Alex Arabian
Alex Arabian's reviews only count toward the Tomatometer® when published at the following Tomatometer-approved publication(s):
PopMatters
Film Inquiry
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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The Current War: Director's Cut (2019) |
The Current War builds upon a solid narrative foundation by richly transporting the viewer to a pivotal and prescient time for humankind, offering one-of-a-kind insights into some of the most brilliant minds of the 19th and 20th centuries. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Oct 30, 2019
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Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019) |
Smith has crafted a heartfelt, thoughtful film with Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. You didn't read that incorrectly. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Oct 23, 2019
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Seberg (2019) |
Seberg gives viewers a peek behind the curtain into a politically divided time presciently reflective of today's society, and offers an iconic, tour de force performance from Stewart. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Oct 11, 2019
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Men in Black: International (2019) |
The end product is a film that doesn't creatively expand the Men In Black universe or explore the deep end of its possibilities, but rather, safely floats in the shallow end, seemingly stuck between schools of nostalgia, novelty, and narrative nuance. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jun 19, 2019
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Brightburn (2019) |
Brightburn is a genre antithesis that screams of intelligent rebelliousness with clever, stylistic flourishes to boot. - The Playlist
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| Posted May 22, 2019
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Trial by Fire (2018) |
Trial By Fire is an expertly-crafted work of art that doubles as a biopic and perceptive, dual character study, brimming with jaw-dropping performances led by the versatile O'Connell. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted May 20, 2019
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Unicorn Store (2017) |
Larson's directorial debut marks the beginning of a new chapter in the multi-hyphenate's career. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 11, 2019
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Distorted (2018) |
Distorted leaves viewers with a disjointed, unoriginal story, a made-for-TV feel, and underwhelming thrills, with the only saving graces being the presence of Ricci and Cusack. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jan 19, 2019
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The Leisure Seeker (2017) |
The Leisure Seeker isn't a bad film, but its sluggish pace, inexplicable changes between the film and the book, and some corny dialogue keep it from being great and distract the attention from the impressive central performances. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 30, 2018
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Back Roads (2018) |
A well-acted, mostly captivating, and wholly unpredictable noir, Back Roads is an impressive directorial debut for Pettyfer, who pulls double-duty in his strongest screen performance yet. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 19, 2018
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The Clovehitch Killer (2018) |
This could happen anywhere, and that is, perhaps the most chilling aspect of the film. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 08, 2018
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Izzy Gets the F... Across Town (2017) |
For any film, Izzy Gets The Fuck Across Town would be an impressive feat. But for a writing and directorial debut, Papierniak has crafted a masterful film that one would think was the work of a veteran filmmaker. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Nov 29, 2018
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Stella's Last Weekend (2018) |
Stella's Last Weekend is an under-the-radar gem of an independent film. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Nov 22, 2018
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Tell Me Your Name (2018) |
Along Came the Devil balances haunting imagery and genuine scares with a realistic story about family, tragedy, and overcoming loss - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Aug 28, 2018
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Extinction (2018) |
Strong acting, wonderful direction, and a mostly alluring script overcome a somewhat commonplace story with familiar themes. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Aug 24, 2018
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1985 (2018) |
1985 is a miracle of a film, one that pays tribute to an era, a generation past, and a culture that fueled the progress of LGBTQ civil rights for decades to come. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 22, 2018
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The Catcher Was a Spy (2018) |
The Catcher Was a Spy is a moderately anticlimactic but engaging character study about a secretive man who lived an unbelievable life. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 19, 2018
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Ideal Home (2018) |
Most of the jokes land, and, without appearing too cloying, the film is an endearing portrait of parenthood. I could have watched Coogan and Rudd bicker at each other for another two hours. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 04, 2018
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Counterfeiters (2017) |
By combining realism with some of his favorite cinematic influences, maximizing an impressively minimal budget, and embracing the the art of collaboration, Hirschberg makes a commendable film debut. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jun 08, 2018
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A Kid Like Jake (2018) |
A Kid Like Jake succeeds on behalf of Howard's confident direction, Pearle's sharp-witted and empathetic script, and two outstanding performances from Danes and Parsons. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jun 01, 2018
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Humor Me (2017) |
This isn't the kind of film that you see for the spectacle, nor is it one you see for its ability to engage the brain significantly. It's an easy, 93-minute viewing experience. One that's more suitable for VOD platforms. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted May 08, 2018
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Avengers: Infinity War (2018) |
Avengers: Infinity War begins to close the portal to Marvel Studios' three phases in an extravagant fashion, combining the star power of several successful franchises to create an enviable ensemble - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 30, 2018
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Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018) |
With exceptional performances from Hill, Phoenix, Mara, and Black, an inventive score from Elfman, spasmodically calculated direction by Van Sant, and an incredible true story, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot succeeds as a biopic. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 30, 2018
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The Guardians (2017) |
Les gardiennes is another gracefully-directed film by Beauvois, and it gifts the audience with another perfect arrangement from Legrand, three gripping performances from Smet, Baye, and Bry, and plenty of eye-catching imagery to make up for a slow pace. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 17, 2018
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Sorry to Bother You (2018) |
Sorry To Bother You is an intelligent, batshit crazy satire that offers plenty of the theater of the absurd, a standout performance from Lakeith Stanfield, the most original script of the past two years, and plenty of laughs and food for thought. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 17, 2018
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Kodachrome (2017) |
Appropriately and beautifully shot on 35mm celluloid by Raso, Kodachrome is a touching, hilarious, and contemplative gem of a film with three wildly meritorious performances by Harris, Sudeikis, and Olsen, and timely themes. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 17, 2018
