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Leonard Maltin
Tomatometer-approved critic
Leonard Maltin is best known for his widely-used reference work Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide and its companion volume Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide, as well as his thirty-year run on television's Entertainment Tonight. He teaches at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, appears regularly on Turner Classic Movies, and hosts the weekly podcast Maltin on Movies with his daughter Jessie. His books include Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a lifetime of Film Fandom, The 151 Best Movies You've Never Seen, Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons, The Great Movie Comedians, The Disney Films, The Art of the Cinematographer, Movie Comedy Teams, The Great American Broadcast, and Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and other leading publications. He served two terms as President of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and votes for films to be selected for the National Film Registry.
Movies reviews only
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Jules (2023) |
Jules is a slight film but an enjoyable one. I’ve come to value any film that offers actors I like something offbeat to add to their resumé. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 28, 2023
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Between Two Worlds (2021) |
It’s never a waste of time to watch Juliette Binoche, and this film, which screened at Cannes in the spring, is definitely worth seeing. Between Two Worlds is both credible and absorbing. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 28, 2023
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Golda (2023) |
There is no trace of Helen Mirren in Golda, and that’s the way it ought to be. To say that she becomes the fabled Israeli Prime Minister is a mild understatement, and it should come as no surprise that she delivers a great performance. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 28, 2023
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Retribution (2023) |
The best adjective I can think of to describe this film is “efficient.” It gets the job done, much as one would expect. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 28, 2023
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Bottoms (2023) |
Shiva Baby was a bit claustrophobic but it heralded the arrival of a fresh new voice in screen comedy; Bottoms clinches the deal. I can’t wait to see what Seligman and Sennott cook up next. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 28, 2023
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Barbie (2023) |
When I became a father I searched for movies that would show my daughter positive role models, and it was tough going. Barbie makes up for lost time and should warm the hearts of parents and daughters alike. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 03, 2023
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Oppenheimer (2023) |
For all we learn about the creation and execution of the atomic bomb and its aftermath, the story could and should be told in a more digestible form. Instead, we have an overlong narrative that isn’t revelatory or surprising.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 19, 2023
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The Miracle Club (2023) |
This is a story of forgiveness and understanding, two qualities that seem to be scarce these days. Any movie that encourages people to be kinder to one another gets my vote. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 16, 2023
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Theater Camp (2023) |
This endearing faux documentary will appeal to anyone who has been, or known, or given birth to a theater kid (as my wife and I did) - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 16, 2023
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Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One (2023) |
This most recent installment is funny and genuinely exciting--but not for 2hrs and 43 minutes. Not that running-time is any way to judge a movie, but an audience that has been entertained, and not exhausted, might be happier overall; I know I would.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 12, 2023
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) |
I can’t say I had high expectations for this film, but even so I consider it a disappointment. Let’s revisit Raiders of the Lost Ark and remember when the premise was fresh and the picture was fun to watch.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 02, 2023
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The Flash (2023) |
Blame the ancient Greeks for inventing the general idea of the multiverse. Blame DC for propagating the concept in one of its Flash comics in 1961. And blame anyone you like for this hot mess of a film.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 28, 2023
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No Hard Feelings (2023) |
I am about to recommend a mildly raunchy R-rated comedy for one simple reason: I had fun watching it. I am so sick and tired of overlong, overproduced, formulaic “content” that this insignificant movie looks like a work of genius in comparison.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 28, 2023
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You Hurt My Feelings (2023) |
'You Hurt My Feelings' is built on an almost Seinfeld-ish premise, but Holofcener takes this wisp of an idea and creates a likable framework around it with her actors. It’s fun to watch and I had good time - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 06, 2023
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An American Tail (1986) |
It has the most important ingredient for a good cartoon feature: an appealing main character. - Video Review
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| Posted May 19, 2023
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BlackBerry (2023) |
