Stephen Silver
@stephensilver.bsky.social
đ€ 371
đ„ 537
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Journalist, film critic, dad
https://stephensilver.substack.com/
For National Security Journal, I wrote about the legacy of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
nationalsecurityjournal.org/saving-priva...
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Saving Private Ryan: The Best War Movie Ever?
Saving Private Ryan won five Oscars and is called the definitive D-Day film â yet it lost Best Picture to Shakespeare in Love in one of the Academy's biggest upsets.
https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/saving-private-ryan-the-best-war-movie-ever/
about 13 hours ago
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I wrote about why itâs not antisemitic to oppose the Paramount/Warner Bros. merger
stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-worst-...
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The worst argument in the world for the Paramount/Warner merger
No, the opposition to the pending Hollywood combination has nothing to do with antisemitism.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-worst-argument-in-the-world-for
about 13 hours ago
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In this weekâs notes column: Why BACKROOMS and OBSESSION are (probably) not EASY RIDER, IS GOD IS is better than both, Spielberg on Bill Simmonsâ podcast, life imitates THE INSIDER again, and RIP Peabo Bryson
stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-no-the...
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Fin: No, the 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' box-office numbers donât mean the movie business has changed forever
Plus: Steven Spielberg goes on a podcast, 'The Insider' comes true again, RIP Peabo Bryson, and more in this weekâs notes column.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-no-the-backrooms-and-obsession
4 days ago
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I reviewed POWER BALLAD for Splice Today
www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictu...
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False Notes
John Carney's Power Ballad is yet another disappointment that does not live up to his 2007 debut Onceâââââââ. || Stephen Silver
https://www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictures/false-notes
4 days ago
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I wrote for Political Tribune about Scott Pelley vs. CBS
polinews.org/fired-cbs-st...
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Fired CBS Star Scott Pelley Goes Scorched Earth On Network Bosses In Stunning Statement
The now-former 60 Minutes correspondent issued a new statement.
https://polinews.org/fired-cbs-star-scott-pelley-goes-scorched-earth-on-network-bosses-in-stunning-statement/
4 days ago
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I wrote about 20 years of A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION, Robert Altmanâs final film, one of the best Minnesota movies, and one of the best last-night-of-a-great-thing movies.
stephensilver.substack.com/p/20-years-a...
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20 years ago, âA Prairie Home Companionâ was the end of something great
Robert Altmanâs final film followed the behind-the-scenes of the âlast showâ of Garrison Keillor's old-timey Minnesota extravaganza.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/20-years-ago-a-prairie-home-companion
4 days ago
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Norm Charlatan
5 days ago
As a Minnesota voter, a lifelong Jason Garrett appreciator, and a chronic underachiever, I have no choice but to vote for Michele Tafoya.
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Hereâs the June documentary review 10-pack, with reviews including THE AI DOC, EVERYBODY TO KENMURE STREET, THE PINK PILL, SUMMER OF â94, and a bunch of stuff on PBS this month
stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-june-2...
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The June 2026 documentary review 10-pack: 'The A.I. Doc,' 'Everybody to Kenmure Street,' 'The Pink Pill,' 'Summer of '94,' 'Modern Whore' and more
Reviews of ten new documentary features.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-june-2026-documentary-review
5 days ago
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I reviewed MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
stephensilver.substack.com/p/masters-of...
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âMasters of the Universeâ is much better than it had any right to be
The update to the 1980s toy-and-cartoon franchise finds just the right tone of nostalgia and comedy, with an all-timer voice performance by Jared Leto.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/masters-of-the-universe-is-much-better
6 days ago
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I reviewed MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
stephensilver.substack.com/p/masters-of...
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âMasters of the Universeâ is much better than it had any right to be
The update to the 1980s toy-and-cartoon franchise finds just the right tone of nostalgia and comedy, with an all-timer voice performance by Jared Leto.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/masters-of-the-universe-is-much-better
6 days ago
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Here's the latest
#crimeblotter
for
@appleinsider.com
appleinsider.com/articles/26/...
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Crime blotter: Man arrrested for $31,000 iPhone theft
London iPhone theft victims have reported threats, AirTag catches a burglar in Pittsburgh, and California prisoners did not receive iPads, all in this week's Apple Crime Blotter.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/05/31/crime-blotter-man-arrrested-for-31000-iphone-theft
8 days ago
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For Splice Today, I reviewed two very different movies about air travel: PROPELLER ONE WAY NIGHT COACH and also THE TRAVEL COMPANION
www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictu...
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Planes and Berets
John Travolta's Propeller One Way Night Coach and The Travel Companion. || Stephen Silver
https://www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictures/planes-and-berets
8 days ago
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I went long on the (apparent) scrapping of the revival of Philadelphiaâs Riverview movie theater
stephensilver.substack.com/p/is-the-riv...
