Growing Up in a Darkened Theater
I grew up a shy, socially awkward kid who preferred the comfort of a darkened movie theater over forced interactions with people who didn’t seem to understand me. I was fortunate to experience the rise of blockbuster films, with directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas creating movies that seemed tailor-made for me.
Through the power of cinema, I went on adventures with Flash Gordon and Indiana Jones. I flew with Superman, wielded a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker, piloted the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo, took the day off with Ferris Bueller, and joined Mikey and The Goonies in their quest to find One-Eyed Willie. These experiences nourished my early love of movies and continue to influence me today.
As a Gen Xer, I grew up during the New Hollywood era of cinema. In the late 70s, I discovered a movie review show called Sneak Previews on PBS, where Roger Ebert (1942-2013) and Gene Siskel (1946-1999) became my guides. While we didn’t always agree, Siskel and Ebert taught me to appreciate movies on a deeper level. Through Roger Ebert’s books, website, and the magic of YouTube, their influence endures.
My History Online
I began sharing my thoughts on movies soon after, writing mini-reviews and recommendations for family and friends. My passion for film led me to work at several video stores from the late 80s to the mid-90s, where I discovered a diverse array of films, from foreign and indie films to art house pictures. This is where I first encountered the work of David Lynch and a whole new side of cinema.
My love for discussing movies grew into writing reviews and commentary in online newsgroups during the early days of the internet. When one of my favorite groups suddenly shut down, I felt lost and decided to create my own space online. I launched a small movie review and discussion forum in the early 2000s, which remained active until the rise of social media. Despite not being as popular as Rotten Tomatoes, it was a cherished space for a number of loyal film enthusiasts.
I also hosted a movie discussion podcast from 2002 to 2005, during the early days of podcasting. Although time constraints eventually ended the podcast, it was a rewarding experience. I plan to return to podcasting in the near future with a new show discussing movies and providing Gen X movie reviews and classic movie reviews.
Taking a Break to Live Life and Write Stories
As the internet evolved, I found the online environment increasingly stressful and unkind. Raised with Midwestern manners and a low tolerance for negativity, I stepped back to focus on writing stories that had been brewing in my mind for years. Learning to self-publish was a gratifying process, and I’m proud of the books I’ve written. They may not be perfect, but they hold great meaning for me and my loved ones.
Over the years, health challenges like open-heart surgery reminded me to prioritize self-care. It’s an ongoing journey, but one that has shaped me significantly.
Returning Online
The COVID-19 pandemic gave me ample time for reflection. Witnessing the chaos both online and offline, I longed for the kinder, more patient interactions of the early internet days. I revisited the movies of my youth, finding solace in their originality and heart.
This blog is my space to celebrate the movies my generation grew up with and share my thoughts on the new material available today. Through this platform, I aim to provide insightful Gen X movie reviews and classic movie reviews, reconnecting with the films that defined an era and exploring how they continue to resonate today. Starting this blog felt like the right move—after all, I’m not getting any younger.
Thanks for stopping by. Don’t get too rowdy—I just rent here.