Here's the truth about my job as a professional movie critic: It's the most fun I can have and still earn a living.
That simplifying things -- but not too much. I do genuinely love watching movies. Always have.
As a kid I usually responded to an announcement that we were going to the movies by throwing up. It was the pure rush of excitement and anticipation that did it.
I've grown out of he throwing up part, but I'm still excited by the prospect of a good movie.
Submitted by Jake Marshall from Overland Park, KS
Q: Hello, Mr. Butler, I always enjoy your reviews, and I especially enjoyed your recent article about watching movies on iPods. I, too, like the shared experience of sitting in a theatre and seeing a large image. I like to sit up front minus the silhouettes of heads in front of me -- those heads only remind me that I'm in a theatre. I want to be enveloped by the screen! However, it's great to watch a classic movie like Chinatown on my iPod while I'm in a waiting room, passing time during an oil change. It's better than reading Field&Stream! So my question is (sorry it took so long): Where do you like to sit and do you eat during the movie? Thank you for all your fine writing and promoting an appreciation for movies and the movie-watching experience.
Answered 03/26/07 17:59:21 by Robert W. Butler
A: I try always to sit in the exact center of the theater. Stereo sound is more effective that way. I don't eat while watching movies. If I did I'd weigh 400 pounds.Submitted by Jay from Prairie Village KS
Q: Hi Bob, Although I completely agree with your Feb. 15, 2007 article about the ridiculious media comparisons of Marilyn Monroe and Anna Nicole Smith, don't you think it's a little early to be bashing a dead woman? She only died a week ago. Have some respect for the deceased.
Answered 03/26/07 17:57:52 by Robert W. Butler
A: People diss me all the time...and I'm still alive.Submitted by cindy robison andel from san antonio, tx
Q: Mr. Butler. Attempting to locate a Craig Wolf that I went through high school with in late 60's, early 70's, in Shawnee Mission, KS. Seem to remember that both parents were physicians. If you believe that this could be the same individual referred to in the 2/15/05 question, could you let me know how to contact you to gain more information about finding Craig? Thanks.
Answered 03/26/07 17:57:34 by Robert W. Butler
A: I, too, went to high school with Craig Wolfe. In fact, he was my roomate in the early '70s. He can be reached at 913-299-4443.Submitted by Anonymous from Kansas City, Mo.
Q: Does the KC Film Society still exist? What is its Web site? How do I contact them? Thanks. . .
Answered 03/26/07 17:55:57 by Robert W. Butler
A: Call Butch Rigby, operator of the Screenland Theatre and president of the Film Society. 816-421-2900.Submitted by CA from El Paso, Texas
Q: I read your review of Catch a Fire in the El Paso Times. As published, the screenwriter has become male (Shawn Slovo is female), it's implied she's black (Joe Slovo was a white communist, Shawn's mother by the way was assassinated activist, Ruth First), and her involvement is said to distinguish this film from "A World Apart" (the script for which Slovo also wrote and which is her memoir). Are these your errors or those of the El Paso Times?
Answered 10/30/06 20:10:27 by Robert W. Butler
A: One of my editors improved my copy by making Shawn Slovo a man. I only mentioned her by name...didn't give a sexual designation.Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified
Q: Is Little Children coming to KC? I saw it last week in Dallas and really liked it
Answered 10/30/06 20:09:11 by Robert W. Butler
A: Probably around Christmas. But there's no official KC opening date yet.Submitted by Anonymous from KCMO
Q: Given the conservative region we live in, any chance the theaters here will show 'Shortbus', or will this be something we have to wait to see on DVD?
Answered 10/30/06 20:08:17 by Robert W. Butler
A: "Shortbus" is currently in its third week at the Tivoli in Manor Square. I gave the film a 3-star rating.Submitted by Beltonite from Belton, MO
Q: The movie "I'm Your Man" with Leonard Cohen recently played here in K.C. My question is, will it be coming out on DVD anytime in the near future? Thanks!