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Is the Riverview revival dream dead?
The plans to bring back the South Philly multiplex have been âscrapped,â per a report last week. Is this really the end?
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/is-the-riverview-revival-dream-dead
8 days ago
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Calling this man ugly is cruel
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11 days ago
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In this weekâs notes column, I wrote about false âghost directorâ rumors, The Outsiders on stage, and another story about Neal McDonough being âblackballed.â Roger Ebert and God, and the shocking return of Milli Vanilli
stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-no-obs...
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Fin: No, âObsessionâ and âBackroomsâ did not have âghostâ directors
Plus, âThe Outsidersâ on stage, Neal McDonagh (still) wonât kiss women, Roger Ebert wasn't God, Milli Vanilli is still a going concern, and more in this weekâs notes column.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-no-obsession-and-backrooms-did
11 days ago
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
The Philadelphia Film Critics Circle
11 days ago
NEW PODCAST: On the latest Film Scribes,
@stephensilver.bsky.social
and
@filmbuffrich.bsky.social
talk THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
filmscribes.libsyn.com/film-scribes...
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The Film Scribes Podcast: Film Scribes Episode 139 - Heading To A Galaxy Far Far Away With THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Film Scribes Podcast Episode 139! Join Philadelphia Film Critics Circle members Steve Silver (Splice Today, SS Ben Hecht Substack) and Rich Drees (FilmBuffOn...
https://filmscribes.libsyn.com/film-scribes-episode-139-heading-to-a-galaxy-far-far-away-with-the-mandalorian-and-grogu
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Subscribe to Radio Free America (link in bio)
12 days ago
Listen, after the last DHS Secretary's spouse you're not allowed to call this stuff "WILD"
www.dailymail.com/news/article...
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Trump's DHS chief rocked by wild rumor about his WIFE
Flight logs obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail show a pattern of lavish travel, and one big play for Secretary Mullin's wife happening behind the scenes.
https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15849323/markwayne-mullin-wife-rumor-jet-escapes.html
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On the Film Scribes podcast,
@filmbuffrich.bsky.social
and I talked about THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, and the future of Star Wars more broadly
filmscribes.libsyn.com/film-scribes...
@philafcc.bsky.social
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The Film Scribes Podcast: Film Scribes Episode 139 - Heading To A Galaxy Far Far Away With THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Film Scribes Podcast Episode 139! Join Philadelphia Film Critics Circle members Steve Silver (Splice Today, SS Ben Hecht Substack) and Rich Drees (FilmBuffOn...
https://filmscribes.libsyn.com/film-scribes-episode-139-heading-to-a-galaxy-far-far-away-with-the-mandalorian-and-grogu
12 days ago
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I wrote about 15 years of Terrence Malick's THE TREE OF LIFE. And all of its supporters are happy
stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-tree-o...
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âThe Tree of Life,â Terrence Malickâs experimental meditation on grief, turns 15
All of its supporters are happy.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-tree-of-life-terrence-malicks
12 days ago
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Also for Broad Street Review, I previewed
@cinespeak.bsky.social
's Under the Stars festival, which starts Friday in Clark Park
www.broadstreetreview.com/previews/cin...
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cinéSPEAK presents the Under the Stars Film Festival
cinéSPEAK Under the Stars Film Festival returns for a sixth year, with four features and many shorts. Stephen Silver previews.
https://www.broadstreetreview.com/previews/cin%C3%A9speak-presents-the-under-the-stars-film-festival
12 days ago
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For Broad Street Review, I previewed June repertory offerings in Philadelphia
www.broadstreetreview.com/previews/the...
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The BSR June 2026 repertory movie roundup
A documentary from Phillyâs own Questlove, a rare screening of Wildwood, NJ, the science behind Memento, and more. Stephen Silver previews.
https://www.broadstreetreview.com/previews/the-bsr-june-2026-repertory-movie-roundup
12 days ago
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For Splice Today, I reviewed the terrible Netflix movie LADIES FIRST
www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictu...
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Pink Mirage
Ladies First doesnât fit in the present; it addresses the social concerns of 2002, not 2026.
https://www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictures/pink-mirage
12 days ago
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I wrote about Trump's $250 bill for Political Tribune
polinews.org/trump-pushes...
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Trump Pushes Shocking Plan To Put His Face On $250 Bill In Unprecedented Power Move
The president has proposed a $250 bill with his own picture.
https://polinews.org/trump-pushes-shocking-plan-to-put-his-face-on-250-bill-in-unprecedented-power-move/
12 days ago
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I reviewed BACKROOMS, and also AN AUTUMN SUMMER
stephensilver.substack.com/p/backrooms-...
