Michael Glover Smith’s words of mounting depth and weight turn idle chatter into soapboxes that eventually become proverbial fortifications built around questioned principles and shattered wills. The ensemble of performers delivers on the required heavy lifting from the director to make the multitude of human flaws believable yet still approachable. Mercury in Retrograde is a hidden gem.
Read MoreThe CIFCC was founded on the pillar of diversity. It is a message that resonates in all that we do, both as a group and as critics. In our eyes and through our passion as film lovers and creative individuals, diversity means more than just demographics. Take a watch and a listen to this special trailer and message from the CIFCC, featuring yours truly.
Read MoreThree of the four founders and directors, including yours truly, of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle brandished their firearm-free first-takes and reviews of "War Dogs" starring Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, directed by Todd Phillips. Here's Pamela Powell, Jim Alexander, and myself with our first impressions!
Read MoreFive top-light film critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle went down to the seedy parts of West Texas and lived to tell about it after an advance screening of the crime thriller "Hell or High Water." Enjoy the hot takes and breakdowns of Leo Brady, Pamela Powell, myslef, Emmanuel Noisette, and Jim Alexander!
Read MoreThree critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle wake themselves up from the collective boredom and talk about "Jason Bourne" after an advance screening. Enjoy the popcorn throwing of Pamela Powell, myself, and Emmanuel Noisette.
Read MoreThe critics of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle have heard the call of the jungle! Watch and enjoy the first takes of myself and my fellow CIFCC members including Jon Espino of "The Young Folks," Pamela Powell of The Kankakee Daily Journal and "Reel Honest Reviews," and, but not least, Emmanuel Noisette of "Eman's Movie Reviews" offering their hot-and-bothered impressions on "The Legend of Tarzan." Enjoy!
Read MoreFellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle director Jim Alexander and I were approached by the local film publicity and The Wilmette Theatre to cover the Chicago premiere of "The American Side," the second feature film from writer/director Jenna Ricker. Its June 17, 2016 premiere featured a post-film Q&A session hosted by Oriana Oppice of Women in Film Chicago. The guests were Ricker, her co-writer and star Greg Stuhr, and executive producer Mary Henry.
Read MoreThe Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle held its first official meet-and-greet at the Music Box Theatre Lounge. As one of the co-founders and co-directors of the CIFCC, it was nice to have our group come together first time. Here's a quick video shot by Pamela Powell of Reel Honest Reviews. Put faces with names as our members introduce themselves!
Read MoreI attended a press-only screening of "X-Men: Apocalypse" on May 9. I was able to participate in another quick post-film panel with my fellow members and directors of the CIFCC. Allow me to continue to introduce my "Every Movie Has a Lesson" followers to Pamela Powell of Reel Honest Reviews, Jim Alexander of The Movie Blog, Jon Espino of The Young Folks, and Emmanuel Noisette of Eman's Movie Reviews. Enjoy our rants and raves!
Read MoreI am very proud to share the first official video of the newly-formed Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle, of which I am a co-founder and co-director. When I attended an advance screening of "Captain America: Civil War" on May 2, 2016 with my press credentials, I was able to participate in a group video of post-film reactions with a small gathering of a few of my fellow members and directors of the CIFCC.
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