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***** A must watch
**** Worth seeing
*** If you must watch a movie and there is nothing else out there
** Don’t bother
* It’s so bad its almost good... not... These are films I walked out on, or just fell asleep
(K: stars) Rating by my children. As they are easy to please, would typically be higher than mine...

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From monthly archives: January 2016

We are pleased to present below all posts archived in 'January 2016'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.

Rogue One (2016) ***

Rogue One (2016) ***

Rogue One is an offshoot of the main Star Wars plot. It is part of the large anthology we can expect to continue and grow well past our lifetime. The standalone story of this film chronologically intersects with the larger events; just before the Star Wars film A New Hope. It tells the story of Jyn, daughter of a scientist who unwillingly builds the Empire’s infamous Death Star, and how she ultimately plays a small yet critical role in its destruction. The problem is that Rogue One falls short in feeling meaningful. It is a side story that plays as no more than a footnote.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Manchester by the Sea (2016) *****

Manchester by the Sea (2016) *****

Like an onion, slowly being peeled layer by layer to reveal a forever bleeding heart, Kenneth Lonergan, the writer-director of Manchester by the Sea, presents us with the clumped past of the film’s lead character; Lee Chandler, a reserved janitor working in Quincy, Massachusetts. Yet people are rarely what they seem.

Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Moana (2016) ****

Moana (2016) ****

Disney’s 56th animated feature, Moana, is a 3D computer-animated musical-adventure. It is the tale of a daughter to a Polynesian tribe chief. As the chief’s only daughter, and the one to inherit his seat, she is expected to stay put and avoid taking risks. Yet, when disaster threatens her island, she fearlessly embarks upon a journey to right a wrong done to an ancient goddess. The story follows Moana from early childhood to becoming a young woman fulfilling her destiny. Accompanying her on the journey, and not much by his own choice, is a whimsical legendary demigod named Maui.
Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
The Edge of Seventeen (2016) ***

The Edge of Seventeen (2016) ***

Despite its flaws, The Edge of Seventeen is refreshing. It follows Nadine, first as child, and then as a teenager turning into a young woman, in an environment she finds, for the most part, hostile. While featuring a familiar coming-of-age theme, what makes this film work is a strong performance by its lead character, played by Hailee Steinfeld. It also relays, maybe moreso than some other films in the genre, that peculiar age, where the world seemed quite two-dimensional.
The Edge of Seventeen can be a journey on memory lane for some of us, or simply a snapshot of today’s young generation. It also makes one realize that while much had changed, a lot remained the same.

Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people
Arrival (2016) ****

Arrival (2016) ****

Arrival begins on an emotional note that quickly turns into a thriller. It holds our attention with anticipation and sympathy to the main character, Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist, played by Amy Adams. Yet, once we, the audience, through the eyes of Louise are exposed to the aliens, the film changes some of its pace. It becomes more of a scientific riddle than a thriller. And while the tension is kept through other means (not disclosed here as to avoid plot-spoilers,) the audience is expected to shift gear and play along. That only partially works.
Currently rated 4.0 by 4 people
Doctor Strange (****) 2016

Doctor Strange (****) 2016

Based on the Strange Tales comics from the 1960’s, Doctor Strange, the film, can be described as House, the character from the TV series; your brilliant yet arrogant doctor, meeting Master Shifu of Kung Fu Panda. The plot is thin and consists of our bright surgeon i.e. Dr. Stephen Strange, experiencing a car accidents that ends up his career. The mishap sets him up on a quest that leads him to meet the Ancient One; a master who would instruct him in the mystic arts of the East, so that he could ultimately save the world. And if this sounds a little like Star Wars, it is because the story elements, though much simplified, are the same. Only that the evil that Doctor Strange must face is quite corny and disappointing in lack of originality.

Currently rated 0.0 by 0 people

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Latest Comments

    Re: Logan (2017) ***

    I agree about the relationship with Logan and Charles - added a lot of depth, especially with the next...

    -- ed

    Re: Eye in the Sky (2015, UK) *****

    Great Review Ronen!

    -- Scott

    Re: Top Five (2014) ***

    wonderfully expressed review and very accurately describing the movie...

    -- Zoes mom

    Re: Begin Again (2014) ***

    such great performers - would have expected more of.... very disappointing to hear....

    -- mother of four

    Re: Waltz with Bashir (2008) *****

    Stunned. Speechless. This is a powerful movie. Its objectivity and lack of judgment IS its power, and...

    -- Monroe Movie Lover

    Re: Inception (2010) ***

    Special effects are more than ever present even in drama movies, its almost normal that an action thriller...

    -- Alvaro

    Re: The Real Dirt On Farmer John (2005) ***

    Interesting though i was expecting more of the film.

    -- rondnor

    Re: Midnight Run (1988) *****

    great movie indeed

    -- rondnor

    Re: The Bounty Hunter (2010) *

    wont bother then

    -- superair

    Re: Stardust (2007) *****

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie :-)watching Robert De Niro in a dress what could be better.Enjoy

    -- YRD

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