This weekend Sheila Ross will join us in the studio for an update on Fairfield's upcoming new movie theater, or is that cinema? It's not certain yet, but it is certain the situation's very exciting for film fans living in this community. We're also trying to get Sheila to see as many movies as possible before the Filmosophers show... :) Free movie alert: Moonrise Kingdom, FF Library, Friday evening 7:30.

Chris Busch is one of the relatively few people in the world that has seen the (IMO) probable Best Picture Oscar winner Lincoln, since he's in LA and has access to one of only 11 theaters it was playing in this week. Lincoln opens nationwide Friday, but not Ottumwa-wide. That will be sometime in December, Vickie Schleif, the Ottumwa 8 Manager tells me. Which reminds me, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 premieres tonight, Thursday, not at the usual midnight time but at 10:00 PM. The Ottumwa 8 has sold well over 500 tickets so far and will use every one of their 8 screens if they sell enough tickets. This last minute flexable situation is much easier for them in the age of digital movie projection.

We'll talk about Skyfall, the latest and some say greatest Bond film. "This is what the big picture movie experience is all about"- Big Al Green. We'll also alert you to the intriguing French film The Hedgehog, inspired by the beloved New York Times bestseller, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog", by Muriel Barbery. "An enchanting grown-up fairy tale about the redemptive power of love." - Philadelphia Inquirer. All this on the Filmosophers, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sundays 9:00 AM. Live stream @kruufm.com

No school Friday so Shane will be in the house. He'll contribute his impression of Cloud Atlas and relate news about an iconic film franchise that's eliciting strong emotional response. We saw two intriguing and unique animated films: the Oscar nominated A Cat In Paris and Kirikou And The Sorceress (image), the former with a jazzy score by Serge Besset, the latter with music by acclaimed Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour. We'll talk about it. 

November begins a time when films of various levels of esteem are opening every weekend, including Steven Spielberg's Lincoln November 9th. 

The Filmosophers are inspired to report Samsara will be showing at the Bijou Cinema on the University Of Iowa campus, starting Friday, 10/12. Samsara "is a Sanskrit word that means “the ever turning wheel of life” and is the point of departure for the filmmakers as they search for the elusive current of interconnection that runs through our lives. Filmed over a period of almost five years and in twenty-five countries, Samsara transports us to sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders.  By dispensing with dialogue and descriptive text, Samsara subverts our expectations of a traditional documentary, instead encouraging our own inner interpretations inspired by images and music that infuses the ancient with the modern." From all we've learned, Samsara is a must-see for fans of the filmosophical experience. Our inspiring friend, transformational artist and film fan David Todd of "Bell & Todd Arts" described Samsara as "a remarkable film and experience!" Find show times and more at the Bijou's website: http://bijou.uiowa.edu/

We'll also talk about new releases getting great buzz, including Ben Affleck's Argo; writer/director Martin McDonagh's Seven Psycopaths; Middle of Nowhere, winner of the Best Director Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival: "an elegant, powerfully emotional and courageous film" and more. We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch & Bruce Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sunday mornings at 9:00. "Prepare yourself for an unparalleled sensory experience." - Samsara

The Filmosophers are excited cause we have some great films to tell you about. Opening this weekend is Looper. It has great buzz, but just as intriguing is what its actors say: "The one film of mine I'm most excited for audiences to see"- Joseph Gordon-Levitt; "It's better than anything I've ever done"- Bruce Willis; "The best movie I've ever been part of. This is not like anything I've seen" - Emily Blunt. Chris Busch, his wonderful wife Julia and I saw The Master last week. It is indeed a "challenging film for serious audiences". I must say, our highlight was returning from Iowa City on the back roads during the first day of fall.

We're also excited to talk again about Marley, the definitive documentary of Bob Marley, "the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom." A joyful, rhythmic, unifying filmosophical experience.

Indications are energy on the Fairfield movie theater project is coalescing. If you're part of that energy let us know. We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM, again Sunday mornings at 9:00.

"The only rule is never let your target escape. Even if your target.... is you." - Looper

This weekend there are three major films opening with a good buzz, including Dredd 3D, "a rare example of a remake that actually works." Director Paul Thomas Anderson's (There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights) The Master, which  "extends his winning streak of challenging films for serious audiences." Also, End Of Watch, "a riveting action thriller". The Rottontomatoes radio show described stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as having great chemistry.

We'll talk more about closing of the Co-Ed and the energy already forming to create another movie theater in Fairfield's cultural district. As noted by Ken Mottet, host of "The Feed Store" (KRUU, Sundays 2-3PM)- "These are the kinds of stories that prove my wife's theory--Fairfield IS the center of the known universe." Speaking of that, The Vindication Of Ronald Clay screens 7:30 tonight at the Arts & Convention Center.

