Lapacazo Sandoval
Tomatometer-approved critic
| Publications: | Los Angeles Sentinel, New York Amsterdam News |
Movie Reviews Only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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| 78% | Mary Poppins Returns (2018) |
Directed by Rob Marshall, this musical is a festive, feel-good film from frame to frame, complete with cobblestone streets of London and smooth dance numbers.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Dec 28, 2018
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| 64% | Aquaman (2018) |
It's all eye candy for the viewer. The production designers have outdone themselves.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Dec 21, 2018
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| 100% | Vaya (2018) |
Director Akin Omotoso is a gifted storyteller. In this wicked and unforgiving city, he finds little pockets where we witness redeeming moments of honesty and trust.‐ Los Angeles Sentinel
Read More | Posted Dec 21, 2018
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| 97% | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) |
There is simply nothing not to like about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Dec 21, 2018
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| 95% | Amazing Grace (2018) |
This film is a powerful documentary. It's a must-see. ‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Dec 7, 2018
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| 82% | Green Book (2018) |
The performances and the chemistry between Mortensen and Ali is electrifying.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Nov 30, 2018
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| 38% | Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) |
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a solid choice during the holiday season.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Nov 30, 2018
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| 91% | Widows (2018) |
The dialogue is strong and signature Gillian Flynn.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Nov 21, 2018
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| 95% | If Beale Street Could Talk (2019) |
James Baldwin, I think, would approve of the film adaption of his 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk that Moonlight writer-director Barry Jenkins has lovingly crafted.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Oct 18, 2018
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| 28% | Night School (2018) |
To say that there is tension between Teddy and his teacher is an understatement. It's comedic war, to be frank, with an ensemble of students who all have their own brand of powerful comedy.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Oct 11, 2018
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| 69% | Nappily Ever After (2018) |
It's light and charming, an evergreen love story produced by an intelligent and thoughtful producer, Tracey Bing.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Sep 27, 2018
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| 97% | I Am Not a Witch (2018) |
There is a lot to say about how the world mistreats women-strong women-and Nyoni's approach might seem very flimsy when approaching such a large tapestry, but in the end, her film is invigorating and provocative.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Sep 20, 2018
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| 90% | A Star Is Born (2018) |
Lady Gaga can act, very well, and actor Bradley Cooper can direct -- even better.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Sep 20, 2018
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| 48% | We're The Millers (2013) |
Dramas are great, but good comedy is hard to find, and this isn't just good comedy -- this is great comedy. New York, it's Miller time!‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 71% | Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013) |
What's impressive and effective is a look at a recent history through the eyes of a humble man just happy to provide for his family.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 14% | Savannah (2013) |
Savannah is a great family movie choice... It stresses the value of friendship despite society's pressures. It's also directed with style and genuine affection, making every frame as unforgettable as the last.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 71% | Newlyweeds (2013) |
It's a tragic comedy in which the absurdity of the stoners' bad choices will find your funny bone. You will laugh and shake your head in mock disgust, because addicts are truly funny until they aren't anymore.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 93% | Captain Phillips (2013) |
Director Paul Greengrass is a masterful guide, delivering a taunt and exciting cinematic adventure while keeping the essence of the story intact.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 96% | Gravity (2013) |
The searing action is never repetitive, and every frame is inspired. I'll pay to see this thrilling and wonderfully realized survival adventure again because the visual elements,... made the film taunt with breath-catching tension.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 51% | Black Nativity (2013) |
I'm just going to describe the experience as Lemmons-esque, the result of a fearless and passionate dreamer whose deeper imaginative realms have become recognizable in her work.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 44% | 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) |
The visceral visuals that drove the first ferocious retelling of the ancient battle of Thermopylae -- have been ramped up, opening a new chapter in the bloody, epic saga of the proud and fragmented Greek nation's struggle for freedom.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 83% | Beyond the Lights (2014) |
It might be a broad stereotype, but that side of the pond tends to produce very well-trained, versatile thespians.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 86% | Top Five (2014) |
The film, like Rock, is impressive, gritty, real to the bone and sidesplittingly funny. ‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 66% | Magic Mike XXL (2015) |
You get lost in the absurdity and joy of this seemingly hopeless endeavor.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 88% | Straight Outta Compton (2015) |
To the directors' credit, this film works for those deeply knowledgable about he hip-hop world and the novices alike. The movie works because it's about human nature, and therefore human fragility and the spirits' desire to forgive.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 95% | Creed (2015) |
