Author Archives
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The Power of the Dog
Jane Champion’s gorgeous western is another masterpiece from her. “The Power of the Dog” is a western with neither bank robbers nor gunfights, but a vivid character study when people reflect on their lives and never settle for easy story… Read More ›
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Finch, Red Notice, Belfast, Clifford, Home Sweet Home Alone, and Julia Video Reviews
CJ’s video reviews star Tom Hanks, Dwayne Johnson, Julia Child, and a Big Red Dog. This week’s video reviews consist of the post-apocalyptic drama “Finch” with Tom Hanks, the heist comedy “Red Notice” with Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal… Read More ›
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Home Sweet Home Alone
The reboot nobody asked for is just as bad as you’d expect. Here’s the setup of “Home Sweet Home Alone.” A fat English kid living in America begs to use the bathroom in an open house, because he’s had one… Read More ›
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Clifford the Big Red Dog
This CGI dog is lovable once you get to know him. Ever since my sister and brother-in-law got two girl dogs named Kona and Remi, I’ve grown a soft spot for dogs, and would be miserable if anything happened to… Read More ›
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Belfast
Kenneth Branagh captures the joys and sorrows of an Irish lad during the 60s riots. We meet little Buddy, who loves pretending to be the knight slaying the dragon with a wooden sword and a garbage can lid. And then… Read More ›
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Julia
A delicious, comical, and emotional doc on the woman who changed the face of cooking. Julia Child (1912-2004) has learned the power and love of culinary arts during her visit in France with her husband Paul, and throughout her life,… Read More ›
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Finch
This robot needs an upgrade. The first word the newly-invented android says when his inventor Finch tells him to say something is “something.” I hate to break it to you buddy, but Uma Thurman beat you to it in “Pulp… Read More ›
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Red Notice
The only thing this heist comedy for Netflix steals is your time. “Red Notice” only tickled me twice. In one scene, Dwayne Johnson has to wear a hairnet in a prison kitchen, while his cellmate Ryan Reynolds asks him why… Read More ›
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Eternals
MCU’s weakest entry to date. From “Iron Man” to “The Avengers” to “Guardians of the Galaxy” to “Black Panther,” the MCU has produced one entertaining superhero movie after another. But even this studio has had its weak spots like “Thor:… Read More ›
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Language Lessons
A video shout-out to Natalie Morales and Mark Duplass. I apologize if I’m late with my review of “Language Lessons,” but even film critics have complicated schedules. I had my cousin’s wedding, visits to the New York Film Festival and… Read More ›