More on 'Entertaining' vs. 'Good'

Right on, Dann!

Dann: I think your column “Entertaining doesn't always equal good” (Oct. 29) hits it right on. Many a bad movie can be very entertaining, and that's OK for what it is. On the flip side, I'd say some of the best movies I have ever seen I wouldn't exactly call “entertaining.” What comes to mind is the opening sequence of “Saving Private Ryan.” I'd be hard-pressed to call that “entertaining.” Powerful? Yes. Entertaining? No. Jim Baum, Mount Prospect

Dear Jim: You're my new best pal.

Re-review ‘Secretariat'

Hi Dann: My wife and I went on a Disney cruise in September (40th wedding anniversary!) Since “Secretariat” is a Disney production, we were given an advance showing on board our ship. We thought it was great! A film for the entire family. What a marvel that is, and a film well done. I ask you when was the last time you saw a movie that at the end the entire audience cheered and clapped?

Yes, we all knew the ending, but it was so well-done the entire theater cheered! Actually this happened during the movie as well. You may have thought it was not a great movie, but 1½ stars seems like you did not give the film a fair chance. I would invite you to review this in a full theater and give it a second chance. Do you ever re-review films? Scott Warman

Scott: First, congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary!

Second, I did see “Secretariat” in a full theater (at the River East 21 in Chicago) and the audience cheered and applauded there, too.

I rarely re-review movies, Scott, mostly because of time limitations, however, your suggestion to see “Secretariat” a second time intrigues me. After all, people can change their minds about a movie after a second viewing, right?

Maybe, just maybe, if I see it again, this time the audience will boo.

‘Reeling' them in

Reeling 2010, the 29th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival, the second-oldest LGBT film festival in the world, runs through Nov. 13 with 54 programs of films from 24 countries.

Chicago venues include Century Centre, 2828 N. Clark St., Film Row Cinema at Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., and the festival's home base at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St. Admission varies. Festival passes can be purchased and schedules requested at (773) 293-1447 or go to reelingfilmfestival.org.