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.
About Me
Latest Update
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.Favorite Films
Displaying 4 of 9 films
Lists
Displaying 10 of 27 lists
Style
- Auteur-driven
- Canonical classics
- Of-the-past
- Pop Art
Wall
Displaying 4 of 17 wall posts.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Favorite Auteurs
Displaying 5 of 5 auteurs
Reviews
Displaying 4 of 112 reviews.
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
(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
(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
(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
Forum
Displaying 8 of 29 comments
Top 10 Films of the 80's
about 1 year ago
200 YEARS FROM NOW....
over 3 years ago
americans and their dependence on subtitles
over 3 years ago
Classic movies you can't get on d.v.d.
over 3 years ago
Most consistent director?
over 3 years ago
Favorite religious movies
over 3 years ago
Last movie you saw and rate it
over 3 years ago
Favorite use of a song in a film.
over 3 years ago