Answered 10/30/06 20:07:38 by Robert W. Butler
A: "I'm Your Man" will hit home video in November. It should be available via amazon.com and the other usual outlets.Submitted by Steve from Overland Park, KS
Q: A friend referred me to an online review of "Idiocracy" starring Luke Wilson as a character who awakens from an experiment gone wrong to discover he is the smartest man alive. Filmjerk.com shows it opened in California and Texas but there's been no advertising. What gives and any chance it will open here in KC?
Answered 10/13/06 17:46:40 by Robert W. Butler
A: The film opened to scathing reviews and little business. Look for it on DVD.Submitted by A Heisler from No location specified
Q: Why do movies have 6-10 PRODUCERS? I'm sure some of them put up the money to do the film, but what would the others do?
Answered 10/13/06 17:42:04 by Robert W. Butler
A: You can get a producing credit in many ways. 1. Put money into the film. 2. Actually produce...that is, organize the production and hire the major artistic contributors. 3. If you own the material on which a film is based, you can often demand and get a producing credit. 4. If you arranged a meeting between, say, a novelist and the director who wants to make a movie of the book...you can sometimes get a producing credit. There are many more avenues to producing credits.Submitted by Very Curious from Columbia, South Carolina
Q: Dear Mr. Butler, I just read your review of Aaron Russo's new film, "America, from Freedom to Fascism". In your opinion, is the movie worth viewing, despite it's artistic shortcomings? Does it reference specific case law or other "hard" evidence to support the assertions made by Russo? I am an attorney. I have a law degree and a degree in political science. I distinctly remember that when I was in law school, taking the Income Tax course, that the IRS Code meticulously defines every term with the exception of "income". I thought this was odd at the time, but now I have to wonder if these "kooks" may be right about a few things after all.
Answered 07/31/06 17:47:06 by Robert W. Butler
A: I don't know if they're right or not. For all I know, the movie's premise is all wrong. What I do know is that while watching the movie I got excited, outraged and worried...for which I'm willing to forgive its inadequacies. Any film that makes us feel something -- anything -- intensely gets my nod.Submitted by Warren A Hragyil from Kansas City, Missouri
Q: Friends and I were sitting around talking about movies when your review of "Pirates" came up. Whether or not I agree with your opinion is not the issue, but rather that there is such a job title as "Movie Critic" at all. Professional movie critic is the way you describe yourself on this blog. What a joke, I thought politicians and lawyers were lying at the bottom of the ocean, but alas! movie critics lie just beneath them in the scheme of things. But, as long as there are knuckleheads who can not think for themselves your type will exist. Afterall, there are some who actually think Pizza Hut has good pizza!
Answered 07/21/06 18:16:02 by Robert W. Butler
A: I prefer to think of myself as a consumer reporter who can save readers from wasting their time and money.Submitted by Amy Cox from Kearney, Mo
Q: Will the girls basketball documentary 'Heart of the Game' ever show around here. I have read great reviews, but cannot locate a place to see it.
Answered 07/21/06 18:14:47 by Robert W. Butler
A: It's only opened in a few markets. We expect it here in late summer or early fall. Probably at the Tivoli or Glenwood Arts, but possibly also at megaplexes like the AMC Studio 30.Submitted by Kevin Dilmore from Prairie Village, Kan.
Q: Heard any news about the resurrection of the RanchMart Theater at 95th and Mission? Within the last few weeks, there's been some very conspicuous work to the old outdoor sign, which now boasts the name Leawood Theaters.
Answered 07/21/06 18:14:06 by Robert W. Butler
A: An early fall opening is possible. But don't bet the house on it.Submitted by Kenneth from Raytown, MO
Q: I seldom go to the movies, hate the commercials, coming attractions, and the ear-splitting sound tracks. However, I read your review of the "Prarie Home Companion," saw it, and enjoyed it immensely. Did Meryl Streep do her own singing? If so, she is a very talented entertainer.
Answered 07/21/06 18:13:17 by Robert W. Butler
A: EVERYBODY in the film did their own singing. The music was recorded live, with no post-production overdubs. Back in the day (the 1970s)Streep appeared in many New York theater productions...including musicals.