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RT Archives

RT Archives

Even the oldest movies were new once. With the RT Archives, we're digging through newspapers and magazines from the past to find out what the critics said about classic movies -- before they were classics. What did the critics say about your favorites when they were brand new? Take a deep dive into the RT Archives and find out.

RT Archive Sources

  • Pauline Kael

    Pauline Kael

    Pauline Kael was a prolific film critic at The New Yorker from 1967-1991, whose legacy lives on for her sharp wit, pioneering spirit, and prickly sensibility.

  • Dan DiNicola

    Dan DiNicola

    Dan DiNicola was an Emmy Award winning journalist whose versatility as a reporter, former school teacher, and most notably a film critic garnered him respect, acclaim, and notoriety as a daring voice for the arts.

  • Curve

    Curve

    Curve was a lesbian magazine created by Franco Stevens in 1991 and originally called Deneuve. Its first issue sold out in just six days, evidence of the need for and lack of lesbian media in the ’90s. Curve covered everything in pop culture and lesbian life, from politics and civil rights to music, books, movies, television, and style.

  • Motion Picture Herald (Exhibitors Herald)

    Motion Picture Herald (Exhibitors Herald)

    Originally published as the Exhibitors Herald for Chicago-based exhibitors, this trade ran from 1915 to 1973. By 1930, many acquisitions and mergers expanded the publication nationally – it was renamed as the Motion Picture Herald, with the entire American film industry as its audience. Founder Martin Quigley served as a voice of reason and wariness within the film industry throughout his years at the helm of this mighty influential paper.

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Recently Added Archive Reviews

  • Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

    Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

    After all these year -- all the hopes, fears, disappointments, predictions and surprises of five indelible chapters -- no movie could fulfill every expectation for the final Star Wars, but Revenge of the Sith is a gift no true fan can reject.

    Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer (May 17, 2005)

  • Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

    Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

    With “Episode II,” Lucas has delivered a rousing, technically unequaled action-adventure saddled with some clunky storytelling. Taken on its own merits, it’s a worthwhile thrill ride.

    Brian J. Arthurs, Beach Reporter (Southern California) (May 15, 2002)

  • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

    Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

    Despite some awesome effects and cleverly crafted creatures, "The Phantom Menace" is merely a ghost of a space epic, a hint of a myth in the making.

    Bob Ross, Tampa Tribune (May 19, 1999)

  • Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

    Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

    Not a great movie in the sense that it describes the human condition. It simply is a fun picture that will appeal to those who enjoy Buck Rogers-style adventures. What places it a sizable cut above the routine is its spectacular visual effects.

    Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune (May 27, 1977)