Leonard Maltin
Leonard Maltin
Leonard Michael Maltinis an American film critic and historian, author of several mainstream books on cinema, focusing on nostalgic, celebratory narratives. He is known as a "go-to" critic for the major studios, for writing the shortest review in the U.S. and creating the Walt Disney Treasures series...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionTV Show Host
Date of Birth18 December 1950
CityNew York City, NY
CountryUnited States of America
I think the people who are making Christmas-themed movies today feel that people are more cynical about Christmas. There's more of an edge.
The last person to stand still and repeat himself was Walt Disney. He refused to repeat himself. So to think that he'd be making the same kind of film in the year 2001 that he made in 1941 is absurd.
If I were less than honest as a critic, I think people would spot that right away, and it would destroy my credibility.
Everyone is looking for the sure thing. They are looking to hedge their bet. They think the way to do that is to go with a proven quantity, a remake of something you have already seen. That is their mindset.
I can't think of another actor who acquired stardom so quickly, who held it for such a short time, and then kept it for such a long time. James Dean became a star in one calendar year, and then he left us. But he's still being talked about, he's still being revered, he's still being iconized forty years later. I don't think there's another example like it in the entire history of movies.
I think people in Hollywood are afraid of sentiment because they think audiences will reject it.
He's a great choice. He's both smart and funny. He can be serious when the case demands. He can be silly. Knowing when to push those buttons is the key to being a good host.
He's a good actor, and that's the main ingredient. We haven't seen him do much lighthearted material, but this is what will put him to the test.
Certainly he would have liked meatier roles or roles that allowed him to go beyond just the look, the hangdog look, that he seemed to have. I met him on a number of occasions, and he was a very upbeat kind of a guy.
She was one of these character actresses who could fill any number of roles. She played a lot of 'earth mother' types, especially in later years.
She was an actress of enormous skill and versatility.
She's quite wonderful in that role. She's totally convincing as the mother who has to walk a fine line in raising that little boy. She's a terrific actress; there's never any sense that she's acting. She commits to any character she plays.
She could be dogmatic, of course and Lord help you if you disagreed -- that was the tone of many of her reviews. But she spoke with great authority and great love. She loved movies and that was crystal clear every time you read her.
She does the same reliable job you'd expect her to do. ... She has a track record that is long and solid enough that it can withstand the usual ups and downs of a starring career.