Betty Jo Tucker

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"All art forms converge in the movies; that's why I enjoy writing and talking about them so much."

    

 

I've never been able to conquer my addiction to movies. After retiring as a college dean, I turned my passion for the cinema into a new career. Now, as a film critic, I see almost 200 movies a year. Fortunately, my husband, children, and grandchildren love movies almost as much as I do!



Accomplishments:

1. Revealed all about my longstanding obsession with the cinema in CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT.

2. Analyzed the film career of an actress who's become an American icon in SUSAN SARANDON: A TRUE MAVERICK, which received Honorable Mention at the 2007 New York Book Festival.

3. Developed an online writing course entitled "The Reel Deal: Writing about Movies" for the Long Story Short School of Writing.

4. Helped establish ReelTalkReviews.com, a website now including over 2,500 movie reviews and close to 400 film-related feature articles.

5. Created (and currently serve as host for) "Movie Addict Headquarters," a weekly film-related talk show on BlogTalkRadio.

(Photo by Bryan Kelsen for The Pueblo Chieftain.)
     



Books

Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker
Film Stars! Dancing! Popcorn! At last, a life story with everything but the movie stuff edited out.This amusing memoir chronicles film critic Betty Jo Tucker's love affair with film from the 1930s through the beginning of the new millennium. It also includes interviews with show biz celebrities and selected movie reviews....
  

Amazon.com  Amazon.co.uk  Barnes & Noble.com    Wheatmark

Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick by Betty Jo Tucker
Susan Sarandon's extraordinary movie career is analyzed by film critic Betty Jo Tucker in SUSAN SARANDON: A TRUE MAVERICK. Why did the passionate and outspoken Sarandon choose acting as a career? How does she select her roles? What is her acting philosophy? What motivates her to promote social and political causes and why do some people object to this? How do critics rate her work and her movies? ...
  

Amazon.com  Amazon.co.uk  Barnes & Noble.com  Wheatmark 

The Reel Deal: Writing about Movies by Betty Jo Tucker
"The Reel Deal: Writing about Movies" is designed for people who want to learn various techniques for writing movie reviews as well as for interviewing actors, directors, screenwriters and other film personnel....
  

Long Story Short Publishing 



Poetry

True Grit Poem
 by Betty Jo Tucker
After watching the latest "True Grit" movie, I felt moved to write the poem below. ...



Articles

War Horse: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Darn you, Steven Spielberg! You made me cry again -- and I hate to do that in a movie. "War Horse" had me blubbering like a baby....


Christmas in the Clouds: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Harking back to those great screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s, “Christmas in the Clouds” charms viewers with its delightful tale of romance, mistaken identities -- and bingo...


The Muppets: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Being an avid Muppets fan, I look forward to any project featuring these wonderful Jim Henson creations. So, of course, I was eager to see "The Muppets," their latest movie....


Puss in Boots Film Poem
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Here is a little poem about the Puss in Boots animated movie....


Footloose: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
For some individuals, a ban on dancing would be almost as bad as a ban on breathing. Ren MacCormack, the main character in "Footloose," just happens to be one of those people. From the moment this you...


Cliff Robertson Remembered
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I’m saddened about the recent passing of Cliff Robertson, one of my favorite actors...


Somebody Hates Me
 by Betty Jo Tucker
The paperback version of CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, my amusing life-at-the-movies memoir, was released in 2001 -– and I’m glad it’s available on Amazon’s Kindle now. Because it was so much fun to ...


Modern Magic
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I admit to being a lifelong movie addict, but now I must confess to another addiction -- book publicity services from Denise Cassino. I call Denise “O Wizardly One” because she’s worked her magic on t...


On Stranger Tides: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
In a fight between pirates and mermaids, who would you pick to win? Watching "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" might change your mind. One of the most exciting sequences in this popular fr...


Water for Elephants: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
If ever a book cried out for filming, it’s Sara Gruen’s wonderful novel "Water for Elephants." In fact, not since my husband and I read the first Harry Potter offering have we been so eager to the mov...


Gulliver's Travels: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Becoming the hero, protector and chief entertainment impresario for a nation of tiny people -- who first take him prisoner -- is a far cry from working in the mail room back in Lemuel Gulliver’s norma...


Elizabeth Taylor Fantasy
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Although feeling very sad about the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, I know she had a wonderful sense of humor – so I think she would have enjoyed reading about my fantasy dinner with her. ...


Burlesque: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Make no mistake about it, "Burlesque" comes across primarily as a showcase for Christina Aguilera’s amazing vocal talent. I, for one, am thankful for the opportunity to watch and hear her perform on t...


