Confessions of a Movie Critic

It's hard to believe it's been a quarter of a century since The Devil's Advocate was released in 1997... having watched the film for the first time, Spling chats about Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron and Al Pacino and how far they've come.

Barry Ronge was a well-loved South African entertainment journalist who inspired and entertained across radio, television, print and online. An iconic media personality who retired in 2014, Spling pays his respects and discusses the magical viral quality he possessed and how he inspired him to pursue film criticism.

Spling chats about his modest home cinema and how it's dwarfed by a friend's THX-certified set up.

Spling tries to differentiate between the words "film" and "movie", and thinks each word has a different aura and frame of reference.

Spling tries to explain why he doesn't watch the Oscars or any awards shows. Gets sidetracked by celebrity culture and today's fragmented media consumption.

Being a movie critic may seem like a dream job but...

Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot star in Red Notice, a Netflix Original that seems as though it was adapted from a call sheet.

Spling chats about the new James Bond film, No Time to Die, the Bond franchise and laments about not having seen all the 007 films.

Spling chats about Keanu Reeves, the new Matrix: Resurrections sequel and the actor's career.

Spling was a child of the '80s and shares some of his excitement about his anticipation around Kevin Smith's animated revival on Netflix, He-Man: Revelations.

Spling chats about the many roles of a movie critic, including one that led to reviewmyscript.com.

Spling chats about his favourite three films of all-time, realising it may be high time he added a fourth.

Spling discusses the Marvel superhero and Star Wars craze from the context of recent high profile celebrity comments suggesting it's run its course or lost its sparkle...

Spling talks about taking advantage of your city and technology when it comes to choosing a work space that inspires you.

After watching the creative origin story documentary David Lynch: The Art Life I have realised I want to own one of his pieces. A talk about the artist, director and legacy of David Lynch.

Spling chats about bad language in film, referencing Malcolm & Marie, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Lebowski... where do you draw the line?

In this podcast, Spling chats about Facebook Marketplace, the new drive-in culture and how to combat cabin fever.

Spling chats about the demise of DVD, his perspective on collecting and why it may just be important to hold onto some of your collection.

Spling attended the launch of the Galileo Open Air Cinema at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town to watch Into the Wild... here's a snippet.

These days people can watch 15 minutes of something and then drop it to move into the next thing. When it comes to cinemas... it's a little trickier. Here are a few movies Spling couldn't endure that forced him to walk out. Find out how Spling deals with a walk out.

Drive Ins Cinemas are making a comeback. This nostalgic throwback to way back when is making it easier to have a night out and watch movies safely. Spling reports live from the opening of Go Drive In in Cape Town where they're screening the ultimate drive in flick!

Following the pandemic and lifting of restrictions around public gatherings, cinemas are reopening their doors. It's important to keep movie houses in business and the big screen film industry flourishing... Spling chats about changes over this period, safety protocol and whether he's going back yet or not.

Spling chats about some of the things that inspired him to become a movie critic...

Spling and his buddy Tim bumped into District 9's Sharlto Copley at a mall in Cape Town... here's how it happened.

Netflix recently released their biggest hits Top 10... detailing their ten most viewed original movies. Spling drops the list with some commentary and speculation.

Spling talks about horror films, the timing of the big reveal, the temptation to go visual FX crazy and how it takes good drama to create great horror...

Spling chats about how he does movie snacks... how much sprinkle, how to shake the popcorn box, why he doesn't take a straw and what he'd be willing to smuggle into a cinema.

Spling discusses his pet hates about cinema-going through his cinema code of conduct... a list of 10 rules he believes should be posted in all theatre and cineplex foyers.

Spling explains how misophonia has affected his life as a film critic to coping with the constant distraction caused by the ongoing condition.

The Batwoman star announced she's leaving the TV show, which prompted me to think about her and her film career since meeting her on the set of Resident Evil.

Spling talks about watching films free of the marketing clutter, hype, spoilers and expectations that cloud our movie-watching experience.

My dad and I attended a premiere of a film called Mad Buddies starring local candid comedy mogul, Leon Schuster. He never thought he'd get to have a beer with Schuks himself!

Spling talks about watching some of his favourite films at the Odeon Cinema in Grahamstown (now Makhanda) and how cinemas frame films and add magic.

Spling chats about a brand new SPL!NG series... hosting pre-screenings and getting your movie game on with a watch party during lockdown.

Spling talks about the time he got to interview Milla Jovovich in her trailer during a set visit of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter while shooting at a quarry near Cape Town.

Spling talks about what bothers him about the new South African horror, Rage... and about his own Rage experience.

Spling discusses the biographical documentary, 'I Am Heath Ledger' and what fresh insights he got from watching this soulful chronicle.

Spling talks about Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek and Queen and what makes it such a magical and rewatchable music biopic.