Who is this Keith ?

With my kids - laplaya xpuha, MexicoSo who is Keith from Keith & the Movies you ask? I’m a film critic and movie lover who has been writing movie reviews, previews, and features on this website for nearly 15 years. I also contribute reviews for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I’m a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic and a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association.

I was born in 1971 and raised in a rural south Arkansas town. There’s little that actually stands out about me. I’m a regular guy blessed with an incredible wife of nearly 30 years and two wonderful kids. I’m active in my church, I’m a sports guys, I enjoy video games, and of course there’s the whole movie thing.

My love for movies started in the 1980s. Growing up I was nuts about them and one of my favorite routines was watching “Siskel and Ebert”. I watched their show faithfully through its various name changes and incarnations. It opened me up to cinema and I was convinced film criticism was what I wanted to do. I had several small movie-related hobbies – some pretty normal; others rather obscure (No need to get into those).

Eventually I developed an appreciation for Humphrey Bogart and he quickly became my favorite actor. To this day I’ve amassed over 60 of his films on various formats and have collected all sorts of Bogart memorability including a life-sized cardboard cutout, limited edition stamps, magnets, a necktie, biographies, and even a certified death certificate (don’t judge). In a nutshell, Bogart’s the man.

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With my wife Jacki in Paris, France

I like to think that I have a huge range when it comes to movies. I like the classics, I like independent movies, I like blockbusters, I like foreign language films. I enjoy action, drama, romance, horror, thrillers, comedies, you name it. If the movie is good I can enjoy it regardless of the genre. And it’s that love for movies that has led me to write about them through Keith & the Movies.

As mentioned, I have the honor of being a film critic for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. But I’m still very much invested in this site. Hopefully there’s something here that you will find enjoyable, entertaining, or informative. As long as it’s fun and people enjoy it I plan to keep going. So thanks for the visits, the “likes”, and the comments. You keep me doing this!

God Bless.

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107 thoughts on “Who is this Keith ?”

      • A lot of people say its full of snobbery, I thought everyone was polite and accommodating. I did find it crowded, but I expected that. I thought the downtown district at night by Notre Dame was a lot of fun. Thought the city by way of the Seine was the best way to see the city.

      • I thought the people were amazing. Incredibly friendly and helpful. We went all over the city. We saw the sites and also dove head first into the culture. I can’t wait to go back.

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  4. Hey Keith. Your blog is awesome. I love your trivia and fun ideas as well as your great reviews. I’d really love it if you joined Moviepilot.com. We’d love to feature some of your work, of course linking it right back to your site! Drop me a line on sabina@moviepilot.com for more details

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  6. Mr. Keith, may I become a contributor for your site? I don’t just love movies as I am quite knowledgeable in them, both classical and modern, and should serve you well.

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  10. Have no idea how I didn’t find you earlier but i plan on making up for lost time. What a cool About page. I have the Roger Ebert Top 100 movies. He had a real flair for writing.

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  12. Thanks for your review of Last Love. It’s the only review I’ve read that recognized how important Clémence Poésy’s performance was to the enjoyment of this movie.

    You will be my first stop when looking for other little gems like this one.

    Your review of The Third Man rekindled my interest in that film.

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    • Thanks so much for that. Oh I think Poésy was so good an she was such a vital point for that film. As for The Third Man, I love almost everything about that picture. It’s such a pure cinematic classic.

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  18. Hi everybody. Keith really like your blog. We are at the moment Producing a new action film… would like to know from you… what you believe would be needed to reinvent the gerne or what is ensential to producing a great Action thriller?

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  23. Hi Keith. I’m getting in touch to check on whether you are still submitting a review of Au Hasard Balthazar for the Decades Blogathon? The blogathon starts tomorrow and Tom and I would need to hear from you by tomorrow to let us know if you are still taking part and, if so, when you’ll be sending on your review. If we don’t hear back we’ll have to get in touch with the reserve list to submit instead. Thanks Keith and look forward to hearing back from you. Mark.

    Reply

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  27. Hey Keith, I have read some of your reviews, and I must say, they are really good. I too own a blog and I’m pretty bad at it (I just started) and I was wondering if you could give me a few tips and pointers seeing that you are so seasoned in blogging. Anyway, if you want to chat just write on my blog, and I’ll get back to you.

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    • Thanks for the kind words. To be honest it all comes down to this – write, write, write. I found that when I started my reviews were much different than what they are now. But as I wrote more the reviews begin taking another form. Over time you kind of develop a review style that reflects your voice. To be honest I’m still trying to figure it out. But it’s really fun doing so.

