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2.5/4
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Homicide
(1991)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Homicide, David Mamet's ponderous film about a Jewish cop losing his way, loses its way whenever it wanders from the scene of the crime
Posted Dec 13, 2017
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3/4
|
The Theory of Everything
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
It's a film about the expanding universe that seems to want to contract and contract and eventually shrink into itself and be gone.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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3/4
|
Boyhood
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
It's the gimmick film to end all gimmick films. It's Linklater on a bike, holding his breath, crossing his eyes, puffing out his cheeks, going full speed at that ramp yelling, "Look, Ma! No hands!"
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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4/4
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The Grand Budapest Hotel
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
While the enigmatic details and nuances are the very treasures and treats being gifted, they are mere trinkets when not combined with the style and imagery that Anderson has forged from his creative spirit.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
|
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2/4
|
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Birdman has its merits as a commentary about fame and loss. It is a finely concocted curiosity. But, we must objectively decipher whether Birdman soars or just manufactures an illusion of flight.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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4/4
|
Wild
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
One cannot help but wonder whether Wild, a difficult, challenging film about a woman struggling to make amends, serves its star as both personal and professional penance.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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1/4
|
Unbroken
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
As vivid and relatable as the races, raft, wretchedness, and redemption may have been on the page, the on screen rendering manages to suck the life and vitality from Zamperini's ordeal.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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|
3.5/4
|
Gone Girl
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
What begins as a beguiling whodunit takes an abrupt, choke on your popcorn turn midway through and, believe it or not, the ride is just getting started.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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|
3.5/4
|
Guardians of the Galaxy
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The screenplay does an exceptional job of incorporating this film into the pre-existing and percolating Marvel cinematic universe.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
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4/4
|
Edge of Tomorrow
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
A bold concept which could have easily resulted in tedium, but not in Liman's hands
Posted Dec 31, 2014
|
|
2.5/4
|
Interstellar
(2014)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
That the universe contains phenomena eons beyond us while at the same time intimately close is a beautiful concept and Interstellar seeks to orchestrate its own moment of revelation.
Posted Dec 31, 2014
|
|
2.5/4
|
World War Z
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Danny Boyle (28 Days Later) and Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) did so much more with less nearly a decade ago.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
Saving Mr. Banks
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
It does not mind raw emotion as long as it is delivered beneath a shimmery smooth veneer. Any and all medicines are accompanied by spoonfuls of sugar.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
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4/4
|
Inside Llewyn Davis
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Llewyn Davis, entertaining and witty as all Coen productions quite naturally are, teaches us about the devotion one must have to their art if they intend it to survive them.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
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|
2.5/4
|
Nebraska
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Nebraska is an about-face for Payne, and, although it is an improvement over the indulgent Descendants, it does not resonate as resoundingly as his earlier work.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
|
|
2/4
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Dallas Buyers Club
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The problem is that while Ron may not run out of steam, the film about him does.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
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|
2/4
|
Lone Survivor
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The sheer irredeemable gruesomeness makes learning something from the tragedy of the failed mission difficult.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
12 Years a Slave
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
While Nature/Fate/God can perform apparent wickedness without conscience, neither hold a candle to man.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
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|
4/4
|
Gravity
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
A marvel of performance and effect utilizing the man against his environment/survival motif to justify visual and technical elegance and brilliance.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
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|
3.5/4
|
All Is Lost
(2013)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
As the film goes on, we see Redford in a new light. A light dimmer and paler and murkier. Once a golden god on screen, there now remains a hobbled everyman.
Posted Dec 31, 2013
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|
2/4
|
This Is 40
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
My suspicion is that Apatow made a conscious decision to throw episodes at us scattershot to reflect the battlefield chaos of a relationship in motion.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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4/4
|
Moonrise Kingdom
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Anderson's manner becomes a second skin and essential to the script, making Moonrise Kingdom a most comfortable way to watch matters uncomfortable.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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|
3.5/4
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Argo
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
We are invested in this rescue mission not simply because these are fellow Americans in peril, but also because Argo takes the time to make each person behind enemy lines unique and authentic.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
Les Misérables
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The issue with a motion picture reproduction of the musical is not whether the songs will be spectacular or whether nostalgia will play a role; the issue is whether director can capture the play's epic scope and whether the cast was up to the challenge.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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3.5/4
|
Lincoln
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Spielberg undoubtedly is asking us to pay attention and learn something - there is no nodding off in this class - but even with all the talk of ratification, and envoys, and securing votes, Lincoln is an engaging, if not rousing film-going experience.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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4/4
|
Flight
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
More than anything, the film seeks to capture the anguish of a man trapped - not struggling with, not dealing with, but TRAPPED - by his own vices.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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3/4
|
The Dark Knight Rises
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The Dark Knight Rises directly counters the arguments made against The Dark Knight. Maybe, sometimes, it is better to leave the demons unvanquished.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
|
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2/4
|
Brave
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Although the previews would have you believe that the film was an epic journey for the flame-haired firebrand, we are really treated (or deprived, depending on expectation) to a humble, small scale morality play.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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3/4
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Beasts of the Southern Wild
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
For all its curiosities and loose ends, Beasts of the Southern Wild casts a formidable spell.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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3/4
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The Impossible
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The term movie magic should be reserved for scenes such as the one where the unflinching realism of the natural disaster is conveyed without a single false note.
