Category: 4.5 Stars
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Forgotten Gem? – 2001: A Space Odyssey at 50 in IMAX
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Is this one of my favorite films? Not by a long shot. It’s Kubrick’s finest 142 minutes though, and it definitely needs to be experienced by everyone at least once. Just make sure the screen is large enough to encompass what’s great about it, and make sure your stereo dulls the piercingly high register. This…
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The Incredibles 2 (****1/2) shows us the other side
“…If you’re going for an original story. You’re not going to get it this time. The plot is literally the inverse of the first film…Is there any grand message to this film? Any overarching truth to be learned? Not a chance. Still it beats out even most Marvel films for enjoyment, if for no other…
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A Quiet Place (****) is intense, pure
#aquietplace “Of course the film is silent. It’s probably the only time I have been made aware of the silence in the theater to the extent I didn’t even want to adjust my position in the chair for fear I would break the spell. The few times we hear noise in the film, we have…
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Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (****1/2) opens a new world
Along with the Gods is deceptively good. Not being an expert on Buddhism or the afterlife, I can only relate that what is presented it consistently intriguing. It pulls the viewer along into an emotional crescendo that belies the simple concept of “do good, get rewarded.”
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The Shape of Water (****1/2) holds you completely
If you like Del Toro, this is the best work he’s created since Pan’s Labyrinth. It’s regrettable that he’s not received more resources to create with, but seeing what he’s done here with such seemingly limited funds, I really don’t know if it matters. He just needs to bring more of his universe to ours.
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Wonder (****1/2) is something that everyone should experience
My complaints are trivial compared to what this movie gets right. I have to be honest, I was crying from about the 10 minute mark through to the end. My oldest daughter and her friend were in a constant state of tears, too. My youngest even found a lot of this felt true to the…
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Mississippi Grind (****1/2) – Wind it out
Mississippi Grind – 2016 Written and Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Starring Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, Sienna Miller, Analeigh Tipton, Alfre Woodard, Robin Weigert, James Toback “How much do you owe?” “A lot.” “To who?” “Everyone.” This is the rallying cry that brings a burgeoning friendship between Gerry and Curtis to the decision of throwing their lots together and…
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War for the Planet of the Apes (****1/2) is cleverly reverential
War for the Planet of the Apes – 2017 Director Matt Reeves Written by Mark Bomback and Reeves Starring Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Terry Notary, Ty Olsson, Michael Adamthwaite, Toby Kebbell, Judy Greer, Sara Cannning, Max Lloyd-Jones, Devy Dalton, Aleks Paunovic, Amiah Miller, Gabriel Chavarria In the opening scenes of War for the Planet of the…
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Baby Driver (****1/2) – Now This is Movie Making
See this if you want to add to your list of great cinematic memories.
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Wonder Woman (****1/2): It’s about what you believe
Gadot (through Jenkins) hits every destination in the path on the super hero journey. She shows more range than most are allowed when they wear ridiculous outfits. Hers is a fully fleshed and feeling character that uses the emotions on her sleeve as a strength of her character. She acts as a passenger of the…
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 