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  28. Okay, thanks for the advice! I guess I will just keep writing! One more thing, I was thinking I can add features to my blog, like I have 2 but I cant think of anymore… any ideas?

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    • That ones tough. You could start with focused spotlight features where you highlight certain actors, directors, genres, etc. you can do all sorts of things with that. And as you continue I’m sure even more ideas will come to mind.

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  31. Hey Keith great blog man! I really enjoy reading the reviews you write. I’m an aspiring movie review blogger and you’re an inspiration man! Check out my blog sometime I know I only have 2 posts right now but there will be more to come! Movieguyweb.wordpress.org and if you in anyway could get me more followers I’d appreciate it!

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  36. Hi Keith,

    My name is Al Jomar and I’ve been a movie and film enthusiast for years. I’ve noticed you post a lot of content about movies, so I wanted to share with you my new video, “Strangers Reactions to Free Movie Gift Cards.”

    I figured your followers would really enjoy it. Anyway, thanks in advance for checking it out. I’m a fan of your blog and would be honored if you featured my video. (below)

    All the best,

    Al Jomar

    Reply

  38. Love your reviews and site . But I’m wondering , as a movie lover , like myself and a Christian who tries to use discernment when deciding and watching anything , what is your view concerning the horrible scandal Hollywood and how Christians should respond . There has some pushing for Christians to abstain completely but personally I think that if one is going to apply that reasoning , we as believers might as well find a island and go there because much of where we shop , eat etc… is tainted with sin as well . Be interesting to hear your take on it .

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    • Thanks so much for reading and for the great comments. I do find what you say to be a thought-provoking question. Personally I believe the current scandal reveals something that should have been obvious by now – Hollywood has no moral high ground. That said my personal conviction isn’t that we abstain from all especially since all aren’t guilty. For me discernment is a bigger issue. There are a lot of movies I simply haven’t watched nor reviewed. Others I feel I shouldn’t have. I’ve wrestled with it myself. It’s a complex but important conversation to have.

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  39. Really enjoy your sit and reviews . I agree with most lol but seriously , as a movie buff and a Christian I really like it . What I was wondering and would like to hear your take , in light of what has been going on in Hollywood , I have read some Christians say we need to boycott or remove ourselves from it altogether . I personally do not take this view , because as I see it , if we do that then we better rethink where we shop , eat etc.. on the list could go because sin and darkness is there behind many areas as well . I do apply discernment and do not watch everything . Just be interested to hear your thoughts . Keep up the good work and keep the reviews rolling . God bless .

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  41. Love your blog. It’s great to find other film lovers like myself. You have fantastic knowledge of the film world. I would love for you to check out my blog and a follow would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks!

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  42. Dear Keith, I hope you are very well!

    I’m writing to you today on the behalf of the magazine I work for as feature editor.

    Would you be interested in collaborating with us with movies’ features?

    If so, I’d be happy to share with you all the details about our publication, which is both printed and online, based on fashion, art and cultural subjects.

    All my best!
    Fiammetta

    Reply

  44. Hello Keith,

    I’m a Malaysian indie film director currently residing in Beijing, China. I’ve got a directorial debut short film (The Story of 90 Coins) and a horror micro-short (The Tattooist) which I would like to share with you.

    Both films are currently going their rounds at the film festival circuits and have been very successful in getting multiple film awards recognition.

    ‘The Story of 90 Coins’ has garnered about 70+ accolades from international film festivals; which includes the Best Direction & Best Cinematography at Malta Int’l Short Film Festival, Best Foreign Short & Best Actress at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, Best Drama & Best Cinematography at Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Foreign Short Film at Ukrainian International Short Film Festival, Rising Star Awards at Canada International Film Festival, an Official Finalist at London Film Awards, among others.

    ‘The Tattooist’ is currently making its round at the horror film festival circuit and has been winning a number of international accolades. Winner at Canada’s Bloody Horror International Film Festival, Horrorhaus Film Festival in LA, Canada’s Terror in the Bay Film Festival, and multiple wins at Diabolical Horror Film Festival, nominee at Vancouver Badass Film Festival, to name a few.

    Below are the links for both Press Kit, which include relevant info such as screener link, official Facebook page, IMDb film page, awards won, etc.

    Screener: http://www.vimeo.com/michaelwong/thestoryof90coins/
    Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thestoryof90coins/
    IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5182914/
    Press Kit, Poster, Cover Photo, Screengrabs & Behind the Scenes photos: https://drive.google.com/open?id=16Ef4LMH_knxkGkj7SNQBEowp8Zxi9T5m

    Screener: http://www.vimeo.com/michaelwong/thetattooist/
    Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheTattooistFilm/
    IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt9020554/
    Press Kit, Poster, Cover Photo, Screengrabs & Promotional Print: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LZ-6Nv-uUYGJqhMAg_AfbMbaw6gSB3u-

    It will be very thoughtful of you if you care to consider writing a film review on your site and/or on the film’s IMDb User Review page. That will mean a lot to me! Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you.