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First Reformed (2017) |
A trio of staggering performances by Hawke, Seyfried, and Cedric the Entertainer, a gripping story that mines our current sociopolitical landscape for philosophical fodder, and typically formidable writing make First Reformed a mandatory watch. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 17, 2018
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Tully (2018) |
With the help of Theron and Davis' magnetic chemistry, Cody and Reitman's synergy, and an intricate yet touching story about motherhood, Tully perfectly blends comedy and drama, creating a powerful, tender meditation on societal stigmas. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 17, 2018
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The Rider (2017) |
The Rider serves as a showcase for Zhao's multifaceted talents, has a searingly dramatic storyline with gripping themes and subtexts, and boasts an impressive ensemble of non-actors. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 12, 2018
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Wildling (2018) |
Wildling is a phenomenal, original horror film that transcends the genre, offers a trio of strong performances from Powley, Dourif, and Tyler, and marks a debut for the ages for writer and director Fritz Bhm. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 12, 2018
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An Ordinary Man (2017) |
One eventually forgets Kingsley's character's backstory, and becomes transfixed on the odd, juxtaposition of genres that unfolds like molasses to an exciting, sudden ending that will leave viewers thinking about An Ordinary Man long after viewing. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 05, 2018
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A Little Something for Your Birthday (2017) |
All I Wish, despite boasting a strong cast and performances, fails to deliver the goods. Its Graduate-esque ending is emblematic of the movie itself, clichd and tawdry. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Apr 05, 2018
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Father Figures (2017) |
Father Figures is a swing and a miss, unfortunately. Despite its talented cast, Sher and Malen can't provide them with enough entertaining or cogent material to sell this half-hearted comedy. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Mar 29, 2018
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Midnighters (2017) |
Midnighters is an impressive screenwriting debut from A. Ramsay and a solid effort from J. Ramsay. However, Haney-Jardine and Essoe impress the most, stealing each scene and selling this Hitchcockian and Lynchian thriller. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Mar 28, 2018
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The Forgiven (2017) |
The Forgiven is a timely and powerful film, and the ultimate testament to the power of forgiveness and finding common ground in our humanity. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Mar 16, 2018
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The Lullaby (2017) |
The Lullaby falls short of being a solid horror film due to its dull setting, convoluted story, and some unnecessary twists. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Mar 15, 2018
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Looking Glass (2018) |
Looking Glass wastes its talented cast on poor writing filled with clich after clich, an odd and uninviting artistic vision from the ground up, thinly developed characters, and an overabundance of narratives and plot devices. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Mar 02, 2018
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The Music of Silence (2017) |
The Music Of Silence lacks emotional weight, developed characters, a coherent linear story, and sufficient enough acting to make a passable biopic of a living legend. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Mar 02, 2018
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The Cured (2017) |
The Cured is a fantastic zombie film with intelligent writing, precision direction, top-tier acting, and sincere sociopolitical themes and parallels that are essential in elevating horror films to something greater than just scares and gore. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Feb 24, 2018
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Half Magic (2018) |
Half Magic succeeds with the help of Graham's stellar writing, commendable direction, Beatriz, Kinsey, D'Elia, and the rest of the cast's adherence to Graham's comedic and dramatic vision, prescient themes, and three inspiring central characters. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Feb 24, 2018
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Small Town Crime (2017) |
Small Town Crime delivers the goods with a layered story, enthralling mystery, classic and evocative but innovative action, and a cast and crew devoted to a singular artistic vision, marking the rise of the Nelms brothers to the big leagues. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Feb 02, 2018
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Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game (2017) |
Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game boasts a trio of fantastic performances, particularly from Sorvino and Landau in one of his finest turns in his final film, and contains just enough laughs and dramatic themes to overcome Weiner's rookie missteps. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jan 29, 2018
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Freak Show (2017) |
Styler gives an admirable directorial debut despite a few minor missteps with Freak Show, bringing a career-making performance out of Alex Lawther and breathing life into Clifton and Rigazio's mediocre adaption of St. James' novel with tact. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jan 24, 2018
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Shot (2017) |
Using acute, penetrating realism, a career-best performance from Wyle, air-tight writing incorporating pressing themes, and an unpredictable ending that will leave you speechless, Shot overwhelmingly succeeds as a film and a statement about our culture. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jan 18, 2018
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The Greatest Showman (2017) |
In finding the perfect lead in Jackman as Barnum, providing moving and invigorating musical numbers executed by a stellar secondary cast, impressive visuals, and covering timely topics, The Greatest Showman overcomes its narrative shortcomings. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jan 08, 2018
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Edward Scissorhands (1990) |
With Burton's surreal illustrative ingenuity, Depp and Ryder's career-making performances, and a story filled with simplicity, complexity, and intangible wizardry that stands the test of time, Edward Scissorhands is one of the greatest films ever made. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 28, 2017
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Darkest Hour (2017) |
With impeccable direction, engaging dialogue, consummate costume and makeup, and one of the best performances ever to grace the silver screen by Oldman, Darkest Hour is an overwhelming achievement. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 23, 2017
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Entanglement (2017) |
With a story full of surprising twists and turns, a canvas of dazzling onscreen visuals, and a career-best performance from Middleditch, Entanglement succeeds on several tiers. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 15, 2017
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The Pirates of Somalia (2017) |
The Pirates Of Somalia stays true to its source material with a thoroughly insightful and honest expos, it marks Peters' arrival as a cinematic virtuoso and yet another outstanding directorial effort from Oscar nominee Bryan Buckley. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 09, 2017
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Wonder (2017) |
With verisimilitude, outstanding acting from its central and supporting cast, and a surprisingly gritty undertone beneath the melodrama and sentient multifaceted perspectives, Wonder succeeds in creating an honest portrayal of an uncommon life situation. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Dec 07, 2017
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