Creed is a filmmaker's film and, at the same time, a well crafted everyman story and audience pleaser.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 74% | The Hateful Eight (2015) |
The Hateful Eight doesn't drag because Tarantino has stacked the deck with characters so wild and dangerously exciting that you almost want to slap your own hands for cheering these grimy characters in their violent pursuits. ‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 74% | The BFG (2016) |
The sophisticated all-digital makeover of Oscar winner Mark Rylance, which transforms him into the non-flesh-eating, big-hearted giant BFG, has made this film a new family classic.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 85% | Star Trek Beyond (2016) |
Action lovers will be smiling throughout because it follows the successful template and Beyond brings the climactic sequences that involve explosive destruction and a brutal hand-to-hand fight between the main villain and the stoic good guy.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 14% | Nine Lives (2016) |
The film seems recycled but strangely missing any sustainable humor, even by kids' standards, which are pretty loose because laugher is an easy reach for them.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 93% | Queen of Katwe (2016) |
Director Nair shows more than her skill, which is impressive. It's the love for the country and Phiona's story that sets the film apart. Visually it's rich. [It's] structure is solid with a few twists that separates it from superficially similar movies.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 72% | The Birth of a Nation (2016) |
Shot over 27 fast-moving days on location, in Savannah,... this cinematography could help land a Best Picture nomination come Oscar season.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 98% | Moonlight (2016) |
Moonlight is awash with both beauty and dignity. I know many of these people, and I suspect most African-Americans do as well.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 90% | Loving (2016) |
Loving is Negga's movie, and she leads us into the complicated life of Mildred, with just a simple glance. Her eyes are expressive and hypnotizing and her voice-measured and melodic-delivers a knockout punch.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 95% | Moana (2016) |
Moana keeps the very best of the tradition that has made Disney the leader in animated fairy and folk tales, and yet, it has a terrific modern touch.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 74% | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) |
She expands into a mystical, magical world using some existing storylines to dip into its past for an intelligent, gripping and fully entertaining prequel that only deepens the Potter universe... and its characters into a fresh and bold direction.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 92% | Fences (2016) |
Wilson's dialogue is superlative -- soulful, authentic and timely and almost musical, sharing a cadence that's part of most urban cities. Under Washington's direction and Christensen's cinematography, there is no wasted moment, no empty frame.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 93% | Hidden Figures (2017) |
The movie is beautiful to watch in part because of the tremendous work of cinematographer Mandy Walker, who captures a feeling of a time long gone. The music elevates the true story.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 88% | Chapter & Verse (2017) |
The theme of the drama is familiar and from the very first frame, viewers will understand that this film is a powerful story wrapped so tightly in truth.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 84% | A United Kingdom (2017) |
This story is great filmmaking, and director Asante makes the end result look and feel effortless. Her eye for detail elevates every frame, and her gentle way with actors leaves them room to do what they do best.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 43% | Ghost in the Shell (2017) |
The real star of this film is the brilliant storytellers that have mastered VFX. They get it, and every frame of the film's composite enforces that simple but vital fact.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 77% | Sleight (2017) |
In Dillard's Sleight, the use of magic tricks is transformed into a rather clever metaphor for personal power and life-altering transformation that makes this film an exciting thriller with just the right touch of drama.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 84% | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) |
For better and for worse, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is average. And yet, to my great indignation, it still managed to move me to laughter and a few tears.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 29% | Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) |
Everything about the film is created to make it have that wow impact.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 66% | Alien: Covenant (2017) |
Everything about Scott's Alien: Covenant speaks to a tremendous hit and perhaps is the making of a new horror classic. There is gloom and shadows of the creepy planet, Origae-6,... all of which makes for a perfect horror-movie environment. ‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 93% | Wonder Woman (2017) |
It's told very well sans clumsy clutter and the pacing is perfect. Jenkin gets high marks for humor and for the delicate handling the romance between Gadot and the charismatic Pine who,... almost has you rooting for him to win.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 59% | Despicable Me 3 (2017) |
As silly and delightful as Despicable Me 3 is, there are sentimental and warm-fuzzy family moments delivered with genuine sincerity. ‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 39% | Leap! (2017) |
Dreams of being a famous ballet dancer dressed in bright pink tutus and a life filled with dazzling pirouettes, all viewed under the spotlights is what makes this sweet new animated story Leap! such a charming cinematic family viewing experience.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 97% | Black Panther (2018) |
Under Ryan Coogler's sturdy direction, the nuances and details of the Black Panther storyline are impeccable. Structure firmly in place, there isn't a stereotype on the screen. It's a game changer.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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| 70% | Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) |
Solo: A Star Wars Story is made for the geeks, and I mean that as a compliment. It would pass the Comic-Con smell test with flying colors.‐ New York Amsterdam News
Read More | Posted Aug 20, 2018
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