Category Archives: Comedy

Comedy, Narrative

My 1,000th Movie!

Leave a comment
  • A hand holds up a Christmas ornament-shaped badge that reads “Merry Christmas ya filthy animal” with a movie screen in the background featuring the Home Alone key art.
  • A man sitting in a movie theatre and wearing a Christmas ornament-shaped badge that reads “Merry Christmas ya filthy animal.”

Being a big movie fan, reaching my 1,000th movie on the big screen is a milestone I’ve been anticipating. When I saw that number was soon approaching, I knew the movie that would be “honored” with that distinction had to be something special. And then it occurred to me: I had already purchased a ticket weeks earlier to see a D23 screening of Home Alone on December 13, 2025. I hadn’t seen Home Alone on the big screen since its release in 1990. I was 9 years old, and it was the very first movie I had ever seen in a theatre (The Grand in Indian Orchard, MA).

So then that’s it. My 1,000th movie had to also be my first. So with a handful of movies left before reaching the milestone, I made sure to see them before December 13—not one less movie and not one more.

Being a D23 screening honoring the movie’s 35th anniversary, this was going to be no ordinary night at the movies. There were gifts, games, and interactive elements (akin to a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show). All of this made the night that much more memorable.

Disney didn’t make Home Alone my first movie, but it helped make it my 1,000th. Another reason for me to love Disney. And now onto 1,001…

Comedy, Drama, Foreign Film, Horror, Independent Film, Narrative, Thriller, Top Films

My Top 10 Films of 2019

Leave a comment

These are my top 10 films of 2019.

For all annual top films lists from 2002 to the present, click on the “Annual Top Films Lists” tab above.

Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Independent Film, Narrative, Sci-Fi, Top Films

My Top 10 Films of 2018

Leave a comment

These are my top 10 films of 2018. And yes, I did see Roma, Green Book, The Favourite, and Bohemian Rhapsody, among many others.

For all annual top films lists from 2002 to the present, click on the “Annual Top Films Lists” tab above.

Actors, Awards, Comedy, Drama, Filmmakers, Horror, In Theatres, Independent Film, Narrative, Oscars, Sci-Fi, Thriller, War

2018 Memo to the Academy

Leave a comment

Oscars.jpg

Dear Academy,

You have enough on your plate. Nominee luncheons. Press releases. Etc. I get it. You don’t have time to watch all the nominated films. No worries. I’m pleased to step up to the plate, watch the movies, and offer my (informed) opinions. I know you’ve looked forward to this memo for the last nine years, so how could I possibly disappoint you by skipping a year? So attend your lunches and write your press releases lauding improved diversity numbers among your ranks. Leave the Oscars to me. I’ll take it from here.

Your Friend,
Dan Quitério

Continue reading 2018 Memo to the Academy →

Animation, Comedy, Drama, Horror, In Theatres, Independent Film, Narrative, Thriller, Top Films, War

My Top 10 Films of 2017

Leave a comment

The tradition continues. I’ve been documenting my top films of the year since 2002, when Bowling for Columbine took the top spot. This past year had some real gems, including those that made this list, as well as some that didn’t, like low-budget indie The Florida Project and large-scale blockbuster Beauty and the Beast. Check out my 2017 list, then tell me what made your list.

Actors, Awards, Comedy, Drama, Filmmakers, In Theatres, Independent Film, Narrative, Oscars

2017 Memo to the Academy

Leave a comment

Oscars.jpg

Dear Academy,

Eight years later, I’m still waiting for that magical piece of mail, inviting me to join your fine organization. But that’s not keeping me from sounding off on a few Oscar categories. I’ve seen all the nominated films, and I have some thoughts that should be considered. So allow me to make your job easier. Here’s who should win. You’re welcome.

Your Friend,
Dan Quitério

Continue reading 2017 Memo to the Academy →

Awards, Comedy, In Theatres, Narrative, Oscars

“La La Land”: Overhyped?

1 Comment

La La Land.jpg

I’ve been having conversations lately with friends who aren’t quite buying into the frenzy. They may like or dislike La La Land, but either way they’re just not getting it. “Fourteen Oscar nominations? Tied for the most in history?” La La Land may be good, but it’s not a juggernaut, they might say. Its effect on our culture is hardly titanic in scale. So why all the hype?

Continue reading “La La Land”: Overhyped? →

Comedy, Film Festival, Short Film, Television

It’s Funny Because It’s True: SNL “qua” Sketch

Leave a comment
SNL.jpg

There are few SNL sketches that will top “Schweddy Balls,” based on my personal tastes and sensibilities. That sketch, perfectly written by Ana Gasteyer, is so multi-layered, so well performed, and just plain hilarious.

And then there was “Short Film” (watch here).

No, “Short Film,” which aired on last week’s Emily Blunt-hosted episode, does not top Gasteyer’s and Molly Shannon’s NPR-set sketch, but it comes pretty damn close—again, per my personal tastes and sensibilities (it’s likely not everyone’s cup of tea).

Continue reading It’s Funny Because It’s True: SNL “qua” Sketch →

Animation, Awards, Comedy, Narrative, Oscars, Short Film

Short Film: “Geri’s Game”

Leave a comment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq5gaV4ohn4

Winner of the 1998 Academy Award for Best Short Film, Animated, this Pixar classic was written and directed by Jan Pinkava. If nothing else, it’s proof that one isn’t necessarily the loneliest number.

Animation, Awards, Comedy, Drama, Foreign Film, Independent Film, Narrative, Oscars, Short Film

Short Film: “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos”

Leave a comment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ClMGtB7yhc

Nominated for this year’s Academy Award for Best Short Film, Animated, “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos” is a beautiful film about friendship and dreams. This is Russian filmmaker Konstantin Bronzit’s second Oscar nomination in this category; his previous nomination came in 2009 for his animated short “Lavatory Lovestory.”