Amanda Mazzillo
Tomatometer-approved critic
Amanda Mazzillo is a writer with an MFA in Dramatic Writing from SCAD and a BA in Writing & Linguistics and Film Studies minor from Georgia Southern University. She enjoys writing comedy and exploring all forms of media. Her Twitter name is a bad pun: @mazzillofirefox
Broadcast News, Sullivan's Travels, and Evil Dead II
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Linoleum (2022) |
Linoleum is a unique blend of science fiction and heartfelt dramady, brought to life through poignant performances, especially from Jim Gaffigan and Rhea Seehorn. The visual style crafts an unforgettable exploration of what it means to be human. - Film Joy
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| Posted Feb 24, 2023
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Blood Relatives (2022) |
Noah Segan's debut as writer/director offers a unique, heartfelt and hilarious take on classic vampire lore and the journey of fatherhood. Noah Segan and Victoria Moroles shine as the unlikely father and daughter duo. - Film Joy
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| Posted Dec 01, 2022
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The Killing Tree (2022) |
The Killing Tree had the potential to be an over-the-top Holiday horror classic, but the practical effects moments are overshadowed by bad CGI and a lack of creative kills utilizing the unique elements of a faux Christmas tree come to life. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Nov 17, 2022
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Christmas With You (2022) |
Christmas With You tells a sweet romance with great chemistry between Freddie Prinze Jr and Aimee Garcia, but what sets this romcom apart is its focus on family and the importance of embracing culture.
- Film Joy
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| Posted Nov 17, 2022
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Halloween Ends (2022) |
Halloween Ends is a wonderful celebration of the season–both its tricks and treats–giving us spooky atmospheres, complex performances–especially from Jamie Lee Curtis, Rohan Campbell, and Andi Matichak–and an amazing cameo horror fans are sure to love. - Film Joy
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| Posted Oct 26, 2022
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Ticket to Paradise (2022) |
Ticket to Paradise brings back the style of big, splashy romantic comedies we have been sorely lacking with Clooney and Roberts’ strong chemistry, quick-paced witty comedy, and beautiful locales that are sure to capture any audience. - Film Joy
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| Posted Oct 24, 2022
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Goodbye, Petrushka (2022) |
Goodbye, Petrushka is a delightful coming-of-age story that balances realism with fantastical elements, creating a unique experience. Nicola Rose does great work-as writer and director-and I look forward to seeing her unique voice in the years to come.
- Film Joy
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| Posted Aug 17, 2022
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Playdurizm (2020) |
Playdurizm is a unique and surreal exploration of traumatic experiences following a complex queer character played wonderfully by Gem Deger, the film’s director. Playdurizm thrives in its performances, captivating visual style, and meta moments. - Film Joy
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| Posted Jun 06, 2022
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18 1/2 (2021) |
18½ is a unique version of a political thriller, exploring characters through zany moments of comedy and tense moments of paranoia. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted May 26, 2022
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) |
[...]Multiverse of Madness is a beautiful blend of the superhero and horror genres brought to life through Sam Raimi’s skilled direction, a hauntingly beautiful score, and memorable performances, especially from Elizabeth Olsen and Benedict Cumberbatch.
- Film Joy
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| Posted May 06, 2022
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Morbius (2022) |
Morbius sometimes works great, but these memorable moments are spaced too sporadically throughout the film. It's worth watching to see the delightful performance from Matt Smith, who perfectly balances the campiest moments with the most emotional. - Film Joy
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| Posted Apr 05, 2022
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Singin' in the Rain (1952) |
Singin in the Rain makes you feel transported to Hollywood of the 1920s through beautiful production design highlighting the beauty of an era of black and white film with vibrant colors that feel fitting of that period. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Time After Time (1979) |
Time After Time is a delightful film offering an alternative version of a real persons life utilizing the staples of their fiction. The performances ... make this light-hearted romantic fantasy thriller one you will not soon forget. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Becky (2020) |
Becky is a horror film that isnt afraid to get gruesome and violent, while maintaining a strong focus on getting to know its central character. Kevin James gives an unexpected performance exploring a genre and character-type so unlike his usual work. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Cronos (1993) |
Cronos is a haunting and heartwarming film in equal measure. This is a film about the importance of family and needing to make a choice to protect your family or live a longer yet forever changed life. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Raising Arizona (1987) |
Raising Arizona is a funny, charming film with a strong visual style, delightful performances, and a unique sense of humor. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Ready or Not (2019) |
Ready or Not brings a new twist to the familiar story of trying to impress your soon-to-be in-laws by combining horror, mystery, and a little bit classic screwball comedy - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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In the Mood for Love (2000) |
Wong Kar-Wais In The Mood For Love is a beautiful film examining silence, intimacy, time, and distance in captivating ways which show just how beautiful film can be when true attention is taken to utilize this visual medium to its fullest potential. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Magic (1978) |
Magic is a psychological horror with strong performances and moments that will linger in your brain. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) |
No Way Home creates a strong repertoire between characters leading to organic moments of comedy. This film is an important stage in Tom Holland's Spider-Man, allowing us to see glimpses to a Peter that we want to see - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021) |
tick, tick...BOOM! showcases the story of Jonathan Larson's life with memorable performances and an interesting visual style connecting organic and stylized performances. Garfields charm and energy were a perfect match for representing Larson - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021) |
Will Sharpe brought us the wonderfully haunting and darkly comedic world of Flowers ... With The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Sharpe as director and writer brings Louis Wains art and persona to life in this sparkling and beautiful film. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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The Power of the Dog (2021) |
Jane Campions suspenseful western explores alcoholism and toxic masculinity through a story of transformation visually connected to the internally claustrophobic atmosphere in a vast landscape - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Nobody (2021) |
In a world filled with a recent collection of well-made action films, Nobody is a great addition to this action renaissance. If this is the Bob Odenkirk John Wick, when can we expect the Rhea Seehorn Atomic Blonde? - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Shiva Baby (2020) |
