Ben Sears' Columns
Ben’s Column: Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time (2021) – Review
A tricky biography of one of America’s most singular voices.
The Obsessive Viewer Podcast – Ep 356 – Dune (2021) – Rust On-Set Tragedy, Dune: Part Two Announced, and Halloween Plans
In this episode, Tiny, Ben, and I review Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated adaptation of Dune. We also discuss the tragedy that occurred on the set of Rust, and the announcement of Dune: Part Two.
The Obsessive Viewer Podcast – Ep 355 – The Last Duel (2021) & Mass (2021) – Halloween Kills, HIFF2021 Wrap Up: The French Dispatch, King Richard, The Power of the Dog, and Petite Maman
In this episode, Ben and I review Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel and Fran Kranz’s directorial debut, Mass. We also discuss Halloween Kills, this year’s Heartland Film Festival and more.
The Obsessive Viewer Podcast – Ep 354 – Midnight Mass – Guest: Kim C. (The Year of Underrated Stephen King Podcast)
In this episode, I welcome my friend Kim C from The Year of Underrated Stephen King Podcast onto the show to chat about the magic of Mike Flanagan and his latest limited series, Midnight Mass.
Movie Review: Dune (2021)
Frank Herbert’s Dune is a highly respected work of science fiction that’s influenced storytellers for decades. The novel tells the story of Paul Atreidis, a young man who has visions of his destiny while his present is rife with conflict and danger as his House arrives at the nearly inhospitable planet Arakkis so they can assume control over the planet’s Spice (a hallucinogenic substance needed for interstellar travel) production for the Empire.
HIFF2021: Ben’s Column – Mass (2021)
One of the best movies of the year, which never forgets to put the characters’ difficult emotions first.
HIFF2021: Ben’s Column – Esluna: The Crown of Babylon (2021)
The rare independent animated film that wears its influences on its sleeves.
HIFF2021: Ben’s Column – Bergman Island (2021)
A beautiful film that avoids easy narrative answers in exchange for emotional honesty about the creative process.
HIFF2021: Ben’s Column – Interview with “Disfluency” Writer/Director Anna Baumgarten
An interview with writer/director Anna Baumgarten on her debut feature.
Ben’s Column: Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 12: “Inverting the Pyramid of Success” – Review
Season two comes to an end, with hope for the future but frustration for the present.
Ben’s Column: Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 11: “Midnight Train to Royston” – Review
Introduces new conflicts for the finale, and brings long-simmering conflicts from throughout the season to a head.
The Obsessive Viewer Podcast – Ep 353 – Cry Macho (2021) & Dear Evan Hansen (2021) – Emmy Awards and Snubs, Paranormal Activity 7, and a Busy October at the Movies
In this episode, Ben and I review Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Cry Macho and the feature film adaptation of the Tony Award winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen. We also briefly discuss the Emmys, a busy October at the movies, and more.
Ben’s Column: Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 10: “No Weddings and a Funeral” – Review
The show returns after last week’s divergence with some mostly positive character drama
The Obsessive Viewer Podcast – Ep 352 – Malignant (2021) – 30th Heartland Film Festival Announcements and Heartland Horror – Guest: Sam Watermeier (Midwest Film Journal)
In this episode, I welcome my friend and colleague from the Indiana Film Journalists Association, Sam Watermeier to the show to discuss James Wan’s latest film, Malignant in all its crazy glory. We also discuss the upcoming Heartland Film Festival, Sam’s involvement with the Heartland Horror category, and some recent movies he’s seen.
Ben’s Column: Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 9: “Beard After Hours” – Review
A weird Scorsese riff comes out of nowhere after the emotional highs of last week’s episode.
Movie Review: Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) – Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films 6
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster sets an intriguing pace from the start and carries the human side of the plot through the majority of its runtime. Despite holding back on introducing the titular monster until nearly the end of the film, Ghidorah still manages to be engaging by focusing on the human story without devolving into melodrama like films before it.
The Obsessive Viewer 