The News: The Blonde That Got Away

Yorkville's own: Joan Blondell (Photo: MoMA)

By S.T. VanAirsdale

Some of today's movie news of note from around New York:

--Among the previews of MoMA's new Joan Blondell: The Bombshell From 91st Street retrospective pouring forth from local critics, Bruce Bennett has what's probably the most comprehensive in The New York Sun. "She typified the unique combination of personal showmanship and emotional transparency that were the hallmarks of the great pre-Strasberg film actors of Hollywood's golden age," Bennett writes. Runner-up: Noted hater Elliott Stein, who has a word or two for the "bastards" at Warner Bros.

--I can't believe The District!, now playing at the Pioneer Theater, slipped through the cracks in The Reeler's big animation survey, but there you have it. I owe you an apology. NYT reviewer Matt Zoller Seitz didn't miss it, however, today calling the Hungarian import "a last-minute shoo-in for the title of 2007’s most original animated film."

--In an only semi-ironic must-read at The L Magazine's blog, Mark Asch calls attention to the avant-garde parallels between Andy Warhol, James Benning and -- wait for it -- those outlandish, curiously riveting Mike Gravel campaign videos. Hell, I'm convinced.

--And finally: Reeler favorite Jamie Stuart, now brought to you by Focus Features.

Posted at December 20, 2007 9:58 AM