Category: media

“As Morecambe and Wise, they were the nation’s best-loved comedy act, their Christmas extravaganzas regularly pulling in audiences of more than 20 million. But BBC chiefs initially believed Eric Morecambe would have a much better chance of TV stardom if he dumped Ernie Wise and went solo. The damning appraisal [was] delivered just two years before the duo … found fame on commercial television.”

“The Nielsen company said that one in three people using Twitter in June sent messages at some point about the content of television shows, an increase of 27 percent from only five months earlier.”

“The multiyear licensing agreement announced Tuesday represents a breakthrough for Netflix as it tries to secure more exclusive programming for a popular service that streams video over high-speed Internet connections. The approach is making Netflix more like traditional pay-TV channels such as HBO, Starz and Showtime.”

“For an institution facing red ink totaling more than $10 million and almost certain liquidation in July, the reopening puts an exclamation point on another successful Detroit turnaround story.”

Many of the ballots were surprisingly close – even to the participants. Salon‘s Andrew O’Hehir fills us in (as far as he’s allowed).

“A classic transformation, the phoenix rising from the ashes. This plant in Pontiac — it was a really great moment for a community that really wanted and needed hope.”

“It’s a busy day for pop culture news and a slow-drip day for movie news: All afternoon the New York Film Critics Circle has been revealing its year-end winners on Twitter. For its surprises, at least, the Bagger will say it was worth the wait.”

Richard Brody: “And storytelling is the most overrated value and misattributed term in the world of moviemaking and, for that matter, criticism. The classic dichotomy of plot and character is beside the point; while following a character in action, the inner life can be reflected in a moment – or, catching a character in repose, stories can be spun out on the wing.”

“After watching indie films like The Hurt Locker and Slumdog Millionaire claim Hollywood’s top honors for the last five years, the major studios are campaigning with a ferocity that could make one of them a winner on Feb. 24, Academy Awards night.”

Especially if everyone remembers to shut off mobiles, seeing a film en masse is far superior to watching it at home.