Talk about being lucky! Maymay got to interview her absolute favorite movie critic/reviewer/interviewer James Oster! James is better known as Jimmy O from the popular movie website joblo.com. Maymay loves reading and watching his reviews and interviews, and looks forward to hearing what he thinks about each and every movie. Not only is he an incredible writer, Jimmy has a heart of gold. He has been so patient and kind to Maymay, and is always willing to answer any of her questions. He has also been incredibly supportive of an autistic girl who struggles with so much, and dreams of being a professional like him. Jimmy has taught me that you don't need to meet someone in person to have them touch your life in a meaningful way. He is the epitome of what acceptance looks like.
How long have you had your blog?
I joined the crew of JoBlo back around 2006 or so. The amazing fellow who started it, Berge Garabedian created this fantastic movie website way back in 1998 and it continues to grow.
What inspired you to write your blog?
Well, I was hired on but originally I was going to be working with a friend for his own smaller movie blog. JoBlo however is more of a movie news website than a blog, so I was given the great opportunity thanks to my pal John Fallon who ran Arrow in the Head - the horror site in the JoBlo family. After writing a ton of DVD reviews for Arrow, I soon had the opportunity to cover junkets for JoBlo, and ultimately reviews as well.
I saw that you got to visit some movie sets on your website. What was your favorite set to visit?
That is tough because I've had set visits that are great for a number of different reasons. I think my favorite however was EXTRACT because it introduced me to one of my good friends, and I had real quality time with the talent involved. For sheer geek centric factor, I'd probably say Iron Man 2 because the group of us had the chance to see Scarlett Johansson in her Black Widow outfit before anybody else. I'll never forget that.
Who was your favorite celebrity interview? Why?
There are so many that I've really enjoyed. Recently, I have to say that George Miller was incredible. As a massive fan of Mad Max: Fury Road - as well as the rest of the films in the franchise - he is one of the kindest individuals I've had the privilege to talk to. And so very smart, and crazy talented. Other favorites include Channing Tatum, Genesis Rodriguez and Kathryn Hahn. I really love when you can find a connection with them, especially in such a short amount of time.
What kind of movies get you excited to go see?
I love movies. From the classics to what is popular - and oftentimes not so popular - today. It is hard to say exactly what excites me. It could be the story, or the talent involved. It could be an intriguing premise. The power of cinema can be intoxicating, and to disappear into a film for a couple of hours is a wonderful thing. If I feel like I can disappear into it, it excites me.
How did you get so lucky to get the big interviews?
JoBlo.com has a great reputation. I was very lucky to get hired on to an already established website. That helps.
What kind of training did you have?
Mostly theatre. I studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as taking a number of classes at UCLA for film.
Is there a movie you're waiting to see?
Star Wars of course. I'm very interested in SOUTHPAW with Jake Gyllenhaal - he is also a fantastic interview. And I'm really looking forward to Guillermo del Toro returning to horror with CRIMSON PEAK. Not surprisingly, I'm very excited to see FURY ROAD again.
Is there anything you would like to add that I didn't ask?
The beauty of cinema is that it offers everybody something different. As somebody who reviews films, it is also very important to enjoy what you enjoy without having to answer to others. Ultimately if you connect to a film, it works for you no matter what others think. And I love what you are doing with your website. It is an exciting and wonderful voice, so thank you for letting me be a part of it!
Thank you for letting me interview you. I want to do what you are able to do and this means a lot to me.
I joined the crew of JoBlo back around 2006 or so. The amazing fellow who started it, Berge Garabedian created this fantastic movie website way back in 1998 and it continues to grow.
What inspired you to write your blog?
Well, I was hired on but originally I was going to be working with a friend for his own smaller movie blog. JoBlo however is more of a movie news website than a blog, so I was given the great opportunity thanks to my pal John Fallon who ran Arrow in the Head - the horror site in the JoBlo family. After writing a ton of DVD reviews for Arrow, I soon had the opportunity to cover junkets for JoBlo, and ultimately reviews as well.
I saw that you got to visit some movie sets on your website. What was your favorite set to visit?
That is tough because I've had set visits that are great for a number of different reasons. I think my favorite however was EXTRACT because it introduced me to one of my good friends, and I had real quality time with the talent involved. For sheer geek centric factor, I'd probably say Iron Man 2 because the group of us had the chance to see Scarlett Johansson in her Black Widow outfit before anybody else. I'll never forget that.
Who was your favorite celebrity interview? Why?
There are so many that I've really enjoyed. Recently, I have to say that George Miller was incredible. As a massive fan of Mad Max: Fury Road - as well as the rest of the films in the franchise - he is one of the kindest individuals I've had the privilege to talk to. And so very smart, and crazy talented. Other favorites include Channing Tatum, Genesis Rodriguez and Kathryn Hahn. I really love when you can find a connection with them, especially in such a short amount of time.
What kind of movies get you excited to go see?
I love movies. From the classics to what is popular - and oftentimes not so popular - today. It is hard to say exactly what excites me. It could be the story, or the talent involved. It could be an intriguing premise. The power of cinema can be intoxicating, and to disappear into a film for a couple of hours is a wonderful thing. If I feel like I can disappear into it, it excites me.
How did you get so lucky to get the big interviews?
JoBlo.com has a great reputation. I was very lucky to get hired on to an already established website. That helps.
What kind of training did you have?
Mostly theatre. I studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as taking a number of classes at UCLA for film.
Is there a movie you're waiting to see?
Star Wars of course. I'm very interested in SOUTHPAW with Jake Gyllenhaal - he is also a fantastic interview. And I'm really looking forward to Guillermo del Toro returning to horror with CRIMSON PEAK. Not surprisingly, I'm very excited to see FURY ROAD again.
Is there anything you would like to add that I didn't ask?
The beauty of cinema is that it offers everybody something different. As somebody who reviews films, it is also very important to enjoy what you enjoy without having to answer to others. Ultimately if you connect to a film, it works for you no matter what others think. And I love what you are doing with your website. It is an exciting and wonderful voice, so thank you for letting me be a part of it!
Thank you for letting me interview you. I want to do what you are able to do and this means a lot to me.
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