Oppenheimer (2024.11, Astonishing , Full )
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Oppenheimer is an epic film that rewards the hard work required of the viewer. A full exploration of a man, physics, politics, and movie making. (5*)
Director
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*)
The Zone of Interest (2024.9, Disturbing , Truth )
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The Zone of Interest is more than just a story of evil. But the film’s best characteristics are damaged by extraneous scenes. (3.5*)
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*)
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*)
Triangle of Sadness – Insulting, Disgusting and Cheap (1.5*)
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Triangle of Sadness starts as an interesting riff on money and sexual politics, turns into a disgusting display of sophomore humor, and ends as an insult to the audience. How did this become an Oscar nominee? (1.5*)
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*)
The Banshees of Inisherin – When Friendship Ends (4.5*)
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Set during the Irish Civil War in 1923, in a very small village on an isolated island (Inisherin) off the coast of Ireland, Padraic (Colin Farrell) finds his lifelong friendship is torn when his older best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly, and without apparent reason, finds him “dull” and no longer wants to be with him. The change alters both men, and the entire village, both emotionally and physically. Martin McDonagh’s carefully written and directed script is executed by an Irish-born cast with seemingly perfect chemistry. A must-see film for any adult interested in how and why relationships, of any kind, change and, sometimes, end. (4.5*) The Banshees of Inisherin
Belfast
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(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
West Side Story
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(3.5 *) Technically near perfect, but lacking in the dramatic storytelling.
Licorice Pizza
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(3.5 *) Alana Haim is a real gem, but the movie is a Hollywood-inside-joke.
The Power of the Dog
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(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
Another Round
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(4 Stars) A film that walks a fine line between drama and messaging. And a terrific Mikkelson performance.
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.
Parasite
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(5 Stars) An exceptionally well crafted movie that moves you through multiple emotions all while exploring the complexities of social class.
Irishman
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(4.5 Stars) In addition to what you expect, it shows that old folks still have huge creative talent. Still one of the best pictures of 2019.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
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(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
Joker
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(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
Cold War
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2/5 Oscar Nominations: Foreign Language Film (Poland)Director (Pawel Pawlikowski)Cinematography (Lukas Zal) Maybe one shouldn’t screen this movie after watching the German film “Never Look
Vice
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(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.
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.
BlacKkKlansman
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(5 Stars) One of my favorite movies of the year, a black man joins the KKK. Although it sounds like a comedy, this is a Spike Lee movie full of important messages.
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.