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*)
Sound
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*)
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*)
The Batman – A Cut Above your Typical Super-Hero (4.5*)
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The Batman is one of this year’s best movies. While nominally an action film, it also is thrilling detective story, told at a human level.
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.
Top Gun: Maverick – Well Structured and a Blast (4*)
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Top Gun: Maverick is this year’s most popular movie. It tells a relatively simple story well, bursting with visual and aural excitement. First of this year’s “popcorn movies” and worth every kernel. (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.
No Time to Die
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(3.5*) No Time to Die is exactly what you expect from a Bond film. Sixty years after Dr. No, the franchise has changed, but lives on.
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.
Dune
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(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.
Greyhound
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(4 Stars) For those of us who like our heroes simple, with tense, sustained, action.
News of the World
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(3.5 Stars) Many good things here, but, in the end, not real memorable.
Sound of Metal
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(4 Stars) An important film that explores the world of sound.
Soul
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(4.5 Stars) Interesting and Creative approach to some very abstract questions. Excellent film.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
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(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
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(3.5 Stars) I suppose if you are a Star Wars buff, you will be disappointed. But for the rest of us, it is just plain fun.
Ad Astra
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(3.5 Stars) Visually stunning and terrific sound. But not up to Kubrick standards!
Ford v Ferrari
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(4 Stars) Rousing entertainment placing the viewer right behind the wheel at 200 mph.
Joker
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(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
A Quiet Place
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(4 Stars) A fascinating horror/sci-fi flick where sound is the major ingredient.
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.
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.
Bohemian Rhapsody
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(4.5 Stars) Rami Malek delivers a terrific performance as Freddie Mercury in an excellent film I liked better than the professional critics.
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.