SIFF Sighting: BEWARE THE SLENDERMAN (Documentary; U.S.A.)

Tassoula's review of the documentary BEWARE THE SLENDERMAN is now available on her blog.

You can access the review here.

BEWARE THE SLENDERMAN will screen at SIFF Cinema Uptown during the 42nd Annual Seattle International Film Festival on May 30. Tickets are available here.

SIFF Sighting: SUMMERTIME (Romance; France)

Tassoula is intermittently covering #SIFF2016. Her first review of the festival, of the French film SUMMERTIME, is now available on her blog.

Read that review here.

SUMMERTIME will screen Wednesday, June 1 at AMC Pacific Place during the 42nd Annual Seattle International Film Festival. Go here to purchase tickets. 

Cinebanter Special Edition - TASSOULA'S TOP 10 OSCAR PICKS

The mp3 of this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Tassoula shares her Top 10 Oscar picks for 2015.

There are no spoilers, just basic commentary on some of the nominated films, writers, directors, musicians and actors.

In addition, written reviews of several of the films Tassoula discusses can be found here:

• Still Alice
• Live Action Short Film Nominees
• Selma
• The Imitation Game
• The Theory of Everything
• Nightcrawler
• Boyhood
• Finding Vivian Maier

Enjoy!

Cinebanter Rewind: DRAG ME TO HELL (2009)

The mp3 of this episode can be found here.

In this episode, a classic, horror-filled Cinebanter episode is revisited just in time for the Halloween holiday.

The breakdown is as follows:

• 0:00 Intro by Tassoula
• 0:32 Original 2009 Review of DRAG ME TO HELL
• 28:54 Credits

We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane!

Cinebanter Mini Edition: BOYHOOD Q&A

The mp3 of this episode can be found here.

In this mini episode, Tassoula shares audio from the Richard Linklater Q&A that she attended back in May.

If you haven't yet seen the film, please be aware there are spoilers here (as the audience asking the questions had just screened it).

To see if Boyhood is playing in your town, visit the official website.

New Written Reviews Now Available

Tassoula spent the holiday weekend at the movies; see what she thought of all of them with this list of her written reviews:

• A HARD DAY'S NIGHT
• LIFE ITSELF
• TAMMY
• DELIVER US FROM EVIL

~~~

Cinebanter Special Edition: SIFF 2014 RE-CAP

A Scene From STILL LIFE

The MP3 file of this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Tassoula re-caps the recent 40th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. She shares her favorite documentary from the event, plus her top three films. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Tassoula's re-cap of the festival
• 10:12 Outro

Thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for the original music used in this episode, and to the folks at SIFF for granting Tassoula press access to hundreds of fantastic films for the 8th consecutive year.

Tassoula Got Schooled

This is a special announcement for Cinebanter fans: the audiobook that Tassoula narrated, Schooled by Christa Charter, is now available via Amazon and Audible.com!

Click here for purchase link, and if you like it, please leave a positive rating on the purchase site.

Happy listening!

~~~

SIFF Sighting: BURT'S BUZZ (Documentary; Canada)

"It's important to separate one's wants from one's needs."

Those are the words the iconic co-founder of Burt's Bees, and he faithfully lives by them.

This film shows a man of contradiction: Burt is a hoarder who embraces simplicity; a gun enthusiast that hates war. He started his company by selling honey on the side of the highway; now he's merely the figurehead for the giant brand its become. And that's okay with him.

