Poor Things (2024.10, Beautiful , Sex )
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Poor Things, the story of a baby’s mind in an adult woman’s body, is probably the most bizarre movie I’ve ever seen. It is also one of the best. (5*)
Leading Actress
Anatomy of a Fall (2024.5, Puzzling , Murder ?)
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An accident? A suicide? Or was it murder? Anatomy of a Fall will keep you oscillating between the possibilities even past the end. (4*)
Nyad (2024.3, Disappointing , Tank )
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Despite great acting by Bening and Foster, Nyad fails to develop sympathetic characters and an interesting story. (3*)
Maestro (2024.2, Powerful , Solid )
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Maestro is a well told story of a romance between two individuals over decades and how it developed in the shadow of fame. (4.5*)
Killers of the Flower Moon (2024.1, Exceptional, Murder )
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Killers of the Flower Moon is an exceptional and powerful movie about the Osage Native American murders of the 1920s, but it’s just too long! (4*)
To Leslie – Woozy / Boozy / Mediocre (3*)
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To Leslie showcases a terrific performance by Andrea Riseborough. Unfortunately, its treatment of addiction and substance abuse does not rise to her performance level. (3*)
Blonde – Long Sexy with Hidden Truths (3.5*)
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Blonde is not a biography of Marilyn Monroe, although she is the central character. This is, instead, an unusually forceful exploration of how difficult it is for women to fuse their public and private personas. It is also an indictment of Hollywood, and of men generally. (3.5*)
The Fabelmans – A Case Study in Creative Success (4*)
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The Fabelmans is a well crafted movie focusing on the roots of Steven Spielberg’s remarkably successful career. Still, it might not be for everyone. (4*)
Tar – A Unique Reward for Patience and Concentration (5*)
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Tar is movie requiring much patience and concentration, but the rewards are unique. About a female who achieves the top position in the classical music world and then falls, it is also about power, individualism, and, yes, cancel culture. My first (5*) movie of the year.
Everything Everywhere All at Once – Deep and Insane Look at the Multiverse (4.5*)
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Everything Everywhere All at Once is an insane look at one woman’s romp through the multiverse as she learns what is really important about life. (4.5*)
Spencer
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(4*) Spencer is not your typical biopic, but Stewart’s outstanding performance makes this a must-see film
Parallel Mothers
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Parallel Mothers is a terrific film, right up to the last 20 minutes. (2.5 *)
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
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(3.5 Stars) Great acting from Chastain, and overwhelming makeup, but kind of a mess of a movie.
Being the Ricardos
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(4 Stars) A wonderful synthesis of the pair – not a documentary!
The Lost Daughter
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(3.5 Stars) A flawed but intriguing look at the psychology of an ‘Unnatural Mother’.
Pieces of a Woman
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(3.5 Stars) Outstanding performance from Vanessa Kirby, but the movie lets her down after the first half-hour.
United States vs Billie Holiday
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(4 Stars) A mixed movie, but a stunning performance from Andra Day, both musically and as sensitive actress.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
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(3 Stars) Powerful Performances from Boseman and Davis, but it is still a play.
Promising Young Woman
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(4.5 Stars) A terrific thriller that is also a romantic comedy and a social commentary. Fun in many ways, but with an important message.
Little Women
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(5 Stars) A wonderful feminist approach that is perfect holiday entertainment. A well crafted movie.
Marriage Story
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(4.5 Stars) A sometimes difficult movie to watch, but with powerful moments. The boundaries between love and hate are thin.
Judy
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(3.5 Stars) An exceptional performance by Zellweger in an otherwise mediocre movie.
Bombshell
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(3.5 Stars). A pleasant diversion with exceptional actresses, but a less than stellar writer and director.
Harriet
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(3 Stars) Good music, camera work, and Erivo’s performance. But stumbles on story-telling.
The Wife
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(4 Stars) A fabulous performance by Glenn Close, but the story is kind of predictable.
The Favourite
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(3 Stars) Although laced with fun and titillating moments throughout, the movie doesn’t deliver a totally coherent message.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
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(4 Stars) This surprising little gem will leave a mark on your heart.
A Star Is Born
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(3.5 Stars) In yet another remake, Lady Gaga shows she can act better than Bradley Cooper can sing. Its OK if you’re into sappy romances.
Roma
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(5 Stars) Probably the best movie of the year and a great example of excellence in all dimensions. A must-see film.