where I’ve been lately

I don’t have a Links or a Bookmarks page on this site, although I will occasionally remember to stick a link to a movie-related site in the right-hand sidebar. Probably that list of links to film sites ought to be bigger, and it ought to include some of the sites I’m about to mention.
But I prefer to add a short explanation about why I enjoy reading a particular site, which I think is more useful and interesting than just slapping a bunch of links on the side of the page without telling you why you should visit them. (Obviously, some are self-explanatory, such as links to local movie theaters I like. But not everything is that straightforward.)
It’s only been in the past six months or so that I’ve discovered a number of film-related weblogs, which are great for tracking news about upcoming theatrical and DVD releases as well as other special events and news. I currently use Bloglines to keep track of my favorite sites that have RSS feeds. Fortunately most frequently updated film-related blogs and sites do have RSS feeds now. My account is publicly accessible and if you are a curious person who likes to see what other people read every day, you can view my Bloglines list here.
Here’s a list of some weblogs, articles, and sites I have enjoyed lately, most of which are about movies in one way or another.

Film-related sites
pullquote—One of my favorite film blogs discovered last year, authored by the cinetrix, whose pseudonym choice fills me with envy. Contains a variety of film news, insights, and links.
The cinetrix recently linked to a NYT article on Netflix Friends (use bugmenot if you’re not registered with NYT). I am intrigued by this new feature that is being beta-tested right now. It’s a social software-style system in which you can share movie reviews with other subscribers tagged as friends. I would love to see how this system works. However, to join the beta testing, you must be invited by someone already involved. This is a very large hint. Anyone? Email me?
Matt Dentler’s Blog—A very cool way to keep up with SXSW programming as well as film and music-related events in Austin. If you don’t live in Austin, this is still worth reading.
Cinecultist—The cinecultists (another envy-inspiring pseudonym) share news, reviews, and general commentary about film and TV. Karen also includes news about film-related events in the NYC area, which doesn’t much help me personally, but might be useful to some of you.
Village Voice Critics’ Poll: Best Films of the Century—This poll is actually from 1999, but I hadn’t seen it before. Village Voice polled a couple-dozen film critics to see which movies they considered the best of the 20th century.
I liked reading this list because it had some films I absolutely would not have expected to see, such as Evil Dead 2, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Blue Velvet … but look what’s #1. Why do these lists always have Citizen Kane at the top? Is it really, objectively, head and shoulders above any other movie ever made? Or is it simply something that we choose by default, because it’s been chosen so many times by so many people? I can’t imagine picking a single film, or even 10 films, that I would consider the best of the century. If pressed to do so, especially for a well-known publication, would I pick the default obvious movie? Hmmm.
(My apologies to whichever film-related site posted the link to this list recently. I would cite the URL, but I honestly can’t remember where I saw it. If you know, email me and I’ll attribute properly.)
For Austin-area readers
Highland Galaxy is Out of this World—This entry praising Highland Galaxy 10, from the blog It’s Just this Little Chromium Switch Here, also includes an offer in the comments section from the Galaxy Highland 10 manager for free popcorn in January. So if you are living in Austin, print this page and go! I love free stuff.
I agree wholeheartedly with the author about the delights of the Galaxy Highland 10. It is a real treat to sit in a nice quiet theater and talk in low tones to one’s theatergoing companions without having to worry whether they can hear you over the pre-movie garbage on the screen. The picture and sound quality are comparable with other local theaters. I haven’t tried their popcorn yet but you know I will soon.
Austin Film Society—Want to know how I got to see House of Flying Daggers last night for free? It was a special offer to Austin Film Society members. Membership costs $20 a year and you can see all kinds of free and discounted movies. It is one of the best deals in town.
Not strictly about movies
About Last Night—I started reading this site last year because Terry Teachout linked to my original entries on twenty DVD gaps. I kept reading because it is a lovely mix of all kinds of arts-related links and reviews. I also like the short quotes from various literary sources that he scatters throughout the entries.
Looka!—I discovered this blog last year and found it delightful. How can you not love a site that lists three or four entries about the depressing political situation … followed by a cocktail recipe to help you deal with it all. Lots of links to foodie stuff and New Orleans stuff too. (The author also produced the Big Ol’ Box of New Orleans CD set, which my boyfriend bought me for my birthday without realizing that I read this site or that it was on my Amazon wish list. Serendipity is great.)
Utata: The serial photography of Catherine Jamieson—I used to love visiting Catherine’s pages, which combine photos and text compellingly and beautifully. I’d lost track of her awhile ago and figured she’d stopped publishing to the Web. Recently I was reminiscing about her old site, and then someone sent me the link to the new site, for which I am extremely grateful.