Category: Mystery / Thriller
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Mother (****1/2) is responsible
Bong is one of the best directors of his time, as evidenced by this year’s Parasite. His form is exceptional here, as he is able to strike every resonant chord of truth and still keep enough of a mystery for the viewer to hope.
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The Lighthouse (****1/2) Edge of the dark and stormy sea
This is an excellent film to watch unless you have cabin fever. Even if you do, it might help clear the air of the pretense of civility.
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Netflix Circle (***) is sped up sociology
We deal with many societal aspects: racism, sexism, orientation, ageism. Points are made in a rush, because they only have a minute to vote. Then boom. Gone. On to the next angle of persuasion.
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Knives Out (*****) is a donut inside of a donut hole
“This is one of the best films of the year. It’s also one of the best mystery films I remember seeing. My daughter solved it about midway through. She just wasn’t sure how she’d solved it until Johnson let us all see. ”
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Charlie’s Angels (***1/2) don’t need a hug
“It is likely that this film will not reach the heights required for sequels. That is a shame. They finally have the right person in charge.”
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Parasite (****1/2): When it comes to making plans…
Parasite is one of the best cast, directed and uniquely written films of the year.
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Motherless Brooklyn (***) is simple and reverent
“Overall it’s a good, not great effort. The film is enjoyable if predictable. Norton’s ability to show a clean, multi-layered view of the politics that went into creating the city he loves so dearly is entertaining.”
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Golden Sombrero: The Haunting (*) is lukewarm chills
This is a bad movie. Really it’s more sad than anything.
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The Cube (**1/2) – Canadian Squares
As it stands, it is more a curiosity than something to engage beyond just that.
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In the Tall Grass (***1/2) we all live on
Patrick Wilson is unheralded for his ability to move back and forth between solid good guy and sinister creep from role to role. I don’t think I have ever seen an actor able to give off the best and worst vibes at will.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 