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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 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.)
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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
 Public Enemies: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker Playing John Dillinger in "Public Enemies," Johnny Depp proves why he still rules filmdom for me. His brilliant performance here contains the same impressive attention to detail he’s brought to so man...
Irene in Time: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker Father-daughter dynamics receive a compelling exploration in Henry Jaglom’s “Irene in Time.” This touching film is blessed with an astonishing performance by Tanna Frederick as a woman obsessed by the...
Angels & Demons: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker "Angels & Demons" follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he helps the Vatican solve a deadly threat to the Catholic Church. In this second film adaptation of a Dan Brown religious thriller, action over...
Legendary Film Actors by Betty Jo Tucker James Stewart, Gregory Peck, Gene Kelly, Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman are among the first actors to be inducted into the MAHQ Screen Legends Hall of Fame. Film historian James Colt Harrison and Dian...
The Soloist: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker In this crazy world of ours, finding a true friend has to be one of life’s most treasured gifts. “The Soloist,” a film blessed with superb performances by Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx, presents th...
Cloris Leachman: One of a Kind by Betty Jo Tucker Cloris Leachman, an Oscar and Emmy-winning actress with over 200 movies and television appearances to her credit, plans to visit “Movie Addict Headquarters” to talk about her remarkable acting career ...
Aliens Vs. Monsters Debate by Betty Jo Tucker Which film creatures are the most entertaining – monsters or aliens? Piggybacking on the recent box office success of "Monsters Vs. Aliens," this earthshaking question will be debated by Mad Movie Man...
Singin' in the Rain Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker What’s so good about "Singin’ in the Rain"? For starters, I’ve never been able to spot one dull minute in the entire film. Based on the crisis Hollywood faced back in the 1920s when "talkies" came on ...
Psychologist Analyzes Film Characters by Betty Jo Tucker Dr. Howard Gluss, co-author of "Reel People: Finding Ourselves in the Movies," holds a Doctorate in Psychology and dual degrees in Drama and in Communication Studies. His background in both the arts ...
Slumdog Millionaire Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker How could Jamal, an orphan growing up in the slums of Mumbai, India, know the answers to tough questions asked on a TV quiz show? In "Slumdog Millionaire," street smarts account for our hero’s success...
Hugh Jackman Tribute by Betty Jo Tucker Hugh Jackman, who’s been chosen to host the upcoming Oscar® ceremony, deserves a tribute of his own. That’s why movie buff and award-winning blogger Fausta Wertz has agreed to join me, my co-host Jazz...
Great Love Stories on Film by Betty Jo Tucker What are the greatest love stories on film? In honor of Valentine’s Day, Kimberly Potts and Diana Saenger will drop by Movie Addict Headquarters to share their picks with BlogTalkRadio listeners. Kimb...
Gran Torino: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker When Clint Eastwood makes a film about bigotry, he hits hard. “Gran Torino” pulls no punches in terms of language, prejudiced attitudes and violence. Fortunately, director Eastwood tempers all this wi...
Tippi Hedren Speaks Out by Betty Jo Tucker With over 70 films and television appearances to her credit, Tippi Hedren is still going strong. This lovely actress, best known for her work in two Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, "The Birds" and "Marnie...
Marley & Me: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker Among all the downers released at the end of 2008, "Marley & Me" emerges as the most effective tearjerker. I didn’t want to cry while watching this movie, but I couldn’t help it. ...
Awards Buzz by Betty Jo Tucker ‘Tis the season for movie awards to be handed out by critics and various organizations. What films and performances are receiving the most buzz this year?...
Going for the Gold by Betty Jo Tucker Youngsters who enjoy reading about mysteries are in for a treat with L.S. Cauldwell’s first Anna Mae Mystery novel....
Australia: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker How can I complain about a beautifully filmed movie like "Australia"? Baz Luhrmann’s sprawling epic boasts gorgeous cinematography, a passionate romance, more than a few thrilling sequences – plus the...
Twilight: Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker Fascinated even more by fan reactions than by what was happening on screen in "Twilight," I now realize why so many teens have been looking forward to this movie. Combining the appeal of forbidden lov...
Holiday Film Extravaganza by Betty Jo Tucker Favorite holiday movies, upcoming releases during the holiday season and recommended DVDs for family viewing will be discussed on “Holiday Extravaganza,” the next Movie Addict Headquarters show. Film ...
Ghost Movies: Best & Worst by Betty Jo Tucker Whether it’s a gruesome headless horseman in "Sleepy Hollow" or those forlorn spirits in "The Sixth Sense," ghosts have offered plenty of ectoplasm to frighten and entertain movie fans. Some succeed a...
Judy Garland Tribute by Betty Jo Tucker My pick for the most remarkable personality in the history of motion pictures is Judy Garland. She could do it all -- sing, dance, act in comedies or in dramas -- better than anyone else before or sin...
Casablanca Film Tribute by Betty Jo Tucker Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the classic movie "Casablanca" can be found in “Casablanca Film Trivia: Here’s Looking at You, Kid!” -– a new book by Tom Barnes.
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How Orson Welles Learned Filmmaking by Betty Jo Tucker Drawing upon his own creativity and experience as a Director or Director of Photography on more than thirty films, David Worth lets his imagination run wild in "The Citizen Kane Crash Course in Cinema...
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...
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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.
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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 ...
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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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