We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sunday mornings at 9:00. "I'll be back!" ~ Ar-Nuld, Co-Ed Theatre, 1984

Fairfield filmmakers Donald Revolinski and Cully Thomas will join us in the studio to talk about their new film The Vindication of Ronald Clay, described as a "smart, stylistic adventure about the interwoven fables of five patrons to a coffee shop at the center of the universe". This was shot on location in Fairfield Iowa, which indeed is the center of the universe.

Here we see yet another filmmaking expression of the Creative flow, so abundant in "America's most unusual town" (-Oprah). Couple this creativity with our community's strong interest in movies and the closing of the Co-Ed Theatre could be viewed as bewildering. How could this happen here? Well, the owners went bankrupt, the movie industry is in flux, with the shift from film to digital, involving expensive new projectors. Plus, a decrease in box office business, enhanced by dazzling home theaters (see the Mark & Livia Cole Experience). However, we know the spiritual awakening in Fairfield and the Universe "transcends" surface level appearances. That means we can and will have a nice movie theater. I don't know the business details, but I can suggest how it may actually happen: desire, intention and allowing. This call to film fans: Let the intention begin! On the Filmosophers movie talk, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions". Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sundays at 9:00 AM. - "May the Force be with you"

For some of us, great cinema is worth investing time and resources into. When I saw the essential documentary The Queen Of Versailles was showing at the University Of Iowa's Bijou Cinema in Iowa City, I made the commitment to take the drive and see it. I'm happy I did. For this Filmosopher, the rise and fall story of the "classic" American dream is a Divine insight into the folly of living on the surface of life. Also, my experience at the Bijou was a joy: comfortable seating, adequate size screen and a $2 bag of tasty popcorn. When I look at the quality of films they're showing, I know I'll be returning.

We'll talk more about that, The Queen Of Versailles, new releases, more fall movie preview and what we've seen. We're The Filmosophers, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions."

Touring the construction of the biggest house in America, a 90,000 sq. ft. palace.   -Is that your bedroom?  - No, that's my closet... - The Queen Of Versailles

Two weeks ago we talked with Fairfield's talented Neil Brooks Cunningham about his acting role in The Bourne Legacy. We're happy to report it opens Friday at the Co-Ed in Fairfield. Neil plays Dr. Dan Hillcott who, according to Rachel Weisz's Dr. Marta Shearing, provided a "viral map", enabling the entire success of "The Program", the American government's covert operation that's created the next level of super-agents, as played by Jeremy Renner. 

This week hear about the new releases, including the propulsive Premium Rush, starring one of today's hottest (and busiest) young actors- Joseph Gordon-Levitt. We'll start our Fall Movie preview and tell you about a sweet, emotional gem from Japan, titled Quill: The Life Of a Guide Dog. If you like dogs this is a must-see. This review from Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, posted on "Spirituality & Practice": "Dogs are loyal, curious, and courageous. But even more impressive is that dogs have abilities that we seem to have lost. Three of these abilities are direction-finding, telepathy, and precognition. These gifts help explain why dogs have been used as guides for blind people and others with disabilities. In the ruins in Pompeii, the Italian town destroyed by a volcano, pictures were found of dogs leading humans."

Friday evening, 9/7 the Fairfield Library's free movie will be the filmosophical 1998 film What Dreams May Come, a "visually stunning metaphysical tale of life after death" starring Robin Williams, Annabella Sciorra & Cuba Gooding, Jr. It's an excellent chance to see this visual treat on a big screen again. We'll talk about that and more on the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller, "where we give out filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sunday at 9:00 AM. "Brakes are death." - Premium Rush .

Fairfield's talented Neil Brooks Cunningham (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three; The Retreat; You Don't Know Jack) is in the #1 movie in America- The Bourne Legacy. Neil plays Dr. Dan Hillcott who, according to Rachel Weisz's Dr. Marta Shearing, provided a "viral map", enabling the entire success of "The Program", the American government's covert operation that's created the next level of super-agents, as played by Jeremy Renner. Turns out Neil's been closer to sensitive government operations than one might know. He'll join us live in the KRUU studio this weekend. We'll talk about The Bourne Legacy, his perspective of the story, the world of film and more.

Also hear about this week's new releases, including The Expendables 2, Sylvester Stallone's "roundup of action stars who celebrate and send up their former glories"; the highly rated animated ParaNorman, an "endearingly sweet and spooky-ookie ode to the living, the dead, and the in-between" and Disney's not so well reviewed The Odd Life Of Timothy Green.

