News Bites Part II: Roger Ebert on Critics, Hammer's New Film, AMC and Hounddog, Depp and Burton, I Am Legend Sequel

As I always try to look for some new way to expand my offerings, I have decided to keep an eye out across the world of entertainment news and try my hand at news reporting/commentary on stories that catch my eye. Obviously, I cannot cover everything, nor will I be able to cover most of it, or much of it at all. What I will do is catch whatever I can as I can and hope that it delivers something new to you.

Roger Ebert on the Critic's Purpose

Not really a news piece, but Roger Ebert posted a column called "'Critic' is a four-letter word". It is a fantastic piece that anyone who aspires to be a critic, thinks they are a critic, or wants to get into writing should read. It offers insight into how Mr. Ebert approaches the job, where he gets his inspiration, and how important the job can be to the art world.

In the column he references the great critic speech at the end of Ratatouille, using it to point out the importance of seeing and defending the "new." I found this to be a telling portion of the article. Think about it. Many think that critics only exist to tear films down and/or to promote an elitist agenda. I do not doubt that this may be true in some cases, but it is far from the whole truth.

I wonder how many great films, creators, performers would have slipped by unnoticed if not for the critic. Critics take their accumulated experience and use it to help recognize what is good, what is not, and offer their educated opinion on it. This includes new voices, things that are different, and things that push boundaries in the medium. The critic also has the ability to explain their positions, not allowing themselves to be content with saying "I like it" or "It's terrible." That is no way to go about forming an opinion. On top of that, reading critics and their thoughts will help the non-critic get in touch with why they like or dislike something, making them confront themselves and formulate taste.

I can only hope to be the tiniest bit like Mr. Ebert. The man is a treasure. Do yourself a favor, go read his column and then stick around to read some of his reviews.

Hammer Films Begins Production on The Wake Wood

Yes, you read that headline correctly. You did see the words "hammer" and "films" placed together in the context of a new film production. The news is being reported over at Bloody Disgusting that Hammer Films has commenced production on a new original film called The Wake Wood.

Fans of the horror genre should be familiar with Hammer Films. Now, I freely admit that my knowledge of Hammer's history is shoddy at best and non-existent at worst. What I do know is that they have been a highly influential studio for decades. Through the 1960s and 1970s they produced some absolutely classic horror films, many starring legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Their films included fresh takes on the classics such as Dracula and Frankenstein, not to mention such oddities as The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires. Simply put, if you like horror, you owe it to yourself to get some Hammer films in your collection.

Now, this production start is notable because there has not been a Hammer film released since To the Devil a Daughter back in 1976. It will be interesting to see if this new film will be able to capture the feel of classic Hammer.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests: SF, horror, and metal. …

Visit Chris Beaumont's author page — Chris Beaumont's Blog