On moving from film journalist to filmmaker: I think having a lot of knowledge from the aspect of an observer and reporter actually enhances my experience as a creator. Having said that, there is always an aspect of "movie magic" to the whole thing. It's such a thrill to hear the words that I wrote, spoken and interpreted by actors; and to see my vision brought to life by the talented DPs I've had the pleasure of working with, and seeing what they have to contribute to the art. Watching a project from script to screen is a true joy. Show less «

Horror and fantasy have always been faves. When it comes to horror it takes a lot to scare me, though -- I think maybe my mom scarred me for life by taking me to see The Exorcist at the drive-in when I was just a tiny tot. As for fantasy, as a kid I devoured The Chronicles of Narnia or anything by Tolkien. (And when I say devoured, I mean that -- there wasn't much to eat around our house.) Waaaaay back when I was a pre-teen, there was no Information Super Highway, no X-Box, and no multiplex, so reading was a great pastime. Show less «

The title of my current book, "So L.A." just seems right for a memoir by someone who grew up in Hollywood, but it's kind of tongue-in-cheek, because I am not the typical Angelino. My book covers my childhood in L.A., wild times on the Sunset Strip, and how I became a filmmaker. Show less «

[Why did you become a critic?] I'm more of a cynical wiseass than Juno crossed with Charles Bukowski (minus the unplanned teen pregnancy, and the alcohol-fueled rages). Show less «

I'm a master multitasker!