Chance Solem-Pfeifer
@chancesp.bsky.social
Film critic @Willamette Week
Host of "The Kick" on the Now Playing Network
Formerly, lovingly @Hear Nebraska
Host of "The Kick" on the Now Playing Network
Formerly, lovingly @Hear Nebraska
My editor has received many emails asking why no '80s and '90s movies are included.
Which no hard feelings on reading comprehension, etc.
But would love for folks to hear "Oregon movies" and not think exclusively of their childhoods. Let's be a little curious.
Which no hard feelings on reading comprehension, etc.
But would love for folks to hear "Oregon movies" and not think exclusively of their childhoods. Let's be a little curious.
From animated neoclassics to enamel-grinding thrillers, these are the 25 best Oregon-made movies of the past 25 years.
The Top 25 Oregon Movies of the Past 25 Years
Chance Solem-Pfeifer
www.wweek.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:42 PM
My editor has received many emails asking why no '80s and '90s movies are included.
Which no hard feelings on reading comprehension, etc.
But would love for folks to hear "Oregon movies" and not think exclusively of their childhoods. Let's be a little curious.
Which no hard feelings on reading comprehension, etc.
But would love for folks to hear "Oregon movies" and not think exclusively of their childhoods. Let's be a little curious.
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
It's not a love letter to a city, and its setting isn't just another character. Train Dreams' relationship to the Pacific Northwest is complex, which helps make it great:
Train Dreams stakes a complex claim in the Pacific Northwest cinematic canon
The rapidly changing Pacific Northwest fuels the haunting engine of Netflix's stunning reflection Train Dreams.
www.avclub.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
It's not a love letter to a city, and its setting isn't just another character. Train Dreams' relationship to the Pacific Northwest is complex, which helps make it great:
Not a film critic on the news explaining that the best movies are also his favorites!
katu.com/news/local/w...
katu.com/news/local/w...
November 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Not a film critic on the news explaining that the best movies are also his favorites!
katu.com/news/local/w...
katu.com/news/local/w...
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
Big one here, gang.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
From animated neoclassics to enamel-grinding thrillers, these are the 25 best Oregon-made movies of the past 25 years.
The Top 25 Oregon Movies of the Past 25 Years
Chance Solem-Pfeifer
www.wweek.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Big one here, gang.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
Big one here, gang.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
From animated neoclassics to enamel-grinding thrillers, these are the 25 best Oregon-made movies of the past 25 years.
The Top 25 Oregon Movies of the Past 25 Years
Chance Solem-Pfeifer
www.wweek.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Big one here, gang.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
This list is the culmination of many things—8 years of reporting on local film, diving into Oregon film history during the pandemic, getting obsessed with Kelly Reichardt (though anyone can and should do that.)
Thanks for the space, WW.
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
What to see at Portland’s repertory theaters.
Get Your Reps In: Cinemagic Scares Up a Creature Double Feature
Chance Solem-Pfeifer
www.wweek.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:32 PM
What to see at Portland’s repertory theaters.
"The Kick" podcast won't return until next year, but I do have a substantial writing project dropping next week, plus your classic blame-the-baby joke:
letterboxd.com/chance_s_p/l...
letterboxd.com/chance_s_p/l...
20 most concerning movies I watched with my (sleeping) baby
A list of 20 films compiled on Letterboxd, including Die My Love (2025), The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Elephant (2003), Strange Darling (2023) and Death Wish 3 (1985).
letterboxd.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:46 PM
"The Kick" podcast won't return until next year, but I do have a substantial writing project dropping next week, plus your classic blame-the-baby joke:
letterboxd.com/chance_s_p/l...
letterboxd.com/chance_s_p/l...
To be clear, the viewer must do their own fun-poking. But rarely is a table set so sublimely for it.
November 6, 2025 at 1:05 AM
To be clear, the viewer must do their own fun-poking. But rarely is a table set so sublimely for it.
