Back Row's Fifth Year in Movie Reviews, Podcasts & Lists
Back Row is five years old and ready to star in its own version of Kindergarten Cop! (BRB pouring one out for Ivan Reitman.)
The past year was our best yet, per our analytics which have only shown a steady incline of traffic since day one. We’re so thrilled to have such a dedicated audience such as yourselves – our readers and listeners who not only return to the site continually but also help us keep the lights on. Our Patreon has grown with every passing day – not for nothing, you guys got some sweet CRUD Buddies exclusive merch and custom Evil Dead swag for your troubles – and we could not be happier to have your support. Join up and see what we’re giving away next December!
This past year our podcast has flourished; Cream of the CRUD dominated, bring you all you need to know about new physical releases and suggestions for some of the best CRUD eyeballs can see. We also had a handful of fun exclusive interviews with filmmakers this year on the podcast, so be sure to sift through and find those!
Article-wise, we’ve been watching and reviewing new releases more than ever. While the pandemic did a number on our ability to go to the theater for much of the year, it was arguably one of the most interesting years for new releases we’ve seen in a while. Keep sending us screeners, universe!
So without further ado, I present to you our top articles and podcasts of the past year:
Dan compiled a list of movies that are ripe for the Falloween-season viewing. For this year, instead of just obscure stuff, he tossed a few newer movies that deserve a look in there for good measure.
Jenna thinks The French Dispatch is Wes Anderson’s at his most irreverent without ever being laugh-out-loud funny. You know, just like a New Yorker cartoon.
Veronica’s thinks I Saw The Devil invites the the audience to meditate on the idea of the purpose of revenge and justice – how either is served and where to draw the lines between righteous vigilante and depraved psycho.
Listen in on Carlo's (newcomer-friendly) conversation with East Asian literature/film academic Jessica Siu-yin Yeung about their mutual love for Hong Kong and Taiwan cinema!
Dan chats with Allan Levine, a Canadian film and television producer who directed two features for Emmeritus Productions (The Chronicle of 1812 aka The King's Regiment in 1984 and The Edge in 1985) and went on to have a long and fascinating career.
Movies that know how capture this experience with both accuracy and tasteful style are fairly rare; either the portrayal is gut wrenchingly realistic or so overblown with art direction as to dilute the effect of the breakdown. Veronica takes a look at a few contemporary offerings that are worth your time.
Jenna interviews documentary filmmaker Lynn Novick about the case for Hemingway’s modern relevancy despite his troubled personal life, the process of collaborative filmmaking and Lynn’s rewarding professional partnership with Ken Burns.
Carlo and Dan are diving into a trio of hip-hop and music based feature films that span from the early eighties and into the nineties – from Get Rollin' to Big Fun in the Big Town to House Party.
Veronica continues her continuous dive into the world Female Anxiety movies with a focus on various types of women from all ages and walks of life in this latest installment. Read about Test Pattern, All That Heaven Allows and Appropriate Behavior.
In honor of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr, who sadly passed away last year, Jenna wrote about Greasers Palace and the genius of his filmmaking – in all of its surreal, hilarious, and frustrating glory.
Dan and Carlo discuss Scanners and Scanners II with the amazing Patrick Cotnoir of The George Lucas Talk Show, RaaaatScraps and Marvel!
