Will Ross

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Helping people say No

Will Ross April 7, 2013

The fictionalization of Chilean political campaign becomes meta self-commentary Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss No as a member of a long line of platitudinous films dramatizing social and political movements of the 20th century. Films like Gandhi and Milk too often reduce their complex political atmospheres to simplistically motivated acts of martyrdom and common-sense morality, and mistake condescension for sympathy. Yes, No is one of those films. No, it should not be dismissed, at least not for that. In 1988, Chilean dictator Augustus Pinochet caved to global political pressure and held a plebiscite.…

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4 min 0 1059

Film Fatale: Irredeemable, Foodfight is the film equivalent of waterboarding

Will Ross March 31, 2013

Rarely do I call a movie unwatchable, but for Foodfight I will make an exception. I’ve racked my brains, but can’t find a way to explain Foodfight. I mean I can give you a synopsis: it’s an animated film of…

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Peakcast #7

EIC March 19, 2013

This week, editors David Dyck, Alison Roach, Will Ross, and Bryan Scott discuss the SFSS election results and SPORTS! With special guests Clay J. Gray and Adam Ovenell-Carter.

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Five double features from beyond the stars

Will Ross March 10, 2013

Cosmic journeys through classic cinema Movies set in the wild black yonder of space are a rare thing. Good ones are even rarer. But the sci-fi sub-genre’s traditional association with grindhouse cin- emas and multi-part epic franchises makes marathons a…

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4 min 0 1338

Getting agro over Argo et al

Will Ross February 26, 2013

The Oscars were almost over when their insidiousness reached its peak. First lady Michelle Obama was brought in to present best picture, delivered some platitudes about how these films prove “love can endure against all odds” etc., and handed the…

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Side Effects may include subversion

Will Ross February 17, 2013

Soderbergh’s latest turns film conventions inside out Photo courtesy of Di Bonaventura Pictures Whether or not it’s Steven Soderbergh’s final theatrical feature, Side Effects may be his most quintessential work, the one best suited for explaining his ethos to a…

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Hansel and Gretel is a grimm slog

Will Ross February 3, 2013

Photos by David Yanchick If your film takes place in a medieval fantasy world and features shotguns, record players, and defibrillators, don’t expect your audience to take it seriously, and for heaven’s sakes, don’t take it seriously yourself. Wanting it…

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Peakcast #2

EIC February 1, 2013

Editors David Dyck, Will Ross, and Daryn Wright discuss the end of the Waldorf and chit chat about Tiki bars, Game Boys, and possible podcast subjects.

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4 min 0 1121

Watch first, judge later

Will Ross January 27, 2013

The reaction to Zero Dark Thirty has been plagued with unfounded accusations Were you not already embroiled in the controversy surrounding Zero Dark Thirty, a political thriller based on the search for and assassination of Osama bin Laden, you may…

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3 min 0 984

Lincoln boldly challenges a broken world

Will Ross November 26, 2012

Spielberg's latest feature succeeds as more than a biopic Even Steven Spielberg’s detractors agree on this much: his movies make people feel good. But those critics insist that he is too eager to please; an empty moralizer; a charlatan. To…

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