Julie and Julia: Meryl as Julia hits a homerun

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 13 August 2009 13:38

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 the new Nora Ephron film, Julie and Julia.

The Hurt Locker: One the year’s best films

Written by Jonathan Schumann
Thursday, 06 August 2009 10:53

For several years, Jonathan Schumann contributed film reviews as part of the “Take Two” father-and-sons movie reviewer team. This week, his father Mark, the “Reel Dad,” brings Jonathan back for a guest appearance.Until Kathryn Bigelow’s visceral, pulsing The Hurt Locker, the current war in Iraq had proven to be a difficult subject for filmmakers to capture.

Away We Go: A simple and compelling film

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 30 July 2009 09:56

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 film by director Sam Mendes, Away We Go.

‘Reel Son’ finds Transformers a real ‘guilty pleasure’

Written by MATTHEW SCHUMANN
Thursday, 16 July 2009 10:10

For several years, Matthew Schumann contributed film reviews as part of the “Take Two” father-and-sons movie reviewer team. This week, his father Mark, steps aside to bring Matthew for a guest appearance.

Public Enemies: Depp in a superb gangster thriller

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Friday, 10 July 2009 12:23

Just when I had started to lose faith in Hollywood movies — after a dismal start to the 2009 film year — arrives a classic for the ages, Michael Mann’s brilliant revision of the gangster genre, Public Enemies. With a solid script, thrilling visual work by Mann, and a sterling performance from Johnny Depp, this is easily the best film of the year to date, and a certain contender for end-of-the-year movie honors.

The 'Reel Mom' makes her column debut

Written by Sally Sanders
Monday, 06 July 2009 12:40

Since 1999, members of the Schumann family of Ridgefield have written movie commentary for the Arts and Leisure section, first under the title "Take Two" and now under "Reel Dad." Mark, the father, and sons Jonathan, Matthew and Garrett, have expressed their (often contrasting) points of view about films week after week over the years — but Leann, wife and mother, has till now never contributed her voice.

This week Leann — who regularly goes to the movies with Mark and the boys — ventures to two new films and, in an Arts and Leisure exclusive, reports her views for the first time. Introducing, the "Reel Mom” at the movies.

‘Reel Son’ enjoys the horror send-up, Drag Me to Hell

Written by Jonathan Schumann
Wednesday, 24 June 2009 15:18

For several years, Jonathan Schumann contributed film reviews as part of the “Take Two” father-and-sons movie reviewer team. This week, his father Mark, the “Reel Dad,” steps aside to bring Jonathan back to the column for a guest appearance.

A ‘Reel Son’ finds that Up teaches a timeless lesson

Written by Matthew Schumann
Thursday, 18 June 2009 10:09

For several years, Matthew Schumann contributed film reviews as part of the “Take Two” father-and-sons movie review team. This week, his father Mark, the “Reel Dad,” steps aside to bring Matthew back to the column for a guest appearance.

A ‘Reel Son’ salutes Cruise’s performance in Valkyrie

Written by Garrett Schumann
Thursday, 11 June 2009 13:09

For several years, Garrett Schumann contributed film reviews as part of the “Take Two” father-and-sons movie reviewer team. This week, his father Mark, the “Reel Dad,” steps aside to bring Garrett back to the column for a guest appearance, to talk about Valkyrie with Tom Cruise.    

Gomorrah: It’s disturbing, thoughtful, unforgettable

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 04 June 2009 10:35

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 Italian film, Gomorrah, now available in theaters and “on demand” on cable television.