Christopher Michael Stuckmann (born April 15, 1988)[5][6][7][8] is an American YouTuber, filmmaker, author, and film critic.[9][10] As one of the most popular film critics on YouTube, Stuckmann has over 2 million subscribers and over 771 million views on the platform as of December 2024.[11] On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, he is an approved critic[12] and a member of the Critics Choice Association.[13] In mid-2021, it was announced that Stuckmann had signed to write and direct his full feature debut Shelby Oaks with Paper Street Pictures and producer Aaron B. Koontz.[14]
| Chris Stuckmann | ||||||||||
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 Stuckmann at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con | ||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||
| Born | Christopher Michael Stuckmann April 15, 1988 Boston Heights, Ohio, U.S. | |||||||||
| Occupations |
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| Spouse |
Sam Liz (m. 2014) | |||||||||
| Children | 2 | |||||||||
| YouTube information | ||||||||||
| Channel | ||||||||||
| Years active | 2009–present | |||||||||
| Genre(s) | Film criticism Filmmaking | |||||||||
| Subscribers | 2.03 million[1][4] | |||||||||
| Total views | 771.8 million[1][4] | |||||||||
| Network | Channel Awesome (2014–2018)[2] | |||||||||
| Associated acts |
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Last updated: December 18, 2024 | ||||||||||
Early life
editStuckmann was born in Boston Heights, Ohio, growing up with two older sisters.[5][15] Stuckmann is partly of German descent. He took an interest in film criticism from a young age, writing brief reviews of films as early as age fourteen. His primary inspiration among professional film critics was Roger Ebert, particularly the television-program Siskel & Ebert & the Movies which Ebert co-hosted with Gene Siskel. He writes that by watching these reviews, he "discovered the idea of a debate on a film, but a respectful one".[16]
Stuckmann cites his experience watching Signs in theaters as a child as his primary inspiration for becoming a filmmaker. Filmmakers Stuckmann has cited as having heavily influenced him include George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, M. Night Shyamalan, and Christopher Nolan. Throughout high school, Stuckmann wrote and directed numerous homemade movies and short films with friends and family.[17]
Career
editBeginnings and YouTube success
editHe began publishing YouTube reviews of current films in his twenties and published his first film review in 2009.[18] His reviews initially began under a short-form series titled Quick Movie Reviews. When he began publishing video reviews, there was only a small group of other video bloggers reviewing films on YouTube. He has also expanded into reviewing television shows, anime, and video games.[19][20]
He published his first book, The Film Buff's Bucket List: The 50 Movies of the 2000s to See Before You Die, in 2016.[5][15] A year later, he directed and wrote the short film Auditorium 6.[21] In April 2018, Stuckmann published his second book titled Anime-Impact: The Movies and Shows that changed the World of Japanese Animation.
Stuckmann has become among the most popular film critics on the website, having a following of over 2.03 million subscribers as of December 2024. Stewart Fletcher of Moviepilot ranked Stuckmann's YouTube channel as the number one channel that movie fans should subscribe to, citing Stuckmann's passionate and coherently written reviews as the reason.[22]
In a 2021 YouTube video titled "Moving Forward...", Stuckmann announced that he would be minimizing film reviews and would stop criticizing "bad" films. He would focus instead on analyzing, discussing, and guiding others on filmmaking. Stuckmann gave two reasons for this shift. First, he stated that he thought of himself as primarily a filmmaker, and wanted to shift focus into his film projects. Second, due to his popularity - which Stuckmann credits to being one of the first movie reviewers on YouTube in the early days of the platform - he was given the opportunity to be more involved in the production of films. He cited that seeing the effort and time that goes into the film production changed his perspective: "I no longer feel comfortable talking negatively about film. Meeting filmmakers, talking to them at festivals, going on to their sets, seeing how much work goes into even your average not-so-great movie; I just don't feel like doing that anymore. I don't want to talk negatively about filmmakers. I don't want to trash filmmakers. It would be strange for me to be making movies and also [trashing] filmmakers. Also, there's plenty of that on [YouTube] already."[23]
