Nathaniel Rogers points out that Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” turns the arbitrary age of 34 this month. On the occasion, he put the ole’ Blu-ray in and gave it a first look in a great many years. I, too, recently revisited the film for the first time in a LONG time (as a double feature with “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” at the New Beverly Theater here in Los Angeles). It really is, to my mind, one of the directors top four or five efforts, and I look forward to re-watching most of his stuff soon as we’ll be dedicating a December installment of The Lists to the best he’s had to offer over the decades. [The Film Experience]

Jordan Raup rounds up a bunch of public reactions to “War Horse” via the miracle of Twitter. [The Film Stage]

Brooks Barnes profiles “J. Edgar” star Leonardo DiCaprio. [New York Times]

John Horn writes up this weekend’s big opener, “Tower Heist.” [Los Angeles Times]

The Academy brings back the laughter with Pierre Étaix (who was feted this year at Telluride and pops up in “Le Havre”). [Oscars.org]

Sasha Stone offers up a unique remembrance of the late Gil Cates based on her interactions with the man over the years. [Awards Daily]

Breaking down the explosions of Le Cinéma du Michael Bay. [Movieline]

Rob Licuria on Judy Greer’s outside shot at Best Supporting Actress recognition for her precious (and well-performed) screen time in “The Descendants.” [Gold Derby]

George Clooney on why he took his role in the film. [24 Frames]

Scott Feinberg talks to “Like Crazy” star Felicity Jones. [The Race]