BURT'S BUZZ will be shown at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival May 26 and 27. For tickets, go here.

~~~

SIFF is Almost Here

The 40th Seattle International Film Festival begins two weeks from tonight.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the presentations I'm most excited about:

 

Richard Linklater's Boyhood, playing May 31

The One I Love, starring Elisabeth Moss and Mark Duplass, playing June 8

They Came Together, starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler, playing June 7 & 8

1,000 Times Goodnight, starring Juliette Binoche with Larry Mullen, Jr. of U2, playing May 23 & 25

Niall Heery's Gold, playing May 20

4-Minute Mile, playing June 5, FUN FACT: Tassoula is an extra in this film!

And of course, I have a whole host of documentaries I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to see, so stay tuned for my most-anticipated list from that genre.

Cinebanter Special Edition - TOP 10 OF 2013 (PART 2)

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula finish out their TOP 10 of 2013 with their Last Five and some listener feedback about their Oscar Picks and Predictions show. Michael also shares a special announcement. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 THE LAST FIVE
• Break
• 33:54 LISTENER FEEDBACK (Paul in England)
• Break
• 42:04 Credits

A heartfelt thanks to all of the listeners over the years who have contributed conversations, comments, donations, technical help, music, designs, votes, tiebreakers, shoulders-to-cry-on, suggestions, corrections, media contacts, advice and good humor. We needed it.

Please don't be strangers.

—Michael and Tassoula

Cinebanter Special Edition - OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS 2014

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula battle over their annual OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS. They also point out glaring omissions and respond to listener feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS (part 1)
• Break
• 11:45 OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS (part 2)
• Break
• 31:43 Listener Feedback (Bret in DC and Chris in San Jose)
• 44:04 Credits

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at mailto:cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter - 8th ANNUAL TELEBANTER

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula take their criticism to the small screen in the 8th ANNUAL TELEBANTER episode, where they share their best television shows of 2013. The pair rated two shows exactly the same on their lists. Can you guess which ones? The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 TOP 10 - 5 of 2013
• Break
• 26:42 TOP 4 - 1 of 2013
• 1:13:24 Credits and Outtakes

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

Cinebanter #128 - Nebraska

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula are underwhelmed by NEBRASKA. In The Last Five®, Michael attempts to turn his daughter into a film snob, while Tassoula sees several flicks in honor of her own birthday. The final segment features the hosts responding to listener feedback about their show on 12 YEARS A SLAVE, and announcing January's show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of NEBRASKA

• Break

• 20:04 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 22:49 The Last Five®
• Break

• 53: 07 Listener Feedback (Jordan in Boston)
• 1:02:34 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: DOLPHINS; WHISPER OF THE HEART; TOY STORY 3; LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM and STORIES WE TELL. Tassoula's Last Five were: DELIVERY MAN; GREMLINS; THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE; REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE and SAVING MR. BANKS.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #127 - 12 YEARS A SLAVE

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula wonder what they're missing in 12 YEARS A SLAVE. However, after finding some common ground in their review, all hell breaks loose in The Last Five®, when Michael accuses Tassoula of spoiling two films during the segment. Michael also announces the film for December. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of 12 YEARS A SLAVE

• Break

• 24:30 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 25:48 The Last Five®
• Break

• 1:00:15 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: ENOUGH SAID; BONNIE & CLYDE; CAPTAIN PHILLIPS; ALL IS LOST and DOLPHINS. Tassoula's Last Five were: CAPTAIN PHILLIPS; STORIES WE TELL; 500 DAYS OF SUMMER; BROADCAST NEWS and LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #126 - GRAVITY

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, things get heavy as Michael and Tassoula review GRAVITY. In the Last Five®, Michael sees a heartbreaking HBO documentary, while Tassoula watches one too many bad horror flicks. The hosts also respond to a new listener from Africa. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of GRAVITY

• Break

• 24:14 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 25:04 The Last Five®
• Break
• 56:05 Listener Feedback

• 1:01:02 Credits and Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LOVELACE; HAPPY TOGETHER; SHORT TERM 12; DON'T STOP BELIEVIN': EVERY MAN'S JOURNEY and VALENTINE ROAD. Tassoula's Last Five were: ENOUGH SAID; THE AWAKENING; HEAVENLY CREATURES; THE CANTERVILLE GHOST and TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #125 - THE WORLD'S END

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula return to familiar British ground with their review of THE WORLD'S END. In the Last Five®, Michael revisits a female favorite, while Tassoula is moved by a 9/11 documentary. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of THE WORLD'S END

• Break

• 13:14 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 13:54 The Last Five®

• 50:50 Credits and Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: GORE VIDAL: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; PERTH; MAGIC MIKE; THE SPECTACULAR NOW and LOVELACE. Tassoula's Last Five were: WAR GAMES; THE SPECTACULAR NOW; DRINKING BUDDIES; OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY and RAISING ARIZONA.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

CInebanter #124 - FRUITVALE STATION and BLACKFISH

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula provide a double header of reviews: FRUITVALE STATION and BLACKFISH. In the Last Five®, Michael gets to a few new indies, while Tassoula continues her bender of HBO documentaries. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of FRUITVALE STATION

• Break

• 19:38 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 20:16 Review of BLACKFISH

• Break

• 44:33 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 45:00 The Last Five®

• 1:01:47 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: BEHIND THE CANDLEABRA; THE CRASH REEL;  GASLAND; SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE and CLEAR HISTORY. Tassoula's Last Five were: THE CHESHIRE MURDERS; MISS YOU CAN DO IT; THE DREAMERS; BLUE JASMINE and FORREST GUMP.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Thanks for the shout out, Valentina!

Cinebanter #123 - THE HEAT

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula clash over the humor of THE HEAT. In the Last Five®, Michael dives into some HBO documentaries, while Tassoula takes in a mediocre horror flick. The two also respond to Listener Feedback about their BEFORE MIDNIGHT episode. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of THE HEAT

• Break

• 21:27 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 22:15 The Last Five®

• Break

• 57:06 Listener Feedback

• Break

• 1:07:27 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: UNTOLD SCANDAL; HANNAH ARENDT; BEHIND THE CANDLEABRA; THE CRASH REEL and GASLAND. Tassoula's Last Five were: LOLA VERSUS; LOVE, MARYLIN; MORE THAN HONEY; CHERNOBYL DIARIES and THE EAST.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!