"Pain is pain." The context of this line is what makes it great. It's so short and simple, and yet it's the main theme of this movie. It's the kind of line that makes this such a Linklater film. Sometimes his dialogue tends to have glaring cliches. But within those cliches lie flashes of brilliance. It's what makes him such an intriguing filmmaker. He shows he has the potential...
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Movies
Micro Review (Re-watch) – Baby Driver
Watching this for the second time, I finally realize how badass it is.
4 out of 5 stars
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Micro Review – Fahrenheit 451
I had low expectations for this movie, even with Michael B and Michael Shannon (both of whom I love). Making a movie based on a book like Fahrenheit 451 is a risk, since it's so unlikely that the film can match the source material's greatness. So maybe it's for that reason that I actually enjoyed it. Contrary to some other opinions I've read, I think the movie captures the spir...
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Micro Review – Moana
This is an enjoyable and beautifully produced Disney animated film. The music is great, The Rock is great, the setting is gorgeous (I love the way they did the water and ocean). It follows a familiar hero's journey that we've seen many times in these types of films. But it's not an unpleasant movie to continuously have to turn on for your 3 and 5 year old.
3.5 out of 5 stars
...
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Micro Review (Re-watch) – The Post
This was even better the second time. I feel like I remember it being a slow movie the first time I saw it. But I don't necessarily think it's that slow after seeing it again. It's compelling and low-key riveting throughout most of its run. And the end was emotional and inspiring. Great film.
4.5 out of 5 stars
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Micro Review – Super Troopers 2
And for my hundredth movie of the year...Super Troopers 2. Look, this is not a great movie. It's silly, and ridiculous, predictable, and a bit too...Farva-y. But I still have a soft spot in my heart for these characters, even if this movie is far, far inferior to the original. But I still laughed. I was still entertained.
2.5 out of 5 stars
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Micro Review – Patriot’s Day
This was a lot better than I thought it would be. I hadn't really intended to see this. I have a bit of an aversion to post-tragedy exploitation films. But it happened to be on TV last night, and I have to say...it gripped me. It's not without its faults, but it does a really good job of plotting out the events of the Boston Marathon Bombing in both a technically impressive and...
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Micro Review – Okja
I like the ambition and weirdness here. It's a bizarre story, with some bizarre performances (what the hell is the deal with Jake Gyllenhaal in this movie?). Paul Dano is actually pretty good. But I'm not really sure what to think about this movie. I can't really make my mind up on whether I liked it or not. I guess I'll go with a 3 star for now. Maybe upon further reflection i...
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Micro Review – Cafe Society
Cafe Society has all the ingredients for a great film. Great cast, great sets and cinematography. It's got that rich, golden look to it that lends bygone eras an air of magic and nostalgia. It's about the movie business in the 1930's, which is always fun subject matter. But something is off here. The performances are stiff and awkward, like the actors needed a couple more takes...
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Review – Avengers: Infinity War
It’s hard not to be wowed by this movie. It was made to be a spectacle. The action set pieces, the special effects, the star power. It’s all epic. Which makes it difficult to assess. You have to step back from it a little bit, let those warm fuzzies you get (from watching a big movie in a big theater) dissipate. This is, famously, the culmination of the past 10 years of Mar...
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