All Film Content
How'd Tim Mitchell do in his Oscar nomination predictions?
Last week, News-Gazette staff writer Tim Mitchell predicted 25 of the 34 nominees in the major categories for the 85th Academy Awards.
Chuck Koplinski: 'Zero Dark Thirty' cold, yet fascinating procedural
Fascinating, yet cold, Kathryn Bigelow's "Zero Dark Thirty" proves to be a film that you'll end up admiring more than liking. Chronicling the United States' efforts to capture Osama bin Laden, the project was in production before the terrorist's death at the hands of Navy SEALs, necessitating a complete restructuring of the movie.
Entertainment listings, Jan. 10-17
A listing of events, provided by the venues. In case of an error, please click here to email online editor Mike Howie.
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This weekend
Tim Mitchell's predicted Oscar nominees
With the Academy Award nominations set to be announced Thursday, News-Gazette staff writer Tim Mitchell predicts what films, directors and actors will receive nominations.
This year, the academy will nominate five to 10 movies for best picture. A film has to receive first-place votes on at least 5 percent of the ballots to get a nomination.
Harvest Moon nears goal to stay open
GIBSON CITY — The town's historic drive-in is nearing its goal to go digital and stay open, thanks to supporters and a "large bank loan."
As at other drive-ins, and all movie theaters, films will no longer be offered this year on spools; all theaters must change to digital, which is estimated to cost the Harvest Moon at least $120,000.
Chuck Koplinski: 'Promised Land' doesn't fulfill its promise
While there's never any doubt that Gus Van Sant's "Promised Land" was made with the best of intentions, something goes slightly awry in the execution of this environmental awareness movie.
Art Beat: Notable losses, moments in 2012
Many of us will remember 2012 as the year we lost two great ones: Dan Perrino and Thomas Schleis.
Another great local talent also died in the year that almost was: Rachael Lee, a jazz vocalist from Macon who at one time lived in Champaign-Urbana and who enjoyed a regional reputation.
Interesting changes -- both good and bad -- in the movie industry
Well, the purported Mayan apocalypse didn't happen on Dec. 21, so there's time for my annual moviedom overview.
It's been quite a year for the film business. Though total ticket sales have still not climbed back to 2003-04 levels, they do exceed the numbers for the last couple of years. And more films were released in 2012 than in any of the past 30 years.
'Playbook' — and its stars — ring true
Pat Jr. (Bradley Cooper) has a lot on his mind. His mother Delores (Jacki Weaver) has just sprung him from a mental institution after an eight-month stay.
Seems he walked in on his wife Nikki (Brea Bee) and a co-worker taking a shower in his own home and nearly beat the guy to death. Well, can you really blame him?
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