Home > Movies & Books

Why Do Traditional Publishers Hate Authors So Much?

Posted on June 4, 2012

by Guest Blogger, Jim Kukral There's no question that traditional publishing houses have been putting an unfair squeeze on authors for decades. So much so that others have compared it... Continue Reading

Comments (10)

Star Wars Day - May the 4th Be With You

Posted on May 4, 2012

It was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Northbrook, Illinois in 1977, to be precise. I was thirteen years old, and I found myself standing in... Continue Reading

Comments (3)

Blue Like Jazz - The Movie

Posted on March 23, 2012

I first read Don Miller's Blue Like Jazz when it was released in 2004. Officially titled "Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality", the book resonated with me and... Continue Reading

Comments (2)

End of the Spear

Posted on October 16, 2010

While the modern world we live in tends to be civilized, there are still peoples in third world nations that are not plugged in to our technology-laden society. As recent... Continue Reading

Comments (7)

Validation: The Movie

Posted on November 14, 2008

Ron Matthews pointed this video out to me yesterday, telling me it was totally worth 16 minutes of my life. He was so right. It's worth 16 minutes of your... Continue Reading

Comments (14)

An American Carol: A Review

Posted on October 3, 2008

I don't go to the movies much. I enjoy movies, I just don't enjoy the theater experience. Why pay top dollar to sit in a crowded cinema with chatty teens... Continue Reading

Comments (4)

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Posted on April 29, 2008

When Mike Filsaime visited last week, he suggested that I get a the DVD documentary, "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters". It is the story of a the... Continue Reading

Comments (5)

Ben Stein is Expelled

Posted on April 19, 2008

I remember seeing Ben Stein for the first time in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Who could forget the monotone deadpan teacher repeating "anyone... anyone... Bueller... Bueller". And then there was... Continue Reading

Comments (14)

Spiderman 3

Posted on April 15, 2007

The hype for Spiderman 3 is building faster than any movie I can recall since the last Star Wars film. Could this end up becoming the highest grossing film of... Continue Reading

Comments (6)

Stranded at Chicago O'Hare International

Posted on November 29, 2006

I am blogging from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where I am my family are awaiting an 8:55 pm departure to Oklahoma City. We've been here since 1 pm and our... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

Crash

Posted on July 14, 2006

I picked up a copy of Crash on DVD this week because I had heard that it was a fantastic movie. Mary and I watched it last night. I really... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Stars Wars - The Television Show

Posted on March 17, 2006

I was thirteen years old when Star Wars hit the big screen. I instantly fell in love with George Lucas' galaxy far far away and long ago. Barely redeemed with... Continue Reading

Comments (3)

Hollywood Completely Out of Touch with America

Posted on December 14, 2005

Two totally conflicting stories out of Hollywood today that explain absolutely everything you need to know about how out of touch Hollyweird is with the American mainstream. Continue Reading

Comments (5)

Broadway - The American Musical

Posted on August 21, 2005

I've always been a fan of the Broadway musical. When I was young, I remember hearing my mom and dad play the soundtracks to many popular musicals on their record... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

The Muppet's Wizard of Oz

Posted on August 17, 2005

Growing up with the Muppets, I did not hesitate to buy this DVD. After watching 30 minutes of it with my 10 year-old daughter and wife, we turned it off... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

Take my DVD copy of The Black Hole, please

Posted on July 20, 2005

I was 13 years old in 1977. The release of Star Wars that year had whet my appetite for sci-fi space movies. So when Disney released The Black Hole in... Continue Reading

Comments (11)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Posted on July 17, 2005

When I first heard that Tim Burton was doing a version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I thought "Oh no. He's going to butcher it." Don't get me wrong... Continue Reading

Comments (4)

War of the Worlds

Posted on July 2, 2005

Tonight, I grudgingly sat through War of the Worlds. I went with Mary and another couple because we wanted to do something and all the other movies looked like garbage... Continue Reading

Comments (25)

Madagascar

Posted on May 28, 2005

Silly fun. That's my two word review of the new animated film from Dreamworks Entertainment, Madagascar. A light-hearted story about some Central Park Zoo animals that wind up in the... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Star Wars: The Return of the Sith