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âBackroomsâ is more of a creepy movie than a good movie
Plus, âAn Autumn Summerâ is an enchanting seasonal romance.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/backrooms-is-more-of-a-creepy-movie
13 days ago
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And from yesterday: Despite some misleading aggregations, there's probably not going to be a new GODFATHER movie about Connie Corleone
stephensilver.substack.com/p/no-theyre-...
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No, theyâre not making a new âGodfatherâ movie
Despite numerous misleading aggregations, a new novel set in that universe does not mean the Corleones are coming back to the big screen.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/no-theyre-not-making-a-new-godfather
14 days ago
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I reviewed ASK E. JEAN
stephensilver.substack.com/p/ask-e-jean...
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'Ask E. Jean' tells the full story of the woman who successfully sued Trump
Ivy Meeropol's documentary follows decades in the life of the advice columnist who went to court against the president and won.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/ask-e-jean-tells-the-full-story-of
14 days ago
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In this week's notes column, I wrote about Elon Musk not being a movie guy, the Billy Joel "biopic," the death of Barney Frank, the return of three auteurs, and more
stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-elon-m...
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Fin: Elon Musk is not a movie guy
RIP Barney Frank, that Billy Joel biopic, great auteurs return, and more in this weekâs notes column.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-elon-musk-is-not-a-movie-guy
18 days ago
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I reviewed JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR for Splice Today
www.splicetoday.com/pop-culture/...
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Back in the Ghost War
John Krasinski is still convincing as Jack Ryan, but he's hardly ever interesting. || Stephen Silver
https://www.splicetoday.com/pop-culture/back-in-the-ghost-war
18 days ago
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I wrote for Political Tribune about Trump maybe skipping his son's wedding, like Logan Roy did in the "Connor's Wedding" episode of Succession
polinews.org/trump-is-ask...
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Trump Is Asked If He Will Attend Son's Wedding And His Answer Is Raising Eyebrows
Might the president skip his own son's wedding?
https://polinews.org/trump-is-asked-if-he-will-attend-sons-wedding-and-his-answer-is-raising-eyebrows/?utm_source=follow.it
18 days ago
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I reviewed three documentaries about outlaws: STOLEN KINGDOM, NEVER GET BUSTED, and THE PYTHON HUNT
stephensilver.substack.com/p/stolen-kin...
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'Stolen Kingdom,' 'Never Get Busted' and 'The Python Hunt': Reviewing three documentaries about American outlaws
A look at documentaries "they" don't want you to see.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/stolen-kingdom-never-get-busted-and
18 days ago
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I wrote about 35 years of Ron Howardâs BACKDRAFT
stephensilver.substack.com/p/backdraft-...
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âBackdraft,â Ron Howardâs fractured tale of firemen, turns 35
William Baldwin and Kurt Russell played firefighting Chicago brothers in the 1991 film that made creative use of fire.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/backdraft-ron-howards-fractured-tale
20 days ago
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Mike Rothschild
20 days ago
The core of Trumpism is "one day I'll get my cut." DOGE dividends, reparations payments, Trump accounts, tariff checks, whatever. It's the same con the far right has been running for decades, and Trump does it the best. Vote for me and you'll get your cut. Nobody ever gets their cut except him.
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Jesus Zoidberg: 1988 Snipps Spelling Champ
20 days ago
The Greatest.
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For Broad Street Review's Book Week, I reviewed Jack McCarthy's history of the Mann Music Center, "A Century of Music Under the Stars," from
@templeunivpress.bsky.social
www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/a-ce...
#BSRBookWeek
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A Century of Music Under the Stars: A History of the Mann Center ofâŠ
The Robin Hood Dell, opened in 1930, was the start of the institution we know today as the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts. A new book byâŠ
https://www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/a-century-of-music-under-the-stars-a-history-of-the-mann-center-of-the-performing-arts-and-robin-hood-dell-by-jack-mccarthy
21 days ago
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I reviewed THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, which feels like half of a television season
stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-mandal...
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'The Mandalorian and Grogu' just doesnât have the âStar Warsâ magic
The first new Star Wars movie in seven years feels, as we all feared it would, like an overlong episode of the TV series.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-mandalorian-and-grogu-just-doesnt
21 days ago
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Phoebe Maltz Bovy
21 days ago
I love when people (accurately) guess the cover inspo!
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I previewed the most exciting summer movies
stephensilver.substack.com/p/2026-summe...
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2026 Summer movie preview: 'The Odyssey,' 'Disclosure Day,' 'Jackass,' and a very busy August
The movies I'm most looking forward to this summer.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/2026-summer-movie-preview-the-odyssey
22 days ago
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I reviewed THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN for @SpliceToday2022
www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictu...
