#film-critique

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Some cinematic turkeys are so bad they achieve a kind of trascendence. Last Christmas, for one | Kathryn Bromwich

The allure of so-bad-it's-good films stems from sincere attempts at quality, not from deliberate attempts to be awful.

9 Famous People Who Loathed The Movies And TV Shows About Their Lives, And 10 Who Loved Them

Mark Zuckerberg critiques 'The Social Network' for its inaccuracies and for portraying his motivations unrealistically, emphasizing a love for building over personal gain.

Standing Up review autism gets sappy treatment in didactic family road movie

The film fails to present a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by families with autistic children, resulting in an unsatisfactory narrative.

Kraven the Hunter kills any hope of redemption for Sony's Spider-Man movies

Kraven the Hunter fails to engage audiences, lacking both emotional weight and a clear tone, making it a forgettable addition to the cinematic landscape.

I have been forced to speak up. Society needs to act to rein in ridiculous movie runtimes | Rebecca Shaw

The long runtimes of contemporary movies, such as Wicked's 2 hours and 41 minutes, are becoming a societal issue warranting critique.
#hollywood

Keira Knightley Thought That Love Actually Scene Was Creepy, Too

Keira Knightley reflects on the creepiness of a famous scene from the Christmas movie, emphasizing the problematic elements within the romantic narrative.

Rupert Everett reflects on Madonna rom-com 'The Next Best Thing': "Every time that comes on, I look the other way" - Queerty

The film 'The Next Best Thing' struggled despite Madonna's popularity, highlighting the difficulties of balancing fame and acting.

Keira Knightley Thought That Love Actually Scene Was Creepy, Too

Keira Knightley reflects on the creepiness of a famous scene from the Christmas movie, emphasizing the problematic elements within the romantic narrative.

Rupert Everett reflects on Madonna rom-com 'The Next Best Thing': "Every time that comes on, I look the other way" - Queerty

The film 'The Next Best Thing' struggled despite Madonna's popularity, highlighting the difficulties of balancing fame and acting.
morehollywood
#political-commentary

In "Juror #2," Clint Eastwood Judges the System Harshly

Clint Eastwood's 'Juror #2' subtly critiques political ambition within the justice system, serving as both a thriller and a commentary on personal motives.

No shortage of comforts': why Head of State is my feelgood movie

Chris Rock's film 'Head of State' gained relevance after the 2008 election, showcasing early commentary on Black political representation in America.

In "Juror #2," Clint Eastwood Judges the System Harshly

Clint Eastwood's 'Juror #2' subtly critiques political ambition within the justice system, serving as both a thriller and a commentary on personal motives.

No shortage of comforts': why Head of State is my feelgood movie

Chris Rock's film 'Head of State' gained relevance after the 2008 election, showcasing early commentary on Black political representation in America.
morepolitical-commentary
#animation

Wish it away: will the live-action Snow White be a new low for Disney?

Disney's new live-action Snow White trailer is widely criticized for its unsettling portrayal of beloved characters and lack of warmth.
The visual effects detract from the story's charm, turning enchanting creatures into unappealing images.

Quentin Tarantino Won't Watch Toy Story 4, Says Previous Film Had 'Perfect' Ending

Quentin Tarantino considers Toy Story 3 a perfect conclusion and has no interest in Toy Story 4.

Wish it away: will the live-action Snow White be a new low for Disney?

Disney's new live-action Snow White trailer is widely criticized for its unsettling portrayal of beloved characters and lack of warmth.
The visual effects detract from the story's charm, turning enchanting creatures into unappealing images.

Quentin Tarantino Won't Watch Toy Story 4, Says Previous Film Had 'Perfect' Ending

Quentin Tarantino considers Toy Story 3 a perfect conclusion and has no interest in Toy Story 4.
moreanimation

Moana 2 adds one good song to Disney canon, but not much else

Moana 2 is a sequel that lacks the emotional depth and cohesive impact of its predecessor, despite new songwriting efforts.

Pick 3: Justin Chang's Downer Movies for the Holiday Season

Holiday season films can be thrilling and thought-provoking, offering depth beyond traditional representations.
Justin Chang recommends 'Nickel Boys,' 'The Brutalist,' and 'Hard Truths' as notable releases for the season.

Denis Villeneuve isn't interested in Star Wars movies and hasn't been since 1983's Return of the Jedi, which is exactly why he should make one

Denis Villeneuve critiques Star Wars for becoming formulaic and lacking surprises, particularly disapproving of Return of the Jedi.
#historical-accuracy

When historians and directors clash: Ridley Scott was Napoleonic there was no doubt who was in charge'

Hollywood often prioritizes visual appeal over historical accuracy in films like Gladiator, highlighting a tension between authenticity and entertainment.

Ask a Roman-History Professor: Were There Ever Sharks in the Colosseum?

