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*)
Biography
Rustin (2024.25, Ordinary , Pale )
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Bayard Rustin almost single-handedly organized the 1963 March on Washington is, however, a very ordinary biopic. Watch it for Domingo’s performance, or don’t watch it at all (3*)
Society of the Snow (2024.15, Uncomfortable , Value )
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Society of the Snow is a very difficult film to watch, but it is probably an essential one. It effectively makes you ask what you would do when faced with these choices. (4.5*)
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*)
Nyad (2024.3, Disappointing , Tank )
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Despite great acting by Bening and Foster, Nyad fails to develop sympathetic characters and an interesting story. (3*)
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*)
2023 Oscar Biography Films
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An Overview of the 2023 Oscar-nominated Biography films.
Blonde – Long Sexy with Hidden Truths (3.5*)
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Blonde is not a biography of Marilyn Monroe, although she is the central character. This is, instead, an unusually forceful exploration of how difficult it is for women to fuse their public and private personas. It is also an indictment of Hollywood, and of men generally. (3.5*)
Navalny – A Timely Attempted Murder (3.5*)
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Navalny is as thrilling a movie as you can get, and even more so because it’s true. But is it a skillful documentary, or just a lucky filmmaker?(3.5*)
Fire of Love – Full of Energy, but Not Where it Mattered (3*)
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Fire of Love is about two geologists who spend their entire marriage exploring volcanoes. But the film gives more insight into their love of volcanoes than for each other. (3)
Argentina 1985 – Truth, Humor, and the Wicked (3.5*)
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Argentina 1985 is a docudrama telling the story of the world’s first civilian trial of a military dictatorship. It is a courtroom drama lightened with humor and stories of families. A good film, but maybe a bit difficult to absorb. (3.5*)
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.
House of Gucci
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(2*) House of Gucci is an overly long mess that fails to establish a consistent tone.
2022 Oscar Biography Movies
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An overview of this year’s six biography movies. I especially liked Tick, tick…Boom, Being the Ricardos, and Spencer (the others, not so much!)
Spencer
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(4*) Spencer is not your typical biopic, but Stewart’s outstanding performance makes this a must-see film
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
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(3.5 Stars) Great acting from Chastain, and overwhelming makeup, but kind of a mess of a movie.
tick, tick…BOOM!
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(4 stars) A little difficult to follow but a great story and some terrific music.
Being the Ricardos
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(4 Stars) A wonderful synthesis of the pair – not a documentary!
Belfast
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(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
King Richard
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(3 *) A fun movie until you understand that it isn’t completely truthful.
2021 Biography Movies
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Billie Holiday, Fred Hampton, and Herman Mankiewicz are this year’s subjects in three excellent biopics.
United States vs Billie Holiday
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(4 Stars) A mixed movie, but a stunning performance from Andra Day, both musically and as sensitive actress.
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)
Time
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(3.5 Stars) A somewhat troubling film about the unjust impact of long sentences on Black families.
The 2020 Biography Genre Movies
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A Summary of the Biography movies of the year.
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.
Breakthrough
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(2 Stars) Be aware of what you are getting yourself into – this isn’t for everyone!
Judy
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(3.5 Stars) An exceptional performance by Zellweger in an otherwise mediocre movie.
Rocketman
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(3.5 Stars) Elton John’s life presented as a musical – great entertainment.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
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(4 Stars) A surprisingly good tear-jerker providing a positive view of humanity.