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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."
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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, which won First Place in the memoir category at the 2012 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest.
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 4,000 movie reviews and close to 600 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
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
Barnes & Noble.com
Wheatmark
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Poetry
Sandy Hook Lament by Betty Jo Tucker
Like everyone else, I feel devastated about the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary school. My poem expresses this deep sadness. ...
360: Film Poem by Betty Jo Tucker
Directed by the usually excellent Fernando Meirelles, "360" -- with Anthony Hopkins, Jude Law and Ben Foster -- disappointed me, so you know what I'm compelled to do when that happens. Here comes ano...
Bel Ami Poem by Betty Jo Tucker
Robert Pattinson, who plays the romantic vampire in those "Twilight" movies, shows up again in the film "Bel Ami," now available on DVD. This time, he’s up to no good as an ambitious ladies man in Par...
True Grit Poem by Betty Jo Tucker
After watching the latest "True Grit" movie, I felt moved to write the poem below. ...
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Articles
Tap Dance Day! by Betty Jo Tucker
Today is National Tap Dance Day. In fact, it’s the 23rd National Tap Dance Day, having been signed into law by President George W. Bush back in 1989 to celebrate tap dancing as an American art form....
The English Teacher: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
While watching "The English Teacher" I couldn’t help thinking how boring it would be if everyone were perfect. This amusing comedy features a host of flawed characters -- and the one with the most fau...
Debbie Reynolds Still Unsinkable by Betty Jo Tucker
Good mornin’, good mornin’! I stayed awake the whole night through -- reading "Unsinkable: A Memoir." I simply couldn’t stop reading this fascinating book until I finished it. ...
Roger Ebert Remembrance by Betty Jo Tucker
Like so many movie fans, I’m very sad about Roger Ebert’s passing. He was one of the finest film critics ever published -- and also a great guy! ...
Hunky Dory: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Watching "Hunky Dory" made me feel quite nostalgic. I immediately identified with Viv, a Drama instructor in Wales trying to put on a school’s annual end-of-term musical production back in 1976. ...
Oz the Great and Powerful: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Before a scary tornado dropped Dorothy Gale onto a Wicked Witch, a similar thing happened to a fellow named Oscar Diggs. "Oz the Great and Powerful" follows the adventures of this small-time circus ma...
Valentine's Day: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Love is in the air! Emotional ups and downs fill the screen in "Valentine’s Day," Garry Marshall’s film mosaic about love. People falling in love, losing love, regaining love -- and at any age -- rece...
Quartet: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Divatude suits Maggie Smith in "Quartet." My first glimpse of Maggie came many years ago, but I remember it vividly. The movie? "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." She played the title role, of course, ...
Django Unchained: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
“Django Unchained” includes scenes reminiscent of “Blazing Saddles,” spaghetti Westerns and blacksploitation films -- all tied together by Quentin Tarantino’s brilliant insensitivity. ...
Holiday Film Favorites by Betty Jo Tucker
Merely thinking about certain movies can boost my holiday spirit...
Brave: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
How should a princess behave? According to her mother and father, NOT like Merida. "Brave," a Pixar animated feature, tells the story of this spunky red-headed teenager who rebels when faced with the ...
The Campaign: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Although played strictly for laughs, "The Campaign" hits home during this presidential campaign season. I admit being tired of all the speeches, attack ads, promises and hype – but watching this Will ...
Seven Psychopaths: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Watching "Seven Psychopaths" is like having a surreal nightmare you can't help enjoying. ...
Romance on Film by Betty Jo Tucker
Many romantic movies can be highly predictable and not very entertaining, but my hubby and I have a lot of favorites, so in It Had To Be Us, our award-winning romantic memoir we wrote under the pen na...
Dark Shadows: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
Back in the late sixties and early seventies, I was hooked on an ABC soap opera called "Dark Shadows." So were millions of others! It boasted spooky sets, an enigmatic vampire, a sexy witch and all ki...
Albert Nobbs: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
For women living in Ireland during the 19th Century, it must have been almost impossible to find any job that paid a decent wage. "Albert Nobbs," available now on DVD, tells the story of one daring wo...
The Artist: Film Review by Betty Jo Tucker
"The Artist," a mostly silent black-and-white film, has already won numerous awards and is one of this year’s Best Picture Oscar nominees.
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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...
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News
Judy Reyes Interview by Betty Jo Tucker
In a taped interview for Movie Addict Headquarters, award-winning actress Judy Reyes talks about her starring role in "Gun Hill Road," a film to be released on DVD March 5, 2013. ...
Oscar Mania by Betty Jo Tucker
Film historian James Colt Harrison, Mad Movie Man A.J. Hakari and entertainment journalist Diana Saenger drop by Movie Addict HQ on February 19th to share their predictions about the upcoming Oscar wi...
A Romance with Movies by Betty Jo Tucker
Movie Addict Headquarters presents a special pre-Valentine’s Day episode on February 12th focusing on romantic films reviewed in “It Had To Be Us,” an award-winning romantic memoir by Harry and Elizab...
Hugh Jackman Celebration by Betty Jo Tucker
Movie Addict HQ salutes Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Hugh Jackman on February 5th with a discussion of his best film performances, his Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and his upcomin...
Movie Memoir Wins Coveted Book Award by Betty Jo Tucker
I feel honored that my movie memoir was selected as one of the winners in the 2012 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest. Below is the official press release regarding this event.
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Morgan Freeman Tribute by Betty Jo Tucker
Movie Addict HQ salutes Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman with a special Tribute Show on September 18, 2012...
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...
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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 Editor/Lead Film Critic for ReelTalk Movie Reviews and write monthly film commentary for The Colorado Senior Beacon. My latest adventure involves hosting "Movie Addict Headquarters" on BlogTalkRadio. I belong to the Online Film Critics Society and helped found the San Diego Film Critics Society.
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
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ReelTalk Movie Reviews
P.O. Box 8355
Pueblo
CO
81005
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