Category Archives: Movie Reviews

#TheForceAwakens: this is the spoiler-free review you’re looking for

Nutshell: J.J. Abrams keeps the themes so beloved from Episodes IV-VI while keeping things fresh and compelling.  Action, suspense, dread, hope…it’s all here. An excellent addition to the Star Wars universe, and a must-see this awards season.  Grade: A “Force?” … Continue reading

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Review in a Flash: “In the Heart of the Sea” is a beautiful tale that struggles to stay afloat

It’s Awards Season Onslaught time! So that can mean only one thing; quickie reviews so you (and I) can get out and enjoy the season faster. Feliz Chrismukwanzyulekkah y’all! Nutshell: Chris Hemsworth delivers an incredible, career-changing performance here. Pity the … Continue reading

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Victor Frankenstein: what’s scarier, monsters or a man obsessed?

Nutshell:  A fascinating look at the friendship/partnership between Victor Frankenstein and his right-hand-man Igor.  But this film also shines a light on obsession and its various forms, including a stellar performance by Sherlock‘s Andrew Scott as a driven police officer … Continue reading

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“Creed” a worthy successor to “Rocky”

Nutshell: Director Ryan Coogler delivers a TKO of a film, one that celebrates what’s come before while bringing the Rocky/Creed story into the present.  Michael B. Jordan is a powerhouse in more ways than one.  Grade: A- “That bell don’t … Continue reading

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The Night Before: a thinking man’s stoner film, and a holiday treat

Nutshell:Who’da thunk that a film about three guys who can’t seem to stop acting like children would be such a grownup treat? Gordon-Levitt, Rogen and Mackie deliver performances that are funny and heartfelt. Director/writer Jonathan Levine delivers a film that … Continue reading

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Review in a Flash: Spectre

Back to the usual RiaF format for this quickie.  Why?  Why not? Onward, to Spectre! “I always knew death would wear a familiar face… but not yours.” Nutshell: Wham, bam, thank you…James.  A one-explosion-after-the-other film that will have you dazzled.  … Continue reading

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Review in a Flash: Suffragette

Sometimes things come up…or in this case many things do, but enough about my food poisoning.  Onward, to my thoughts on Suffragette! “Deeds, not words.” Gotta admit the biggest draw for me when it came to catching Suffragette was the … Continue reading

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#31in31: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

Happy Halloween everybody!  We’ve made it through another 31 days of scary (and scary bad) stuff…and to finish things off, here’s a much-buzzed movie about a skateboarding vampire.  No, really. “Are you a good boy?” Story: Douchebag drug dealer pimp … Continue reading

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#31in31: Tales of Halloween

“What’s the big deal? It’s just a bunch of pumpkins.” Story: TEN stories of Halloween gone wrong…or could that be gloriously right? Scares: Not really.  The stories are too short to really wind you up, and most are simply played … Continue reading

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Movie Review: Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Two guys in search of an epic party that’s sure to give them an in with the high school in crowd.  Sound familiar?  Well, toss in some zombies and short pants, and you’ve got yourself Scouts Guide to the Zombie … Continue reading

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