Posted on May 19, 2005

A long time ago in galaxy far, far away, a thirteen-year old boy discovered a new world of action and adventure which had captured his imagination unlike anything before. Star... Continue Reading

Comments (8)

The Aviator

Posted on January 15, 2005

I just got back from seeing The Aviator with Leonardo diCaprio as Howard Hughes. I believe Leonardo has gotten a bum rap as an actor for some time. I liked... Continue Reading

Comments (2)

Lemony Snicket Movie

Posted on December 18, 2004

It's late and I don't want to drone on at length about the film I saw yesterday, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, starring Jim Carrey as Count Olaf... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

America's Heart and Soul - My Comments

Posted on November 8, 2004

Way back in July 2004, Disney released America's Heart and Soul without any fanfare. I reported about the release of the movie and indicated that I was eager to see... Continue Reading

Comments (3)

The Incredibles is, er.. are.. hmmm

Posted on November 7, 2004

The Incredibles is Disney/Pixars' latest cash cow. Can these people do no wrong? Pixar has animated toys, bugs, monsters and fish. But one realm they had not covered to date... Continue Reading

Comments (4)

Voices of Iraq

Posted on October 25, 2004

What would happen if you took 150 digital video camcorders to Iraq, handed them out to the people, and allowed them to film whatever they want? You get a film... Continue Reading

Comments (4)

Fahrenhype 9/11

Posted on October 11, 2004

From today's edition of FamilyFirst... Today's Family First site is one that seeks to help level the playing field in current political climate. Sort of a ying to the more... Continue Reading

Comments (2)

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Posted on October 3, 2004

Mary and I had the opportunity to enjoy a "date night" on Friday. First we enjoyed a nice dinner at Johnny Carinos Italian restaurant. Next we went to the mall... Continue Reading

Comments (6)

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Posted on September 20, 2004

The most requested DVDs of all time are finally going to be hitting the retail shelves today. Faster than you can say, "Use the Force, Luke", The Star Wars Trilogy... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Six: The Mark Unleashed

Posted on September 15, 2004

After the somewhat scathing replies I got regarding my review of the Christian film, Gone, I am somewhat reluctant to step up to the plate again. Regardless (or irregardless if... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

George W. Bush: Faith in the White House

Posted on August 29, 2004

Over my lifetime, I have seen a handful of Presidents come and go. From my earliest memories of Richard Nixon to our current President, each have brought their own beliefs... Continue Reading

Comments (20)

I, Robot

Posted on August 9, 2004

Mary and I just got back from the theatre. There isn't much out there worth seeing, so we sat in for a viewing of I, Robot, with Will Smith. I... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

America's Heart and Soul

Posted on June 28, 2004

Now HERE is a movie that Americans need to see, and its not that anti-American Michael Moore propaganda. Opening at theatres nationwide on July 2nd is America's Heart and Soul... Continue Reading

Comments (2)

Mystic River - my comments

Posted on June 17, 2004

I rented Mystic River this week, as I have been wanting to see it ever since it received critical acclaim. This Clint Eastwood directed film has been dubbed his "masterpiece... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Gone - A Review

Posted on June 8, 2004

Several years ago, I remember going to the theatre with Mary to see a Martin Short film called Clifford. It took us about 15 minutes to walk out of the... Continue Reading

Comments (26)

The Spelling Bee

Posted on April 5, 2004

Admittedly, my tastes run a bit eccentric. I don't enjoy odd films just because they are odd. Maybe I am odd. Anyhow, I ran across a documentary that I just... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

Seabiscuit

Posted on January 31, 2004

Mary and I rarely go to the movies these days. I hate going to a crowded theater with people who talk during the film or make incessant noises as they... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Best Movies of All Time

Posted on November 16, 2003

I've been scouring my extensive DVD collection lately, attempting to figure out what makes a great movie. Certainly, films have the potential to entertain us. But a real filmmaker wants... Continue Reading

Comments (6)

The Matrix Revolutions

Posted on November 14, 2003

A little background... I LOVED The Matrix. I was confused by my first viewing of The Matrix Reloaded, though a a second viewing helped me assimilate the film a bit... Continue Reading

