Evan Dossey
Tomatometer-approved critic
I have been writing film coverage in the Indianapolis area for the better part of the 2010's. Along with several other critics, I own and operate the Midwest Film Journal and am dedicated to thorough and thoughtful criticism and coverage. I also contribute to The Film Yap and have served on Juries for the Heartland Film Festival. I am also a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association.
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) |
Perhaps the best chapter in the entire franchise, blending numerous influences to bring about something surprising and special. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Mar 27, 2023
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Burt Reynolds: The Last Interview (2023) |
The Last Interview does its legendary subject justice by focusing on the legacy he left with fans, coworkers, and the community he called home. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Mar 27, 2023
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Tomorrow's Hope (2021) |
Tomorrow’s Hope tells the multi-decade saga of bringing early childhood education to Chicago’s south side - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Mar 07, 2023
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Mind Leech (2023) |
Fresh, funny, and really delivers on its genre staples. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 28, 2023
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The Burial (2023) |
As long as you go into it knowing what the expect, "The Burial" has a few neat tricks up its sleeve. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 28, 2023
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Creed III (2023) |
Fine but profoundly forgettable; easily the weakest of the three. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 28, 2023
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Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023) |
A disappointing adventure that loses it heart amidst mountains of multiversal exposition while failing to set up an interesting path forward for the franchise. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 14, 2023
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The First Fallen (2021) |
Although the build-up is somewhat slow, "The First Fallen" hits its stride with a powerful and haunting third act. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Lonesome (2022) |
Although it has some difficulty with tone, Lonesome is nonetheless a captivating erotic drama. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 04, 2023
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Ocean Boy (2022) |
Eschews traditional crime caper plotting for a more laid-back vibe that does not sacrifice its character's complexities. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 03, 2023
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The Other Fellow (2022) |
What sounds like a pitch for a enthusiastic fanboy documentary is actually a thoughtful and captivating exploration into the power of a name. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 03, 2023
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The Way Out (2022) |
Strong character set-up and performances are let down by a third act that doesn't stick the landing. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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The Last Deal (2023) |
A solid thriller grounded by its compelling, human protagonist. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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Jack (2021) |
Would actually be improved without its central gag - but a reasonably entertaining time nonetheless. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 30, 2023
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Petit Mal (2022) |
An elegant and authentic drama. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 25, 2023
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Raymond Lewis: L.A. Legend (2021) |
Part celebration of a legend, part cautionary tale about a system built to exploit talent rather than nurture it. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 20, 2023
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Shin Ultraman (2022) |
There's plenty of red meat for fans of the franchise, but newcomers will likely feel lost due to frantic storytelling and a script that doesn't quite hold it all together. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 13, 2023
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Solid Rock Trust (2022) |
An impressive, claustrophobic thriller that uses its unique hook to great effect. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 12, 2023
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Razzennest (2022) |
A clever and scary satire. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 10, 2023
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Detective Knight: Independence (2023) |
The most straightforward of the trilogy, and also the best. Willis gets a little more to do here than in previous "Knight" thrillers. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Detective Knight: Redemption (2022) |
A suitably entertaining crime caper, as long as you know what to expect going in. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Mind Exchange Music Presents: The Showcase (2023) |
A multilayered look at collaborative artistry. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Dec 30, 2022
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Mommy Or Daddy? (2021) |
A fascinating, intimate look at a complex issue in Japanese society. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Dragon Eats Eagle (2022) |
An unbalanced mixture of interesting concept and unfocused ranting. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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The Seasons: Four Love Stories (2022) |
A quartet of sweet shorts about love with a welcome sweetness. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Dec 14, 2022
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Toxic Impulses (2022) |
Solid independent mystery thriller that hits all the beats, but with some thoughtful twists. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Dec 14, 2022
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Detective Knight: Rogue (2022) |
Convoluted and not particularly rewarding. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Dec 05, 2022
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Death of a Rockstar (2020) |
A profoundly creative rock n' roll odyssey - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 23, 2022
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The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) |
A delightful Holiday romp. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 23, 2022
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Elephant Refugees (2020) |
A fascinating look at the personal costs of protecting something greater than oneself. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 22, 2022
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Clean Slate (2021) |
An honest and unsparing look at the long, challenging road to recovery. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 21, 2022
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An American Ballet Story (2022) |
An impressively thorough look at an important era in American dance history. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 18, 2022
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The Scottish Play (2019) |
A warm and charming rumination about the creative spirit. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 16, 2022
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The Pay Day (2022) |
A funny, focused, and confident two-hander that knows exactly how to tell its story in the most charming way possible. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 15, 2022
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) |
"Wakanda Forever" is most comparable to "Avengers: Age of Ultron," another overstuffed sequel that doesn't quite hit the mark. However, Coogler at least lands the emotional core, with the help of a great new villain and an upgraded heroine. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Nov 08, 2022
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Arranged Marriage (2022) |
Smart and unrelenting. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 26, 2022
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Murder, Anyone? (2022) |
Funny and deeply clever. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 26, 2022
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The Take Out Move (2022) |
Although sometimes repetitive, "The Take Out Move" is pretty consistently funny, with some great physical comedy. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 26, 2022
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Black Adam (2022) |
The new nadir of the DCEU. Essentially unwatchable. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 20, 2022
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Moonchild (1994) |
The kind of scrapyard filmmaking that once lived only in VHS dungeons of true schlock connoisseurs. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 17, 2022
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Beyond the Dream (2022) |
A great reminder that there are opportunities out there for future students who may not know where to start their college path. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 17, 2022
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Scrooge & Marley (2012) |
A sweet LGBTQ+ spin on the classic tale. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 14, 2022
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Halloween Ends (2022) |
A surprisingly thoughtful approach to ending Laurie Strode's saga, Will be derided for a decade before new audiences declare it an unsung masterpiece - and what's more "Halloween" than that? - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 14, 2022
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Ask Me to Dance (2022) |
Sweet, charming fluff. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 11, 2022
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Phantom Project (2022) |
A slice-of-life ghost story; the sort of movie that feels undoubtably personal and will eventually find its audience, although it didn't quite work for this reviewer. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 07, 2022
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You Resemble Me (2021) |
A powerful and creatively structured story with a lot to say. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 07, 2022
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Werewolf by Night (2022) |
A fun diversion into a new area of the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a new vital new storytelling format to the long-running series. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Oct 06, 2022
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We Are Gathered Here Today (2022) |
Many films over the past few years tried to embrace storytelling through a virtual meeting. Few have succeeded. This one does a pretty good job of it. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Sep 25, 2022
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The Infernal Machine (2022) |
Pearce is enough to carry a thriller that falls apart in the third act. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Sep 21, 2022
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I'll Find You (2019) |
A fairly typical historical romance film, with a few specific flourishes to keep it engaging. - Midwest Film Journal
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| Posted Sep 21, 2022
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