Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  It 2017

  ★★½ Watched 20 Jul 2018

  The most interesting part of King’s book to me was the weird mystical cosmology stuff, which is basically ignored here.  Tim Curry’s unnerving and creepy Pennywise was more effective than the over-the-top, goofy-laugh version here, even if some of the effects look better.  Only saving grace of this movie is good acting from the kids.

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  An Angel at My Table 1990

  ★★★★½ Watched 17 Jul 2018

  Moving and inspiring biopic, one of the best I’ve seen.  Against all odds Janet Frame manages success and stays true to her authentic self.  It was not an easy journey, some parts very difficult to watch.  Makes me want to read her novels.  Countless memorable scenes filmed beautifully.  Kerry Fox should have got more accolades for her performance.

Popular reviews

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  SuperFly 2018

  ★★★½ Watched 21 Jun 2018

  Pretty good!  Not too derivative of the original, plenty of character on its own.  ATL shines and becomes more than just a backdrop.  Well-cast with a few fun cameos.  Has some political weight/substance but isn’t preachy about it.  Also: Fargo’s woodchipper has met its match.

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  Battleship Potemkin 1925

  ★★★★★ Rewatched 15 Jun 2018

  Always powerful and affecting.  Love the close ups along with the long shots of ships and crowds, etc.  It’s hard for me to imagine it without the Shostakovich score.  Good silent films tend to exploit the advantages of film over just having a stage play on screen, and this may be the best example of that.  “Those satisfied with the borscht: two steps forward!”

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