Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

LaPointe's interest in movies brings him to stage of awards show

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE It's a long way from the Willow Theater in Willamansett to the stage of the Critics' Choice Awards, but it's been the journey for one local film fan, Francis LaPointe.

Perhaps better known for his roles in government as a state representative and now as a key member of Mayor Michael Bissonnette's staff, LaPointe has had a love affair with the movies since he was a child.

LaPointe remembers the movie ads were located on page two in the Holyoke Transcript-Telegram and that was the first page he learned to read. His family regularly went to the movies every Saturday night while he was growing up. Usually they went to the Victory Theater in Holyoke, unless there was a Roy Rogers western playing at the Strand in Holyoke, he remembered with a smile.

The Willow at the "Y" in Willamansett -- now a church -- was LaPointe's movie hangout in Chicopee. He fondly recalled the bill would change three times a week with double features, providing local film fans with a choice of six different movies a week.

His interest in film led him to the role of a critic in 1976 when he began reviewing films in local newspapers, on radio and on WGGB TV. Since 1999, LaPointe has been one of a group of reviewers who provide their readers with reviews on his Web site www.projections-movies.com.

Over three years ago, LaPointe joined the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), which is the largest film critics association in the United States and Canada representing 199 television, radio and online critics. The BFCA recently conducted its awards show, which was broadcast live on VH1, and LaPointe was there.

Sharp-eyed viewers will spot LaPointe -- VH1 is re-broadcasting the show -- standing near emcee D. L. Hughley at the conclusion of the program.

With the Golden Globes show cancelled and the Academy Awards in peril, the Critics' Choice Awards may be the only awards show that is not affected by the strike by the Writers Guild of America.

LaPointe has attended the show three times and said it has a relaxed atmosphere. Many of the directors, producers, actors and actresses who attend actually seem to want to talk with the critics and stay for an after-party.

The critics are seated toward the back of the auditorium in Santa Monica, Calif., so the television cameras can easily pick up stars such as George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Where one sits, though, is not a deterrent to speak with the moviemakers.

"People wander around to talk to people," he said. "It's very comfortable."

LaPointe and his wife Adelle did get to meet and talk with a number of the actors present. Last year Paul Dano was at the show because of his role in the hit comedy "Little Miss Sunshine," and he was there again because of his co-starring performance in "There Will Be Blood." LaPointe had the chance to speak with him both this and last year.

Dano's co-star in "There Will be Blood," Daniel Day-Lewis, was one of the actors who stayed after the show to talk with people.

"He's a very interesting guy very dignified," LaPointe said.

Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. not only spoke to LaPointe and his wife about his work in independent films, but gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"He's a nice guy and very soft-spoken," LaPointe said.

To prepare for the show, LaPointe had to see the nominated films and received a stack of 55 DVDs to make sure he had seen them all prior to the voting.

While that might be daunting to some LaPointe took it all in stride.

"It's been fun," he said of his career as a critic.