Favorite movies in 2020.

I’m not a fan of making “best of” lists because there are elements of each film that are moreengaging and affective than the other, but they all hit me somewhere in the gut. So, *here are my favorites of 2020. I was too lazy to write them out so here’s screenshots.

*It’s impossible to see every film so I’m sure missed some.

In no particular order:

Goodbye 2020, See You Never.

Today is January 1, 2021. Like you, I have been waiting 365 days for this day to arrive. Today is a day that gives us hope for a better tomorrow. Even if this year sucks, we still have hope.

Lots of changes for me this year. One of the biggest is yesterday marked my last day as a professional film critic and Oscar voter. I’m officially retired and it feels so good. I may still review movies here and there but it’ll be purely for fun and not for profit.

More good news coming, I just need time.

Additional Lynn Shelton Tribute Shirts Available for a Limited Time

Lynn Shelton Shirt

Hello,

A few weeks ago, Regular Projects and I sold out of the Lynn Shelton Tribute shirts (where all proceeds went to her fund at the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children (NWSDHH)). Soon after, I received a flood of folks asking if I would make his authentic shirt again. I wasn’t sure because the first time, I — along with two very kind anonymous donors — paid upfront to get the shirts made regardless if they sold or not (we knew they would). With everything going on in the world, I wasn’t sure if I would make more Lynn Shelton Tribute shirts again, so I went with a third party, Bonfire, who took care of everything I was doing (the donation, keeping track of every shirt purchased, and shipping the shirts). Regular Projects’ design sold on there and the proceeds went to NWSDHH, but it didn’t feel right. When Regular Projects and I collaborated on this shirt to honor Lynn, it was a labor of love. We both put in hours making this fundraising dream a reality for Lynn. Having a third party handle the shirts, shipping, and proceeds to the school didn’t sit right, so I met with Regular Projects and discussed options to do one more shirt fundraiser to honor Lynn’s legacy. 

The first round of shirts was my unique way of donating to Lynn’s fund — I bought 24 shirts, and those proceeds went to Lynn’s fund. I wanted to do this. There were some hiccups along the way — folding 72 shirts is intense! — but it was worth it. People have sent photos or tagged the school and me on social media with them wearing the shirt, and it makes my heart glow. We will be sharing all who sent in a photo on social media in a few weeks! This is all for Lynn, so we’re going to do this one more time. An encore, for Lynn. 

Regular Projects and I talked about how to proceed with this round and came to a reasonable agreement. To make the shirts, a minimum of 24 needs to be purchased before he can go to print. As long as that goal is met, he will be able to hand-print every single one like he did last time, super soft shirt with an awesome design and all. Considering how fast they sold out the first time, I don’t think it’ll be an issue but did want to give a heads up on the caveat. 

There’s also a change in price. The new price comes with free domestic shipping. If you live across the pond, you’ll have to pay for shipping since it’s quite costly on my end, but there’s no tax, I disabled that for everyone. I upped the price because last time I wanted everyone to pay at cost because I thought it was the right thing to do, but didn’t realize that not that much proceeds would go to the school (we did end up raising $550, which is incredible); I was trying to do a good thing and sell low when I should have gone higher for the non-profit school that’s doing an extraordinary thing for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids, something Lynn had an affinity for. So take comfort in knowing all proceeds will still go to the Shelton/Seal Fund. 

The good news is that we don’t have to limit number of shirts purchased, and all sizes are available. I will keep this open until Sunday, July 11th at 11 AM CST, which should be ample time for anyone who wants a shirt or spread the love to people who may want one. 

Thanks to all who helped me navigate through the first round, and super thanks to all who sent a photo wearing the shirt — we’ll be posting all of them together (NWSDHH and I). The school wants to share pictures of everyone who bought a shirt, so if you got one and haven’t posted or sent a photo, you can tag the school and me on Instagram at @ChaseKWhale and @NWSDHH, or email me the photo at chasewhale@gmail.com, and I will send to them.

Click on this sentence to get the shirt.

Thank you for honoring Lynn’s cinematic legacy and supporting her fund at the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. 

Your friend,
Chase Whale

More Lynn Shelton Tribute Apparel Now Available with All Proceeds Going to Her Charity.

