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Michael's Movie Group

@michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social
387 followers 255 following 11K posts

Michael Freeman: Author of the book "Bloody Rabbit," devoted lover of cats, comic books & horror movies, and eager to hear from cinephiles the world over! Check out my online entertainment magazine Freeline Media at freelinemediaorlando.com.

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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 12h
Mel likes hiring private tour guides when we visit new places so we can see and do more, and our tour guide in Tunisia certainly guided us to some remarkable historic sites we might not have found on our own. That includes the ancient city of Carthage that was destroyed by Rome. We loved it.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21h
The Verve really hit their stride and marked a creative peak with Urban Hymns (out today, 1997), and not just for the popular hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” Tracks like “Lucky Man,” “Space And Time” and “The Drugs Don’t Work” rank among the band’s best; chirpy Brit-pop was rarely so much fun to hear.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22h
Is there a true Rocky Horror Picture Show (out today, 1975) experience without the audience participation at midnight showings? Yes! Those super-catchy songs, Tim Curry’s flamboyant Frank and early Meatloaf make this one a winner to me;Richard O’Brien loves early horror and his passion is infectious
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22h
Isn’t it odd that an easy way to start a debate among cinephiles is to ask if Hamlet (out today, 1948) is the greatest Shakespeare movie ever? Olivier won best actor and his film got best picture, but many mourn the loss of Treasure Of The Sierra Madre. My heart still goes to Hamlet, though. Bravo!
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Tunis is a fascinating place to explore, filled with historic buildings and areas, bustling marketplaces, exotic gifts … and plenty of cats! That’s my kind of place. Crowds are everywhere in this ancient city, and if you’re looking for a change of pace from the U.S., this is an ideal vacation spot
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Great reading material for the airport: The Monkees Go Mod paperback! A relic of their late 60s heyday, it’s a flashback to zany humor, the lads’ quirky personalities, and their desire to change TV forever. Did they succeed? Nah, but it was fun while it lasted. Cool cartoons of the Monkees being mod
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
For all of David Lynch’s creative polish on Oscar nominees The Elephant Man and Blue Velvet, there’s charm to spare in his surrealism nightmare debut Eraserhead, or a boy with bad hair and his mutant baby. This is pure Lynch: industrial horror landscape, folks, now welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Having arrived in France, it’s a fine day to celebrate the dark nihilism of Le Corbeau (out today, 1947), Henri Georges-Clouzot’s masterful look at a provincial town racked by poison-pen letters accusing the popular physician of performing abortions. A brilliant look at hysteria, Clouzot’s a genius
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Just read: Deliverance James Dickey’s tale initially feels like a whimsical boy’s adventure as city folk seek excitement on the rapids; it keeps that tone until the shocking sodomy scene throws us into a harrowing, gripping survivalist nightmare. Intriguing that our “heroes” are actually killers.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The most intriguing aspect of the documentary Roman Polanski A Film Memoir (out today, 2011) is his childhood in Poland during the Nazi invasion; it’s a miracle he survived. Some of his memories went into his film The Pianist, another remarkable Holocaust survival story. Those victims are aging fast
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Gillo Pontecorvo’s debut Kapo (out today, 1960) is a rough exercise in harsh nihilism: Susan Strausberg is sent to a brutal concentration camp, where she hides her Jewish identity and becomes a kapo who inflicts misery on her fellow Jews. A brutal look at survival instincts in appalling conditions.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Now, be truthful: would you visit a small town in September… if they had a restaurant called Mama’s Pizza 🍕? I discovered Mama on my walks yesterday, and while I sadly no longer eat pizza, it seemed to be calling out to me: “Psst! Michael! Come on it! Our pepperoni is to die for!” 😂
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Jerzy Skolimowski fled Poland under martial law in 1981; he then made Moonlighting (out today, 1982) to thumb his nose at the Soviets. Jeremy Irons is superb as the Polish electrician working on a London home who learns he can’t go back to Poland; it’s a stunning look at losing one’s home (country)
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The cult status of Carnival Of Souls (out today, 1962) is well established; poor Mary survives a car crash but an ominous stranger leads her to one of the creepiest abandoned carnivals in film history. Low budget but ingeniously made, with disorienting dream sequences & a spooky atmosphere. Love it
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The public had soured on Charlie Chaplin by the time Monsieur Verdoux (out today, 1947), his black comedy about a bigamist serial killer, was released; but along with City Lights, I think it’s Chaplin’s masterpiece. His critique of war as mass murder and of capitalism feels quite genuine to me
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
They say everything is bigger in Texas, but I think that Bull! 🤣 Our weekend in Hurst, Texas has me searching for fun spots, but in foot🦶since Mel and I don’t have a rental car. I did find a suave Italian restaurant calling out to me with its Shrimp & Scallops. But the Texas heat sure is unbearable
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Just as Orlando is cooling down, Mel and I fly to Dallas, where it’s still in the high 90s! 🥵 How do the locals stand it? As Mel attends a meeting of American Mensa, I’ll enjoy the fab restaurant scene here like the tasty treats at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant by our hotel. Plus it’s air conditioned!
