Peter Sobczynski, Author at The Spool - Page 4 of 8 (Page 4) | The Spool

Peter Sobczynski, Author at The Spool - Page 4 of 8 (Page 4)

Peter Sobczynski is a Chicago-based filmcritic whose work can be seen at RogerEbert.com, EFilmcritic.com and, well, here. He is also on the board for the Chicago Critics Film Festival and the Chicago Film Critics Association. Yes, he once gave four stars to “Valerian” and he would do it again.

TIFF 2022: Roost is undone by a poorly executed twist

Grace Van Dien’s fine lead performance is let down by a stagebound script and a gimmicky, ill-managed narrative flip. (This review is part of our coverage of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.) Following Red Rocket and Palm Trees and Power Lines, Amy Redford’s Roost is yet another film about a young girl so blinded ... TIFF 2022: Roost is undone by a poorly executed twist

TIFF 2022: Falcon Lake sails when exploring adolescence

While Charlotte Le Bron's directorial debut doesn't wholly succeed in hybridizing genres, it excels when telling its young leads' stories.

TIFF 2022: Fixation takes the viewer on a long, strange trip through a fragile woman’s mind

By: Peter Sobczynski

Mercedes Bryce Morgan directs an uneven but fascinating psychological drama about a woman who undergoes an unorthodox version of therapy.

Unraveling pop-culture one thread at a time

The Spool is an irreverent, informative source for film and television coverage, focused on diverse, thoughtful opinions that seek out a greater understanding of the media we love.

“He’s An Artist!” Pink Floyd: The Wall at 40

By: Peter Sobczynski

Alan Parker's psychedelic edifice to the music of Pink Floyd is just as gripping and relevant as it was four decades ago.

“‘Like Unbeatable’ Is Not Unbeatable!” The 30th Anniversary of A Honeymoon in Vegas

The 90s romcom gives viewers a chance to appreciate an underrated tool in James Caan's repertoire and too infrequently mentioned comedic screenwriter/director.

“I Am The Future!” The 40th Reunion Of Class Of 1984

The sleazy exploitation film offers surprisingly more in terms of style and substance than a viewer might expect.

Night Shift at 40: Michael Keaton shines and Ron Howard gets wonderfully zany

Night Shift, Ron Howard's Michael Keaton-star-making mortuary-set sex comedy, is unlike anything he's made in quite some time.

“They Haven’t Built A Circuit That Could Hold You!” Tron at 40

A look back at the notorious sci-fi bomb that ended up becoming one of the most influential movies in the genre.

Tribeca 2022: Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz riff on their star personas in Official Competition

By: Peter Sobczynski

Mariano Cohn and Gaston Duprat’s charming takedown of the movie industry features giddy turns from two of the world’s greatest stars. (This review is part of our coverage of the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.) NOW STREAMING: Powered by JustWatch As comic premises go, the notion of portraying people in the movie industry as pretentious vain, ... Tribeca 2022: Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz riff on their star personas in Official Competition

Tribeca 2022: Rudy! A Documusical can’t find a key for its odious subject

By: Peter Sobczynski

Jed Rothstein's mostly-conventional musical doc tries to lampoon the disgraced Trump lackey, but can't do either particularly well.

Tribeca 2022: Lynch/Oz takes the Yellow Brick Road to the Black Lodge

By: Peter Sobczynski

Alexandre O. Phillippe's latest essay film shows the links between the Hollywood classic and Hollywood's greatest weirdo.

Tribeca 2022: The Integrity of Joseph Chambers pits man against nature

By: Peter Sobczynski

Clayne Crawford stars as a man who puts his life at risk in the name of toxic masculinity

The Untouchables at 35: Mucking with the Gs

We look back at Brian De Palma's rapturous crime thriller, one of his most invigorating grasps at mainstream success.

Smokey and the Bandit at 45:”What the hell is the world coming to?”

By: Peter Sobczynski

Hal Needham's good-old-boy romp is still as silly and dumb and charming as it was nearly a half-century ago.

“I think they’re wonderful”: Ishtar at 35 is funnier than ever

Elaine May's one-and-done comic flop is far funnier and more incisive than its reputation implies.

“The next-to-last mimzy”:Jabberwocky at 45

Terry Gilliam's first solo directorial effort is a cracked fairy tale that hints at his artistic future.

Alex Cox reflects on Walker’s making and legacy

The director talks the film's rediscovery and release in the Criterion Collection.

“Welcome home”: Cat People at 40

Paul Schrader's kinky erotic thriller offered both style & substance, and still holds up

24 Beats per Second sees SXSW honor music through film

The festival's music documentary sidebar pays tribute to music legends ranging from Ronnie James Dio to Tanya Tucker.

2022’s SXSW documentary competition boasts a wealth of fine films

The festival's documentary selection includes features on everything from post-incarceration life to Pez-related crimes.

SXSW 2022: To Leslie is familiar, but its eye is unflinching and its compassion deep

By: Peter Sobczynski

Andrea Riseborough and Marc Maron shine in a study of a one-time lottery winner years after her life has gone bust.

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