Author Archive
Film Review – 12 Strong
There’s that old adage that says that there is no such thing as an “anti-war” film, because combat on screen is inherently exciting. We don’t focus so much on the death, destruction and the vileness of warfare, but on the heroism, valor, and bravery that…
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Top 15 Films of 2017 – Allen’s Picks
When it comes to making these end of year lists, I usually take it in stride. I never really think about them for too long, since it’s just an exercise in futility. But 2017 was such a strong year at the movies, with good to…
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Film Review – The Commuter
The best kind of crime thrillers are those that present a moral dilemma and then puts the viewer in the position of having to choose a side. That’s what makes them so interesting – seeing characters in desperate situations having to compromise their beliefs as…
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Film Review – Hostiles
In an era when every other film is beset with A.D.D. inducing hyper kinetics, the thought of taking ones time can almost appear bold. It’s not easy to let a story breathe, expand, and move at a deliberate pace while still maintaining our interest. Writer/director…
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Film Review – The Post
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the name Steven Spielberg? Any number of answers would work: Indiana Jones, killer sharks, friendly aliens, giant dinosaurs. Spielberg has made a career of making entertaining pictures that have reached a vast range of audiences.…
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Film Review – Darkest Hour
When it comes to “transformative” actors – those that have the innate ability to physically disappear into a role – there are very few who are at the level of Gary Oldman. He has a way of altering his very being for a performance, whether…
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Film Review – Pitch Perfect 3
Pitch Perfect (2012) came as lightening in a bottle. You had a handful of talented actresses with excellent chemistry, coming together to tell an entertaining story about accepting others for their differences and following your dreams. It was this small film that happened to come…
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Film Review – Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Ever since A New Hope was released in 1977, every Star Wars film followed the same basic formula: operatic space battles between good and evil, with a central character being pulled in both directions, whose final choice could decide the fate of all. From the…
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