Now on DVD: Everybody’s (not) Fine with this De Niro film

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 18 March 2010 10:42

With the Oscars put away until next year, and movie theaters slowly opening appealing films until summer blockbusters appear, it’s a good time to check what’s available on DVD. This week, the Reel Dad takes a look at a new release, Everybody’s Fine, starring Robert De Niro.

Seven things we savor about the 2010 Oscars

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 11 March 2010 11:47

For a movie fan, the Academy Awards is more than a broadcast honoring people who achieve, it is a celebration of how the film industry contributes to entertainment and culture around the world.

Over the years, we have come to love the Oscar show, not only for the films that are honored but for the classic moments (some intended, some not) the broadcast offers to those of us who sit at home, fill out our ballots and share the fun with family and friends.

Sunday’s edition — in its advance publicity — promised a new look and feel to the awards. While the program didn’t live up to all the hype, it kept things moving at a brisk pace. And while the final winners followed most of our predictions, the broadcast offered some gems for the Academy history books. Here are seven things we will savor about the 2010 Oscars.

Who should win the Oscars on Sunday?

Written by Mark Schumann and Jonathan Schumann
Thursday, 04 March 2010 14:08

On Sunday, March 7, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its winners for the 82nd annual Academy Awards. This week, the Reel Dad (Mark)-and-Son (Jonathan) team offers a few predictions for the annual ritual. With whom do you agree?

Shutter Island: Major disappointment from Scorsese

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 25 February 2010 11:54

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch with their children. This week’s pick is Shutter Island, a new thriller from Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese.

Crazy Heart: Unique, entertaining, award-worthy

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 18 February 2010 13:50

On March 7, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present its 82nd Annual Academy Awards. This week, the Reel Dad takes a look at one of this year’s nominees, Crazy Heart, starring nominees Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

The Oscar nominations: Surprises, oddities, favorites

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:30

Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, to be presented on March 7. This week, the Reel Dad takes a look at this year’s nominees, the surprises, the oddities and the favorites.

On DVD: District 9 is disturbing, brilliant, memorable

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 04 February 2010 11:51

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch with their children. This week’s pick is the Academy Award Best Picture nominee thriller District 9, now available on DVD.

The 2010 Oscar nominees: suggestions for the Academy

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 28 January 2010 15:17

Next Tuesday, Feb. 2, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce its nominees for the 82nd annual Academy Awards. This week, the Reel Dad offers a few suggestions to the Academy.

It’s Complicated: A brilliant new comedy

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 21 January 2010 14:57

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch with their children. This week’s pick is the new comedy, It’s Complicated.

Clint Eastwood’s Invictus: Meaningful history lesson

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 14 January 2010 12:10

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch with their families. This week’s pick is a new film from director Clint Eastwood, Invictus.