Category Archives: Commentary

The Perfect Family Falls Far Short of Perfection

The Perfectly Family is based on a pretty simple premise. From the very beginning we learn that a devoutly Catholic woman is nominated for one of her church’s top awards. Promised the blessing of absolution if she wins, the dedicated … Continue reading

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Ten Things Every Actor Should Know To Help Themselves on That Next Gig

  It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the business, there are probably a few things you still need to know before the next time you step into base camp. Things you’re not likely to know unless someone’s bothered … Continue reading

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Oscar Nominated Short Films in Theaters Now

ShortsHD working with Magnolia Pictures is releasing this year’s Oscar® Nominated Short Films to over 200 theaters across the United States and Canada beginning Friday, February 10th, 2012. Due to the popularity of last year’s theatrical release of the Academy … 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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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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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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LAFF Succeeds with Thought Provoking Documentaries

  Even though I’ve made LA my home for the past thirteen years, like most people who live here, there are many annual events that take place that I’ve never gotten around to experiencing. The LA Film Festival is one … Continue reading

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FREE Screening of Important Documentary on Child Bullying

“The Bully Project” directed by Lee Hirsch is presented as part of the Free Community Screenings at the Los Angeles Film Festival on Sunday, June 19th at 4:20pm.  The Weinstein Company will open the film to mass release later this … Continue reading

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Beauty Culture at The Annenberg Space for Photography is for Every Woman

The first thing you want to see when visiting the Annenberg Space housing the current instillation, Beauty Culture is the short, but impressive film made by documentary filmmaker, Lauren Greenfield. Without this introduction the true meaning of the exhibit will … Continue reading

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