Film projects
editOn July 6, 2021, it was announced that Stuckmann had recently signed with Gotham Group with multiple horror-scripts in the works. His full-length directorial debut, the horror-film Shelby Oaks, was planned to enter principal photography in late 2021 in Stuckmann's native Ohio.[14] Stuckmann announced that filming was pushed back to 2022, due to insufficient funds and a potential strike between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). He also announced that they would be launching a Kickstarter fundraising project for the film so as to give him the creative leeway to better execute his vision.[24]
The Kickstarter, which was launched in March 2022, quickly became the most-funded horror film on the site mere weeks after launch, while also surpassing the film's initial $250,000 goal.[25] The final fundraising campaign ended on March 27, with $1,390,845 raised.[26][27] In May 2024, Mike Flanagan, Trevor Macy, and Melinda Nishioka were revealed to be executive producers on the film, under their production company Intrepid Pictures.[28] Shelby Oaks had its world premiere at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival on July 20, 2024.[29][30] In June 2024, Stuckmann signed with The Gersh Agency, for representation in film, including Shelby Oaks.[31]
Personal life
editStuckmann has been married to his wife Samantha Elizabeth, who goes by Sam Liz, since 2014.[32] He is also a former Jehovah's Witness and in January 2021 he uploaded a video in which he detailed his negative experiences with the religion, and how he eventually left the faith in his early twenties to pursue filmmaking. In the same video, he also publicly came out as pansexual.[33][34][35][36] On November 21, 2021, Stuckmann announced that Liz had given birth to twin boys, Fox and Grayson, on July 7, 2021. In the video, Liz spoke about her health issues and difficulties with fertility treatments.[37]
Filmography
editFeature films
edit| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer | Editor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Phenomenon Field[38] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Home features |
| 2005 | The Woods[38] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2024 | Shelby Oaks[14] | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Directorial debut |
Short films
edit| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer | Editor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Julia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2017 | Auditorium 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2019 | Notes from Melanie | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TBA | Penance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
YouTube
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–present | Chris Stuckmann's Movie Reviews | Presenter | Main role |
| 2013–2020 | Chris Stuckmann's Hilariocity Reviews | ||
| 2013 | Stuckmann's 1st Annual Halloween Special | Co-presenter | Also director |
| 2014 | Movie Trivia Schmoedown | Participant | Three episodes |
| Awesome Halloween Guilty Pleasures | Co-presenter | Also known as Stuckmann's 2nd Annual Halloween Special | |
| 2015 | Nostalgia Critic | Guest | Three episodes |
| Screen Junkies Movie Fights | Co-presenter | Seven episodes | |
| Scary Movie Binge! | Also known as Stuckmann's 3rd Annual Halloween Special | ||
| 2016 | AMC Jedi Council | Guest | Episode: "Will There Be An Episode 8 Trailer Before Rogue One?" |
| Stuckmann's 4th Annual Halloween Special | Co-presenter | Also director | |
| 2017 | Anime Abandon | Guest | Episode: "Kite The Movie" |
| I Hate Everything: The Search for the Worst | Episode: "The (NOT DREAMWORKS) Collection – 9 Movies!" | ||
| Midnight Screenings | Episode: "A Christmas Story Live!" | ||
| 2018 | Sardonicast | Two episodes |
Bibliography
edit- The Film Buff's Bucket List: The 50 Movies of the 2000s to See Before You Die (2016)
- Anime Impact: The Movies and Shows That Changed the World of Japanese Animation (2018)
References
edit- ^ a b "ChrisStuckmann – About". Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019 – via YouTube.
- ^ @Chris_Stuckman (April 6, 2018). "Yes I respectfully asked to be removed..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Jarvey, Natalie (November 10, 2015). "Defy Media to Launch ScreenJunkies Subscription Service". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 29, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ a b "About ChrisStuckmann". YouTube.
