Category: Comedy
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Pixar’s Onward (***1/2) nothing I can say…
In all, this is a good, not great film by a studio that’s in the sophomore slump. They could hit a winner out more often, if they weren’t concentrating on getting everyone to first base.
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Criterion: Local Hero absorbs its surroundings
If we could keep it all within the confines of Ferness, life would be perfect. Even if the town is open to another deal.
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The Voices (**) I know Karate
Reynolds does his very best straight face through all of Jerry’s challenges. He’s completely hidden any idea that he’s in on the joke. Or even that it is intended to be a joke.
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Criterion: Shallow Grave (***) isn't deep enough
“From an historical perspective, perhaps one can understand this being a Criterion release. I know some of this is dependent on what they can get the rights to overall. As a film, this one is kind of forgettable, if technically proficient. It’s a good first attempt. ”
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Criterion: Paper Moon (****1/2) is still a delight
This is the perfect film for Criterion treatment.
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Where'd You Go, Bernadette?(***) doesn't go that far
They lost me at “How does one afford a trip to Antarctica?”
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Criterion: Chaplin's The Circus (****1/2) is a high wire act
Chaplin is definitely going to be on my list for future watches. I had avoided him to now because through local television, I grew up on Harold Lloyd. I figured if you’ve seen one, you’d seen them all. I really do need to see them all.
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Criterion: The Seventh Seal (****) Death went up to Denmark
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by
There are people out in the world, no matter how much is shut down. They fight a battle just like the one being fought here. Like Block, some of them just need a reason to carry on.
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Criterion: Hopscotch(****) A nice way to retire
Hopscotch is a slower version of Smokey and the Bandit, where more miles are travelled offscreen.
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Netflix Spenser Confidential (**1/2) not exactly the hard way
There is talent on both sides of the lens in Spenser Confidential. It’s kind of a shame there isn’t more evidence of the potential on screen.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 