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Michael Clark
Michael Clark's reviews only count toward the Tomatometer® when published at the following Tomatometer-approved publication(s):
Epoch Times
Originally from Washington, D.C., Michael Clark has provided film content to over 30 print and online media outlets. He co-founded the Atlanta Film Critics Circle in 2017 and is a weekly contributor to the Shannon Burke Show on FloridaManRadio.com. Since 1995, Mr. Clark has written over 4,000 movie reviews and film-related articles. He favors dark comedy, thrillers, and documentaries.
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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The Oath (2023) |
At various points resembling “Gladiator,” “The Passion of the Christ,” “Dances with Wolves,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” and “Braveheart,” “The Oath” mixes elements of drama, action, romance, and fantasy to stirring effect. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Dec 08, 2023
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The Shift (2023) |
While those already familiar with Job should find the parallels intriguing and inviting, the uninitiated might have trouble connecting the dots and could find the semi-convoluted, non-linear narrative closer to a Quentin Tarantino flick. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Dec 01, 2023
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Mother and Child (2009) |
In taking a pro-life position, some might assume that it is “anti-pro-choice” by default, but that is not the case. The subject of abortion is never brought up which, in the eyes of some, discounts and ignores the practice altogether. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 22, 2023
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Tower to the People: Tesla's Dream at Wardenclyffe Continues (2015) |
TTTP dedicates sufficient time to the Tesla/Edison rivalry and wisely devotes the bulk of the narrative to what was at the time Tesla’s greatest invention—something several wealthy, powerful, and short-sighted people made sure would never be completed. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 21, 2023
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Bye Bye Barry (2023) |
It provides us with anecdotes and testimony from his friends and family, which presents him as one of the most humble, unselfish, admirable, and honorable athletes in the history of professional American sports. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 21, 2023
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Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) |
In addition to being one of the most talented documentarian filmmakers alive, Mr. Gibney was also wise enough to recognize there was no need for dramatic or comedic overcooked embellishment here. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 18, 2023
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Kate & Leopold (2001) |
Manners, courtesy, chivalry, decorum, and honesty aren’t distant arcane archetypes. They are timeless traits that should never become passé, viewed as square, antiquated, socially scolded, or out of favor. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 13, 2023
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Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019) |
If your home entertainment system includes a headphone listening option, by all means, do so for “Making Waves.” You’ll never listen to movies the same way again. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 11, 2023
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Red Eye (2005) |
When taking place at the airport and on a plane, “Red Eye” is pitch perfect. The cloistered space and confined quarters ratchets up the suspense, often to uncomfortable (but welcomed) levels. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 06, 2023
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Defending Your Life (1991) |
There are also elements of courtroom drama without otherworldly components or CGI effects. If released 80 years ago, “Defending Your Life” could have easily been a Frank Capra film, likely a companion piece to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” - Epoch Times
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| Posted Nov 04, 2023
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After Death (2023) |
The “afterlife” visual interpretations are nothing less than stunning. Often recalling “2001: A Space Odyssey,” these CGI images perfectly match the ethereal and ephemeral descriptions of existence in the great beyond by those who have been there. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 27, 2023
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Police State (2023) |
It would be difficult if not impossible for any free-thinking person, to watch “Police State” and not conclude that our country is on the precipice of a complete and unrecoverable national apocalypse—and the permanent loss of our nation as we’ve known it. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 27, 2023
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Puppy Love (2023) |
If intent was the only qualifier, “Puppy Love” would rate a solid 5 out of 5. Message is one thing, but if the execution, explanations of technical data, and basic filmmaking acumen aren’t there, you’re left with a heartfelt, but decidedly mediocre movie. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 26, 2023
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Thank You for Smoking (2005) |
If we were to eliminate and outlaw everything that rubbed someone else’s morals the wrong way, we’d never be able to leave our homes, watch R-rated movies, or consume anything but tap water and a vegan diet. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 17, 2023
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The Pigeon Tunnel (2023) |
As documentary biographies of artists go “The Pigeon Tunnel” is one of the best of its kind ever produced and should be required viewing for any serious movie or literary fiction fan. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 16, 2023
