Reel to Real

I have been watching Reel to Real for the past year or so and have to say that I think it is the most intelligent, thoughtful movie show on television. Where other entertainment shows try to move at the speed of light, Reel to Real takes it nice and slow, only reviewing three movies a show, and taking the time to discuss them properly. The three hosts aren't just talking heads, they have a good rapport and really seem to know what they're talking about. Since I moved to Toronto last year I have watched the show every week, and as a major movie fan I trust their opinions on which movies to go see.

Their coverage of the last year's Toronto International Film Festival rocked -- it seemed to be on 24 hours a day! I hope they do it again this year.

Reel to Real is an intelligent, down to earth and well produced answer to Ebert and Roeper. I always base my movie picks on their reviews. I prefer it to many other `movie critics' shows, because they strike me as incredibly down to earth and honest, and not filled up with notions of self-importance, that I think some critics get caught up in (i.e. I'm a critic, and I'm as important as the movie stars I'm interviewing, and I could make that movie a million times better.) In other words, they seem very grounded, and not trying to eke out their own celebrity on the backs of others. The personalities of the critics shine through that silly little TV lens.

I love the show, and during the Toronto International Film Festival I watch their coverage almost non-stop, except when I am checking out the movies they recommend.

I always appreciate Reel to Real's coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival immensely. I enjoy the way Richard, Geoff and Katrina all stand by their opinions without feeling obliged to cater (i.e., suck up) to the people they interview, while also maintaining a meaningful balance between genuine respect and personal expression. The interviews are excellent and their comments and analysis of the films is top notch. They really give me a sense of what the films convey to the viewer. Believe me when I say I'm take notes for future visits to the theatre and video store.

The critics on Reel to Real review movies with a genuine energy that really shows their love of film. The show is informative and the commentary is subjective and real. My VCR is permanently programmed to record the show on Monday nights.

I just wanted to quickly send a note to say how much I enjoy Reel to Real -- my girlfriends and I always plan our movie viewing around their film reviews. I usually go to the movies on Friday night, so watch the show on Thursdays at 8:30 if Will and Grace is a rerun, Wednesday evenings if it is not. Richard and Geoff do a great job -- it is really great to see a movie review show like this with no-nonsense reviews and critics who are unpretentious and honest. They make intelligent comments about the movies while still keeping the show really fun to watch!!! Richard and Geoff are honest, they're intelligent, they're witty and I trust them.