We'll tell you about what else we've seen, including Finnish writer director Aki Kaurismäki's gently endearing Le Havre. We're the Filmosophers, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions", with guest co-host Ted Burghoff, Bruce and son Shane Miller, who'll be making his last appearance on the show for a while, as school starts again next week. Friday at 12:30 PM Central, again Sunday at 9:00 AM. Live stream @kruufm.com

"Jason Bourne was just the tip of the iceberg."

Texas Ted Burghoff joins Bruce and Shane in the studio this weekend. We saw Total Recall together and our experience was quite different than many others. We'll cover the three new wide releases, including The Bourne Legacy, "the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise", with Fairfield's own Neil Cunningham; The Campaign, a "crude brand of political satire" and Hope Springs the best reviewed of the three, "led by a pair of mesmerizing performances from Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones." It's a gentle, yet poignant story of reinvigorating a 31 year marriage. An Oscar Best Picture The Artist shows Friday evening (8/10) at the FF Library, free!

You may have heard us, or read our Filmosopher's blog extolling Wes Anderson's (Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore) joyful film Moonrise Kingdom (image). We're excited to tell you it starts Friday at the Co-Ed Theatre. This continues their recent history of booking splendid indie films (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, etc.). If so inspired, let Marilou and the staff know that's appreciated.

Shane and I saw the sweet, loving documentary Being Elmo, available at the FF Library, about Kevin Clash the puppeteer who created and "is" the Elmo millions worldwide came to love on Sesame Street. We'll talk about that and more on the Filmosophers, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sundays, 9:00 AM. "Jiminy cricket, he flew the coop!" - Moonrise Kingdom

This weekend we'll talk about the wide releases: Total Recall (What is reality?);  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (goofy family comedy); the limited releases, including: Celeste And Jesse Forever ("shrewd rom-com"); the documentaries, including You've Been Trumped ("the wealthy exert their will") and the exceptional Jiro Dreams of Sushi ("elegant, spare and tantalizing") which is available on DVD at the FF Library.

We're excited to let you know that maybe... just maybe, the Wachowskis have finally made the movie fans have been waiting for since experiencing their classic, and our favorite, which for me is also the most spiritual film of my time- The Matrix.

We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch, Bruce and Shane Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions". Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, again Sundays at 9:00 AM. "Everything is connected"- Cloud Atlas

The buzz on the "wide" movie releases this weekend: The Watch ("disappointment") and Step Up Revolution ("chaotic formlessness") are poor. That's balanced with intriguing indie and documentary films the Filmosophers enjoy alerting you to. Start with Ruby Sparks, from the Little Miss Sunshine folks- "The great romantic gem of the summer, a diamond in the rough that bends genres and trips up expectations." There's the fascinating documentary Searching For Sugar Man, which "tells the true story of the greatest '70s U.S. rock icon who never was, how he was rediscovered in a far off land and finally became the legend he always deserved to be. "The strangeness of truth compared to the limits of the human imagination gets a crystalline demonstration in Searching for Sugar Man. "A gloriously inspirational comeback tale." (click on "Read More" to continue)

This weekend Ted Burghoff will join us for a special edition of The Filmosophers. Ted is a film fan who shares our enthusiasm for Director Ridley Scott. We'll talk about Scott's career, focusing on three films: Blade Runner; Kingdom Of Heaven: Director's Cut and Prometheus. Ted owns the Four Disc Special Edition box set of Kingdom Of Heaven: Director's Cut. The Director's Cut extended version "has received a distinctly more positive reception from film critics than the theatrical release, with some reviewers suggesting that it is the most substantial Director's Cut of all time  and a title to equal any of Scott's other works." Also, The Shift, with Wayne Dyer is the free film showing Friday at the FF Library. "The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life by parents and society—which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation—are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back." A true filmosophical experience.

The conversation with Texas Ted will be fun. We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch, Bruce Miller and summertime junior sidekick Shane Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays, 12:30 PM Central, again Sundays at 9:00 AM. Live stream @kruufm.com

Deckard - Shakes? Me too. I get 'em bad. It's part of the business.

Rachael - I'm not in the business... I *am* the business. ~ Blade Runner

We have some good movies to talk about- from the blockbusters: The Amazing Spider-Man, to the indies: Wes Anderson's highly anticipated Moonrise Kingdom, with Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton & Bruce Willis. Also hear about the delightfully filmosophical The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the ribald, low brow Ted and more. We're The Filmosophers, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions", with Chris Busch, Bruce Miller and summertime junior sidekick Shane Miller. Fridays at 12:30 PM, repeat Sundays, 9:00 AM.

