Nick Nunziata is the creator of http://CHUD.com and despite logic and nagging injuries to his soul, still involved in the daily run of the place. He's made a point to keep all of his film related business private so when they're announced, the assholes can be baffled, pissed, and then scurry to a place they can feebly complain.I was really enjoying Russ' daily editorial of Rolling Stones films, when all of a sudden they stopped after the second installment without any forewarning. I was just wondering what exactly happened there, and if there is going to be any closure. I love the site by the way.
Good question! Those columns were kind of Russ's things and weren't assignments or anything. I guess it's his way of adding to the stagnant Videodrome column and taking advantage of Shine a Light's release. I don't know if he plans to finish it though there is one more article pending on the backend [Gimme Shelter]. I guess we'll see. I'll forward your email.
I'm enjoying the "You got it all wrong!" list. Especially yesterday's, where you and Devin tore Goonies a new asshole. A predictable entry? Perhaps. Awesome none the less? Absolutely! It made me so happy! You have no idea. Anyway, I haven't written to share my bile for that movie. I've actually come to suggest another list. Sort of a companion to the ten days, ten great bad monster movies list. Why not do one thats ten days, ten good giant monster movies. You're a fan. You've got to know that some of them are actually quality monster movies and not just saturday matinee junk for soft headed children. I'd be interested in reading what films in the genre that you deem worthy of your readers valuable time. Keep up the good work!
Nick Replies:
I've been surprised about some of the backlash to this series. Not because of the topic. I expected it to inspire debate, but at the sheer misunderstanding of the series. If anything, the fact we provide counterpoints should indicate that this isn't our definitive belief but rather a group of contributors riffing on films they feel deserve entry for one reason or another. As for The Goonies, I actually thought this would sneak up on folks. I guess I was wrong! Your suggestion is a good one, might be fun!
Andy Writes:
I love the site and have for years, but the article posted yesterday called "UNIVERSAL WANTS TO MAKE MARRIAGE MORE OF A JOKE THAN IT ALREADY IS" is probably the lowest point it has ever sunk. The quality control once apparently enforced at CHUD seems to have disappeared.
The You Got It All Wrong series has been great so far, nice work and thanks for doing it. And, as always, anything written by Jeremy, Devin, Russ, and yourself is at the very least entertaining and readable. But this Phil Owen guy just doesn't seem to know what's he's doing. His syntax is all-to-frequently fucked to the extent that it's often difficult to discern his statements. Not to mention that several of his articles have been composed at least half by quotations from the source. It's just... not CHUD.
Since Phil joined the staff, my strategy has been to ignore the writer of the article and just read. I read that "Marriage" article and it just made me angry. It was poorly written and not funny. Probably the weakest thing I've every read on CHUD, and that's not hyperbole. And to my complete lack of surprise, that article was written by Phil Owen. I'm sure he's a decent guy, but he just doesn't seem to have what it takes. At least not to meet the standards I've come to expect from your site.
I realize I'm just one guy and my opinion doesn't matter, but I just thought I would let you know my thoughts, being a longtime fan of your site. The absence of poor writing used to be why I came to CHUD, why I reccomended the site so fervently to my friends.
But now I can't do that.
Nick Replies:
Thank you for the note. The staff is an ever-shifting organic animal that has had ups and downs and lateral moves and whatnot. I don't know what to expect of the site after April, but there will have to be some adjusting here and there. I do ask that you understand that it takes a while for a writer to find their voice. Sometimes it's a rough road and sometimes it's not. Sometimes the voice the writer finds isn't beloved. I dunno. Just hang in there. This site is constantly trying to find new ways to do its thing, and sometimes there's acclimation needed.
Don Writes:
I absolutely love the website and have been visiting it for years, but just like in any long-term relationship, there will occasionally be problems. I have to ask, what's up with the choice of reviews lately? I'm sure I'm not the only person who looks to the opinions of the CHUD staff to help me decide which movies to see, but when those reviews never come, it can be rather frustrating. What do I do then? Listen to Roeper?
For example, I was interested in both The Ruins and Leatherheads this weekend. Both films received middling reviews from critics, so I thought I'd wait for the inevitable CHUD opinions. I know Jeremy's already seen The Ruins, Devin has talked up the gore in the film for months, and certainly the latest Clooney directorial effort deserves a CHUD review. But then, I go to the main page Friday and I see...a review of Nim's Island? What the hell? Do Chewers really need a review of that movie?
This isn't the only strange case of review confusion. No review of The Grand even though Devin visited the set? Nothing on Snow Angels? Paranoid Park? The Signal, which Devin rambled about for months and never reviewed? No official review of There Will Be Blood? I certainly hope that merits 6 write ups when the DVD hits next week. And yet, we get reviews of Shutter and One Missed Call?
The timing of the reviews can also be an issue. I also work for a website that's filled with editorial content, and one thing that's extremely important is publishing the stories at the right time to ensure maximum interest. While I'm glad Jeremy went and reviewed Doomsday, having the review up on a Sunday afternoon doesn't really do a lot of good. By that time the opening weekend is over, we've decided whether to see the film or not, and it's forgotten by the next weekend. Maybe reviews of The Ruins and Leatherheads are forthcoming, but again, get them up too late and interest slowly drains.
