Category: Ratings
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The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (**1/2) diminishing returns
It’s doubtful anyone will dislike this entry, beyond the afore-mentioned lack of lighting, but it’s also no sure bet that it will be nearly revisited as the first two films. Subtract half of a point for sadly wasting John Noble.
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A Quiet Place Part II (***1/2) Dives a bit
The best thing about that first film, however, is the best thing about the second film: Millicent Simmonds.
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Phoning it Long Distance: Bruce Willis’ VOD / Redbox Era
The older he gets, the more it feels like he gave up trying long ago. If this slate of films is considered art of any kind, then I don’t know crap about film. I only know these films qualify as crap.
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The Woman in the Window (**1/2) wears its influence out
There is next to no thrill the viewer gets from seeing Adams huff her way through the scenes, wondering if she’s imagining things or if her life is even worth living.
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Netflix’ Army of the Dead (***1/2) is Snyder’s road back
Notaro especially is worth the price of admission, with her wry comedic observations wafting through the heavy air like a wisdom to which the rest of us are not privy.
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Land (*****) is something you can settle on
See this film if you want to experience the calm after the storm.
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Oxygen (****) is high tension
If you can handle a story with real tension and digital countdowns, start here.
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Those Who Wish Me Dead (***1/2) could try harder
Those Who Wish Me Dead is an above average thriller (with an awful title) where women are allowed to shine without making the film look too woke for the willing suspension of disbelief.
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Spiral: From The Book of Saw (***1/2) finally makes good on the promise
It’s not necessarily a reinvention, but the same story in better hands.
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Separation (*1/2) In search of anxiety
You can skip this and just assume you will know the real killer in the first 5 minutes.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 