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
Tickets are still available to come out tomorrow, Thursday November 6, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the most outrageously explosive installment of the DEATH WISH franchise with a rare 35mm print of DEATH WISH 3 (1985)!
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/death-wish-3-in-35mm
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/death-wish-3-in-35mm
What to see at Portland’s repertory theaters.
Get Your Reps In: “Death Wish 3″ Pokes Fun at Old Men’s Law-and-Order Fantasies
Chance Solem-Pfeifer
www.wweek.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Tickets are still available to come out tomorrow, Thursday November 6, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the most outrageously explosive installment of the DEATH WISH franchise with a rare 35mm print of DEATH WISH 3 (1985)!
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/death-wish-3-in-35mm
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/death-wish-3-in-35mm
Hey, @portlandcritics.bsky.social is hosting its first public screening! Couldn't imagine a better fit.
Nov. 30, @hollywoodtheatre.org, 35mm
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/drugsto...
Nov. 30, @hollywoodtheatre.org, 35mm
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/drugsto...
DRUGSTORE COWBOY in 35mm - Hollywood Theatre
Travel back to a mythical land known as Old Portland with Gus Van Sant’s breakthrough 1989 film about a gang of pharmacy bandits on a road to nowhere. Matt Dillon, […]
hollywoodtheatre.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Hey, @portlandcritics.bsky.social is hosting its first public screening! Couldn't imagine a better fit.
Nov. 30, @hollywoodtheatre.org, 35mm
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/drugsto...
Nov. 30, @hollywoodtheatre.org, 35mm
hollywoodtheatre.org/show/drugsto...
Dwayne Johnson: "Benny, it nearly killed me, but I hereby surrender my ego to you."
Safdie: "Man, I'm thinking the hi-fi at Mark Kerr's house should sound CRAZY."
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
Safdie: "Man, I'm thinking the hi-fi at Mark Kerr's house should sound CRAZY."
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
“The Smashing Machine” Review: Dwayne Johnson Learns To Lose in Benny Safdie’s MMA Biopic - Fools Who Dream Movies
After shattering the world record for unmemorable performances in passionless blockbusters, Johnson has surrendered himself to Safdie.
foolswhodreammovies.com
October 11, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Dwayne Johnson: "Benny, it nearly killed me, but I hereby surrender my ego to you."
Safdie: "Man, I'm thinking the hi-fi at Mark Kerr's house should sound CRAZY."
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
Safdie: "Man, I'm thinking the hi-fi at Mark Kerr's house should sound CRAZY."
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
@chancesp.bsky.social analyzes the ups and downs of Benny Safdie's "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne Johnson.
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
“The Smashing Machine” Review: Dwayne Johnson Learns To Lose in Benny Safdie’s MMA Biopic - Fools Who Dream Movies
After shattering the world record for unmemorable performances in passionless blockbusters, Johnson has surrendered himself to Safdie.
foolswhodreammovies.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:34 AM
@chancesp.bsky.social analyzes the ups and downs of Benny Safdie's "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne Johnson.
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
foolswhodreammovies.com/the-smashing...
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
For Spin Magazine, our David Harris spotlights Portland's very own "movie mecca"—the @hollywoodtheatre.org 🍿🎥:
www.spin.com/2025/10/port...
www.spin.com/2025/10/port...
Portland’s Hollywood Theatre Is a Mecca for Movie Lovers
Portland, Oregon, is a major city without a major tourist destination. New York City has the Statue of Liberty and countless museums. Chicago has Millennium Par
www.spin.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
For Spin Magazine, our David Harris spotlights Portland's very own "movie mecca"—the @hollywoodtheatre.org 🍿🎥:
www.spin.com/2025/10/port...
www.spin.com/2025/10/port...
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
i believe there are about a hundred and fifty million people like me who would pay $17 to watch benicio del toro as sergio st. carlos plan and execute a tight sunday costco run before he has to man the barbecue after his niece's afternoon soccer game (run time: 2 hours 20 minutes)
October 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM
i believe there are about a hundred and fifty million people like me who would pay $17 to watch benicio del toro as sergio st. carlos plan and execute a tight sunday costco run before he has to man the barbecue after his niece's afternoon soccer game (run time: 2 hours 20 minutes)
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
Our statement on the suspension of @jimmykimmel.com.