Hopefully this will change when the big movies start rolling out in the next few weeks, but it's a bit disconcerting that so many films are being overlooked. CHUD used to be my place to go to for reviews, but lately I feel like I'm more likely to get a review of an Asian horror remake instead of the latest from Gus Van Sant or David Gordon Green. Something is screwed up. Hire another reviewer, send Phil out into the field, or do whatever you have to do to make CHUD the home for worthwhile film reviews once again.
Also, if it makes you feel any better, I think the news coverage is fantastic.
Nick Replies:
This is a huge issue I'm working on. Trust me on this.
Matt Writes:
whatever, and i know u guys regularly trash the movie
you advertise if it's crap, but this video played without me doing anything
(without me even viewing the page, juz reading the Fight Club piece whilst this
loaded). I don't seriously think it's intentional, but clamp down on this
happening and also ads going large without me wanting them to. Sure it's money
in your pocket, and won't stop me coming back (my home page after all for 6
years) but it IS annoying. And as for me not being a board member, well blame
the ol policy and micah for not returning any of the 20-50 emails I sent asking
for permission. Hotmail users CAN have brains and valid opinions. You now have
my email address (again, WHY?????) so include me if you have the means. Apart
from that... keep it up good work on all (no, most) fronts. cc'd to Nick.
(above in regard to RUINS interview)
Hey, Nick. Thanks for creating a great site and home
page. I’m in
I sent a lot of emails to the board admin (which was
(is???) Micah) to allow me to join the boards but never heard a reply. Is the
old/current policy still against free email accounts, or am I only allowed to
post in comments? And why does that ask for an email address???)
If you reply I’d be surprised, but really I can’t be
the only long-time supporter/devotee who has had the same problem
Nick Replies:
Send Eileen a note and she'll hook you up regarding the message boards. As for the ads, I don't have much say but I have noticed lately that the firms that are doing them modify them based on the response to them. A few at least. Ads will never be the best part of anything (and we pale in comparison to the shit we have to endure on TV and Radio), but we have to realize that like any other free medium, there's crap you have to deal with.
Mike Writes:
I
feel like I’ve grown up with CHUD. It’s been a constant thru good times &
bad. I want to thank you for that. I know you are probably bombarded with
negative shit. Keep the chin up.( I know the redesign has been rough)I
hopefully won’t take up too much time, but I wanted to hit you up with a couple
of comments & suggestions. You have assembled an awesome staff(with one
glaring exception!)-will read a Beaks, Devin, & Dre article every time even
if I don’t give a damn about the subject matter. Suggestion: would love to see
a regular Siskel & Ebert type of face/off between Devin/Beaks on new
releases or classic films.( It’s like you have Mantle & Maris in the same
line up- let em swing away!) And this gets to the heart of the matter; what I’d
love to see more from CHUD. Film discussion! I feel with this new generation of
geeks coming up, they hold tight to their nostalgia, and aren’t knowledgeable
about the proceeding decades.(That 70’s draft was painful to witness). Keep
hittin’ ‘em up with the lists and special editorials. I’d love to see a CHUD
classic of the day. Nothin’ fancy. Just a short shout out to a movie that
shaped the CHUD we know (and love)! Maybe the staff could take turns. Finally,
I know there’s a lot of negative creeps out there (I’m guilty too), but please
don’t give up on having a conversational give and take in the feedbacks. That’s
where I post, sometimes I feel like I’m talking to dead air (or if I criticize
I’m labeled a troll). I love you guys seriously(GAY!!!!), and wish you the
best. And encourage you to, even though you remain no. 1, never stop striving
to get better.
Great note! Much appreciated. We will try and make you proud.
Laura Writes:
I've been reading your site for several years now but I've started to notice a real lapse in the quality of your site. I used to love checking out the dvd reviews but lately they've been really crappy. I just recently got into Battlestar Galactica and was really looking forward to the review on the third season on dvd, and possibly reading old reviews of the previous seasons. However with your new way of listing dvd reviews I get to see that if I am tempted by the entire show of Peebles and Bam Bam then I'm all set. But I can't even find old reviews (I tried searching through google and only found an old review of the miniseries, which is ironic seeing that you champion the show). I seemingly find more information from the entertainment section of cnn.com. I really preferred the format of dvd reviews from the old site and I actually preferred when you actually reviewed things. Anywho, I just really used to enjoy your site but now I'm just mostly annoyed. So if you have any recommendations for a site that actually reviews stuff, let me know.
Once again. We are going to do some changing around these parts. Hope you like the results in the long term, regardless of the initial short term adjustments.
David Writes:
wow.
i've seen better CGI in Alien 3. please do not tell me those FX held up for you. decent acting.....no doubt a great story--but whatthefuck with those FX? not even close. the freaking tentacles in The Abyss were better than that..........goddammit, the people in
plastic suits in 'Alien' threw these Fisher Price FX under a bus.
that painted in Jabba in Star Wars SE was better......
someone, somewhere saw this in an editing room and said "Fuck Yeah".....?!
wow.
maybe i'll go watch 'Jurassic Park' again. at least they tried.
thanks.
This email is in response to The Mist. David, you fucking messed up, buddy. You got it all wrong.
1. Tea Leoni - disturbing and ugly.
2. Ravenous - Great music.
Fuck!
That's in response to our last podcast. Andrew's the guy who usually comments and I love it. I disagree this time, but it's all good.