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
One thing I loved about 1970s horror comics: they reintroduced the masters! This issue of Marvel’s Journey Into Mystery recreated a story by horror legend HP Lovecraft, introducing his brilliant supernatural tales to a new generation of readers. “Haunter In The Dark” is fab in comic form; Bravo!
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Happy birthday to Michael Douglas, who sure made dad Kirk proud, winning an Oscar for his greedy role in Wall Street and another for producing One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. I especially like him fighting off a psycho Glen Close in Fatal Attraction, and his quiet, very moving debut in Summertree.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
A film that’s really gotten better with age? The Princess Bride (out today, 1987) with its sublime mix of fantasy, adventure and humor. Rob Reiner also excelled at superb casting; Mandy Patinkin’s Inigo and Chris Sarandon’s Prince Humperdinck were especially good. And that Mark Knopfler score rules!
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I launched Freeline Media in 2010 and it's still going strong. Thanks to @mikeymcfilms.bsky.social, @josephaisenberg13.bsky.social, @milanpaurich.bsky.social, and @johncharet.bsky.social for their contributions; the site received 24K new readers in September & 54K new views. freelinemediaorlando.com
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We provide you with the latest arts and entertainment news in Central Florida, plus lifestyle features, columns, and a whole lot more.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#filmsky Hitchcock used to say that a thriller is only as good as its villains. Freeline Media critic @mikeymcfilms.bsky.social looks back at some of his favorite films featuring perhaps the greatest (if nastiest) villains of all time: the Nazis! Read on! freelinemediaorlando.com/mike-at-the-...
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Mike At The Movies: The Fifth Column | Freeline Media
Mike At The Movies: The Fifth Column. Freeline Media looks back at the greatest movie villains of all - The Nazis! Read on.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
One of my favorite Sean Connery roles is as the Franciscan friar William of Baskerville in Name Of The Rose (out today, 1986), kind of a clever Sherlock Holmes for the 14th century. I love the medieval abbey as the setting for a murder mystery; Sean’s wit helps make it a particularly fun whodunit
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Henry:Portrait Of A Serial Killer (out today, 1986) was quite a surprise: a “slasher” movie far removed from the Friday The 13th formula; Michael Rooker’s low key, totally believable portrayal of a ruthless serial killer was downright terrifying. That he liked to videotape his murders was even worse
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
In a year that gave us The Godfather, Cabaret and Deliverance, Martin Ritt’s Sounder (out today, 1972) was a heartfelt gem, as a poor black family struggles in Louisiana during the Depression. Superb performances by Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson in this uplifting look at fighting against adversity
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#filmsky Peter Bogdanovich’s 1981 comedy They All Laughed barely made it into cinemas, and was marred by the tragic murder of cast member Dorothy Stratten. Freeline Media critic @milanpaurich.bsky.social reflects on a film he thinks is ripe for rediscovery. freelinemediaorlando.com/movie-talk-n...
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Movie Talk: NY's Most Incandescent Romantic Comedy | Freeline
Movie Talk: NY's Most Incandescent Romantic Comedy. Freeline Media critic Milan Paurich looks back at a forgotten 1981 comedy.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Orlando Shakes is ready to take audiences into the Halloween season with its new production, Dracula! How scary is the show? Let's just say it's scariest on your funny bone 🤣. Check out the Freeline Media review! freelinemediaorlando.com/orlando-shak...
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Freeline Media critic @mikeymcfilms.bsky.social just isn’t a fan of movies based on video games. He finds them the height of artistic laziness. So, can any video-game-to-horror-movie actually win him over? Read on! freelinemediaorlando.com/mike-at-the-...
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Mike At The Movies: Resident Evil | Freeline Media
Mike At The Movies: Resident Evil. Freeline Media critic Mike Fried looks at the latest in the Resident Evil franchise.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Aja (out today, 1977) became Steely Dan’s best selling album, and it’s still my favorite, offering an intoxicating mix of mysterious lyrics set against jazz rock, blues, and electric funk. “Peg” was one of their finest hit singles but the title track and “Deacon Blues” helped make me a lifelong fan.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
It was a tragedy that we lost Bob Fosse today in 1987 at age 60; he could have made so many more brilliant films. The choreographer-turned-film director started with high energy musicals (Sweet Charity, Cabaret) before shifting to celeb bios (Lenny, Star 80) and his work was always provocative.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Amazing that Charles Dockens remains catnip for filmmakers; even Roman Polanski couldn’t resist tackling Oliver Twist (out today, 2005) and the boy’s rough and tumble childhood. Surprisingly sentimental ending for king nihilist Polanski, but I still prefer the musical Oliver as the finest version
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A horror movie about the perils of drug addiction - or about gynecology? Dead Ringers (out today, 1988) could be classified either way. David Cronenberg’s masterpiece about twin doctors who spiral into hardcore addicts is bolstered by Jeremy Irons’ raw, brilliant performance. Sordid and scary flick
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I’m at Orlando Shakes hoping to say “Fangs for the memories,” nyuck nyuck. I’m here for the preview of their new show, Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors. I’m told the humor really bites! Hopefully it’s a show I can sink my teeth into! I’d tell you my own vampire jokes, but most of them … suck! 🤣
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Freeline Media has released the horror novel A Distant Plague, right in time for the Halloween season. Grab some Halloween candy, hot cider and your favorite spooky costume, relax on the couch next to your carved pumpkin, and enjoy this spooky book. freelinemediaorlando.com/halloween-fi...
