Original Screenplay

The Brutalist

The Brutalist (2025.10, Provocative , Huge )

The Brutalist is a long, ambitious film about a Hungarian architect, Laszlo Toth, and his struggles with life, love, and artistic vision. The film explores themes of courage, fortitude, immigration, love, architecture, and capitalism through the contrasting characters of Laszlo and his wealthy patron, Harrison Van Buren. Despite its length and complex narrative, the film deserves praise for its emotional depth and Laszlo’s resilience, though some may find the ending disappointing.

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The Substance

The Substance (2025.5, Guts , Bad Ending)

The Substance critiques Hollywood’s age and sex discrimination, highlighting the industry’s preference for young, attractive women. There is a way out of that problem, but it may take a bit more time. The film, through its exaggerated and absurd tone, effectively conveys the pressures women face to maintain their appearance, ultimately concluding in an excessive and disgusting display of blood and gore.

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Anora

Anora (2025.3, Full-On Sex , Very Good )

Initially unimpressed with Sean Baker’s “Florida Project,” I find myself appreciating, even liking “Anora.” While the explicit content and language may deter some viewers, the film’s skillful tonal shifts and open-ended conclusion make it worth considering. Set in a marginal world, it deals with universal themes.

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Past Lives

Past Lives (2024.7, Simple, Love)

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*)

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Banshees of Inisherin

The Banshees of Inisherin – When Friendship Ends (4.5*)

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

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Parasite

(5 Stars) An exceptionally well crafted movie that moves you through multiple emotions all while exploring the complexities of social class.

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Marriage Story

(4.5 Stars) A sometimes difficult movie to watch, but with powerful moments. The boundaries between love and hate are thin.

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First Reformed

(4 Stars) Ethan Hawke in a well-crafted mystery/thriller full of plot twists and turns. If you pay attention, you will be rewarded.

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Vice

(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.

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Green Book

(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.

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