Eat Pray Love: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
During our drive to the multiplex to see EAT PRAY LOVE, available November 23 on DVD, my husband asked me what the film was about. He knew I had already read the book. ...


Weird and Wonderful Cinema
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I’m happy to report that my “Weird and Wonderful Cinema” article is included in V. Ulea’s anthology, "Quantum Genre in the Planet of Arts," published by Paraphilia Magazine in E-book format. ...


Hereafter: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
While suffering the loss of a loved one, many people search for a way to communicate with the dead. "Hereafter" follows three individuals -- a reluctant American psychic, a French journalist, and a yo...


Secretariat: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Excitement mounts with every hoof beat in "Secretariat." Thanks to Randall Wallace’s sure-footed direction, Diane Lane’s award-worthy performance, and racing scenes that take your breath away, this ex...


Hollywood Stories: Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Stephen Schochet has created a special treat for movie fans with his entertaining book, Hollywood Stories. Packed to the brim with amusing anecdotes about film icons and movie legends, this book is a ...


Kindle Book Launch plus Bonuses!
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Entertainment journalist and publisher Diana Saenger calls IT HAD TO BE US “the little book that could.” I think she’s referring to the way this romantic memoir my husband and I co-wrote, under the pe...


Movie Addict Fun
 by Betty Jo Tucker
It's true about time flying when you're having fun! It hardly seems possible that our Movie Addict Headquarters show has been running for three years now on BlogTalkRadio. The show debuted in June o...


Sex and the City 2
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I call this poem 'The Never-Ending Sequel."...


Iron Man 2: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Tony Stark could be the poster boy for one of my favorite songs, “You Gotta Have Heart,” from the Broadway musical Damn Yankees. “When the odds are sayin’ you’ll never win, that’s when a grin should s...


Mom Club: Review of Raising Helen
 by Betty Jo Tucker
The first rule of Mom Club is: don’t talk about Mom Club to wannabes afraid of using tough love in dealing with their kids. Mom Club members recognize each other without any secret handshakes or passw...


The Lovely Bones: Film Review
 by Betty Jo Tucker
After a 14-year-old girl is killed in “The Lovely Bones,” her spirit tries to communicate with the living from a fantastic new afterlife world. “I hope more teenagers won’t consider suicide because of...


Ingrid Bergman Remembered
 by Betty Jo Tucker
April is Nostalgia Month on Movie Addict Headquarters, so it’s only fitting that the life and movies of legendary actress Ingrid Bergman were re-examined on a recent show. Entertainment journalist Dia...



News

Paul Newman Remembered on BTR
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Fans of Paul Newman will have the opportunity to share their memories of this great actor on the next Movie Addict Headquarters show. On Tuesday, October 7, film critic John P. McCarthy, publisher Den...


Mini Reviews Now Online
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Many people who love movies don’t have time to read long reviews. Happily, Mini Reviews from Cineman Syndicate are now available online at ReelTalkReviews.com. ...


Superhero Movies in the Spotlight
 by Betty Jo Tucker
A superhero movie can usually count on success at the box office, even if it fails to win critical acclaim. Will "Hancock," Will Smith’s first superhero outing, rank as one of the best or worst movies...


Film Comedies: The Best and the Funniest
 by Betty Jo Tucker
What are the best film comedies ever made? That’s one of the questions to be explored on the next “Movie Addict Headquarters” show. ...


Ingrid Bergman: A Radio Tribute
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Actress Ingrid Bergman’s life may have been tainted by scandal, but her wonderful movies live on as a reminder of her natural beauty and talent. Who can forget Bergman’s mesmerizing performances in su...


Tim Daly Earns Acting Excellence Award
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Popular movie and television actor Tim Daly will be awarded the 2008 Excellence in Acting Award at this year’s Vail Film Festival, which is scheduled from April 3-6 in scenic Vail, Colorado. The follo...


Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Robert Osborne, the distinguished host of Turner Classic Movies, offers film fans three days of classics and conversation at his upcoming film festival in Athens, Georgia. From April 10-13, participan...


Joe Mantegna on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I’m always fascinated by Joe Mantegna whenever I see him in a movie or television program – and, in the case of “The Simpsons,” hearing him as Fat Tony. His dark, dangerous good looks and distinct voi...


Script Consultant on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
What do "Crash," "Shakespeare in Love" and "Sideways" have in common? According to Dr. Linda Seger, author of "And the Best Screenplay Goes To…," these films boast scripts that are rich, complex, and...


Actress Margaret Avery on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Who can forget Margaret Avery’s stunning portrayal of “Shug,” the sultry and spirited blues singer in “The Color Purple”? That brilliant performance earned Avery a well-deserved Oscar nomination in 19...


