Biography

The Apprentice

The Apprentice (2025.11, Inconsistent , Marked Down )

The movie “The Apprentice” depicts Donald Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn, portraying Trump as a morally bankrupt individual who learned Cohn’s ruthless tactics. The film, a biopic, dramatizes Trump’s life, highlighting his relationship with Cohn and his subsequent attempts to emulate Cohn’s success. While the first hour effectively conveys the intensity of their relationship, the second hour struggles to maintain a consistent tone, veering into parody.

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Brazilian movie, I'm Still here

I’m Still Here (2025.9, Signs , Terrific )

I’m Still Here is a powerful Brazilian docudrama that depicts the devastating impact of a military dictatorship on a family. The film, based on a true story, highlights the importance of individual agency in the face of government overreach, drawing parallels to current political events in the U.S. Fernanda Torres delivers a standout performance as Eunice Paiva, a mother who embodies strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

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A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown (2025.4, Off-the Record, Great Music)

A Complete Unknown is a biopic about Bob Dylan’s early career, focusing on his relationships with women like Joan Baez and Sylvie Russo, and his musical influences like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Johnny Cash. The film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, portraying Dylan as a complex and sometimes cruel character, prioritizing his musical creativity over his relationships. Ultimately, the movie is an artistic interpretation of Dylan’s life, not a documentary.

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Blonde

Blonde – Long Sexy with Hidden Truths (3.5*)

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*)

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Spencer

Spencer

(4*) Spencer is not your typical biopic, but Stewart’s outstanding performance makes this a must-see film

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Time

(3.5 Stars) A somewhat troubling film about the unjust impact of long sentences on Black families.

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