Iconic Today show film critic Gene Shalit dies at 100
Gene Shalit, the longtime Today show movie critic known for his distinctive mustache and bushy hair, has died at age 100.
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Film Criticism
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In 1993 Spielberg Rewrote Hollywood With Two Masterpieces
Slate revisits Spielberg’s pivotal 1993, when Jurassic Park’s blockbuster tech and Schindler’s List’s critical triumph redefined his reputation, proving critics wrong about his range and solidifying his status as Hollywood’s dominant force in both art and commerce.
Cannes 2026 Signals a Turning Point as Hollywood Retreats
Vulture’s Alison Willmore argues Cannes 2026 marks a turning point for the festival as big-studio tentpoles pull back, leaving a leaner, more arthouse–leaning slate; even with boos for The Unknown and a generally underwhelming lineup, the festival still delivered standout performances and moments (like All of a Sudden and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma), highlighting cinema’s evolving economics and continued prestige amid industry turbulence.
Cannes 2026: Three Standouts Cut Through a Weak Lineup
IndieWire critic David Ehrlich argues Cannes 2026 offered a weak lineup, but three films—Camp Miasma (Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Mishima) by Jane Schoenbrun, Club Kid by Pawel Pawlikowski, and Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur—stood out for their bold formal daring and incisive examinations of identity and reality. Camp Miasma uses autofictional horror to map mind and body, Club Kid follows a sober, maturation arc of a gay Manhattan scenester, and Minotaur places a domestic crisis within a brutal geopolitical frame, culminating in a haunting final image. Together, they demonstrate cinema’s power to disrupt and redefine perception even amidst a festival lineup Ehrlich found lacking overall.
Rex Reed, Sharpshooter of Film Criticism, Dies at 87
Rex Reed, a brash, sharp-witted film critic who helped redefine Hollywood commentary in the 1960s and wrote for The New York Times and The New York Observer, died at his Manhattan home at 87. A longtime New York social figure, Reed was known for provocative, sometimes offensive reviews and portraits of stars that sparked controversy— including quips about Oldboy and Melissa McCarthy— while also acting and publishing widely read profiles and books.
Gyllenhaal's The Bride! Drowns Grand Intentions in Goofy Mash-Up
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! attempts a bold, genre-busting reimagining of Bride of Frankenstein but is overwhelmed by constant meta jokes and over-the-top gore, ultimately failing to coherently land its social or thematic ambitions despite its ambitious scope.
Exit Stage Left: Roger Ebert’s Most Memorable Walkout Was From The Statue
A look back at Roger Ebert’s infamous exits from films—most notably his sprint from Rod Amateau’s 1971 The Statue, which he called one of the worst films and ideas—illustrating his blunt, influential approach to film criticism across the decades.
Ebert Walked Out on Mediterraneo, Calling It Utterly Without Redeeming Merit
The piece recalls Roger Ebert's infamous walkout from Mediterraneo (1991), the Oscar-winning Italian war comedy-drama, which he labeled “utterly without redeeming merit,” making it the only film he said he could not finish, despite the film winning Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars and achieving notable US box office.
2025's Top Movie Disappointments and Flops
The article lists and criticizes the ten worst movies of 2025, highlighting films like 'Flight Risk', 'Death of a Unicorn', and 'The Electric State', which are characterized by poor casting, weak storytelling, and lack of artistic integrity, reflecting a disappointing year for cinema amidst industry chaos.
The Hidden Dangers of Unexplained Weapons
The article discusses the 2025 Movie Club, highlighting films that explore complex themes like narrative, community, and tragedy, with a particular focus on the film 'Weapons,' which subtly examines the aftermath of a tragedy in a small town without providing clear explanations, emphasizing the ambiguous and often incomprehensible nature of such events.
Martin Scorsese mourns the loss of his friend Rob Reiner
The article is a heartfelt tribute to Rob Reiner, celebrating his versatile career as an actor, director, and industry pioneer, and reflecting on his impact on Hollywood and popular culture, especially through his work on iconic films and TV shows like 'All in the Family' and 'Spinal Tap.'
Quentin Tarantino Criticizes Paul Dano as SAG's Weakest Male Actor
Quentin Tarantino criticized actor Paul Dano during a podcast, calling him weak and uninteresting, particularly in his role in 'There Will Be Blood,' despite Dano's acclaimed performances in other films. Tarantino also suggested that actor Austin Butler would have been better suited for Dano's role, which Dano originally played as a minor part before being cast in a dual role by director Paul Thomas Anderson.
Hollywood's Struggles to Capture Broadway's Genius
The article criticizes Hollywood's portrayal of Broadway legends in musical biopics, highlighting how many films from the 1940s inaccurately depict the creation of American musicals, often resulting in poorly received and exaggerated portrayals, with recent commentary emphasizing the genre's overall poor quality.
‘Materialists’ Explores Love and Money with Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal
'Materialists' is a thought-provoking film that critiques the commodification of modern love, featuring strong performances by Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. It challenges viewers' expectations of a typical rom-com, offering a more serious exploration of love's complexities, and is recommended for those interested in artful cinema and nuanced storytelling.
Director of '2000 Mules' Admits Film's Flaws and Issues Apology
Dinesh D'Souza, director of the documentary '2000 Mules,' has admitted that the film contains flaws. This acknowledgment comes amidst ongoing discussions about the film's content and its reception.