An Acclaimed Critic Reviews His Lifelong Intoxication with Movies
December 12, 2022
Hosted by Ron Roel
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Guest Information
Episode Description
With the year-end season of major movie releases upon us, it’s the perfect time to listen to the wide-ranging perspective of an acclaimed film critic who’s been in the cinematic trenches for five decades—Ty Burr. Ty, who has programmed movies on Cinemax and HBO; reviewed movies and other pop culture For Entertainment Weekly; and was a long-time film critic and cultural columnist for the Boston Globe, now writes a Substack newsletter called “Ty Burr’s Watch List,” devoted to reviews and commentary on theatrical and streaming films, TV and other popular culture. In today’s episode, Ty, who by his own account has seen a “ridiculous number of movies” in his lifetime, will discuss an assortment of questions he hears from viewers. Are the days of the old-school movie star largely a thing of the past? Where did all the compact-to-midsize-model movies? Why does Netflix have no good movies these days? Does the stand-alone movie even exist anymore, or is it all sequels and reboots, and should we just shut up and watch “The Mandalorian”? Ty will also assess some of the major shifts in the film and TV landscape and what trends he foresees in streaming services—even the prospect of DVDs coming back. Of course, he’ll provide a sampling of reviews and commentary from his Watch List, which every week offers new movie recommendations as well as curated choices from years past, a little history and an anecdote or two—something to make you laugh or ponder.
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Ron Roel
I’m a veteran journalist who spent a wide-ranging career covering business, politics and social issues, the last two decades focusing on the blend of diverse life skills I call successful aging.
I have written extensively on aging topics, spoken at conferences, radio and TV shows, and launched several entrepreneurial ventures, discovering along the way that the path to aging well also requires an unexpected entrepreneurial vision. I spent 20 years as a writer and editor at Long Island’s daily newspaper, Newsday, helping to found Act 2, a weekly section for 50-plus readers. I created Roelresources.com, a website offering practical advice and inspirational essays for people ages 40 and above. I have been a volunteer and consultant to AARP Long Island, writing articles, advocating for seniors, and developing action plans for the AARP Age-Friendly Communities initiative.
I am active in programs and organizations that support seniors, such as the National Aging In Place Council and the Senior Umbrella Network. I have developed a special expertise in family caregiving, as one of four brothers who took care of their mother for almost 25 years. I regularly collaborate with many professionals who provide services and support for older Americans, and I am completing a book for caregivers on Long Island, “The Caregiving Navigator/How to Plan, What to do, and Where to Turn When Caring for you Aging Loved Ones. And Yourself,” scheduled for publication in early 2021.