Ridley Scott values entertainment over historical accuracy, leading to mixed reactions from historians.

When historians and directors clash: Ridley Scott was Napoleonic there was no doubt who was in charge'

Hollywood often prioritizes visual appeal over historical accuracy in films like Gladiator, highlighting a tension between authenticity and entertainment.

Ask a Roman-History Professor: Were There Ever Sharks in the Colosseum?

Ridley Scott values entertainment over historical accuracy, leading to mixed reactions from historians.
morehistorical-accuracy

Cinemus Maximus: Revisiting the Original 'Gladiator'

Ralphie Cifaretto's admiration for Gladiator reflects deep satire on toxic masculinity and his own flawed character.
#horror

The Biggest Sci-Fi Thriller of the Year Commits Hollywood's Worst Franchise Sin

Alien: Romulus revives the franchise's roots with innovative horror elements but struggles with modern franchise demands.

Peacock's Frustrating "Teacup" Feels Only Half-Full | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

'Teacup' suffers from poor adaptation choices that diminish its source material and fail to develop deep character themes.

Monster Summer review Mel Gibson finds berth in teens v supernatural forces throwback

'Monster Summer' captures 90s nostalgia but lacks originality, appealing mainly to a younger audience.

The Biggest Sci-Fi Thriller of the Year Commits Hollywood's Worst Franchise Sin

Alien: Romulus revives the franchise's roots with innovative horror elements but struggles with modern franchise demands.

Peacock's Frustrating "Teacup" Feels Only Half-Full | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

'Teacup' suffers from poor adaptation choices that diminish its source material and fail to develop deep character themes.

Monster Summer review Mel Gibson finds berth in teens v supernatural forces throwback

'Monster Summer' captures 90s nostalgia but lacks originality, appealing mainly to a younger audience.
morehorror
from The Atlantic
1 month ago

The Thin Line Between Biopic and Propaganda

The Reagan biopic illustrates challenges in portraying complex presidential histories compared to more focused, empathetic interpretations seen in films like Nixon and Lincoln.

The 50 Greatest War Movies Ever Made

War movies often inadvertently promote a pro-war stance, despite intentions to criticize violence.
The portrayal of war in cinema is influenced by societal attitudes and historical context.
#movie-review

Film critic contemplates what's next when you're done musing about superheroes

Audience reactions to "Anora" can vary, highlighting its blend of humor and tension.

Review | Damon and (Casey) Affleck sputter in 'The Instigators'

The Instigators receives mixed reviews as a Boston movie with a high rating but falls short as a regular movie with a low rating of 1.5 stars.

The Crow review unfathomably awful goth remake

The Crow 2.0 is a poorly executed remake, failing to honor the original's essence and storyline, resulting in a profoundly disappointing film.

11 Terrible Performances People Think Ruined Great Movies

The movie suffers from weak writing and character development, particularly in its supporting roles.

Film critic contemplates what's next when you're done musing about superheroes

Audience reactions to "Anora" can vary, highlighting its blend of humor and tension.

Review | Damon and (Casey) Affleck sputter in 'The Instigators'

The Instigators receives mixed reviews as a Boston movie with a high rating but falls short as a regular movie with a low rating of 1.5 stars.

The Crow review unfathomably awful goth remake

The Crow 2.0 is a poorly executed remake, failing to honor the original's essence and storyline, resulting in a profoundly disappointing film.

11 Terrible Performances People Think Ruined Great Movies

The movie suffers from weak writing and character development, particularly in its supporting roles.
moremovie-review
#box-office

Venom: The Last Dance' tops box office again, but Hugh Grant's thriller Heretic' creeps up behind it

"Venom: The Last Dance" dominated the box office despite mixed performances, largely due to a lack of strong competition during a slow film season.

Smile Because It Happened

The horror genre continues to impact box-office performance significantly, with fluctuations seen in recent releases.

Venom: The Last Dance' tops box office again, but Hugh Grant's thriller Heretic' creeps up behind it

"Venom: The Last Dance" dominated the box office despite mixed performances, largely due to a lack of strong competition during a slow film season.

Smile Because It Happened

The horror genre continues to impact box-office performance significantly, with fluctuations seen in recent releases.
morebox-office
#cultural-commentary

Oh the horror! A director-critic tells us her favorite scary flicks of 2024

The horror genre in 2023 features unique films, provoking thought long after viewing, such as "The Substance," focusing on aging and the illusions of youth.

A house has gone up for sale from the Notting Hill street in 'Love Actually'

'Love Actually' has aged poorly but still maintains its status as a classic film despite its flaws.
A notable property related to 'Love Actually' is on the market in Notting Hill.

Oh the horror! A director-critic tells us her favorite scary flicks of 2024

The horror genre in 2023 features unique films, provoking thought long after viewing, such as "The Substance," focusing on aging and the illusions of youth.

