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Betty Jo Tucker
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I've never been able to conquer my addiction to movies. After retiring as a college dean, I turned my passion for film into a new career. Now, as a film critic, I have to see as many movies as possible. 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 2,000 movie reviews and close to 400 film-related feature articles.
(Photo by Bryan Kelsen for The Pueblo Chieftain.)
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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
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 | 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
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Articles
Sequelitis by Betty Jo Tucker
Are moviegoers bombarded with too many sequels? Sometimes I think the movie business would collapse if it weren’t for follow-up films in such popular franchises as “Star Wars,” “Spider-Man,” “Batman,”...
Movie Musicals & Miles Kreuger by Betty Jo Tucker
Hooray for Miles Kreuger! I had the pleasure of meeting this dedicated film historian a few years ago while working on a special San Diego program saluting the Hollywood musical – a favorite subject o...
Leatherheads: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
"Leatherheads" takes us back to the 1920s, a time before professional football had achieved widespread popularity. Focusing on how football changed from a no-holds-barred sport to one with rules and r...
Horton Hears a Who! Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
With apologies to Dr. Seuss, I can’t resist waxing poetic about the latest animated film version of his colorful children’s book, “Horton Hears a Who!” Ready? Okay, here goes:
Some people ar...
The Spiderwick Chronicles: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Warnings not to read certain books may increase curiosity and produce the opposite result. So it goes with the 12-year-old hero of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” an action-packed fantasy starring Freddi...
Martian Child: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Like many moviegoers, I missed “Martian Child” during its theatrical release last year. This little gem simply slipped through the cracks. Thank heavens “Martian Child” will be available on DVD begin...
The Bucket List: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Dance the tango with Antonio Banderas. Sing a duet with Debbie Reynolds. Have lunch with Johnny Depp. After watching “The Bucket List,” I’ve decided to jot down the things I’d like to do before kickin...
The Movie Mom Speaks Out! by Betty Jo Tucker
Nell Minow, trusted advisor to parents about the best kid-friendly movies, TV and Web Entertainment, will be the special guest on my upcoming “Movie Addict Headquarters” show next Tuesday, December 18...
The Golden Compass: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Much about “The Golden Compass” still remains shrouded in mystery to me – especially the parts about parallel universes and the power of dust -- but I admire the movie’s spunky young heroine and her c...
Enchanted: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
With its buoyant combination of romance, music and fun, “Enchanted” emerges as one of the most entertaining films of the year. This amusing Disney fantasy melds live action and animation to tell the s...
3:10 to Yuma Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Cast Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Ben Foster in any movie together, and I’m a happy camper. In “3:10 to Yuma,” their performances not only help revitalize the Western genre but also deserve to be...
30 Days of Night: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
“Those vampires need napkins,” my husband observed after seeing “30 Days of Night.” I have to agree, for the movie’s blood-thirsty creatures sport red gore all over their faces during a terrifying mon...
Movie Review: Last of the Romantics by Betty Jo Tucker
Finding true love forms the basis for many romantic movies, but ”Last of the Romantics” may be the most unusual one ever made about this universal theme. Writer/director Vohn Regensburger''s haunting ...
Mark Bussler & Classic Game Room on BlogTalkRadio by Betty Jo Tucker
Imagine my surprise to see Mark Bussler, my favorite serious documentary filmmaker, having the time of his life as co-host of
"Classic Game Room," a DVD about “the rise and fall of the Internet...
About Jackie Chan by Betty Jo Tucker
Can two Jackie Chan admirers be objective while discussing his latest movie? Find out by listening to my interview with film critic Adam Hakari on the "Movie Addict Headquarters" radio show, now avail...
Hairspray: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
So what if “Hairspray” takes place during the 1960s? This big, bold, bodacious film version of the hit Broadway musical is timeless to me. I think it’s the best movie musical since “Singin’ in the Rai...
Ratatouille: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Anyone can cook, at least according to “Ratatouille,” another lively and amusing Pixar movie. However, I’m not sure I agree with the film’s premise. Maybe a rodent can become a successful Parisian che...
Bug: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
While leaving the multiplex after watching “Bug,” I began wildly swatting tiny insects away from my face. They seemed so real -- just like the ones pestering Ashley Judd in this unpleasant psychologic...
Johnny Depp, Where Are You? by Betty Jo Tucker
Crazy idea or not, writer/director Haylar Garcia and his indie filmmaking partners decided to undertake an unusual mission and make a movie about it. "Do It for Johnny," one of the most riveting and e...
Music and Lyrics: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Helping someone discover his or her hidden talents ranks as one of the most satisfying things a person can do for another, and that’s probably why I fell in love with “Music and Lyrics” right away....
Favorite Romantic Films by Betty Jo Tucker
Valentine’s Day comes only once a year, but movie fans can enjoy films about romance all year long, thanks to modern technology. If you need suggestions, listed below are the movies – which include so...
Notes on a Scandal: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Obsession, loneliness and blackmail form the basis of "Notes on a Scancal," a riveting drama starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett in roles bearing little resemblance to Dench's distinguished "M" in ...
Best & Worst Films of 2006 by Betty Jo Tucker
I haven''t seen every movie released during 2006, but culled from the hundreds I did view, here are the ten I rank as my top films of the year (listed in order of preference):...
We Are Marshall: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Focusing on the aftermath of America''s greatest sports tragedy, "We Are Marshall" tells the true story of a coach hired to rebuild a college football program after most of the players, coaching staff...
The Nativity Story: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Facing scandal, disgruntled parents and threats from King Herod, Mary and Joseph form a bond that helps them overcome immense obstacles placed in the way of their holy mission -- with a little assista...
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News
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...
Mark Bussler & 'Westinghouse' by Betty Jo Tucker
Director Mark Bussler’s latest documentary, “Westinghouse,” pays tribute to the great American industrialist, George Westinghouse....
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 ...
NY Book Festival Honors Star Profile by Betty Jo Tucker
"Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick" by Betty Jo Tucker received Honorable Mention in the WILD CARD section of the 2007 New York Book Festival. ...
Fifteen Minutes of Fame by Betty Jo Tucker
Hilary Leewong will interview author and film critic Betty Jo Tucker on BlogTalkRadio's "Fifteen Minutes of Fame with Hilary" show next Monday, June 25....
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Events
Interview on Much Ado About Books 10/24/2005
Host Laura Mills-Alcott will interview film critic Betty Jo Tucker about her latest book, “Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick,” on Much Ado About Books, a new radio show broadcast on the Voice America Network.
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Showtime Interview 4/24/2005
On April 24, film critic and author Betty Jo Tucker's interview for SHOWTIME, an entertainment radio show, will be broadcast on CJAD 800 in Montreal, Canada, at 9 a.m. EST....
Interview on The Barbara Dooley Show 3/14/2005
Barbara Dooley's spirited interview with Betty Jo Tucker about her new book, "Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick," will be broadcast on WGAU on Monday, March 14, at 8:45 a.m., Eastern Time....
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Links
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| ReelTalk Movie Reviews
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Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence
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BlogTalkRadio
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Long Story Short School of Writing
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Additional information
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| 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. |
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Contact
Information
ReelTalk Movie Reviews
P.O. Box 8355
Pueblo
CO
81005
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