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Lord of War (2005) |
Yuri is Mr. Niccol’s Michael Corleone from “The Godfather” trilogy (directed by Mr. Cage’s uncle Francis Ford Coppola). Both Yuri and Michael put “family” first with their words, but make them last with their deeds. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 16, 2023
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Galaxy Quest (1999) |
The ending keeps open the possibility of a sequel alive but, with the death of Rickman, all speculation of any desired sequel ceased. Allen was open to another installment and showed a great deal of class by stating it would never happen without Rickman. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 16, 2023
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Miranda's Victim (2023) |
Although it’s unlikely that “Miranda’s Victim” will light it up at the box office, Ms. Breslin’s rock-solid performance should catch the attention of filmmakers who would have otherwise written her off. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Oct 04, 2023
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Arrival (2016) |
With “Arrival,” Villeneuve has hit full stride with a film that contains elements of Hitchcock, Kubrick, and Spielberg, via influence rather than imitation or tacky aping. He is his own man, yet recognizes the genius that preceded his creative journey. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 18, 2023
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Cats of Malta (2023) |
It is said that there are cat people and there are dog people and, in some ways, I’ll reluctantly agree, but one thing all pet owners can agree on: we’re all better people with them in our lives. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 18, 2023
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Red (2010) |
Baring just a slight resemblance to the far more serious and violent graphic novel on which it’s based, “RED” never veers far outside traditional action/comedy boundaries yet delivers welcomed surprises at every turn. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 18, 2023
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3:10 to Yuma (2007) |
The filmmakers take a huge chance by altering the original’s final scene and it doesn’t quite work but neither is it a sellout. Even those who’ve never seen the first will find glaring contradictions yet no one will be able to discount its searing impact. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 18, 2023
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Kelce (2023) |
NFL Films needs to step back and reexamine what it wishes to convey to both its core audience and the uninitiated. Presenting players swearing like longshoremen probably isn’t the way to go. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 18, 2023
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United 93 (2006) |
The unorthodox casting choices by Greengrass lend the production an immeasurable level of realism. A filmmaker who often goes overboard with handheld cameras, Greengrass keeps that in check here, adding another layer of “you-are-there” believability. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 11, 2023
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The Last of Sheila (1973) |
Regardless, watching a cast of (then) Hollywood A-listers playing spoiled D-list brats getting what-fer in a foreign land will give many viewers cause to snicker and revel in seeing them receive their just desserts. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Sep 08, 2023
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Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat (2023) |
On the whole, “Cool Hat” is an inspirational and uplifting film profiling salt-of-the-earth Americans of every race, creed, and gender working together to protect us 24/7 without any desire for monetary reward.
- Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 31, 2023
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Empire of the Sun (1987) |
In the context of Spielberg’s overall output from a quality perspective, “Empire” lands just below the halfway point. Had it been made by a first-time director, it would’ve been considered impressive; instead, it serves as a perfunctory transition piece. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 29, 2023
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The Dive (2023) |
I can’t remember a time when I was more emotionally invested in the outcome of fictional movie characters than I was while viewing this. The filmmakers were able to so successfully suspend the disbelief speaks volumes to their crack storytelling acumen. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 24, 2023
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Capricorn One (1978) |
You’ll know the exact moment when everything goes south with the arrival of Telly Savalas as a motor-mouth, insulting, fish-out-of-water, crop-dusting pilot. Once his character shows up, the movie takes on a farcical, almost borderline slapstick tone. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 17, 2023
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What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael (2018) |
From 1952 through 1991, Kael established herself as the most visible, outspoken, revered, reviled, and influential movie critic of all time. For me, Kael’s most profound statement included here is: “Without critics, everything else is advertising.” - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Jane Eyre (2011) |
This version of “Jane Eyre” is more of an exploration of old-school female empowerment and not letting a long string of defeats get the best of you. If anyone ever had multiple reasons to repeatedly throw in the towel and give up, it would be Jane. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (1991) |
