Author Archives: admin

Woody Harrelson’s Performance in Rampart is Well-Worth the Price of Admission, and Quite Possibly Saves an Otherwise Go Nowhere Film

In case you haven’t noticed, Woody Harrelson has developed into one of today’s finest actors, and in Rampart he really puts to the test his stunning ability with a robust and charismatic performance that will undoubtedly command your complete attention. … Continue reading

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Two Cinephiles Chat About Movies…

My sister, Cecelia Specht and I see each other about once a week. She usually stops by while I’m working on a post for this blog, or my website, ClassicFilmSchool.com. Inevitably we start talking about what I’m writing and that … Continue reading

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Kill List Is Less Than You Think

I’m sorry to say I had high expectations before going to see Kill List. I’m sorry because my expectations were not met. Which is too bad because the film deserves more consideration for what it does accomplish rather than to … Continue reading

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Three Cinephiles Walk Into a Bar…

The Real Dick Hollywood of DickHollywood.com, Carrie Specht of RetroSpecht.com and Ruben Padilla of Ruben’s Reviews often get together and talk about movies. Old stuff, new stuff, it doesn’t really matter, cause we usually have no idea where we’re going … Continue reading

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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Has Great Appeal, But Check Your Expectations

Although many will regard Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close as a so-called “911” movie, I think that definition misleads the audience into expecting something completely different than what this film sets out to be. Rather than attempting the monumental task … Continue reading

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RetroSpecht.com Top 10 Films of 2011

Following tradition, I have created a list of my favorite films of the year for 2011. I suspect that there will be some films on the list you have never heard of, let alone seen. In that case I highly … Continue reading

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Guidelines for Being a Good Audience Member

It’s the holidays! And to paraphrase a popular seasonal song, it’s that time of year when the world falls in love with going to the movies. The kids are home from school, workdays are shortened, and lots of people are … Continue reading

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Outrage, The Latest Yakuza Film From Takeshi Kitano, Is Not To Be Missed By Any True Fan of the Genre

Anyone who is a yakuza movie fan will love Outrage, the latest US release written and directed by Japan’s legendary Takeshi Kitano (The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi, Brother, Violent Cop). Besides being a fine example of the ultra violent Japanese mafia … Continue reading

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The Other F Word, A Touching Documentary on Punk Rock Fathers, Opens Friday, November 4th

The Other F Word is an insightful, funny, and often ironic tale of the traditional role of fatherhood seen through the eyes of the modern day icons of anti-authority – punk rock musicians. This very candid look into the every … Continue reading

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Ryan Gosling is the Ideal Neo-Noir Hero in Drive

Noir or Neo-Noir, what’s the big difference? Well, a lot more than just color or black and white photography. But the key element of a mysterious, yet sympathetic man caught up in events beyond his control is an essential factor … Continue reading

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