May December (2024.26, Uncomfortable , Emotionally Rich )
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May December will leave you very uncomfortable, but that is precisely why you should see it. (4*)
Original Screenplay
The Holdovers (2024.8, Fine , Funny)
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In The Holdovers, three people, rife with their own problems, spend Christmas break, 1970, with each other. It is funny and emotional. And it’s a Christmas Movie. (3.5*)
Past Lives (2024.7, Simple, Love)
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Past LIves tells the story of three characters in a whirlwind of fond memories, painful regrets, and doubts of self-worth. A simple and tightly emotional story, but not one you will long remember (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*)
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*)
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
The Worst Person in the World
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(4*) The Worst Person in the World is a beautiful film with a fantastic Renate Reinsve, but maybe appeals most to a certain audience.
Belfast
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(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
Don’t Look Up
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(4 Stars) No, Not Best Picture But a Satirical film with a not-so-funny message.
King Richard
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(3 *) A fun movie until you understand that it isn’t completely truthful.
Licorice Pizza
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(3.5 *) Alana Haim is a real gem, but the movie is a Hollywood-inside-joke.
Sound of Metal
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(4 Stars) An important film that explores the world of sound.
Judas and the Black Messiah
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A powerful drama with terrific acting from Kaluuya, but needs some work on the story. (4 Stars)
Trial of the Chicago 7
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(4 Stars) A good telling of an important moment in history that is relevant today.
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.
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.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
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(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
Knives Out
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(4 Stars) Does everything a mystery should do and then some. Sharp and witty.
First Reformed
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(4 Stars) Ethan Hawke in a well-crafted mystery/thriller full of plot twists and turns. If you pay attention, you will be rewarded.
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.
Green Book
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(4.5 Stars) Best Picture Winner and a compelling tale of two men, unlikely partners in a road-trip through the Deep South. One of the better movies of the year.
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.
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.