Styles.png

I originally wrote a much longer post for this. That changed when I spoke to Sara Reyerson at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children yesterday. We had a terrific and long (sorry, Sara!) chat, sharing how much Lynn Shelton’s love has inspired and impacted us and so many others on this planet. 

I’ve been anxious about the first batch of shirts (first online fundraiser and eagerly waiting for their arrival so I can ship out) and these new ones (hope this new company handling takes great care of everyone.) because I want everything to be perfect, for Lynn, you, and this school, a place she loved a lot and where your hard-earned money is going. Talking with Sara calmed my anxieties and helped me remember that life isn’t going to be 100% perfect even if you give it all you can. It will come close, and that’s ok. 

This blog post and these new shirts are dedicated to Lynn and these folks I met through Lynn’s love over the last week. People who have shown me how powerful their hearts and kindness and love are, and how much Lynn’s powerful heart, kindness, and love meant to them: Sara, Megan Griffiths, Nicole Arbusto, Judy Lindsay, Heidi Halsey, Danielle Freiberg, and Lynn’s amazing mom, Wendy. Lynn’s love and kindness are sprinkled all over Earth, and I’m truly honored to have these seven incredible women now in my life because of Lynn’s profound compassion that could move mountains. Thank you. You are making me see this scary world again in a brighter light. I have a newfound hope because of all of your acts of kindness. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The new shirts can now be purchased below. There’s no limit on how many you can get, so no need to rush.

Now included are different styles — hoodies, tank tops, youth sizes, sweatshirts — pick which is what you enjoy wearing.

All new styles, colors, and sizes are right above “ADD TO CART,” and you can scroll new versions with the arrow on the right. There are cool options and I opened all sizes and colors possible for the apparel available.

Links to buy here:

Tribute design: “Watch Lynn Shelton Movies” white font

Tribute design: “Watch Lynn Shelton Movies” black font

New design: Movie Titles black font

New design: Movie Titles white font

All proceeds from this purchase will still going to the Shelton/Seal fund at the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. If you want to learn more about the NWSDHHC, you can contact Sara Reyerson at the school: s.reyerson@northwestschool.com.

The links to the new shirts are considered “campaigns” and are only up for a handful of days before they close. If you miss getting a shirt because you’re out there helping others during this extremely terrifying and challenging time, email me. I will gladly re-open any campaign for you at any time so you can get what you want: chasewhale@gmail.com.

Lynn, you’re loved and profoundly admired. People around this planet want to wear a shirt or hoodie or tank top with your name and movies written on it. That is powerful. That is love. That is you. <3

For Lynn Shelton.

Lynn_Shelton_Tribute

I keep re-writing my tribute to Lynn Shelton, who tragically died on May 16th. I’m struggling to finish it because I don’t like writing about her in the past tense. My brain refuses to register that she’s gone, and I want what I write about her to be perfect. I was able to pay my respects to her film legacy through video editing. I’m a decent writer by profession (or, I somehow convinced people to pay me to write about stuff), and I am known to jaw a lot, so I should be able to scribble how we became friends and why her movies and friendship impacted my life, right? No, it’s not that easy because I’ve been down this road before with my dad. I couldn’t talk about him for six months after he passed. It’s still tough to believe he’s gone, so I’m still in the shock phase of grieving regarding Lynn’s passing. Just writing that sentence made me choke up.

When I work up the courage, I will finish that written tribute. Or, maybe this is it.

When she passed, the world lost a beacon who cared a lot about helping people (more on that in a minute) and an extraordinary filmmaker. Watch any of her films and you’ll see that she understood the human condition more than most filmmakers. Lynn was a rare gem. She made eight (8!!!!) movies on her terms; Lynn never compromised her creativity for a large paycheck. She was not a cog in the Hollywood machine, and it became a real honor to star in one of her films. What you see on screen is what Lynn wanted you to see. She wrote and directed stories about real characters with real dilemmas in the funniest and most intimate, endearing, relatable ways. Lynn left an oeuvre of work that will inspire future generations of filmmakers that, yes, you can make a career out of making movies your way. She did it eight times and would have done it eight more, but her life was unfairly cut short.

