I think the key ingredient is how you come across with that opinion. ^ Well yes. You talked about that image of arrogance. I think there’s no quicker turn off for people if they think someone is being elitist or, you know, snobby in some way.
What movie did you write your very first review on and where it was published? ^ Very good question, and I don’t know the answer to that. It would have probably been in college. I was writing before that, but no movie reviews per se, when I went to NYU. They had a very professional daily newspaper and I became first the film critic and then the entertainment editor. That was the first time I reviewed movies on a regular basis, which was a great experience
What review are you most proud of and why? ^ Oh, well I would have to say I’m proudest of one that people still stop me and tell me they remember on “Entertainment Tonight” when I reviewed the movie “Transylvania 6-5000” (1985). I did it by sort of swaying along to the old Glenn Miller record of “Pennsylvania 6-5000” (1940) until it got to the end of the first line and I said over it “Transylvania 6-5000” and I simply said – STINKS! It doesn’t sound very funny when I describe it, but it played funny and it was a one-word review essentially. But I thought it was a rather complete review.
Sounds like the shortest review in history. ^ I actually got in the Guinness Book one year for the shortest movie review ever. There is a movie called “Isn’t It Romantic,” a 1948 movie and the review reads: “No.” (NOTE: See page 685 in “Leonard Maltin’s Movie & Video Guide 2002 Edition” to read the review.)
What review are you least proud of and why? ^ I don’t know that there is such a thing. I mean, I make mistakes like anybody else. Uh, but I don’t know there is something I can say I’m not proud of or least proud of.
BONUS FUN QUESTIONS! ^ How do you get loud people to shut up in a movie theater? ^ Move. Nothing works.
Do you eat popcorn at screenings? ^ Yes.
Do you eat candy at viewings? ^ When I’m being naughty. Raisinets.
Where’s your favorite spot to sit in a movie theater? ^ Midway – on the right.
When you go to a movie, with whom do you usually go with? ^ My wife.
What three movies do you hate? ^ Hate is too strong of word. Films I dislike are “Maximum Overdrive” (1986), “Cool World” (1992), and “Moment By Moment” (1978).
What three movies are your favorite? ^ “Casablanca” (1942), “Citizen Kane” (1941), “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
What is your favorite movie soundtrack? ^ “The Adventures of Robin hood” (1938) by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Have you ever been punched or verbally assaulted (in person) by someone in the movie industry because of one of your reviews? ^ Never been punched. Uh, have been tongue lashed once or twice.
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