Monday, March 05, 2007

Ups and downs of film reviews

So, you may have noticed that for a while we had way too many bylines on our movie reviews. That was caused by two things:
1. Ebert's still recovering from cancer and has a stable of writers filling in for him.
2. Roger Moore, our critic from Orlando, wasn't filing early enough.

The good news is that Moore is back on track, usually filing early enough for GO! I'd like to hear what you guys think about Moore. We did a considerable search of critics throughout the country before settling on Moore.

I don't judge critics by how often I agree with them. I judge them on how well they translate their moviegoing experience into print. Mostly, I want to know if they're fun, insightful writers.

... Which brings me to Brandon Fibbs. Fibbs was a summer intern at The Gazette a couple of years ago and now he's at NYU's grad school studying film.

He's interested in writing for us. I don't have the budget just yet, but I like his stuff. Let me know what you think. You can read his film blog at http://thefilmsnob.blogspot.com.

If you were in my seat, would you continue with Moore, wait for Ebert to recover, or try to figure out a way to get Fibbs to write for us?

25 Comments:

At 8:53 PM, Blogger Brandon said...

I think this Fibbs guy's terrific! Looks a bit funny though.

 
At 10:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brandon is worth getting. I say go for it...

K. Clem

 
At 6:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I read Brandon's blog regularly. His writing is lively, interesting, and while he calls himself a film snob, he's not above loving a corny, fun, movie.

Theron Walker

 
At 7:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

From what I've seen so far, he'd bring a unique voice to the Gazette. Go for it.

 
At 7:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a subscriber to the Gazette for years, I see Fibbs as a great addition. Bring him on!

J Mitchell

 
At 8:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been reading Brandon's blogs for quite some time and find his posts to be sensitive and insightful. I don't always agree, but I do always respect his perspective and his skill as a writer.

I for one would like to read his reviews in the Gazette.

 
At 12:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I read Brandon's blog's fairly regularly. I'm always amazed at his insight and ability as a writer. I would definately bring him on board!

Dawnelle Wynia

 
At 12:43 PM, Blogger Warren Epstein said...

OK, now that Brandon's family members have all weighed in...

 
At 4:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been reading Brandon Fibbs blogs since day one. I look forward to his movie and TV blogs he gives everyone. He is so unique, funny and yet classy. Bring him on.

 
At 4:25 PM, Blogger Beth said...

I'm not a family member so there is no bias coming from me, no, none at all....
Brandon's writing is excellent. His review of movies makes me want to go see them, if I haven't already.
He provides his readers with the perfect amount of information laced by wit,humor, and intellect.
I say bring him on board!

 
At 5:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

sure, give the Fibb man a try!

 
At 7:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why bother bringing a fresh new voice on board when the Gazette will just get rid of him for not going with the 'status-quo' like they have with everyone else who dared to speak with their own voice?

 
At 7:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Local voices and opinions are always good, especially when they are well thought and reasoned out. The syndicated ones can be found anywhere.

More of Fibbs please.

Paul_Gazette reader

 
At 5:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

He's a great writer and having a local critic could be used as a great selling point for the paper.

 
At 7:40 PM, Blogger LadyBronco said...

What a great blog!

Warren, I think you should definitely do what you can to bring this guy on board.

lol @ looks a bit funny! Having a good sense of humor is definitely a positive!

 
At 10:11 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

He's worth it. :) Try to find a way to bring him on board.

Gretchen

 
At 10:45 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brandon's a great writer. If there's a movie I'm thinking about seeing (it's often a tough consideration, what with the price of movies these days) the first place I go is to Brandon's blog to see if he's reviewed it. I can always count on him for an insightful, witty, and eloquent description of what I'm in for sitting down to watch a particular movie. He'd be a great addition to the Gazette.

 
At 12:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have followed Brandon's blogs for a long time, often seeing movies I didn't want to because he recommended them and not seeing movies I was dying to because he said they were a waste of time. In fact, my time is so tight lately I only watch movies he's talked about liking because I'm assured a great flick. He is very educated in the area of film and energetic in all he does. His reviews are always intelligent, witty, and insightful and I think he would be a tremendous asset to your paper.

 
At 1:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have read much of Brandon's stuff and think it is very good. The imagery and expression he uses is very creative and leads me down a compelling path. He is a good investment.

 
At 9:25 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have known Fibbs for about 5 years. I think his connections with NYU and the Gazette are amazing. We can always find money for the things that have value to us. I think his insight would be of great interest to the paper. Let's hope you keep this local guy involved in Colorado Springs. You may not always have the chance since I think he is headed for the big time.
Cindy Rantal
Torrance, California

 
At 1:38 PM, Blogger Warren Epstein said...

Wow... guess I better make something happen here.

 
At 4:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The big name movie critics mean nothing to me. I don't care who's writing the review as long as they are intelligent, funny and pithy. After reading some of Brandon's blogs, he fits the bill. Comedic, artsy and very articulate.And being the "new kid" I'm sure he has the hunger...you probably won't have to worry about his column being late. Give him a try. -Schaffer

 
At 6:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm from New York and if Brandon Fibbs is an NYU film graduate, that speaks for itself. Brandon's voice would definitely be a huge plus for our Gazette.

 
At 5:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know Brandon personally so this may sound a bit biased, but I don't find myself paying attention to the "big name" critics. I have trusted Brandon for many years and love the way he writes and the thoughtful critiques he offers.
Mason

 
At 2:52 PM, Blogger Eli the Mad Man said...

Good stuff! Moore is descent, but I've never cared for Ebert. Not ever.

Bring Fibbs on board when ya get the chance.

Between him and the new(?) Food Critic Nathaniel Glen - I like!

 

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