A house has gone up for sale from the Notting Hill street in 'Love Actually'

'Love Actually' has aged poorly but still maintains its status as a classic film despite its flaws.
A notable property related to 'Love Actually' is on the market in Notting Hill.
morecultural-commentary
from www.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Box Office Poison by Tim Robey review Hollywood's fascinating flops

Tim Robey's 'Box Office Poison' chronicles cinematic failures, celebrating the astonishing stories behind Hollywood's unforgettable movie disasters.

How Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin Made a Different Kind of Holocaust Movie

Eisenberg critiques exploitative portrayals of the Holocaust in cinema while aiming for a realistic representation through his film, 'A Real Pain'.

Martha Stewart rips into her own Netflix documentary on release day, slams director's work: 'Lousy'

Martha Stewart criticized her Netflix documentary for misrepresented aspects of her life and poor soundtrack choices, despite enjoying its first half.

Quentin Tarantino Loves Joker 2, Says It's A "F*** You" To Comic Book Fans

Quentin Tarantino appreciates Joker: Folie à Deux for its audacity, finding humor in its unique approach and criticizing Hollywood standards.

M. Night Shyamalan has always been brilliant. It's audiences who are finally catching up

M. Night Shyamalan's career reflects audience expectations and perceptions rather than a decline in his filmmaking talent.

Billy Crystal's Psychological Thriller Before Is So Goofy, It's Accidentally Hilarious

Billy Crystal's return to television in "Before" feels disappointing despite high anticipation.

HBO's Satoshi Documentary 'Money Electric' Is An Insult to Bitcoin

'Money Electric' disappoints by prioritizing sensational speculation over meaningful insights into Bitcoin's origins and impact.

The Mouse Trap review parasitic IP horror gives birth to slasher Mickey Mouse

The article critiques the film 'The Mouse Trap' as a poorly executed slasher that fails to effectively utilize its Disney-inspired premise.

Eric Roberts rips Julia Roberts' acting skills in beloved 80's classic: 'Nobody's great in that movie'

Eric Roberts openly criticized his sister Julia's performance in 'Steel Magnolias,' suggesting it was overacted and didn't showcase her true talent.

TIFF 2024: Conclave, Relay, The Assessment | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert

Subjectivity in film critique is emphasized, with 'Conclave' being viewed as both enjoyable and torturous by different critics.

Nutcrackers review Ben Stiller finds little joy in middling Christmas comedy

David Gordon Green's latest film 'Nutcrackers' attempts to evoke 80s comedies but ultimately fails to deliver, showcasing a troubling turn in his directorial career.
#acting

Keanu Reeves at 60: from surfer dude to action hero, his 20 best films ranked!

Keanu Reeves' performances in diverse roles show his range despite criticism, contributing significantly to various films, often in unconventional ways.

You'll believe a radioactive dinosaur can shoot fire': readers' picks for the 2024 Oscars

Da'Vine Joy Randolph's performance in The Holdovers elevated the film significantly.
Society of the Snow handles sensitive topics like cannibalism respectfully.

Keanu Reeves at 60: from surfer dude to action hero, his 20 best films ranked!

Keanu Reeves' performances in diverse roles show his range despite criticism, contributing significantly to various films, often in unconventional ways.

You'll believe a radioactive dinosaur can shoot fire': readers' picks for the 2024 Oscars

Da'Vine Joy Randolph's performance in The Holdovers elevated the film significantly.
Society of the Snow handles sensitive topics like cannibalism respectfully.
moreacting

These Are Our Favorite Movies From 1999. What Are Yours?

1999 produced groundbreaking films that explored complex themes of identity and colonialism, exemplified by 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Beau Travail'.

'Alien: Romulus' Pushes the Sci-Fi Franchise in a Refreshing New Direction

Alien: Romulus attempts to revitalize the franchise by focusing on a younger cast and their more nightmarish struggles compared to older characters.

Walk on the weird side: Tim Burton's movies ranked!

Burton's Dumbo remake fails to capture the charm of the original, weighed down by modern anxieties over circus themes.
Burton's style often clashes with mainstream demands, resulting in films that lack emotional depth in favor of visual spectacle.

Force of Nature: The Dry 2 movie review (2024) | Roger Ebert

Film critic enjoys exploring new films like 'The Dry'
'Force of Nature: The Dry 2' fails to achieve the depth and connection of its predecessor

The American Society of Magical Negroes review should satire be this polite?

Satirical film falls short in tackling race and representation issues.

We try to untangle 'Madame Web' : Pop Culture Happy Hour

Dakota Johnson stars in Madame Web
Film critiques questioned

Critic Philip Lopate, With Inviting Brio and Gentle Insistence, Celebrates 'Art House Cinema'

Critique of classic films from a modern lens.
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