Tag Archives: Award Season

“Green Book” mini-review: A Touching, Powerful Tale

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Denise

“Kentucky Fried Chicken! In Kentucky! When’s that ever gonna happen?” Genre I’d put it in: Quietly Moving Biopics Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the real lives of Dr. Donald Shirley and Tony “Lip” Vallelonga. Also based on real … Continue reading →

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“Maria by Callas” – a beautiful tribute

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Denise

“I would like to be Maria, but there is the Callas I that have to live up to.” Called” La Callas” and “The Tigress”, opera singer Maria Callas was known for her powerful, beautiful voice. Complied from historical footage, filmed … Continue reading →

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: “Green Book”!

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Denise

I’ve heard absolutely amazing things about this movie, and I’m happy that I’ve got passes for the B’more screening of Green Book! Synopsis! When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive … Continue reading →

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“First Man” crashes and burns

Posted on October 12, 2018 by Denise

Nutshell: Shakeycam, choker-shots and Dutch angles rule the day in this dispassionate biopic. Director Damien Chazelle tries to shove Importance down viewers throats, but only manages greatness during the awe-inspiring moon landing. I came away with a headache, and the thought … Continue reading →

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: “First Man”!

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Denise

Missed the Columbia screening? No worries – I’ve got passes for the B’more screening of First Man! Synopsis! On the heels of their six-time Academy Award®-winning smash, La La Land, Oscar®-winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for … Continue reading →

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“Operation Finale” – a powerful start to Oscar season

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Denise

Nutshell: Real-life Nazi hunters get a powerful and moving film tribute, thanks to a stellar ensemble cast and nimble screenplay. Kingsley and Isaac deliver performances people will be talking about when award ballots start to fly. Don’t even bother with … Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: Crank up the Awards Season Machine for “A Private War”

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Denise

Time for Award Season Onslaught y’all!  Yeah, it’s still August.  But I’m seeing a few films that look like shiny, shiny awards fodder.  Operation Finale is one, and now comes a biopic starring Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan and Stanley Tucci. Sounds … Continue reading →

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“The Post” – a historical drama that’s all too relevant today

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Denise

Nutshell: Dynamic performances, and a story about a moment in the Nixon White House where the POTUS tried to break the First Amendment. Echoes of the current administration can’t be denied. Definitely one of my Top 10 films of 2017.  … Continue reading →

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The Greatest Showman: Sizzle and spectacle

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Denise

Nutshell: Bring forth the bread and circus! Jackman shines as the great P.T. Barnum, and Michael Gracey shows  his first-time director skills by laying out a lavish, lush spectacle that needs to be seen on the largest screen possible for … Continue reading →

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“The Shape of Water” – sparkes but doesn’t fully set sail

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Denise

Nutshell: While Shape is a fascinating story with absolutely incredible performances by Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon and Octavia Spencer, it has neither the sense of wonder of Pan’s Labyrinth, nor the suspense of The Devil’s Backbone. But I can’t say … Continue reading →

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