- ^ a b c Rich Heldenfels (April 8, 2016). "Need more movie-watching ideas? Local critic's "Bucket List" has some". Akron Beacon Journal. Archived from the original on May 28, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
- ^ Stuckmann, Chris (January 15, 2015), Live Reactions to the Oscar Nominations, retrieved May 18, 2018
- ^ "Chris Stuckmann". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ "U.S. Copyright Public Records System". October 11, 2022. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Crawford, Kayla Layne (April 9, 2016). "There's Still A Blockbuster Video In Indiana And This Guy Went There". Uproxx. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
- ^ Kemp, Dustin (June 25, 2016). "'The Neon Demon': Controversial Director Nicolas Winding Refn's Unique Take On Movie-Making Success". Inquisitr. Archived from the original on November 10, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
- ^ "chrisstuckmann YouTube Stats, Channel Statistics". SocialBlade. Archived from the original on December 12, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
- ^ "Chris Stuckmann Movie Reviews & Previews". www.rottentomatoes.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
- ^ "Chris Stuckmann". Critics' Choice Awards. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ a b c Wiseman, Andreas (July 6, 2021). "YouTuber Chris Stuckmann To Make Horror Movie 'Shelby Oaks' About Missing Paranormal Investigators". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ a b "Film lover shares 50 movies to watch". WKYC.com. March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "About Me". Chris Stuckmann Movie Reviews. Archived from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
- ^ Stuckmann, Chris (March 19, 2012). "Why I Love Movies - Chris Stuckmann". YouTube. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012.
- ^ Stuckmann, Chris (August 24, 2019). "10 Years Later..." YouTube. Archived from the original on November 16, 2019. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
- ^ "Chris Stuckmann". YouTube. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
- ^ Fritz Gleyo (November 24, 2015). "'Star Wars Battlefront' Review Roundup: 10 Reasons Why The Force Is Not Strong With This One". Tech Times. Archived from the original on October 16, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ Auditorium 6 (2017), retrieved May 18, 2018
- ^ Stewart Fletcher (November 11, 2015). "Ten YouTube Channels Every Movie Fan Should Subscribe To". Moviepilot. Archived from the original on November 14, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ Moving Forward…, July 18, 2021, retrieved July 18, 2021
- ^ Stuckmann, Chris (February 12, 2022). We Can't Do This Without You. Retrieved February 23, 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (March 21, 2022). "Chris Stuckmann Project 'Shelby Oaks' Breaks Kickstarter Record For A Horror Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
- ^ @chris_stuckmann (March 27, 2022). "Our Campaign Ended with $1,390,770 Raised" (Tweet). Retrieved March 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Colangelo, BJ (July 19, 2024). "The Incredible True Story Of How The Most Successful Horror Movie In Kickstarter History Landed A Theatrical Release". /Film. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (May 1, 2024). "Chris Stuckmann's Horror Movie 'Shelby Oaks' Adds Genre Specialist Mike Flanagan To Team". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Shelby Oaks". Fantasia International Film Festival. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
- ^ Navarro, Meagan (May 9, 2024). "Fantasia 2024 First Wave of Programming Includes Found Footage 'Shelby Oaks', 'Witchboard' Remake, and More". Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (June 13, 2024). "'Shelby Oaks' Filmmaker Chris Stuckmann Signs With Gersh". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ "I married the most beautiful woman alive 1 year ago. She's still putting up with me! Happy anniversary @papiliodream!". Twitter. September 20, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
- ^ Damshenas, Sam (January 14, 2021). "YouTuber and film critic Chris Stuckmann comes out as pansexual". Gay Times. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
- ^ Tracer, Dan (January 17, 2021). "Popular YouTuber Chris Stuckmann comes out, reveals harrowing past with Jehovah's Witnesses". Queerty. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
- ^ Davies, Matilda (January 15, 2021). "Chris Stuckmann: Pansexual critic comes out in Jehovah's Witness video". PinkNews. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
- ^ colin (June 6, 2021). Stan Twitter: “Yeah, and I’m pan”. Retrieved September 23, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ A New Journey Begins, November 21, 2021, retrieved November 21, 2021
- ^ a b Stuckmann, Chris (March 5, 2016). The Film Buff's Bucket List: The 50 Movies of the 2000s to See Before You Die. Mango Media Inc. ISBN 9781633530942 – via Google Books.