And that laugh. Lynn had a laugh and smile that lit up the sky. It’s devastating that she passed so young. She had so much talent in her bones and was just starting her second act in her booming career.

There is a reason why so many are pouring their hearts out over her passing. She was a good person. She was talented. She made her fans feel welcome. She made her colleagues feel loved and appreciated. She was kind to film critics regardless of what they wrote about her work.

Her kindness was impossibly cool. She could make anyone — a fan, film journalist, colleagues, family, anyone — feel appreciated and welcome to her world. She never met a stranger, and her love moved mountains.

When I made my video tribute, my second goal was to inspire people to re-watch Lynn’s movies and introduce them to a new audience. I think I met this goal.

I talked to Lynn enough where I feel comfortable calling her a friend. She reached out to me when I reviewed YOUR SISTER’S SISTER to thank me for my words about the film. There are far better reviews of this film, but she took the time to send a sweet note of appreciation. We kept in touch since, and I’m lucky to have shared some funny conversations with her. We talked on Facebook Messenger about a TV episode she directed or her latest movie, as well as mingled at Sundance and SXSW (where I was lucky to hear that laugh).

My last conversation with Lynn. Look at her response. So much warmth and heart to it. A true kind person.

My last conversation with Lynn. Look at her response. So much warmth and heart to it. A true kind person.

I was unaware until last week of her endless passion and colossal involvement in her son Milo’s school, Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. Learning about this school and Lynn’s deep affection for it made me admire Lynn more than I already do for personal reasons, and I want to pay more respect, admiration, and contribution to her legacy and assist this school as much and best as I can.

So, I came up with an idea.

I love shirts that promote filmmakers, actors, editors, composers, and anyone in the film world. I was looking for a way to honor Lynn’s legacy further, so I reached out to Dallas-based artist Regular Projects, and he’s making 72 limited edition shirts in her honor for me and you — the mockups are below. I’m selling the shirts at cost (total for 24 is $288), so one shirt will be $12 plus $8 shipping, which will come out to $20 total in the U.S. (small box to ship and small flat-rate fee.), I think, and I’ll have to check for international, so email me at the bottom if you plan on buying one and live out of the states. All proceeds will be going to the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children to aid the Shelton/Seal Family Fund. 24 (edited, we now have 72!) is not nearly enough shirts; I know over 30 who want one, but unfortunately, I can only afford so much at this time. I hope down the road when life becomes stable again, and I can get more shirts made and contribute more to the school and the Shelton/Seal Family Fund. (EDIT: See bottom news for amazing updates on the shirts!)

Below are four designs Regular Projects made. If you have time, I would love your input on which option you like best. The one selected most will be the one I’ll have him create.

It will take about two weeks to make the shirts. When I get them, I’ll post on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook that they are available to buy. For every shirt that is purchased, the money will go straight to the school. I spoke with Sara Reyerson at NWSDHH, and she’s aware of the donation coming her way in a few weeks. We’ll be keeping in constant contact once the shirts go on sale. It makes me tremendously happy that I can pay it forward to a place that is doing good in this world and a place Lynn loved so much.

I hope you like one of the shirts and can get one, for Lynn.

UPDATE: ‪Awesome news to share. Someone very kind who wants to remain a private contributor is buying an additional 24 shirts, so we’ll have 44 shirts total with all proceeds going to the school‬. Thank you to the private hero for your contribution to something you personally know how much Lynn loved and cherished. This is really cool of you.

UPDATE 2: Updated pricing to include shipping.

UPDATE 3: WOW, another kind private donor for the charity shirts I'm having made in Lynn’s honor is putting in for 24 additional shirts, so we'll have 72 total as of right now for sale, and all proceeds will go to the school Milo attended. It feels really great doing something good for a place Lynn loved so much.

Updated 4: The shirt being made is Option 3! Thank you for all who messaged, tweeted, Facebooked, and Instagrammed, and commented here which you liked best. I really appreciate it. Regular Projects is currently making them and it’ll be about three weeks when they will be ready. I am learning to set up an online store for pre-order. This is my first time doing this, and I want to make sure I do it correct, please bear with me.

All proceeds from the shirts will go to the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children.

