My friend Jen Chaney is one of the most knowledgeable and insightful writers about movies and pop culture I know. Her new book is an oral history of “Clueless,” based on interviews with writer/director Amy Heckerling and the stars and crew. It is brilliant and funny and one of the best books I know about …

Continue reading “The Inside Story of “Clueless” — Jen Chaney’s New Book is a Total Betty”

I love the way Wil Wheaton sort of plays himself on “The Big Bang Theory.” The characters interact with him as Wil Wheaton, Wesley Crusher from “Star Trek: TNG” and star of “Stand By Me” (and “Serial Apeist 2”). But the “Wil Wheaton” character, especially in the first few appearances, was arrogant and mean, a …

Continue reading “Wil Wheaton Talks About His Mental Illness in a Video for UROK”

I’m on my way to San Diego Comic-Con! This is my favorite event of the year and I am especially excited because I will be on two panels: the Rotten Tomatoes panel “Your Opinion Sucks!” (attendees are given paddles with ripe tomatoes on one side and rotten tomatoes on the other to hold up and …

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David Gordon Green has directed intimate, natural dramas (“George Washington,” “All the Real Girls”) and wild comedies (“Pineapple Express,” “Eastbound and Down”). His new film, “Manglehorn,” is a gentle story with magical realism elements, starring Al Pacino as the title character, a lonely small-town locksmith who is still mourning a long-lost love. Holly Hunter plays …

Continue reading “Interview: David Gordon Green, Director of “Manglehorn””

Winston Graham’s Poldark novels about a dashing Revolutionary war veteran inspired a very successful 1977 PBS series, now remade with “Hobbit” star Aiden Turner in the title role. It is available today on DVD.