‘BlackBerry’ has a great cast that contributes to the impact of this true-to-life tale, reminding us that truth remains stranger than fiction - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted May 12, 2023
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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023) |
As a critic, I hesitate to use the word “perfect” but it is the first adjective that comes to mind - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Apr 29, 2023
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Chevalier (2022) |
This is a provocative introduction to a historical figure whose life and existence has been largely overlooked until now. For that reason one can readily applaud the film and enjoy its strengths. But the movie isn’t nearly as good as its subject - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Apr 20, 2023
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Somewhere in Queens (2022) |
I don’t think you have to have grown up in or around New York City to relate to Somewhere in Queens, but it couldn’t hurt. I found the film quite poignant and it has stayed with me since I watched it well over a week ago - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Apr 20, 2023
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Air (2023) |
The only problem facing Air is that people may be expecting a bigger movie. This is a modest, entertaining behind-the-scenes film about the marketing whiz who believed in Jordan when he was still a rookie - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Apr 06, 2023
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The Lost King (2022) |
'The Lost King' is a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening film for grownups, and well worth seeing - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Mar 24, 2023
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Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb (2022) |
What a pleasure it is to witness these two gentlemen at work, doing something they love. This documentary is as exhilarating to me as any Hollywood action-adventure yarn. I loved every minute.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 29, 2022
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Babylon (2022) |
I didn’t love Babylon but I can’t condemn it either. How could I when its finale is a love letter to movies and the way they can lift our spirits? Any filmmaker who strives for that shouldn’t be dismissed, even if he made us sit still for over three hours - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 24, 2022
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Women Talking (2022) |
Much has been said about the year’s best films not attracting the audiences they deserve. Women Talking is not what one would call a crowd-pleaser, but it is an extraordinary piece of work that is well worth your time. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 24, 2022
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Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) |
I was completely taken in by Avatar: The Way of Water and overwhelmed by its fluid, kinetic action scenes, eye-popping production design and propulsive storytelling. This is a movie filled with wonder, which has become a rare commodity in the age of CGI.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 16, 2022
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The Fabelmans (2022) |
Spielberg’s story isn’t over yet, but he is still on top of his game at the age of 75. This movie proves it conclusively - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Nov 11, 2022
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Moonstruck (1987) |
Moonstruck made me laugh, as any good comedy should. But this rare and wonderful movie did something more: It also made me smile. That's because, unlike most contemporary comedies, Moonstruck isn't a collection of gags. It's a picture of genuine humor. - Video Review
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| Posted Aug 08, 2022
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Family Business (1989) |
The opportunity to watch [Dustin Hoffman and Sean Connery] together automatically constitutes An Event. Adding Matthew Broderick to the mix is icing on the cake. Unfortunately, Family Business lets them down. - Video Review
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| Posted Aug 05, 2022
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Licence to Kill (1989) |
Licence to Kill is just the shot in the arm the James Bond series has been needing. - Video Review
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| Posted Aug 05, 2022
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Bullet Train (2022) |
Bullet Train is never boring, and it certainly moves, but it’s like an overdose of action moviemaking: much sound and fury, signifying nothing. This should’ve been more fun.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Aug 05, 2022
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Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) |
Any comedy [as] good [as Beverly Hills Cop] warrants a better follow-up than this, and I can’t understand why audiences didn’t feel cheated by this second-rate retread. - Video Review
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| Posted Aug 05, 2022
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Birdy (1984) |
To me, there are parts of Birdy that definitely outshine the whole. - Video Review
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| Posted Aug 05, 2022
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Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) |
Where the Crawdads Sing may be a chick flick in some people’s estimation, but I was thoroughly absorbed and recommend it highly.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 14, 2022
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Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022) |
I was charmed by this unapologetic fairy tale about a cleaning woman who dreams of wearing a beautiful ball gown designed by Christian Dior. Lesley Manville is a marvel, and this film is a lovely vehicle for her—the perfect embodiment of Ada Harris.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 14, 2022