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Russian Arc
The Wizard of the Kremlin has little to say about its subject. || Stephen Silver
https://www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictures/russian-arc
22 days ago
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In this weekâs notes column: Lupita Nyongâo is indeed playing Helen of Troy, Elon and his friends are still weird racist freaks about it, plus Conan returns to the Oscars, RIP Rex Reed and Barry Blaustein, and more
stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-yes-lu...
@philafcc @OFCS @CriticsChoice
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Fin: Yes, Lupita Nyongâo is playing Helen of Troy- but the racist freaks are still wrong
Plus, Conan returns to the Oscars, who should not be roasted, RIP Rex Reed and Barry Blaustein, and more in this weekâs notes column.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-yes-lupita-nyongo-is-playing
25 days ago
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I wrote about 10 years of THE NICE GUYS
stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-nice-g...
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âThe Nice Guys,â Shane Blackâs sprawling L.A. noir, turns 10
Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe teamed up on a 1970s-set period piece about crime, porn, and suppression of the catalyic converter.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/the-nice-guys-shane-blacks-sprawling
25 days ago
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I reviewed OBSESSION, for Splice Today
www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictu...
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Long Paw Curl
Obsession just might break out the way Weapons did last year. || Stephen Silver
https://www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictures/long-paw-curl
26 days ago
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I reviewed the Martin Short documentary, now on
@netflix.com
stephensilver.substack.com/p/marty-life...
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âMarty, Life is Shortâ is an agreeable documentary about Martin Short
The Netflix film, directed by Lawrence Kasdan, follows the beloved entertainerâs many tragedies and triumphs.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/marty-life-is-short-is-an-agreeable
27 days ago
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Subscribe to Radio Free America (link in bio)
27 days ago
Fighting over Bluesky and X is so funny. It's like two rival opera companies screaming at each other. Persuasion is done via short form video now, we're both retirement homes for uggos.
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I reviewed YES!, an Israeli anti-Israel film that's been compared (accurately) to SOUTHLAND TALES.
stephensilver.substack.com/p/yes-is-an-...
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âYes!â is an incendiary exploration of Israel after October 7
Nadav Lapidâs satire about war, propaganda and bootlicking is the conflict like you've never seen it before.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/yes-is-an-incendiary-exploration
28 days ago
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My JTA story on the Michael Jackson movie is in the
@forward.com
forward.com/fast-forward...
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Michael Jackson biopic revives legend of Jewish music mogul who battled MTVâs âcolor barrierâ
Walter Yetnikoff, played by Mike Myers, appears in a pivotal scene in "Michael."
https://forward.com/fast-forward/824089/michael-jackson-biopic-revives-legend-of-jewish-music-mogul-who-battled-mtvs-color-barrier/
28 days ago
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For JTA, I wrote about the Walter Yetnikoff scene in MICHAEL, featuring Mike Myers calling and yelling at MTV
www.jta.org/2026/05/08/c...
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Michael Jackson biopic revives legend of Jewish music mogul who battled MTVâs âcolor barrierâ - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Walter Yetnikoff, played by Mike Myers, appears in a pivotal scene in "Michael."
https://www.jta.org/2026/05/08/culture/michael-jackson-biopic-revives-legend-of-jewish-music-mogul-who-battled-mtvs-color-barrier
28 days ago
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I wrote about THE ODYSSEY casting non-news, months of gross ragebait, and why it shows everything thatâs wrong with todayâs information economy.
stephensilver.substack.com/p/lupita-nyo...
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Lupita Nâyongo, Elliot Page, and the continuing inanity of âThe Odysseyâ casting freakouts
Another story that demonstrates everything that's wrong with todayâs information ecosystem.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/lupita-nyongo-eliot-page-and-the
29 days ago
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reposted by
Stephen Silver
Coach Finstock
about 1 month ago
Timothee Chalamet looks like every kid that graduated from Bonner.
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In this weekâs notes column, I wrote about Ted Turner, why theyâre not âerasingâ the Star Wars sequels, Helen of Troy, the Key and Peele video, writing straight into the CMS, and more.
stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-the-si...
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Fin: The singular Ted Turner, 1938-2026
Plus, theyâre not going to âdeleteâ the Star Wars prequels, that Key and Peele video, typing straight into the CMS, and more in this weekâs notes column.
https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/fin-the-singular-ted-turner-1938
about 1 month ago
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I reviewed BUFFET INFINITY and THE SHEEP DETECTIVES for Splice Today
www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictu...
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Shearing the Detectives
Buffet Infinity is a perfectly executed gimmick, while The Sheep Detectives is even stranger. || Stephen Silver
https://www.splicetoday.com/moving-pictures/shearing-the-detectives
about 1 month ago
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