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Todd
Kushigemachi
Picture of Todd Kushigemachi

About Me

Since age 13, I have been obsessively watching movies, ranking them in lists and writing reviews. Now, I’m a graduate student in UCLA’s Cinema and Media Studies program. I earned my bachelor’s at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Although I write mostly for the Tumblr Rock and Reel, my work has also been published in PopMatters, and I recently worked at the trade Variety for nine months.

Latest Update

Side-effects--2

Side Effects

"Side Effects" tells a stupid story with irritating (sometimes offensive) plot turns, yet it somehow works. This trashy tale of intrigue is visually slick, hypnotic with its shallow-focus digital cinematography and cold edits. Much to my relief, the movie doesn't demonize prescription drugs but rather explores how manipulative characters capitalize on society's fears of meds. To say much more would ruin the fun.

Style

  • Auteur-driven
  • Canonical classics
  • Of-the-past
  • Pop Art

Following

Following 67 people

Wall

Displaying 4 of 17 wall posts.
Picture of HKFanatic

HKFanatic

2Aug12

Ouch. The new Total Recall is that bad? I was debating seeing it this weekend.

  • Picture of Todd Kushigemachi

    Todd Kushigemachi

    2Aug12

    I really didn't like it at all. I love a good blockbuster, but the characters, storytelling, even most of the set pieces left something to be desired. Impressive (if unoriginal) production design though.

  • Picture of HKFanatic

    HKFanatic

    7Aug12

    I agree with your Total Recall assessment completely, ha ha. Are you watching the Bourne movies to get ready for Legacy?

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Brotherdeacon

16Jul12

Thanks for the follow, enjoy your writing on films very much.

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Mugino

15Jul12

Thanks for the Follow! I started reading through Rock and Reel. Clearly your taste in music is as good as your taste in cinema. Btw, I really appreciate your measured, thoughtful review of "Beasts of the Southern Wild". The other MUBI posts just calling it "shit" in a knee-jerk response to the hype have been bothering me.

  • Picture of Todd Kushigemachi

    Todd Kushigemachi

    15Jul12

    Thank you very much! And "Beasts" certainly deserves to be the subject of intelligent conversation, not gut reaction. It's a fascinating work, even with its flaws. The Notebook post calling it "bullshit" is actually what finally motivated me to write my review.

Picture of Adam Cook

Adam Cook

2Mar12

Thanks for your intelligent comment in the Notebook—it seems we see exactly eye-to-eye on the topic!

Reviews

Displaying 4 of 112 reviews.
Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty

(Originally posted at rockandreel.tumblr.com)

The first time I watched Zero Dark Thirty, I was mostly impressed, particularly with its skillful plotting and the direction of the suspenseful…  read review

Skyfall

Skyfall

(Originally posted at rockandreel.tumblr.com)

Regression is the name of the game here. It’s relatively harmless in some cases and problematic in others. Sam Mendes’ Skyfall might be one of the…  read review

Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook

(Originally posted at rockandreel.tumblr.com)

In 2008, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, a slightly milder form of the more widely known condition. And several years prior to that, another…  read review

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

(Originally posted at rockandreel.tumblr.com)

No DVD sets are more widely cherished than the Lord of the Rings extended editions. These three films might be the only contemporary cinematic epics…  read review

Ratings

Displaying 4 of 1377 ratings
Daisies

Daisies

  • Currently 5.0/5 Stars.
The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

  • Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3

  • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.

Forum

Displaying 8 of 29 comments