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There’s nothing like a fine bromance, where two straight dudes become buds. Freeline Media critic @mikeymcfilms.bsky.social believes the buddy comedy/adventure flick is one of cinema’s most sublime genres, and here are his picks for the best of the bunch. freelinemediaorlando.com/mike-at-the-...
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Mike at the Movies: The Buddy Action Comedy | Freeline Media
Mike at the Movies: The Buddy Action Comedy. Freeline Media critic Mike Fried takes a look at his favorite buddy comedies. Read on!
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This weekend Mel and I will be attending a gathering of Mensa, the society for people with sky high IQs, since Mel serves on the board. Skimming through Daredevil, I was pleased to find that Mensa got recognition from old horn head as he battled the Man Bull! Get out your Mensa application, folks!
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Today in 2007 we lost Marcel Marceau. The French mime was a theatrical version of a silent film star but he did end his career in two creative films. William Castle gave him the lead as the maker of gruesome puppets in the underrated Shanks, and Mel Brooks gave him a hilarious cameo in Silent Movie
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Today in 1999 we lost Mr. Patton himself, George C. Scott, who had a commanding screen presence, whether or not he was leading WW2. Two of his roles that deserve more love: his hilarious Turgidson in Dr. Strangelove, and his scientist Terrill in Day Of The Dolphin, both complex authority figures
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Was birthday boy Sam Wood an early David Lynch? He loved the grim side of small town USA: Martha Scott’s ghost haunts her old village in Our Town, a sadistic surgeon terrorizing naughty locals in Kings Row. Lynch would discover much darker horrors in Blue Velvet & Twin Peaks; but Wood set a standard
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Comedy films today still owe so much to the early classics by the Marx Brothers, who knew how to get their brand of humor into some superb films. Freeline Media critic @mikeymcfilms.bsky.social looks back at their many movie classics. Read on! freelinemediaorlando.com/mike-at-the-...
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Cinematic reenactments of true stories from the Holocaust (Schindler's List, The Pianist) have won scores of awards. Freeline Media critic @milanpaurich.bsky.social thinks one of the most powerful films about the Final Solution is actually a documentary. freelinemediaorlando.com/movie-talk-t...
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Movie Talk: The Continued Power of Lanzmann's Shoah | Freeline
Movie Talk: The Continued Power of Lanzmann's Shoah. Freeline Media critic Milan Paurich reviews the towering Holocaust documentary.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not remains a cultural touchstone for the bizarre and unexplainable, and I grew up loving the comic book by Gold Key, recounting true ghost stories that all end with the question: do you believe? I found this old issue in my collection, and I wish it was still being published
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In Utero (out today, 1993) was a huge leap forward for Nirvana, with a more aggressive sound on tracks like “Heart Shaped Box” that leave a trail of punk graffiti on your mind. Kurt Cobain was positively hypnotic on “Rape Me” and “All Apologies,” a stunning advance in his songwriting skills.
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
There’s far more happening in The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (out today, 2012) than your average coming-of-age drama, as freshman student Charlie discovers cool nonconformist friends, Rocky Horror mania and first love, while the traumas of suicide and sexual abuse lurk in his background. Great film
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Just watched: Manson’s Lost Girls. Lifetime TV wades into surprisingly dark territory in this look at the rise of Charles Manson as seen through his trash follower Linda Kasabian. Most effective for showing how the hippie dream of peace & love turned horribly wrong; this is no romanticizing the 60s
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I did something extra fun on Saturday: I published my new book A Distant Plague, now available on Amazon as a paperback or ebook. It starts as a topical look at a man losing his apartment in an expensive rental market; but soon shifts into much darker, ominous territory. This one was a joy to write
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Today in 1970 a Miami judge finds Jim Morrison guilty of indecent exposure for dropping his pants at a concert. All the “shocked” witnesses had connections to the police or DAs office😝Morrison died while appealing the verdict; but the case paved the way for Dade County to later prosecute 2 Live Crew
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Today in 1976 was the premiere of the Captain & Tennille Variety Show, or should we say the Toni Tennille show? Captain’s discomfort with live TV led the show to get cancelled after 20 episodes, but Toni was fun boogying with guests like Vincent Price and Bob Hope. Maybe she should have gone solo
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I miss the superb cinematography of Sven Nykvist, who we lost today in 2006. Bergman taught him how to uncover a landscape of a tormented mind in works like Hour Of The Wolf and Persona; you got trapped in a deranged psyche. Polanski and Woody Allen used Sven as well for their troubled protagonists
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Michael's Movie Group @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Many thanks to my family for a Happy Hour filled with paradise - because we always have a great time! Off we went to Firebirds Grill; I’m a fiend for their yummy Dirty Bird Martinis and Bacon Deviled Eggs. A most egg-cellent combo, the night was a raging success! May your Sunday be blissful and fab!
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