Frost/Nixon: Well-played, captivating

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 08 January 2009 13:06

Film theaters have recently shown offerings that may contend for 2008 honors. This week, The Reel Dad visits the new film, Frost/Nixon.

The Best of 2008: The Schumanns make their choices

Written by by MARK SCHUMANN and JONATHAN SCHUMANN
Wednesday, 31 December 2008 11:02

As film critics choose the best of 2008, the “Reel Dad” and the “Reel Son” award their annual year-end honors, The Schumies.

Happy holidays! Some special films to savor

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Wednesday, 24 December 2008 10:46

The holidays are a special time for families to share. Watching movies together – especially those with “nutritional value” – can be a lot of fun and offer good opportunities to talk. So this year, when you look for a movie to enjoy with your family, reach beyond the obvious titles for the lessons some lesser known movies can teach. For every It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34^th Street there are other worthwhile films serving nutritious entertainments. Here are a few suggestions.

Doubt: Film version negates imagination’s power

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 18 December 2008 14:42

As the year end approaches, film theaters begin to show offerings that may contend of end-of-year honors. This week, The Reel Dad visits the new film, Doubt.

Lovely new French film: A Christmas Tale

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 11 December 2008 15:47

Every film — like every meal — offers some degree of “nutritional value” to the people who partake. Like some meals, some movies dare to deliver more than a conventional helping. Each week, “the reel dad” offers the “nutritional value” of a film that parents may consider sharing with their kids. This week, he takes a look at the new family drama, A Christmas Tale.

Synecdoche, New York: Kaufman’s movie muddle

Written by Jonathan Schumann
Thursday, 04 December 2008 12:03

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.

Changeling: Eastwood creates a relic from another era

Written by Jonathan Schumann
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 11:16

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.

Clint Eastwood’s Changeling feels, much like the director himself, like a relic from another era. It’s the type of melodramatic, bravura yarn about a down-to-earth heroine’s perilous travails that seems better suited for the Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Fontaine set. It’s surprising, then, to see this sudsy tragedy feature the decidedly contemporary Angelina Jolie, she of the big lips, smoky eyes, and world-saving ambition.

The new Bond film: A missed opportunity

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 20 November 2008 14:34

Each week, the Reel Dad looks for a film for parents to share with children. Some of the reviewed films are new; some are classics; all are selected for their “nutritional value” as part of a family’s movie experience. This week, the Reel Dad takes a look at a new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

How the West Was Won: Classic Hollywood epic

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 06 November 2008 10:43

Each week, the Reel Dad looks for a film for parents to share with children. Some of the reviewed films are new; some are classics; all are selected for their “nutritional value” as part of a family’s movie experience. This week, the Reel Dad takes a fresh look at a classic film, How the West Was Won.

Happy Go Lucky: Amusing, funny, memorable

Written by Jonathan Schumann
Thursday, 30 October 2008 15:38

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.