Comments (1)

Indiana Jones Trilogy on DVD

Posted on September 26, 2003

One of the best-loved action/adventure series of all time is coming to DVD! George Lucas and Stephen Spielbergs' Indiana Jones Trilogy is due to be released on October 21st... Continue Reading

Comments (2)

Pirates of the Caribbean - A Review

Posted on September 21, 2003

Mary and I had a date night on Friday and went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Having grown up with the DisneyWorld ride that... Continue Reading

Comments (10)

Manor House

Posted on July 6, 2003

Mary and I just finished watching a television series called Manor House. This 3-part, 6-hour PBS series aired in 2002 and is now available on DVD. Manor House ranks as... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Finding Nemo

Posted on June 7, 2003

While on vacation in Enid, OK, we took the kids to see Finding Nemo. It may just be the BEST Pixar animated feature to date! As they have done with... Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Bruce Almighty

Posted on May 25, 2003

The critics are all over the map on this one. MetaCritic has opinions ranging from 20 to 80 (out of possible 100). I give it a solid 80. Here's why... Continue Reading

Comments (5)

Keep up with Joel, Free!

Subscribe to JoelComm.com via RSS

Subscribe to Joel's YouTube Channel

 

Or, subscribe via email:

Name:
Email:


Joel's Twitpic Photo Stream

Great pizza from Pizzeria Locale in Boulder #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #pizza #boulder #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #colorado #instadaily #instafollow #like #food #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag
Just another beautiful Spring morning in Northern Colorado #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #sky #mountains #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #colorado #instadaily #instafollow #like #nature #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag
Fifth and final course of Chef's Experience at Fleur in #Bellagio - Brownie pops w/ caramel sauce & chocolate lava cale w/ lemon ice cream.  sweet! #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #food #instadaily #instafollow #like #salad #gourmet #lasvegas #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful

Fourth course of Chef's Experience at Fleur in #Bellagio - Braised short rib w/ potato purée - delish! #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #food #instadaily #instafollow #like #salad #gourmet #lasvegas #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful
Third course of Chef's Experience at Fleur in #Bellagio - Skirt steak done perfectly! #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #food #instadaily #instafollow #like #salad #gourmet #lasvegas #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful
Second course of Chef's Experience at Fleur in #Bellagio - Kobe beef sliders and fries #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #like4like #look #instalike #igers  #picoftheday #food #instadaily #instafollow #like #salad #gourmet #lasvegas #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful

First course of Chef's Experience at Fleur in #Bellagio - Salad with dressing and fried pork belly chunks.  Yum! #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday  #amazing #followme #follow4follow #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #food #instadaily #instafollow #like #salad #gourmet #lasvegas #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful
View from 18th floor of Bellagio #lasvegas #pool #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #follow4follow #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday  #instadaily #instafollow #like  #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag
Caesar's Palace #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #follow4follow #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #lasVegas #instadaily  #instafollow #like #vegas #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag

Men's restroom at LVH in Vegas #funny #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #follow4follow #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #instadaily #instafollow #like #girl #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag
A rose snail at the Bellagio Conservatory #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #follow4follow #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #roses #instadaily #instafollow #like #flowers #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag
The Bellagio Conservatory #love #TagsForLikes #TFLers #tweegram #photooftheday #20likes #amazing #followme #follow4follow #like4like #look #instalike #igers #picoftheday #pretty #instadaily #instafollow #like #flowers #iphoneonly #instagood #bestoftheday #instacool #instago #all_shots #follow #webstagram #colorful #style #swag

Call me an uncultured swine, but this million dollar blown glass sculpture in the Bellagio foyer reminds me of a trailer park.  #tacky #lasvegas #bellagio
Me and my bro #bellagio #vegas
Anybody want me to place a bet? #sports #bet #casino #bellagio

See more photos

See all photos

FTC Disclaimer: Posts written before December 1st, 2009 may include endorsements of products or services that include a material connection to the author. Readers should assume a material connection for any product or service endorsed prior to December 1, 2009.