Author Archives: Mark DuPré

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About Mark DuPré

Retired (associate) pastor at a Christian church. Retired film professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. Husband for nearly 50 years to the lovely and talented Diane. Father to three children and father-in-law to three more amazing people. I continue some ministry duties even though retired from the pastoral staff position. Right now I'm co-writing a book, co-writing a serious musical drama, and am half-way through writing (on my own a month-long devotional.

Hallelujah (1929)

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Finally filled a gap in my film experience with a viewing of Hallelujah, directed by King Vidor in 1929. It’s another Rorschach test for viewers, who will see any number of things in this second all-black-cast film (and first all-black-cast … Continue reading →

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Let’s Look Over the Fence: A Necessary Correction

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Mark DuPré

In my old theater classes, we were taught that Oklahoma! (1943) was the first Broadway musical where the songs advanced the plot. Called the first “integrated musical,” it has grabbed its rightful spot as the first of the “modern” stage … Continue reading →

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Divergent

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Mark DuPré

The franchise that is Divergent will most likely be remembered for giving Shailene Woodley her first lead role. Many comparisons have been made with The Hunger Games films, as both feature a strong young woman played by an upcoming actress … Continue reading →

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The Grand Budapest Hotel

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Wes Anderson is an acquired taste, and not one that I’d acquired until this film. I have nothing against a self-conscious formalism, but Anderson’s formula seemed too studied, too precious, and occasionally twee for my taste. Every director has the … Continue reading →

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Frozen

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Better Late Than Never… Frozen Finally saw Frozen—apparently after every child in America and half the adults. Not much needs to be added to the adulation. Songs are great if not a little bubble gum at moments. It’s consistently funny … Continue reading →

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Four Quick Takes–The Lego Movie, Her, 20 Feet from Stardom, Enough Said

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Mark DuPré

Four Quick Takes I recently saw four films, all which I can recommend, though with a reservation here and there. Two won Oscars; one might. The Lego Movie Exhausting and non-stop. But clever and full of adult humor as well. … Continue reading →

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2014 Oscar Report–First Thoughts

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Mark DuPré

The good news is that most of my personal choices won. The bad news is that while best friend Clint and I did great on our Oscar pool, another guy did better. Oh, well. The show, as always, was too … Continue reading →

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2014 Final Oscar Predictions

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Mark DuPré

With HUGE ASSISTANCE from knowledgeable best friend Clint Morgan Best Picture Should win: 12 Years a Slave Will Win: 12 Years a Slave Still Could Be: Gravity Best Director Should win: either Steve McQueen for 12 Years a Slave or … Continue reading →

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August: Osage County

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Mark DuPré

August: Osage County, a terribly named film based on the slightly less poorly named play of the same name, recalls American Hustle. It overflows with talented actors acting up a storm in a cinematic structure that can’t contain them. Except … Continue reading →

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Five More Supporting Performances that Don’t Get the Attention They Deserve

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Mark DuPré

A while ago, I took a side road for a moment to pay tribute to five underrated performances: Rhys Ifans in Notting Hill Carey Mulligan in Bleak House Anna Faris in Just Friends Madame Konstantin in Notorious Delores Gray in … Continue reading →

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