Posted Dec 31, 2012
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1/4
|
Butter
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
As smart, savvy, and witty as the film is at times, it never escapes the inherent identity crisis in its makeup
Posted Oct 15, 2012
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3/4
|
Knuckleball!
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Watching R.A. Dickey become one of the biggest sports celebrities in New York was about as welcome a surprise as a knuckleball that floats and drops under the batter's swing.
Posted Sep 27, 2012
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2/4
|
It Is No Dream: The Life of Theodor Herzl
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
A blow by blow, thoroughly researched rendering of the Hungarian secular journalist's instrumental part in taking Zionism from the theoretical to the actual.
Posted Sep 27, 2012
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3/4
|
Prometheus
(2012)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Scott was so intent on returning his spawn to glory that he mistakenly shot for Alien by way of 2001: A Space Odyssey, making it all the more disappointing when he inevitably settled for Aliens by way of Lost in Space.
Posted Jun 14, 2012
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2/4
|
Hanna
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
The ingredients are there for success, but as we build toward resolution (or even increased conflict) Hanna fails to develop at a rate to match the sum of its parts.
Posted Jan 20, 2012
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3/4
|
Warrior
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
One cannot genuinely fault Warrior for the clichd elements of its story, simply because reviving the clich is the whole point.
Posted Jan 20, 2012
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2.5/4
|
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Criticizing or belittling the film is sort of like taking issue with a cup of tea or a navy business suit from Men's Warehouse.
Posted Jan 20, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
Contagion
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Soderbergh, who is as skilled as they come at uplifting routine templates, gives the infection movie über-A-list treatment.
Posted Jan 20, 2012
|
|
2/4
|
The Adventures of Tintin
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
When I say The Adventures of Tintin sent me back to a more innocent, idealized time; a moment that I wanted to share with my children, I am not talking about watching a curiously brave investigative reporter.
Posted Jan 11, 2012
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|
3.5/4
|
The Muppets
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
By focusing on the Muppets of The Muppet Show (1976-1981) rather than the independent Muppets of prior films, the writers open up an unexplored aspect of Muppet lore ripe for revival.
Posted Jan 11, 2012
|
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2/4
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Rampart
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Thankfully, the ever-watchable Woody Harrelson re-teamed with his The Messenger director, Oren Moverman, to carry what may have otherwise been relegated to late night TMC and the discount DVD racks at Duane Reade.
Posted Jan 04, 2012
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|
1/4
|
The Descendants
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Hawaii's lush and luminous landscape is well appreciated, but it does nothing to mask the maddeningly irrational plot-points Payne expects us to swallow in the name of an alleged skewering social commentary.
Posted Jan 04, 2012
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|
3.5/4
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The Way
(2010)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Between the sprightly soundtrack, the sensational on-location shoot, the anchoring performance by Sheen, and the methodological freedom permitted so that Avery's pilgrimage can naturally take its course, The Way immerses body and soul.
Posted Jan 04, 2012
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4/4
|
The Tree of Life
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Terrence Malick's astonishing masterpiece of light, movement, and spirit, casts a dizzying spell and somehow manages to pronounce the ineffable while telling its humble tale.
Posted Jan 04, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
Bridesmaids
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Whether it says something incisive about female friends and their inability to truly feel comfortable and rise above petty jealousies and competition, Bridesmaids never achieves the wolf pack camaraderie that The Hangover executes so naturally.
Posted Dec 29, 2011
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2/4
|
Albert Nobbs
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Although one cannot question the quality of performances here, with Glenn Close Mia Wasikowska, and Janet McTeer leading the way, Albert Nobbs suffers for lack of breadth and vision.
Posted Dec 29, 2011
|
|
3.5/4
|
Martha Marcy May Marlene
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
As much as Olson's incendiary performance reveals her individualism and true power as a career woman and artist, it also exposes her as an enticing dish served up.
Posted Dec 29, 2011
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|
4/4
|
Melancholia
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Melancholia takes great pleasure in distressing its audience with ugly, harrowing imagery and behavior, but, more often that not, Von Trier's film is an exhibition of life's beauty and the shame it would be to watch it burn.
Posted Dec 29, 2011
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1/4
|
Cowboys & Aliens
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
While we were hoping and rightly expecting some old school magic from the director of Iron Man, the director of Iron Man 2 showed up.
Posted Dec 23, 2011
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|
2/4
|
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
(2011)
|
Jordan Hiller
|
Only in a world where James Franco portrays Will Rodman, a brilliant biochemist working for a pharmaceutical company, can apes get the best of mankind.
Posted Dec 23, 2011
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