Stanley Kramer Tribute on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Legendary filmmaker Stanley Kramer's 35 movies won 15 Oscars and earned 80 Academy Award nominations during his lifetime -- which means he holds the record for the most nominations of any filmmaker t...


Meet Actress Julie Benz
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Julie Benz, the lovely and talented actress who stars alongside Sylvester Stallone in “Rambo,” will be my special guest on BlogTalkRadio’s “Movie Addict Headquarters” next Tuesday, January 22. This 30...


Carole Schutter on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Carole Whang Schutter, who wrote the screenplay for “September Dawn” as well as its follow-up historical romance novel, joins BlogTalkRadio host Betty Jo Tucker and producer Nikki Starr on “Movie Addi...


Film Critics Discuss Best and Worst of 2007
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Popular film critic John P. McCarthy returns to “Movie Addict Headquarters” on Tuesday, January 8, to talk about the Best and Worst Films of 2007....


New Website Wows Visitors
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Creativity dazzles the eye on every page of the new website Denise Cassino designed for me. “I wanted to put all of your work from various areas together in one place,” Denise said....


Is 'Enchanted' Enchanting?
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I’m happy to announce that film critic Mack Bates will be my special guest on tomorrow's “Movie Addict Headquarters” show. Mack plans to discuss both "Enchanted," Disney’s latest fantasy film, and Su...


Interview & Book Giveaway
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Author Kimberly Potts will visit BlogTalkRadio’s “Movie Addict Headquarters” on Tuesday, November 13, to discuss her new book, “George Clooney: The Last Great Movie Star.” Free copies of this well-res...


Halloween Horror on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Concluding Horror Month on BlogTalkRadio’s “Movie Addict Headquarters” show, host Betty Jo Tucker will read horror excerpts from her “Confessions of a Movie Addict” and – with the help of producer Nik...


Zombies vs. Vampires
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Which scary film creatures are more frightening -– zombies or vampires? As Horror Month continues on “Movie Addict Headquarters,” that’s one of the questions I plan to explore with guests during my n...


Actress Rosemary Gore on Horror Movies
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Do horror movies take their toll on the actors cast in them? Rosemary Gore, who plays Alice Walker in “Fear of the Dark,” will shed some light on this question -- and more -- during an upcoming conver...


Barry Bostwick Kicks Off Horror Month
 by Betty Jo Tucker
I’m happy to report that actor Barry Bostwick has agreed to drop by “Movie Addict Headquarters” on BlogTalkRadio to help me usher in a series of programs about horror movies scheduled during the month...


Making Music & Movies
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Combining his passion for both music and movies, Vohn Regensburger has created "Last of the Romantics," one of the most unusual love stories I’ve ever seen on film. It’s no wonder I’m so excited about...


Insomnia: A Fun Show!
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Staying awake long past my bedtime last night, I had the pleasure of being a guest on BlogTalkRadio’s INSOMNIA. Hosted by Will Griffith and Aly Ayrica, this program is broadcast live at midnight each ...


Filmmaker Dr. Ravi Godse To Visit BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
“Making movies is not brain surgery; it is more difficult than that,” says Dr. Ravi Godse. He should know, for Godse is the real-life physician who wrote, produced, directed -- and stars! -- in “Dr. R...


Phil Hall on BlogTalkRadio
 by Betty Jo Tucker
Film critic and author Phil Hall will visit "Movie Addict Headquarters" on BlogTalkRadio next Tuesday, July 10, to discuss the world of independent movies. This show airs live at 4 p.m. EST, and will ...


Links

ReelTalk Movie Reviews


Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence

BlogTalkRadio

Long Story Short School of Writing


Additional information

I'm the Lead Film Critic for ReelTalk Movie Reviews and write monthly film commentary for The Colorado Senior Beacon. My movie reviews also appear on RealMovieNews.com in the United Kingdom as well as on The Romance Club Website and on News First Online, an NBC-affiliate television Website. My latest adventure involves hosting the ReelTalk Movie Reviews Radio show for the iTRC network and "Movie Addict Headquarters" on BlogTalkRadio. I helped found the San Diego Film Critics Society and am a member of the Online Film Critics Society. And, last but not least, IT HAD TO BE US (the little romantic memoir my husband and I won wrote under the pseudonyms of Harry & Elizabeth Lawrence) won First Place in the e-book category at the 2006 Hollywood Book Festival Awards Program.

 
Contact Information

ReelTalk Movie Reviews
P.O. Box 8355 
Pueblo   CO   81005   USA
 Betty Jo Tucker
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Member Since: Apr, 2002

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