The Bay Area has enough theatre, concerts, opera, etc. to warrant a Datebook podcast. Please bring it back.

Lol this white lady tried to say Pete Seeger is the precursor to rap. White people can’t even let black people have rap anymore. Leba you’re a trip. This podcast is “almost ok”

Mick, you were dead wrong about Jet Li’s Legend of the Red Dragon* (1994). You wrote in July 1995: “The spectacle comes in endless waves, and although it is well-executed, it gets monotonous. When the film does slow down, it shows things of little interest. The efforts of Red Bean to swindle a lecherous old man are only marginally funny.” You couldn’t be more wrong. Legend of the Red Dragon is 94 minutes of nonstop entertainment. There’s something for everyone in this film. It’s a thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Near perfect comedic timing breaks tension and seamlessly transitions the viewer into moments aching romanticism and wholesome life lessons. I ask that you step down from your role in this podcast and retire from film criticism. It’s the only noble action left that can redeem you as a critic. A man trusted to offer good faith critical opinions to the public has a responsibility to the public. The truth, Mick, is that you overlooked one of the best films of the last century. The Legend of the Red Dragon will the test of time and be vindicated, and you will be forgotten, lost in the noise of men who spoke loud and said nothing. *titled The New Legend Of Shaolin for domestic release in China

Leba and Mick make a great duo!

While Mick’s opinions often differ from mine, he articulates them with a precision that is rare in mainstream film criticism. He also ties his ideas about individual films to the broader culture in ways that are enlightening and entertaining, and I’ve learned a lot over the years reading his columns. With that said, Lena Hertz detracts from the podcast by interrupting the flow of the conversation by interrupting with irrelevant comments, annoying attempts at humor, or dull observations like “she’s a nice actress.” With a new cohost, this show would improve dramatically.