Shiva Baby is a well-crafted film with memorable performances highlighting the uncomfortable. ... captures the feeling of being asked by relatives and family friends about what you're doing with your life in the form of a ... tense, and funny film. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021) |
The absurdity of its humor is a breath of fresh air that was especially needed this year. The unique sense of humor, bright and colorful production design, and surrealism makes Barb and Star a truly unforgettable film. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Slumber Party Massacre III (1990) |
Slumber Party Massacre III is a decently enjoyable slasher film with some feminist undertones, but it never reaches the same heights as its predecessors through a misguided subversion of tropes. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Mandibles (2020) |
In Mandibles Quentin Dupieux subverts expectations with a heartfelt story of friendship, love, and acceptance. ... Mandibles is a funny absurdist romp with a heartfelt center. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Scream (2022) |
Scream works well as its own horror with tense musical beats, suspense, and creative kills, as well as working perfectly as a meta representation of toxic fandom, modern horror, and the generational differences between characters. - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Jennifer's Body (2009) |
Jennifers Body seeps into your heart. Its commentary is moving and its comedy is witty and memorable. Jennifers Body is a poignant exploration of reclaiming your power, discovering yourself, and fighting back - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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Win a Date With Tad Hamilton! (2004) |
Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! could have been a wonderful homage and pastiche of a bygone era of romance but trying to subvert the tropes through the films ending took away some of its natural charm - Film Joy
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| Posted Mar 08, 2022
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The Laureate (2021) |
The Laureate crafts a uniquely haunting atmosphere for its challenging and darker biopic through strong performances and visually captivating moments, but the film focuses too much on its plot and not enough on exploring its characters. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Feb 01, 2022
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Black Friday (2021) |
Black Friday is a gory, fun and humorous ride, exploring and satirizing a holiday that usually doesn't get the movie treatment while chock-full of pleasing performances and compelling practical effects. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Nov 20, 2021
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Christmas on the Carousel (2021) |
At times, the film does not fully utilize its characters, but the overarching experience is one of joy and Christmas cheer. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Nov 13, 2021
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Slumber Party Massacre (2021) |
Slumber Party Massacre is a gory, entertaining film with just enough commentary on sexist excuses, the validity of women's voices, and the inherent feminism of the slasher genre. - Incluvie
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| Posted Oct 21, 2021
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Nightbooks (2021) |
Nightbooks is a perfect entry-level horror film for children showing interest in the genre with its well-crafted scares, references to classic horror, and theme of accepting yourself - no matter how different. - Incluvie
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| Posted Oct 08, 2021
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Malignant (2021) |
Malignant is a roller coaster ride of slow-build scares, moments of wonderfully absurd camp, and explorations of autonomy. - Incluvie
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| Posted Sep 15, 2021
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It Takes Three (2021) |
It Takes Three is an interesting update to the classic teen romantic comedy that finds its strength by diving deep inside every character and every relationship dynamic. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Sep 11, 2021
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American Sausage Standoff (2019) |
American Sausage Standoff is a satire of religion, bigotry, and corruption of small-town America with a memorable visual style and strong performances, but the humor never takes center stage. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Sep 11, 2021
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The Last Matinee (2020) |
The Last Matinee is a blood-soaked and nostalgic journey into a bygone era of movie theaters and their unique beauty. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Aug 21, 2021
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The Suicide Squad (2021) |
The Suicide Squad is a magnificent blend of gore, heart, and humor that engages its audience instantly with strong characters, performances, and breathtaking visuals. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Aug 21, 2021
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Naked Singularity (2021) |
Naked Singularity tries to connect the legal and science-fiction elements of its story but ends up not quite capturing either aspect of the film, but the performances bring much-needed energy to the film. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Aug 07, 2021
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Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021) |
Fear Street Part Three: 1666 is a perfect conclusion to this summer's slasher trilogy. It ties up loose ends, but still offers a glimpse that this world has more horror to offer. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 31, 2021
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Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021) |
Fear Street: Part Two - 1978 is a charming and at times, heartfelt horror film, but its moments of horror are often hidden from the viewer, creating a film that does not fully embrace its potential as a modern summer camp slasher classic. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 16, 2021
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Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021) |
Fear Street Part One: 1994 is a fun, energetic slasher with enjoyable characters, an interesting overarching plot, and heartfelt relationships. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 10, 2021
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No Sudden Move (2021) |
No Sudden Move is a twist-filled neo-noir with a compelling and effective ensemble surrounding a pitch-perfect representation and pastiche of the 1950s and the noir films of that era. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 09, 2021
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Long Story Short (2021) |
Long Story Short is a pleasing romantic comedy with charming performances especially from Rafe Spall and Zahra Newman, a modern screwball tone, and just enough similarities to the Groundhog Day-style of rom-com. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jul 03, 2021
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The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) |
The Slumber Party Massacre wonderfully combines the suspense of its horror with its commentary on gender, creating a memorable slasher classic that began a horror trilogy entirely written and directed by women. - Incluvie
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| Posted Jun 22, 2021
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The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) |
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a different breed of horror, but is still just as beautiful and engaging while keeping its established balance of exploring the human side of fear and finding time to highlight love and family. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jun 12, 2021
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Funhouse (2019) |
Funhouse wants to be seen as a clever take-down of violence and reality television but does not quite hit the mark in either area. - Film Inquiry
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| Posted Jun 05, 2021
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