Category: 4.5 Stars
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Free Guy (****1/2) is solid
This is truly a film that is worth waiting through a pandemic to see on the big screen. It will also be something worth watching at home for years to come.
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Black Widow (****1/2) – The heart that binds
This is the right story for someone of Johansson’s ability, stature and sense of self.
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Minari (****1/2) shows where life really begins
Minari is the type of film that feels more like a moment in time that can forever change the life of the person who experiences it.
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Criterion: The In-Laws (****1/2) life in serpentine
There are plenty of comedies of any era that don’t age well. Try one that work at such a human level, one would be hard pressed to avoid relating to it during any era.
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Another Look: Knocked Up Unrated and Unprotected (****) is loaded
It’s not the landmark that The 40 Year-Old Virgin is, but it’s definitely a few rungs above the normal comedy film.
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James vs. His Future Self (****1/2) Stern gets better with age
James vs His Future Self has a depth of feeling unlike most films, yet it is also scientifically interesting without relying on special effects. It resists being something we’ve seen before, and never stops entertaining.
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Mulan (****1/2) almost escapes the Disney sheen
This is not a perfect film, but it’s a damn entertaining one. Mulan gives as forceful a message for equality as one can give without pandering whatsoever.
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Tenet (****1/2) Explores time in a bottle
There is a lot of sequel potential here, but only if Nolan continues himself. It’s the kind of plot device that could go straight to hell if not handled right.
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Criterion: Further downstream of The Virgin Spring to The Last House on the Left
…it’s remarkable how far a medieval ballad can reach through time, even if what comes out on the other side holds little resemblance to the significance of the tale.
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Criterion: Samurai Rebellion (****1/2): Receive the wife, free the wife
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by
For those worried that Mifune’s film quality might recede without his great collaborator, this is exhibit D (The Samurai Trilogy being A, B and C) that his instincts were good.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 