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Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) |
Everyone is entitled to a misfire now and then, and that includes the gifted Kiwi performer and filmmaker most responsible for Thor: Love and Thunder. It’s a scattered affair that, at a certain point, is played as out-and-out comedy - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jul 09, 2022
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Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021) |
How can a film so disarmingly simple inspire deep feelings about loss, connection, and the meaning of family? I’m not sure I have the answer, but at a time when so many of us are feeling disoriented—or disconnected—a movie like this is especially welcome - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 27, 2022
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Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) |
Having several well-known actors in the cast may help sell this modest indie title to wary viewers but after seeing it I predict that people will be reacting as I did, talking about the wondrous achievements of Cooper Raiff - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 17, 2022
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Jerry & Marge Go Large (2022) |
'Jerry and Marge Go Large' may not win awards or earn a fortune, but it made me smile—and I don’t take that for granted, especially nowadays. Bravo to Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening for believing in this can-do story and giving it their all - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 17, 2022
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It Ain't Over (2022) |
Yogi Berra lived the kind of life we wish our heroes to have: filled with love, respect, and integrity. This is a film fans can embrace and younger generations can learn from. I loved it. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 13, 2022
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The Phantom of the Open (2021) |
The Phantom of the Open is a love letter to dreamers everywhere, and as such it defies scrutiny. Gifted actors have a way of blurring one’s critical vision.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 10, 2022
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Jurassic World Dominion (2022) |
This is not a story that begged to be told or a saga that demanded a finale. It’s another dispiriting example of how Hollywood never leaves money on the table. It’s just a shame that so much talent is wasted in the process - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jun 10, 2022
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Top Gun: Maverick (2022) |
It’s hard to picture another entry in the summer movie sweepstakes that can equal or exceed this one for pure, adrenalin-fueled entertainment. I had a great time watching the film and recommend seeing it as I did, on a giant IMAX screen - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted May 26, 2022
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Emergency (2022) |
Whether you see it as a genre-bending comedy, a so-painful-it-hurts social satire, or an unclassifiable commentary on contemporary life, Emergency demands your attention. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted May 20, 2022
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Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen (2022) |
This is no ordinary behind-the-scenes documentary. For one thing, it chronicles the adaptation of a musical play that qualifies as a genuine phenomenon. Based on a story originally told in Yiddish, it has turned out to have universal resonance. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Apr 29, 2022
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The Duke (2020) |
This is an unmistakably British import. Its quiet charm stakes a claim for mature viewers but dont mistake "offbeat" for "bland." Theres nothing banal or predictable about this lighthearted tale, which is based on a true story.
- leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Apr 22, 2022
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The Hand of God (2021) |
The Hand of Godis filled with the kind of detail that could only have come from observation-and memory. That one family could contain so many unique and peculiar people is a reminder that truth is almost always stranger than fiction. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jan 06, 2022
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Jockey (2021) |
Jockeyis one of those sleepers that makes even a bumpy moviegoing season worthwhile. The film rests on the foundation of Clifton Collins's underplayed performance-he is quietly persuasive and likable...a hardscrabble hero worth rooting for - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Jan 02, 2022
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Licorice Pizza (2021) |
I had fun watchingLicorice Pizza,an all-too-rare quality that no other year-end release can match. For that I am grateful that someone wrote Paul Thomas Anderson a blank check to make such an idiosyncratic, highly personal film. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 28, 2021
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Parallel Mothers (2021) |
In less skillful hands, the ingredients ofParallel Mothersmight result in a soap opera that would invite quibbles over credibility. But Almodvar's characters have inner lives; we empathize with them and that makes them real. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 28, 2021
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Nightmare Alley (2021) |
This is a satisfying, fully realized film noir where the characters are more than stereotypes. Only a filmmaker as knowledgeable and passionate as Guillermo del Toro could have made this picture, and I'm awfully glad he did. - leonardmaltin.com
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| Posted Dec 17, 2021
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