Lynn Shelton Shirt
Lynn Shelton Shirt

Lynn Shelton video tribute. <3

Movies to Watch During COVID-19 Quarantine

Right now we are on lockdown. Boredom and cabin fever is setting in, we are getting restless but there’s not much we can do but follow protocol if we want to stay alive and healthy.

Since I think movies are pretty OK, I made a list of movies to watch while in quarantine. I started to put where you can stream, rent, or buy, but that became daunting. There is an app called JustWatch which tells you where you can do all three for any movie. Use this when looking for a movie, it’s very handy.

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The Last Great American Whale: Part Two

“Feet on the ground, head in the sky.”

One year ago today, I was coloring with my niece Rylan at my sister’s when she (my sister) got the dreadful phone call that our dad passed away unexpectedly. I still feel that numbing shock. I still feel like vomiting.

I have had one year to reflect on my dad’s life and my own. One year to sleep a lot and have an excuse. One year to let go and learn how to reform.

Breathe.

This last year was filled with memories of the good times my sister and I had with our dad. We learned so much about him, and it’s such a joy to hear the stories shared. I cried during every anecdote told. I miss him so dearly my heart often literally hurts.

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Gary "Dad' Whale Obituary and Eulogy.

I had the honor to write my dad's obituary and eulogy. While terrifying in the short amount of time given, I had so much fun learning things about him that I never knew prior -- what a guy. Star athlete, prankster, good human being.

For his obituary, I sprinkled in the humor he passed on to me. I hope it gives you a smile.

People who couldn't make the funeral have asked me to share the eulogy, and here it is (obituary is also attached). I am very proud of what I wrote, and it is the perfect bookend to my writing career. I love you Hollie -- thank you for being such an inspiring sister and reminding me that it's OK to hurt.

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What Screams Were Made Of

"Horror films don't create fear. They release it."
— Wes Craven

In 1996, my mom dropped my best friend, Matt Orwig and I off at the local multiplex so we could sneak in and see a horror movie that would redefine getting the hell scared out of you at the cinema called SCREAM. This film gave second wind and brought back the hyper-popularity to the seemingly retired slasher sub-genre, and SCREAM opened the floodgates for copycat movies that still follow its formula to this very day.

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Interviewed for Variety Magazine

When studios hit Comic-Con next month to talk up “Justice League” movies, “Avengers” spinoffs and “Star Wars” sequels, they won’t be pitching their wares just to the costumed fans in Hall-H. They’ll be dissecting how their presentations play with blogs like Slashfilm, CinemaBlend and Film School Rejects.

This story first appeared in the June 22, 2015 issue of Variety. Subscribe today.
How times have changed, both for Comic-Con and the people who cover it obsessively. The San Diego gathering was once viewed as a safe space for nerddom, at a time when geeking out over Captain America and Superman was viewed as a sign of arrested development. Over the past decade, though, comicbook culture has become the dominant form of popular entertainment, and like Comic-Con itself, film blogs have gone mainstream.

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Moderated the Q&A for Jason Lee's MIDLAKE: LIVE IN DENTON, TX

Photo: Ed Steele

Photo: Ed Steele

Photo: Nate Miller

Here's a nice shot of last night's Q&A with Jason Lee (Mallrats, Chasing Amy, My Name is Earl), Eric Noren, Eric Pulido and the rest of Midlake shortly after their documentary screened at Thin Line Fest. We had a nice chat and the audience chimed in with great questions -- it was a fun night.

Goodbye My Friend, See You in Another Life in Another Funny Story

Last night when I was lying in bed, catching up on the news, I saw an article that acclaimed author Ned Vizzini had committed suicide. Hoping it was a hoax, I rushed to his Facebook and what I currently feared most was true: Ned had died. 

Let’s rewind a few years back. 

In 2010, I was stuck in an abyss of loss. I was surrounded by many friends and family, but I never felt so alone in the world. I was depressed, anxious, angry, and scared -- dying sounded better than living in a constant wretched state. To keep my mind busy, my mom gave me a book called It's Kind of a Funny Story, a memoir written by Ned Vizzini. It's a pseudo-memoir about Ned's teenage life. 

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