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David Roark

David Roark's reviews only count toward the Tomatometer® when published at Tomatometer-approved publication(s).
Biography:

David has been writing about movies, TV, music, and culture since graduating from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 2009. He is working toward an M.A. in English from the University of Texas in Arlington and focusing his studies on film criticism. His favorite filmmakers are Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, and Terrence Malick. He is influenced by the work of other critics such as Pauline Kael and Armond White. David is happily married to his wife, Taylor, who may love movies as much as him.

Reviews

Movies TV Shows
Moonlight (2016) 98% EDIT “Jenkins, working with cinematographer James Laxton, makes us feel as if we're right there with Chiron, using handheld cameras that flow sporadically, yet delicately, in and out of scenes.” – Christianity Today Feb 26, 2017 Full Review The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) 94% 7.2/10 EDIT “Slow, calm and quiet with beautifully detailed imagery, the Japanese fantasy may not be the greatest achievement of Studio Ghibli... but it's a real charmer with a big imagination -- the sort of film children need to grow up on.” – Paste Magazine Dec 8, 2014 Full Review Before I Disappear (2014) 34% EDIT “The result is a dark yet poignant drama about depression and drug addiction captured in both form and content, as Christensen creates a surreal, melancholic tone through lighting and camerawork.” – Paste Magazine Oct 24, 2014 Full Review Gangster Squad (2013) 30% 4.9/10 EDIT “There's little to glean from Ruben Fleischer's Gangster Squad except for maybe a few modest laughs, whether the comedy be intentional or not, and some charm from Ryan Gosling.” – Paste Magazine Jan 11, 2013 Full Review Lincoln (2012) 89% 9/10 EDIT “Thanks to a strong cast and a smart story that's historically, morally and politically rich, Lincoln will go down as one of Spielberg's greatest accomplishments.” – Paste Magazine Nov 14, 2012 Full Review 360 (2011) 19% 3/10 EDIT “Burdened with a dawdling pace and a contrived storyline (and the moral vacuum said storyline creates), 360 falls short on pretty much every level.” – Paste Magazine Aug 10, 2012 Full Review The Do-Deca-Pentathlon (2012) 78% 7.5/10 EDIT “In a time where movies continue to feel more and more disconnected and bleak, the film envelopes the viewer with its warmness -- a glowing optimism and sincere sense of humanity brought home with each punch zoom.” – Paste Magazine May 25, 2012 Full Review Warrior (2011) 84% 3/4 EDIT “Even though Christ transforms hearts, believers aren't promised new lives devoid of suffering. Such an accurate depiction of faith is rare in Hollywood and even many faith-based productions.” – Christianity Today Sep 23, 2011 Full Review The Debt (2010) 77% 6.3/10 EDIT “The urgent plot, convincing performances and sudden spurts of violence saturate it with an overwhelming amount of suspense that makes it far more exciting than most thrillers this year.” – Paste Magazine Sep 3, 2011 Full Review Zookeeper (2011) 13% 2.5/4 EDIT “Though silly and disposable, the film's heart and physical comedy make it relatively satisfying.” – Christianity Today Sep 2, 2011 Full Review Conan the Barbarian (2011) 25% 2.5/4 EDIT “The film is dumb, hackneyed and, well, just plain bad - much like the 1982 original - but because it knows and makes fun of that, it plays for a smart and entertaining ride.” – Christianity Today Sep 2, 2011 Full Review Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) 82% 1/4 EDIT “The original centered itself around some weighty ideas involving race, politics, and social class. Those same ideas may exist here, but director Wyatt doesn't really care.” – Christianity Today Sep 2, 2011 Full Review Attack the Block (2011) 91% 7.6/10 EDIT “The British film's quick humor, stunning visuals and a story that's entertaining, dense and timely make it the year's best extraterrestrial invasion.” – Paste Magazine Aug 13, 2011 Full Review The Beaver (2011) 62% 2/4 EDIT “Settling for superficial sentimentality, it makes us feel sorry for the characters, especially Walter, but it doesn't enlighten or challenge us, which serious art should do.” – Christianity Today May 6, 2011 Full Review Unknown (2011) 56% 2/4 EDIT “The film doesn't make you feel or care. It doesn't grab you. In other words, it has all the elements of a good thriller except for, well, thrills.” – Christianity Today Feb 25, 2011 Full Review Jonah Hex (2010) 11% 1/4 EDIT “An awful excuse for cinema that ultimately fails in nearly every way possible.” – Christianity Today Oct 20, 2010 Full Review You Again (2010) 20% 2/4 EDIT “You Again has its heart in the right place, but it's artless, unaccomplished, and contrived.” – Christianity Today Oct 20, 2010 Full Review Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010) 52% 3/4 EDIT “Spiritual, inspirational, and adventurous, Zack Snyder's latest -- while no masterpiece -- is a definite success.” – Christianity Today Oct 20, 2010 Full Review The Virginity Hit (2010) 26% 2/5 EDIT “It's crass, senseless and, consequently, void of humor.” – Dallas Morning News Sep 17, 2010 Full Review Legendary (2010) 20% 2.5/5 EDIT “Legendary relies heavily on veteran actors Patricia Clarkson and Danny Glover. However good they are, they're incapable of making it any better than a made-for-TV movie.” – Dallas Morning News Sep 10, 2010 Full Review Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) 83% 4.5/5 EDIT “This kind of romance doesn't require depth; it's juvenile, irrational, adventurous - while at the same time totally pertinent. And such is the spirit of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” – Dallas Morning News Aug 12, 2010 Full Review The Father of My Children (2009) 91% 4/5 EDIT “While the movie is far from perfect, those potential missteps are, in the end, part of what makes The Father of My Children so beautiful.” – Dallas Morning News Aug 6, 2010 Full Review
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