The Big Picture It feels less and less like a Garfield movie as the scenes pass. Chris Pratt doesn’t do much voice acting. Garfield is just ... Chris Pratt? Even for a kids-only movie that’s not shooting for Pixar-level quality,…
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Words have a way of redefining themselves like a generational game of telephone. Filmmakers Clara Lehmann and Jonathan Lacocque ponder a very American word in their documentary, O Pioneer. Structured around a series of poems by Kaïa Kater, during the…
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When people are asked to name a perfect action movie, Mad Max: Fury Road has been the go-to answer for the past nine years. The Oscar-winning extravaganza felt like the culmination of everything George Miller was building toward with nothing…
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Summary Paul Schrader's direction is sincere and personal, emphasizing legacy and regret. The nonlinear framework of Oh, Canada can be puzzling but highlights mortality and manipulation. Richard Gere's portrayal as Fife candidly confronts regret and decisions in a genuine reflection…
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CANNES – If we know anything about Paolo Sorrentino it’s that he adores his hometown of Naples, Italy. His last directorial effort, “The Hand of God” was a love letter to the port city and, in something of a surprise,…
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The Big Picture The Substance is a body horror film following an aging actress navigating sexism and reclaiming her body autonomy. The visual maximalism of the film can be overwhelming, prioritizing style over character development. The movie ends with a…
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Grief is rotting Karsh’s (Vincent Cassel) teeth. It’s been four years since he lost his wife, the beautiful Becca (Diane Kruger), to a violent form of bone cancer that ate away at her body until her brittle frame could no…
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In Desirée Abeyta’s short film, Beyond the Fog, June and her daughter, Matilda, live in a remote cabin in the forest. Once in every girl’s life, she must wander out into the forest and confront the mysterious fog. June’s experience…
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The Big Picture Anora tackles class exploitation in a darkly comedic tone, encapsulating the fundamental cruelty baked into our world. The film portrays the harsh realities of modern labor, highlighting the never-ending struggle just for basic stability. Sean Baker and…
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Summary The film creatively uses space and is well-shot, but lacks a cohesive and engaging narrative. Blatant sexism and lack of character development make it difficult to invest in the story. Pacing issues and too many plotlines prevent the audience…
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CANNES – The “Anora” in Sean Baker’s latest creation is actually the birth name of Ani (Mikey Madison), a private dancer who works in a pretty nice strip club in New York City. Sure, the hours ain’t ideal, and there’s…
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The Big Picture The shift to Paramount+ has made Evil scarier and more emotional, enhancing its final season. Season 4 explores deeper emotional arcs for characters, like Kristen's crisis of faith. The fourth season also features intense plotlines, strengthens relationships,…
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