Stephen Silver

Stephen Silver is a journalist, podcaster and film critic who co-founded the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle and has written extensively about sports, politics, and technology, in addition to culture. In 2009, he became the first journalist in history to interview the chairman of the FCC and the host of Jeopardy! on the same day. He lives in Delaware County with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.

December 22, 2019

Streaming

Netflix's 'The Witcher' tries to fill void left by conclusion of 'Game of Thrones'

by Stephen Silver

Netflix's new series "The Witcher" is available to stream now. It's based on the book series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, previously adapted as a popular video game series. Created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, "The Witcher" stars Freya Allan and Anya Chalotra and former Superman actor Henry Cavill, sporting a long, blond wig as Geralt of Rivia, the monster hunter of the title.

December 20, 2019

Movies

'Die Hard,' a Christmas tradition, just like candy canes, cookies and Santa Claus

by Stephen Silver

"Die Hard," director John McTiernan's 1988 action blowout that starred Bruce Willis as a New York City cop battling bad guys in a Los Angeles skyscraper while looking to reconcile with his estranged wife, was one of the more influential films of the late 20th century.

December 13, 2019

Movies

Sixers playoff series is backdrop for 'Uncut Gems' starring Adam Sandler

by Stephen Silver

When indie filmmakers Benny and Josh Safdie were planning their new film, "Uncut Gems, "they seriously considered Sixers center Joel Embiid to play himself in the film. However, once it became clear that Embiid couldn't film during the NBA season, the filmmakers opted instead to give the main basketball player role to retired star Kevin Garnett.

October 30, 2019

Fashion District Philadelphia

Philly's Fashion District is ready for its big-screen debut with new movie theater opening Monday

by Stephen Silver

Ever since the Sameric Theater, which was on the spot of the former Boyd Theater at 19th and Chestnut, closed in 2002, Center City has been completely without a multiplex. This has made Philadelphia the only major city in the United States without a major multi-screen movie theater in its downtown area.

October 22, 2019

Theaters

'Mystery Science Theater 3000' returns to Philly with live show at Merriam Theater

by Stephen Silver

There's never been a cult entertainment phenomenon quite like "Mystery Science Theater 3000." MST3K got its start back in 1988, when comedian Joel Hodgson came up with an idea that would marry his comedic skills with his interests in robots and science fiction. He approached Jim Mallon, who worked at a tiny TV UHF TV station in Minneapolis about creating a show that would make use of the station's extensive library of z-grade old movies.

October 18, 2019

Eagles

'Maybe Next Year,' a documentary about Eagles fans, to debut at Philadelphia Film Festival

by Stephen Silver

Premiering at the 2019 Philadelphia Film Festival is a documentary about a subject that everyone in the city knows well: The Eagles' run to their first Super Bowl championship two years ago.

October 4, 2019

Movies

'The Irishman' to premiere locally at Philadelphia Film Festival on Oct. 22

by Stephen Silver

The Philadelphia premiere of the Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" is set for Oct. 22 at the Philadelphia Film Festival. The mob movie movie about labor leader Frank Sheeran stars Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.

September 26, 2019

Comedy

'The Office!' musical parody puts a modern spin on a popular sitcom

by Stephen Silver

"The Office! A Musical Parody" rehashes the popular NBC sitcom through a modern lens, its creators, Bob and Tobly McSmith say.

September 23, 2019

Politics

Joe Sestak remains determined to let people know he's running for president

by Stephen Silver

Former U.S. Congressman Joe Sestak isn't the most prominent Democrat who's running for president in the 2020 election. In fact, he isn't even the most prominent Democrat named "Joe," who has his campaign headquarters in the Philadelphia area.

September 19, 2019

Movies

How 'Between Two Ferns' became a Netflix movie

by Stephen Silver

"Between Two Ferns: The Movie" is streaming now on Netflix. The the web series in which actor Zach Galifianakis interviews a famous person and asks them awkward, uncomfortable and passive-aggressive questions, has been a frequently viral sensation ever since it debuted back in 2008.