If there ever was a true “tortured artist” it would be Mr. Coppola between the years of 1976 and 1979. His is one of the greatest filmmaking accomplishments in the history of cinema, and his wife’s tribute to him is equally as inspirational and uplifting. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Only in Theaters (2022) |
For the duration, Mr. Greg Laemmle displays the patience of Job and displays a type of courage and love of family that is beyond uplifting and inspirational. We should all be so lucky. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Shrapnel (2023) |
Employing every known genre cliché while inventing some new ones, the blunt and to-the-point titled “Shrapnel” makes numerous unforced errors right out of the gate. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Return to Dust (2022) |
The CCP succeeded in halting most Chinese citizens from seeing “Dust” but, given the fact that the movie is now verboten, the demand will only grow in size. Nothing will make people more interested in watching something than telling them that they can’t. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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The Deepest Breath (2023) |
Rookie writer-director Laura McGann knows she’s working with pure gold here. The only thing more compelling than witnessing individuals succeed in conquering the elements is watching them fail, and McGann offers up a hearty mix of both for the duration. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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The Conversation (1974) |
Although lacking the epic sweep and operatic grandeur of the movies that bookended it, it more than makes up for it with spare, assured, and measured storytelling, supreme character development. It's the finest solo screenwriting of Coppola’s career. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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The Lesson (2023) |
Observing the most basic rules of mystery thrillers The Lesson isn’t likely to win any year-end awards, but in a summer overflowing with hyper-stylized sequels, blunt action flicks, and politically-correct “message” movies, it is a welcomed throwback. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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The Age of Innocence (1993) |
Scorsese has made 42 features but is mostly known for his six movies about organized crime. With “Age,” Scorsese stepped far out of his comfort zone and delivered one of the finest films, not only of his career, but from anyone over the last 50 years. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Surrounded (2023) |
Mandler’s brilliant “Surrounded” is everything dedicated fans of Westerns could possibly want. It is a throwback in every sense of the word and could have been produced at any point in the last 70 or so years by the likes of Ford, Hawks, or Eastwood. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018) |
A man disowned at birth drifts into a life of substance abuse, then becomes a quadriplegic, only to make a mockery of acceptable social decorum while finding roaring success as a member of the press within the very bastion of staunch Blue State territory. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Playing with Fire: Jeannette Sorrell and the Mysteries of Conducting (2023) |
In the end “Fire” fails to actually catch fire because of Miller’s static and unspectacular direction. It’s tough to profile such an engaging person such as Sorrell and have it turn out so average, yet Miller managed to pull it off. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Users (2021) |
The film gave me a marked level of optimism and the belief that mankind has the will and, hopefully, the desire to return to a time when devices didn’t claim our attention so much that we forever lose touch with our fellow in-the-flesh human counterparts. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023) |
Moore was a complex and imperfect person who was never afraid to portray characters with the same traits. She lived a life that yielded great rewards, but it also included significant devastating setbacks. “Being” offers a near-perfect balance of both. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Close to Vermeer (2023) |
Vermeer is and will forever remain an enigma and an anomaly to the art world. Whether by design or not, he left us with just the work, charging us to complete an impossible-to-solve portrait of the man. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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The Night of the 12th (2022) |
The filmmakers steal every last boom of their own thunder in fewer than two steps out of the starting gate. Had these sentences appeared at the end of the live-action and before the closing credits, they would have had a monumentally throttling effect. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Fool's Paradise (2023) |
There is just enough positive stuff happening in “Fool’s Paradise” to warrant giving Day another shot behind the camera. Hopefully, he can follow this up with something far leaner and more focused. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023) |
Fox is an inspirational, courageous warrior, and a selfless humanitarian of the highest order. God bless him, his family, and the millions of other Parkinson’s patients and their families the world over. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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The Forger (2022) |
Shortcomings aside, “The Forger” is another little-known Holocaust story showing how people under duress discover the “better angels of their nature” almost by default and do the right thing, even if it means perishing in the process. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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River (2021) |
An actor with an instantly recognizable voice, Dafoe, recalling the late painter Bob Ross or a generic male NPR contributor, is not only saddled with spouting these silly bits of jumbled sophomoric drivel, he does so in a passionless monotone. - Epoch Times
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| Posted Aug 12, 2023
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