Jiminy cricket, he flew the coop!- Moonrise Kingdom

We first learned just how enjoyable The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is from good friend and guest host Big Al Green, who saw it in Iowa City- reporting there were a fair amount of others there from Fairfield. The feedback was enthusiastic. Since then we've received several requests for it to be shown locally. Theatre Manager Marilou Parsons heard us, and forwarded on the requests.

We're delighted to tell you The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens in Fairfield, Friday, 6/29. "A dream cast led by Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy lights up John (Shakespeare in Love) Madden's film- a story of late-life awakenings and self-discovery in India. Its ace in the hole is its pungent depiction of Jaipur's teeming streets, which gives a blinding splash of color. Impossible to resist."   

We'll tell you about the new releases and what we've seen on video, including Jeff, Who Lives At Home a film by the Duplass brothers, which junior reviewer Shane Miller described as "a spiritual comedy". We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, and again Sundays at 9:00 AM.

This weekend we'll talk about new films in theaters, including Brave, the 13th release from Pixar; Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, a "mashup of history lesson and monster flick" and the (possibly!) filmosophical Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. Sometimes we're not sure what to say about a film if we haven't seen it. You'll usually get a feel from critic's consensus. But as you're aware (and awareness is the key), the spiritual or filmosophically inclined movie fan's experience of films can be quite different from mainstream perceptions. This may be true about Seeking a Friend... and especially so for the documentary- Kumaré. "The true story about a false prophet. Kumaré follows American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi as he transforms himself into a Indian guru, hoping to prove the absurdity of blind faith. Instead, he finds himself forging profound connections with people from all walks of life."

We'll alert you to small gems that may get lost amongst the "blockbusters", including Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom; Safety Not Guaranteed and Beasts Of The Southern Wild, which sounds fascinating! "An exceptional American independent feature that deserves the best efforts to tap audiences that would surely embrace it." "Few more brazenly cinematic pieces will come our way this year." We're the Filmosophers, with Chris Busch and Bruce Miller "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions." Fridays, 12:30 PM Central repeated Sundays 9:00 AM. "I fake so much I forget who I was" - Kumaré

Alice Cooper, sing it: School's out for the summer! That means Filmosopher junior reviewer Shane Miller will be in the studio. Just in time, too as we saw the latest animated treasure from Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away): The Secret World of Arrietty. These are films Shane and I have grown to love, and Arrietty is no exception. Folks are noting Pixar is releasing it's first film with a female hero: Brave (6/22). Miyazaki and Ghibli have been doing this since Kiki's Delivery Service in 1989. Arrietty continues that evolved perspective: "Studio Ghibli's best film since Miyazaki's eco-fable masterpiece Spirited Away. Its story is impeccably paced, its look beautifully imagined, and its drama perfectly built-up. Bristles, underfoot, with some delightful feminism and environmentalism."

We'll talk about that, the latest blockbuster releases and the wonderfully filmosophical Certified Copy, starring a radiant Juliette Binoche. We're the Filmosophers, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions". Fridays at 12:30 PM Central, rebroadcast Sundays at noon.

Friday, May 25, 2012 is the 35th Anniversary of the opening of the iconic film Star Wars. It's also the day filmmaker Patrick Read Johnson (Spaced Invaders) will depart Wadsworth, Illinois, "in my 1975 Ford Pinto, on a 30-day, cross-country, road-trip Kickstarter campaign to finally bring 5-25-77 to the screen." There will be a test screening of 5-25-77 Saturday night at the Sondheim. We'll talk with Mr. Johnson about his film and his current adventure, soon to be known as Hearts of Dorkness: A Filmmaker's Oddyssey.

We'll also talk about the much anticipated opening of Men In Black 3; the highly praised Moonrise Kingdom, the latest from one of our fave filmmakers- Wes Anderson (Rushmore) and more. We're the Filmosophers, "where we give our filmosophy of the movies and have filmosophical discussions".

- The Death Star would take out the Enterprise with one shot.

- The Enterprise has deflector shields!! - 5-25-77

Friday, May 25, 2012 is the 35th Anniversary of the opening of the iconic film Star Wars. It's also the day filmmaker Patrick Read Johnson (Spaced Invaders) will depart Wadsworth, Illinois, "in my 1975 Ford Pinto, on a 30-day, cross-country, road-trip Kickstarter campaign to finally bring 5-25-77 to the screen." There will be a test screening of 5-25-77 Saturday night at the Sondheim. We'll talk with Mr. Johnson about his film and his current adventure, soon to be known as Hearts of Dorkness: A Filmmaker's Oddyssey.