Category: CPE
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Timeline (*) is out of sync
This is what happens when one takes B-Level material by a good writer with a director who is kind of through with the hassle of being a director.
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Forgotten Gem: Slap Shot (*****) is as good as it gets
The real surprise and the definite treat of the film are the Hansons. They have such an innocence and exuberance for the game of hockey, they carry whatever portion of the film that is not being driven by Newman.
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Criterion: Muhomatsu, the Rickshaw Man (****) – Life in your own lane
See this film if you want to smile, but don’t expect to go away with the idea that stoicism is easy. Even if Mifune makes it seem that way.
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Uncut Gems (***1/2) – Even the losers
The Safdie’s are not breaking new ground, but it covers familiar territory like Velma looking for her glasses, in Scooby Doo. We know she’s going to find them, but someone else will get the credit for the win.
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Underwater (***) holds enough air
If you expect this to be a version of 10 Little Indians, you’d be right. It is handled about as well as one can imagine. It didn’t feel like a waste of time, and it made us curious enough to look up Cthulhu.
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Adrift (***) is steady as she goes
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Overall, the film is a good story. It is inspiring to see people succeed through the gifts God gave them, even when they forgo the giving of thanks.
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Another Look: Can we all admit Saving Private Ryan (***1/2) is good sentimental B.S.?
The soldiers deserve the knowledge that we cannot or will not forget their sacrifice. Then we can work to earn the freedom they gave to us, like Captain Miller wanted Private Ryan to do.
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Criterion: Throne of Blood (*****) is a tragic beauty
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It’s hard to list Kurosawa’s films in terms of greatness. Ranking is almost impossible.
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Criterion: Samurai III: Duel At Ganryu Island (****) settles down
The last installment of the trilogy narrowly avoids greatness by concentrating on the love story. It’s not that any of the storylines are done poorly. On the contrary, they’re about as evocative as was possible at the time.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 