Napoleon (2024.32, Stunning , But Bad)
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Napoleon is visually stunning but fails to tell an emotionally engaging and understandable story. (1.5*)
Production Design
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*)
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*)
Barbie (2024.4, Terrific , Energy )
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So far, at least, this is my favorite picture of the year. Full of sensory and storytelling delight. (5*)
Killers of the Flower Moon (2024.1, Exceptional, Murder )
2 Comments
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*)
Babylon – A Rare Failure from a Fine Filmmaker (2*)
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Babylon has some great moments, but is ultimately an overstuffed mess.
Avatar: The Way of Water – (Superb Spirit & Beauty) (4*)
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Avatar: The Way of Water is a visual spectacle, a story setting up the next three sequels, and, yes, long.
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*)
Elvis – The Price You Pay for Ignoring Your Roots (4.5*)
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Elvis (4.5*) In a dazzling production full of sights and sounds, Baz Luhrmann paints the tragic story of a man who struggled to get back to his cultural roots.
All Quiet on the Western Front – A Gut Punch Focus on War (4*)
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A German production, All Quiet on the Western Front re-adapts the 1928 novel of the same name, adding some distinctive scenes and commentary to the story of a young German man, and his friends, thrust onto the “Western Front” to fight the French in the final months of World War I. Accompanied by some stunning cinematography, dominating sound and music, and visceral visual effects, the film reaches new heights in presenting the horror of war. It also adds another, very important message about how events are felt differently depending on where you stand on the social ladder.
The Tragedy of Macbeth
3 Comments
(4.5 *) The Tragedy of Macbeth is a powerful production that shows the relevance of Shakespeare to today’s modern age.
Nightmare Alley
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(4 Stars) A film noire psychological thriller that keeps your interests, darkly.
West Side Story
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(3.5 *) Technically near perfect, but lacking in the dramatic storytelling.
Dune
2 Comments
(5 Stars) A stunning sensory experience and quite likely the next Star Wars.
The Power of the Dog
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(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
News of the World
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(3.5 Stars) Many good things here, but, in the end, not real memorable.
Tenet
1 Comment
(3.5 Stars) A sensory delight, but if you want to follow the plot, bring a notepad.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
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(3 Stars) Powerful Performances from Boseman and Davis, but it is still a play.
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!
Jojo Rabbit
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(3 Stars) Some good moments. But the movie doesn’t quite come together.
Mary Poppins Returns
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(2 Stars) Might be good for families, but most adults are going to ask ‘Who asked her to return?’
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.
First Man
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(3 Stars) Another tale of Neil Armstrong’s life and walk on the moon. Won the Visual Effects Oscar.
Black Panther
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(4 Stars) A visually and aurally stunning action movie with a tightly constructed plot line that you can actually follow.
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.