    Cheers,
    Michael Wong

    Reply

  45. Hi Keith! I found your website after enjoying your reviews of “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Cry Macho” in last Friday’s ADG – thanks for your thoughtful insights, especially on Clint Eastwood! I’ve always thought the reviews in the ADG by PM et al are so intelligently-written (and a feather in the cap for Arkansas!) – and I am glad you are in the mix! Looking forward to more!

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  46. I enjoyed reading your biography. I am also impressed with how you write your movie reviews. They sound a lot like how movie critics write them, commenting on details that are hard for me to notice.
    I also saw in this bio that you want to go into movie criticism. How is that going?

    Reply

    • I really need to update my bio. The movie criticism opportunities have been amazing. I now review movies for both my website and our state’s largest newspaper. I’ve also been a Rotten Tomatoes certified Critic for a little while now. It’s been a lot of fun.

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      • Wow, that’s fantastic, getting to review as a critic on Rotten Tomatoes! Good luck continuing with that?

  48. Keith!
    I have a movie recommendation I don’t see in your archive. I am recommending Bronson (2008) with Tom Hardy. I consider this Tom Hardy’s best film performance to date. It is about famous British prisoner Charles Bronson. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, who also directed Drive with Ryan Gosling. As well as Tom’s performance being amazing, the costuming, make-up and soundtrack are incredible. I really enjoy your website and visit all the time.

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    • Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for the recommendation. I’m really glad you brought up Bronson. It’s a movie that I saw several years ago. But unfortunately I wasn’t able to watch it in one sitting. I had to break it up into a couple. I’ve always wanted to go back and watch it all the way through. This is a great reminder.

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  51. Hi Keith,
    I’m very happy to liked our movie Bird Box Barcelona. I wanted to ask you if you could submit the review to Rotten Tomatoes? They tell me they won’t include it unless you submit it, not sure why. Thanks, man!

    Reply

  53. Great review of a good movie that doesn’t really deliver what it promises in the end. I love your insights and perspectives. We have a lot in common. We live in Salisbury, NC and I’m a few years older than you. I went to Paris back in 1984 when I was 16 and it was amazing! The Louvre was my favorite and the Mona Lisa in particular. I’ll be back often to check on your insights as we watch Amazon or Netflix movies most nights. I’m an old Blockbuster Video and later Family Video guy so I love streaming at no additional cost. LOL.
    Keep up the great work. We need you reviewing movies for the Charlotte Observer. I work in Charlotte, NC for a major International Bank.
    Blessings to you and your family!
    Bob and Jen Page
    Salisbury, NC

    Reply

    • Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m looking forward to going to back to Paris. But with two kids in college….it will have to wait a bit.

      I too was a lover of the home video era. We didn’t have a Blockbuster Video in our small town but we had three movie rental establishments that were full every weekend. That love for movie has stuck with me sense.

      Thanks again.

      Reply

  54. Hi Keith,

    My name is Marcellus Cox I’m the Writer/Director of the Feature Film Mickey Hardaway. I’m reaching out to you today because my film is available for public viewing via Indie Rights on Tubi, Apple TV & Prime Video, and I would be absolutely honored and privileged to have you watch and review my film if possible. We’re at 95% on 22 Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 I hope 🤞 I’ll have the opportunity to hear from you soon about a possible review on my film, Take Care.

    Mickey Hardaway: A Psychological Drama about A young sketch artist agrees to a in-house therapy session with a well renowned psychiatrist as his life begins sprawling out of control after years of physical and verbal abuse has finally taken a toll on him.

    Writer/Director: Marcellus Cox

    Producers: Marcellus Cox & Eric Quincy

    Cast: Rashad Hunter, Ashley Parchment, Stephen Cofield Jr, David Chattam, Dennis LA White, Gayla Johnson, Samuel Whitehill, Sean Alexander James, Charlz Williams

    Reply

  55. Keep me on your list, I look forward to your reviews. I have always loved movies, the classics for sure and up to and through 50’s 60 some 2000’s (although I’m a little tired of remakes, as most just seem to be made out of a lost sense of what a movie should be about! I don’t make it to see all, but try to make a few each month. Your reviews are always accurate and worthy. Keep up the good work! Rev Jerry

    Reply

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