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Taron Egerton Stars in Netflix's Tense Christmas Thriller 'Carry-On'
1 year ago•Source: Variety
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6.99 min•1 year ago
Timothée Chalamet Dazzles as Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown'
"A Complete Unknown" is an offbeat biopic directed by James Mangold, featuring Timothée Chalamet's uncanny portrayal of Bob Dylan during his early years. The film captures Dylan's transformation from a folk music purist to a rock 'n' roll icon, with Chalamet delivering a transfixing performance that embodies Dylan's enigmatic charisma. The narrative unfolds through Dylan's music, highlighting his relationships with Joan Baez and others, and his journey into the electric music era, reflecting the personal and artistic challenges he faced.
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Moana 2: A Lackluster Voyage Compared to the Original
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Billy Preston: The 'Fifth Beatle' Who Transformed Rock Legends
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Exploring Dreams and Reality in 'All We Imagine as Light'
Payal Kapadia's film "All We Imagine As Light" offers a poetic and intimate portrayal of Mumbai, focusing on the lives of three women working in a hospital. The film, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes, explores themes of loneliness, forbidden love, and displacement, set against the backdrop of a city depicted as both dreamlike and illusory. As the protagonists leave Mumbai for a coastal town, the narrative shifts towards magical realism, highlighting the tension between reality and fantasy.
Anthony Mackie's Sci-Fi Thriller 'Elevation' Hits Theaters with Colorado Backdrop
"Elevation" is a sci-fi action thriller set in a near-future America where humanity is threatened by giant "Reaper" insects that dominate areas below 8,000 feet. Starring Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin, the film follows a father's perilous journey to secure medical supplies for his son, with the help of a misanthropic scientist. Despite lacking originality, the film offers tight pacing and solid performances, delivering an entertaining, if familiar, monster movie experience.
"Emma Stone Shines in Sheer Polka Dots at 'Kinds of Kindness' Premiere"
Yorgos Lanthimos' new film "Kinds of Kindness" features Jesse Plemons in three roles and explores themes of control and domination through three dark fables. Despite Plemons' award-winning performance, the film is criticized for its repetitive and exhausted ideas, lacking the rigor and unified vision of Lanthimos' previous works.
"Green Border: Agnieszka Holland's Powerful Take on the Refugee Crisis"
Agnieszka Holland's "Green Border" is a powerful, black-and-white film that delves into the harrowing experiences of refugees caught between Belarus and Poland. The film, based on real events, portrays the brutal treatment of migrants and the political machinations behind their suffering. Through multiple perspectives, including refugees, Polish border guards, and activists, Holland forces viewers to confront the raw and often horrifying realities of human behavior and political exploitation. The film's structure and stark imagery make it an unforgettable and deeply impactful viewing experience.
Lily Gladstone Dazzles in Indigenous Drama 'Fancy Dance'
"Fancy Dance," a film by Erica Tremblay on Apple TV+, explores the resilience of Native American families against the backdrop of cultural violence and forced assimilation. The story follows Jax, a queer Cayuga woman, and her niece Roki as they navigate the challenges of keeping their family together amidst systemic neglect and racism. Anchored by strong performances from Lily Gladstone and Isabel Deroy-Olson, the film highlights the importance of cultural identity and community support.
Lily Gladstone Dazzles in Indigenous Drama 'Fancy Dance'
"Fancy Dance" is a compelling film featuring Lily Gladstone as Jax, a woman grappling with her sister's mysterious disappearance from the Seneca-Cayuga reservation while raising her niece. The film blends a missing person thriller, a coming-of-age story, and a critique of societal neglect, all anchored by Gladstone's powerful performance. Despite inevitable comparisons to "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Fancy Dance" stands out as an engaging and poignant narrative in its own right. Grade: B+.
'The Dead Don't Hurt': Viggo Mortensen's Unique Western Gem
"The Dead Don't Hurt," directed by Viggo Mortensen, features Vicky Krieps as Vivienne LeCoudy, a resilient French Canadian pioneer woman. The film's nonlinear narrative complicates its otherwise sensitive take on the Western genre, focusing on Vivienne's struggles and independence during the Civil War era. Despite some predictable plot devices, Krieps' performance and Mortensen's enlightened approach offer a refreshing perspective on a traditionally male-dominated genre.
"Viggo Mortensen's 'The Dead Don't Hurt': A Unique Western Led by Vicky Krieps"
Viggo Mortensen's "The Dead Don’t Hurt" is a multifaceted western where he not only stars but also directs, writes, and composes the score. The film features a complex narrative structure, focusing on a bereaved sheriff and his partner, Vivienne, as they navigate life and justice in a lawless town. Despite its intricate storytelling, the strong performances make it a compelling watch.
"Daisy Ridley Shines in Jerry Bruckheimer's 'Young Woman and the Sea'"
"Young Woman and the Sea," a Disney biopic about pioneering swimmer Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle, offers an inspiring but surface-level portrayal of her achievements. Despite overcoming significant adversity to become the first woman to swim the English Channel, the film simplifies her struggles and character, focusing more on broad feminist themes than on her personal depth. While the action sequences are well-executed, the film ultimately fails to delve into the complexities of Ederle's life and determination.
"Ezra: A Heartfelt Dramedy Spotlighting Autism"
"Ezra," directed by Tony Goldwyn, is a heartfelt dramedy about an 11-year-old autistic boy caught between his sparring parents. While the film doesn't transcend typical heartstring-tuggers, it offers a tender portrayal of autism, bolstered by strong performances from Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, and a standout debut by William A. Fitzgerald. Despite its flaws, "Ezra" is a forward-thinking addition to films about neurodivergence.