Category: 2.5 Stars
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Black and Blue (**1/2) is familiar territory
Overall, the film is competent, nothing more. There are no real scenes that give one the sense of being in New Orleans, other than destitution. If you like the actors, give it a try.
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Nightwatch (**1/2) – Looks better than it is
The only other film I have seen of Bernedal’s is The Possession, which is a wholesale improvement. He is able to concentrate on atmosphere and leave the script to someone else. One can see the connections between here and there. I would prefer to be there.
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I Love You Phillip Morris (**1/2) is too streamlined
(Made) Five years removed from Brokeback Mountain, this still feels relatively early on in the process of getting beyond token gay characters.
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Criterion: The Getaway (**1/2) slow and uneasy
Ultimately, I think this film only serves as a time capsule for what qualified for popular action in 1972. If I had a parallel for today, one could place something in the Fast and Furious franchise for its equivalent. Not sure we’ll ever see any of the FF movies on Criterion. This one shouldn’t be…
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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.
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Fantasy Island (**1/2) almost comes true
The two teenage girls I was with love this film. It is more than enough for one whose range of experience with movies is less jaded and more exuberant. For this viewer, it’s an average trip, less remarkable than pleasant.
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Rambo Chronology: Blood and Putz
Come for the rankings, stay for the White Douchebag analysis.
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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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Ad Astra (**1/2) Slip Sliding Away
How do you make space pirates boring? Never let us see their faces, that’s how.
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The Banana Splits (**1/2) why is Drooper all wet?
It is a good idea, executed in the most average way.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 