Robin Clifford
Tomatometer-approved critic
Robin, with his wife Laura (laura@reelingreviews.com), began reviewing films on a local cable access station in 1991. The show, Reeling, has since expanded into a number of major access stations, including Boston's BNN network. We have also established a film review column for a local chain newspaper in our home town of Malden MA. We are contributing reviewers on a number of entertainment sites. Our goal is to move our TV program into the commercial realm and continue to improve the quality and content of our written review to help promote a greater understanding of the movie media.
http://reelingreviews.com
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Enys Men (2022) |
I think that the average movie-goer would be scratching his/her head trying to figure out what the story is about. My advice is to let ”Enys Men” allow you wonder what is going on - but do not over think it. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 29, 2023
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Rye Lane (2023) |
Do not expect anything new or different in this nicely done rom-com. Do expect two very likable characters that have a believable chemistry between them. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 29, 2023
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Tetris (2023) |
Director Jon S. Baird, working from the script by Noah Pink, takes what could be a convoluted and confusing tale and gives it structure and nuance that keeps you both interested and informed. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 29, 2023
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The Blue Caftan (2022) |
This tiny ensemble cast fully fills the screen and you invest yourself in their lives. Direction, by sophomore helmer Maryam Touzani, and screenplay, also by Touzani, is equal to the fine acting, making for a lovely, happy/sad story that satisfies. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 29, 2023
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Full Time (2021) |
Laure Calamy gives a one-woman show performance as she is front and center for nearly every frame of the film. The actor and her character hold your attention throughout - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 16, 2023
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Inside (2023) |
It is a challenging character study and Dafoe is up to its demands. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 16, 2023
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Smoking Causes Coughing (2022) |
Quentin Dupieux has a very strange and imaginative mind and “Smoking Causes Coughing” is a goofy and fun extension of that mind. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 16, 2023
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Boston Strangler (2023) |
The telling of this fascinating investigation deals with many of our current issues, like sexism in the workplace, misogyny and cover-up by the police departments involved and the fear of violence and crime. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 16, 2023
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Linoleum (2022) |
I, personally, found that the story gets too wrapped up in itself and takes some stumbles. But, it is an intelligent story that does not talk down to us, entertains and makes you think. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 01, 2023
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Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre (2023) |
So, kick off your shoes, lay back, have a cocktail and plan to have some fun, even if there is nothing original here. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 01, 2023
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Return to Seoul (2022) |
Writer-director Davy Chou tackles a subject that is prominent, especially in South Korea, but virtually unknown to the rest of the world: adoption and what it means for the child stuck in the middle. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 01, 2023
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The Quiet Girl (2022) |
I felt rung out and sad at the end of “The Quiet Girl” and that is a remarkable accomplishment for a filmmaker – Colm Bairead is now on my radar. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 01, 2023
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Pacifiction (2022) |
I cannot say that “Pacifiction” will appeal to the average movie-goer out there but it certainly caught my eye. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 01, 2023
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Creed III (2023) |
watching [Creed III] is like wearing an old sweater – very familiar and a little comforting. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Mar 01, 2023
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2023 Oscar Nominated Shorts - Animation (2023) |
For the second year in a row, the nominated animation shorts do not
include a Disney/Pixar selection, but this year does include nominees
from the U.S., Australia, Canada, the UK and continental European entries for the “best animation” award.
- Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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2023 Oscar Nominated Shorts - Documentary (2023) |
The 2023 nominees for documentary short subject cover a wide range of subjects, as usual. They are a diverse lot with many interests, including the two centered on animals that come from very different places and polar opposite perspectives.
- Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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2023 Oscar Nominated Shorts - Live Action (2023) |
The 2023 Oscar Nominated Live Action shorts all hail from Europe, although Italy’s is a ‘Disney original film’ U.S. coproduction. The selections, which include two comedies, two dramas and a dramedy, invite a sense of déjà vu, - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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Magic Mike's Last Dance (2023) |
The romantic soap opera and the “let’s put of a show!” vibe make this (hopefully) the real last dance for the franchise. One can hope. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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The Integrity of Joseph Chambers (2022) |
I would be interested to see the director squire another actor and the actor try out another helmer. In the meantime, I hope they collaborate again and soon. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023) |
At best, the Ant-Man entries should really be about 90 minutes long, have more humor and less kitchen sink being thrown at me. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 17, 2023
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Baby Ruby (2022) |
Noemie Merlant does a fine job in showing her long and slow fall from being a strong, reasonable person to a huddling mass made that way by a 20 pound baby named Ruby. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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Jethica (2022) |
The tiny cast gets the most out of the story with the ladies being pragmatic and resourceful and Kevin being Kevin, sometimes funny and sometimes really annoying. I think that is the point of this goofy ghost story. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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The Amazing Maurice (2022) |
It is wonderful that Terry Pratchett and his marvelous, oddball world is getting new life. So, enjoy. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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One Fine Morning (2022) |
“One Fine Morning” belongs to Seydoux as the actress puts great emotion into her expressions...She also has the ability to be sexy and make you believe she is a loving mom at the same time. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Feb 02, 2023
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Last Film Show (2021) |
This is a magical world of light and sound as Samay lives his dream and earns his father’s respect. It is nice, sometimes, to see the world through a child’s eyes. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 20, 2023
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Kompromat (2022) |
The result is a political thriller that is more of a personal journey of redemption and freedom. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 20, 2023
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How to Rob (2022) |
The other remarkable thing about tyro helmer Horgan is his ability to take a small budget, cast believable characters at all levels and tell a story that keeps you interested from beginning to end. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 20, 2023
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After Love (2020) |
Joanna Scanlan holds the camera with few words and much displayed emotional intensity. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 20, 2023
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Little Nicholas (2022) |
It is a lovely journey into both the lives of the creators and the life of their creation, Nicholas. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 05, 2023
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Mars One (2022) |
While this is a family drama, it is foremost a Brazilian family drama and, as such, director Martins brings us into a uniquely distinct environment. Through the Martins family’s eyes, we see local life and celebration in a very specific Brazil way. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 05, 2023
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Broker (2022) |
This is what I like most about “Broker,” the dynamic that slowly develops in this little family drama about love and caring, in a very odd and original way. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 05, 2023
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A Man Called Otto (2022) |
Sure, Hanks can play the curmudgeon but I do not see the benefit of starring in a remake of a better film. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Jan 04, 2023
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RRR (2022) |
I think that director/co-writer S.S. Rajamouli has created, with his very talented cast and crew, the best movie, to me, of 2022, and tells a story of legend, friendship, right versus wrong and the end of the British Raj in India. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) |
The hard core fans will revel in the new “Avatar” and will embrace the new water world like I do. Hopefully, the next one will have an original story, but I do not expect that from Cameron. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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Wildcat (2022) |
As I watched, I felt like I seeing a film that was scripted and staged and not the organic presentation it appears to be. This kept me at arm’s length with the humans involved in the film. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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The Pale Blue Eye (2022) |
The way the story plays out, though, is enthralling and I did not see the final big twist coming. That makes for a pretty good mystery - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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The Whale (2022) |
Fraser makes you feel sadness and revulsion in pretty equal portions. But, the balance shifts more to sadness as we learn his reasons for his obesity. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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Babylon (2022) |
There is a whole lot of enthusiasm both in front and behind the camera and that is a good thing, if somewhat tiring in the long (and I mean long) run. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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EO (2022) |
he is a little donkey you want to bring home. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) |
There is a lot of mashing up of fairy tales and that keeps the viewer busy in an amusing way. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 22, 2022
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The Long Walk (2019) |
The film's heart is in the right place but so much of Nelson Mandela's life is covered, the whole movie feels rushed. It is, as I said, an earnest effort but not a great one. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Memories of My Father (2020) |
While the political side of “Memories,,,” is boldly told, it is the story of family and love that stays with me. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 09, 2022
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The Woman King (2022) |
I applaud the femme-focus of “The Woman King” and its depiction of strong-willed, strong-bodied women who earned their place of power. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 08, 2022
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Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle (2021) |
It is a moving tale of survival and perseverance and, by the way, Onoda was still packing 500 rounds of ammunition and a few hand grenades when he finally quit. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 08, 2022
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Nanny (2022) |
In the end, the film belongs to Anna Diop whose striking presence sticks in my mind. It is a fully formed performance in the director’s first work. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Dec 08, 2022
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The Menu (2022) |
If you are in the mood of a darkly black comedy and an amusing foodie movie “The Menu” should suit the menu. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2022
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Strange World (2022) |
it is a kitchen sink type of movie that throws everything at you. The odds are, I guess, that something would appeal to the masses. And, it sort of does. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2022
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A Couple (2022) |
Over the course of the film’s run time, we see Wiseman’s patented lingering shots of nature – ducks, frogs, birds, bees, flowers and trees all shot in idyllic soft light – used as backdrop for Sophie’s ramblings on Leo. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2022
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The Inspection (2022) |
This against-all-odds story really brings the obstacles and burdens facing a gay person in our fractured society to the true light of day. It is about overcoming those obstructions and making a life that keeps one’s dignity intact. ` - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2022
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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) |
The production takes advantage of the warm and sunny locale and beautiful people as the backdrop for a clever little mystery. It does not mean I will go back and watch the first again, but maybe I will greet future entries more kindly. - Reeling Reviews
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| Posted Nov 25, 2022
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