Author Archive


Name: Robert Levin
Location: New York, NY
Reject Since: February 2009
Email: rlevin@filmschoolrejects.com

Bio: Robert Levin is not technically a film school reject, having graduated from NYU in 2008 with a B.A. in Cinema Studies, though his production major friends would probably argue against considering that film school in the first place. He’s a regular film features writer for amNewYork, Manhattan’s most widely circulated daily paper, and he writes reviews and features for Criticsnotebook.com. His favorite movies include “The Godfather,” “Dr. Strangelove” and “City Lights,” and he looks forward to contributing to one of the best film sites on the Net.


Posts by Robert Levin:

Review: The Messenger

Review: The Messenger

Oren Moverman’s domestic war drama is, put simply, one of the most powerful experiences to be had at the movies this year.

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Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ is definitely a Wes Anderson movie; it’s full of whimsy and alienation, and it explores troubled relationships. It’s also animated and about a family of foxes. The combination makes for a unique experience.

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Review: (Untitled)

Review: (Untitled)

(Untitled) is a sharp satire, pitched at a precise tone, that’s the perfect movie for anyone who’s ever questioned what makes some modern art, art.

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Review: Black Dynamite

Review: Black Dynamite

Black Dynamite, the smoothest, baddest mother to ever hit the screen (as per the trailers) is also one of the funniest, at least in recent memory.

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Exclusive: Michelle Monaghan Talks ‘Trucker’

Exclusive: Michelle Monaghan Talks ‘Trucker’

Michelle Monaghan talks to us about starring as the tough, hardened Diane in James Mottern’s indie drama, in what she calls the “role of a lifetime.”

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Review: ‘Law Abiding Citizen’ Takes Action, Forgets Logic

Review: ‘Law Abiding Citizen’ Takes Action, Forgets Logic

‘Law Abiding Citizen’ is a mostly entertaining ’80s style action movie that also happens to be irredeemably stupid.

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Review: The Invention of Lying

Review: The Invention of Lying

Ricky Gervais’ new movie is funny, for sure, but most notable for its genuine sweetness.

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Review: Whip It

Review: Whip It

Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is a fun blast of unabashed girl power, with great performances and an honest look at a mother-daughter relationship. But there’s plenty for men too.

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Review: Fame

Review: Fame

The ‘Fame’ remake owes a lot more to ‘High School Musical’ and other films of its ilk than the 1980 original.

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Review: Love Happens

Review: Love Happens

Shockingly, Love Happens is a cliche-ridden, tepid romantic comedy featuring not-at-all convincing characters.

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Review: The Burning Plain

Review: The Burning Plain

The new film from Guillermo Arriaga, writer of Amores Perros and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, is a heavy-handed, oppressively somber affair starring a lot of deadly serious actors.

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Review: Bright Star

Review: Bright Star

Jane Campion’s ‘Bright Star’ is an intensely romantic film that’s never trite or dated, despite its PG rating and early 19th century setting.

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Review: No Impact Man

Review: No Impact Man

The documentary tells the eye-opening story of a New York family living a year of zero environmental impact. That means no movies, no electricity, no disposable goods etc.

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Review: Whiteout

Review: Whiteout

‘Whiteout’ is a dull thriller that never makes proper use of its Antarctic setting or Kate Beckinsale, its star.

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Review: Amreeka

Review: Amreeka

‘Amreeka,’ a hit at this year’s Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals, tells a warmhearted, recognizable story about a family of Palestinian immigrants that smartly resists the urge to preach or turn political.

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Review: Gamer

Review: Gamer

Neveldine and Taylor, the brains behind the ‘Crank’ series, exchange Jason Statham for Gerard Butler in the future but they’ve made a slightly more intelligent version of the same movie.

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Review: Taking Woodstock

Review: Taking Woodstock

‘Taking Woodstock’ is an unexpected detour into sunny territory for director Ang Lee but it’s so lightweight it’s almost insubstantial.

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Review: Fifty Dead Men Walking

Review: Fifty Dead Men Walking

While there’s a lot to admire about Kari Skogland’s ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking,’ one can’t help but wish it had found a more original way to approach its subject, the Irish Troubles.

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Review: The Time Traveler’s Wife

Review: The Time Traveler’s Wife

We hate being manipulated and manipulation is all ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ has to offer.

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Review: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Review: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Neil pretty much hit the nail on the head with his review, but we figure ‘G.I. Joe’s’ big enough to warrant an affirmation: Ignore the renewed bad buzz: The movie’s a lot of fun.

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