Mazel tov...

...to my pal Stephanie Zacherek, who's just been announced as the lead critic for Movieline, the bold web resuscitation of the print organ. While we've had our substantive differences of opinion/perspective (yeesh, some days I feel like I have to preface every other sentence I write with that qualification), I consider her a lively, provocative writer with a clear, distinctive voice, who don't make too many grammar errors neither. She comes to Movieline from Salon, and it'll be interesting to see if/how her work changes in the new context, if at all. And, conversely, how her presence will influence Movieline overall. The site is never, ever boring, but I've seen it as struggling with a slight identity crisis since its 2009 re-make/re-model, as in, does it want to be Gawker-ishly snarky, fannishly enthusiastic, or soberly analytical, or achieve some kind of synthesis (or "synfeshish," as they say in some British regions) of the three? I think Stephanie's presence there will help clarify matters. And of course she'll be a pleasure to read, as she is in any context.

Comments

[Fuzzy Bastarrd]

Ah, that's lovely! Zacherek has long been my prime example of a critic whose taste I consistently disagree with, but whose writing I always enjoy, and it'll be interesting to see what she does now that she's the one setting the tone of a site.

[Jeff]

Yeah, I could count on one hand the number of times I've agreed with her, but she's always a good read. A good choice, Movieline. Not Glenn-Kenny-good, but good nonetheless. I'm not sure how well she'll jibe with (my perception of) the Movieline readership.

[S. Porath]

I'd missed the news of her departure from Salon. I'd really gotten to like Salon's movie coverage, greatly enjoying the writing of both Zacharek and O'Hehir. Oh well. Another link in my movie folder. She is one of the most dependably illuminating critics out there, and is a wonderful writer.
What does this mean regarding Salon? Is O'Hehir taking over? I'd be interested in reading his thoughts about more mainstream films.