"Tsk, tsk," says Bruce Wayne

Bruce Wayne would be ashamed.* 

How dare a group of Batman zealots bully and berate innocent people (even if they are critics) in his name?  

Or perhaps there's something more sinister taking place? Because, really, why would annyone -- even a rabid fanboy troll--issue a death threat because of a negative review of "The Dark Knight Rises?" My theory? Maybe these internet thugs are just the first wave of Bane's anarchist army, coming to destroy Gotham -- I mean, America-- by rotting it from the inside out?

Or maybe it's just that some of the fanboys and girls still have that post Comic-Con adrenaline pumping through their veins. You know what might cure that? A short walk away from the computer, to the outside world, where the sun is shining and people are going about living their actual lives.

I wonder if any of their bile will make it to the comments section of my review? I only knocked off one star, but I had the audacity to point out some of the film's obvious flaws. Because, you know, that's my job.

*I wrote this post just hours before the tragic shooting in Aurora, CO. I can't even imagine what Bruce Wayne would say (or do, more likely) about that. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

"Ghost World" 10th Anniversary Screening (God, we're all old)

It wasn't that long ago that the San Diego Film Critics Society (proud member here) began talking about putting together a 10th anniversary screening of the movie "Ghost World" during Comic-Con.

At first I thought the idea was preposterous. Not because it seemed impossible that we could pull it off so quickly--and during the craziest week that San Diego sees all year (although that did cross my mind). But because it seemed simply out of the question that this fantastic little movie could possibly be a decade old.

But it's true. We pulled off the screening (it's this Saturday night) AND we got Thora Birch to show up in person!

Unfortunately, it's also true that we're ten years older. But at least we can take some comfort in knowing that Scarlett Johansson has inched that much closer to 30 (only 3+ years to go!) -- and her boyfriends have crossed the half-century mark.  
But Thora Birch hasn't aged a day. And of course I'm not saying that just because she agreed to attend our 35mm screening of the Terry Zwigoff-directed film this Saturday night.

Thora Birch with her award at SDFCS' banquet in 2002.
(Terry Zwigoff and Daniel Clowes also attended.)

If you've seen this highly quotable movie, which was based on Daniel Clowes' comic book, then it's probably time you saw it again and rejoiced in its originality (still far too rare an occurrence, especially in the context of Comic-Con).

If you haven't seen it, then it's about damn time. There's a reason SDFCS showered it with awards in 2001, including Best Director (Zwigoff), Best Adapted Screenplay (Zwigoff and Clowes) and Best Actress (Birch).

Even if you're not a Comi-Con passholder or a comic book geek (of which I am neither), you're guaranteed to love the movie, or no money back (hey, it's only $5).

"Ghost World" 10th Anniversary Screening, with Thora Birch in Person!

Presented by the San Diego Film Critics Society
in conjunction with Reading Cinemas & Fantagraphics Books

Saturday, July 23 @ 9pm

Reading Gaslamp Cinemas

701 Fifth Avenue, Downtown San Diego

Only $5 - Buy tickets here