September 19, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Our statement on the suspension of @jimmykimmel.com.
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
Here it is, the newest piece in our memorabilia collection. Straight out of John Carpenter’s classic BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, the brilliant neon sign from Egg Shen’s restaurant and the base of operations. Come on in and check it out now!
September 10, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Here it is, the newest piece in our memorabilia collection. Straight out of John Carpenter’s classic BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, the brilliant neon sign from Egg Shen’s restaurant and the base of operations. Come on in and check it out now!
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
What to see at Portland’s repertory theaters.
Get Your Reps In: “Marie Antoinette” Reigns Supreme
Chance Solem-Pfeifer
www.wweek.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
What to see at Portland’s repertory theaters.
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
Don’t threaten me with a good time
AI advocates have warned that if every author in the class action filed a claim, it would "financially ruin" the entire industry.
Authors celebrate “historic” settlement coming soon in Anthropic class action
Advocates fear such settlements will “financially ruin” the AI industry.
arstechnica.com
August 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Don’t threaten me with a good time
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
I'm making the case for why EVERYONE in this industry benefits from critics.
That, and what's at stake if we disappear - or let publications tie our hands.
If you read only one of my articles this week, or this month, please make it this one.
Available to everyone this week, not just our patrons.
That, and what's at stake if we disappear - or let publications tie our hands.
If you read only one of my articles this week, or this month, please make it this one.
Available to everyone this week, not just our patrons.
Film Critics Are Wolves (and That’s a Good Thing): Critically Acclaimed Newsletter (8/23/25) | The Critically Acclaimed Network
Get more from The Critically Acclaimed Network on Patreon
www.patreon.com
August 23, 2025 at 9:26 PM
I'm making the case for why EVERYONE in this industry benefits from critics.
That, and what's at stake if we disappear - or let publications tie our hands.
If you read only one of my articles this week, or this month, please make it this one.
Available to everyone this week, not just our patrons.
That, and what's at stake if we disappear - or let publications tie our hands.
If you read only one of my articles this week, or this month, please make it this one.
Available to everyone this week, not just our patrons.
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
BWDR gave me my start as a writer. It’s one of the places online I call home. I’m literally wrapping up an essay for them this evening, the kind of piece where I had a deranged idea and then @chadperman.bsky.social said “oh wow” *and* took it seriously. I love writing here.
Real talk (reel talk?):
BWDR recently lost a partnership that covered nearly half our operating budget, so things are suddenly very tough. If what we do has ever meant something to you, or you’ve ever thought about subscribing, now’s the time—it *truly* makes a difference.
BWDR recently lost a partnership that covered nearly half our operating budget, so things are suddenly very tough. If what we do has ever meant something to you, or you’ve ever thought about subscribing, now’s the time—it *truly* makes a difference.
Subscribe - Bright Wall/Dark Room
Subscribe for $29 a year Subscribe now to receive immediate access to each new essay we publish, plus our entire 135+ issue archive. Bright Wall/Dark Room is 100% independent, runs no ads, and strongl...
brightwalldarkroom.com
August 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM
BWDR gave me my start as a writer. It’s one of the places online I call home. I’m literally wrapping up an essay for them this evening, the kind of piece where I had a deranged idea and then @chadperman.bsky.social said “oh wow” *and* took it seriously. I love writing here.
Two movies nobody would believe are by the same director:
August 16, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Two movies nobody would believe are by the same director:
Reposted by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
RIP Ken Colley www.theatlantic.com/entertainmen...
In Praise of Admiral Piett, the Best Background 'Star Wars' Character
An appreciation of Darth Vader's pencil-pushing right-hand man
www.theatlantic.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:39 AM
RIP Ken Colley www.theatlantic.com/entertainmen...