of the human spirit.

'The Interrupters' a portrait of hope amid violence

BY ROD POCOWATCHIT, The Wichita Eagle | Sep. 4 at 7:36 a.m.

"The Interrupters" is the kind of powerful filmmaking that not only documents change, it provokes it.

Fall movie preview: Fresh features

BY ROD POCOWATCHIT, The Wichita Eagle | August 28 at 6:50 a.m.

This summer was so hot, even shark-infested waters sound soothing.

Tallgrass salutes 'The Dude'

August 26 at 12:08 a.m.

The Tallgrass Film Association is presenting " Dudegrass: A Lebowski Extravaganza" on Saturday at Northrock Lanes, 3232 N. Rock Road.

Wichita's lucky to score screening of indie 'Bellflower'

August 17 at 12:31 p.m.

Don't know who Evan Glodell is? You will. He's the writer/director/ star of " Bellflower," and after the film's world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Glodell is being hailed as a blistering new talent.

Best Bets: Movies opening today (Aug. 12)

August 12 at 9:13 a.m.

The Help

'Change-Up' proof that Hollywood has run out of ideas

August 7 at 6:14 a.m.

Hey, Hollywood, wake up and the smell the deja vu.It's no surprise that there have been a slew of sequels, re-imaginings and remakes this summer (again), but did we really need another switching-bodies comedy? " The Change-Up," which opened Friday, is further proof that Hollywood must be completely out of new ideas.

Best Bets: Movies opening today (Aug. 5)

August 5 at 9:16 a.m.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Plummer, McGregor shine in life-affirming 'Beginners'

BY ROD POCOWATCHIT, The Wichita Eagle | July 29 at 7:06 a.m.

Christopher Plummer has had a long, distinguished career in movies. From such iconic roles as Capt. Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" to his recent Academy Award-nominated performance in "The Last Station," Plummer has rightfully gained much respect in the film world.

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