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5/5
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Wish
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
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After a series of misfires that seriously threatened the House of Mouse, I am proud to report that, with “Wish,” Disney is back!
Posted Nov 22, 2023
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3/5
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The Marvels
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
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Even with wall-to-wall action, “The Marvels” feels almost formulaic in its story.
Posted Nov 14, 2023
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5/5
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Killers of the Flower Moon
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
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A sprawling epic, “Killers of the Flower Moon” boasts award winning performances by the three leads, who breathe life into characters that would come off as two dimensional in the hands of lesser actors.
Posted Oct 29, 2023
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4/5
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The Burial
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
|
Buoyed by stellar work from Foxx and Jones (both former Oscar winners), the film is full of strong performances.
Posted Oct 29, 2023
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4/5
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MR-9: Do or Die
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
|
The performances are strong and Akbar’s pacing spot on. Like “MI: Dead Reckoning,” the extended running time moves quickly. Another thing in common – there is more to this adventure to come.
Posted Sep 05, 2023
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3.5/5
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The Baker
(2022)
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Michael A. Smith
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As summer winds down, and you are overwhelmed by all of the “Barbieheimer” social media posts, I recommend taking the time to seek out “The Baker.” It “rises” to the occasion.
Posted Aug 12, 2023
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4/5
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The Last Voyage of the Demeter
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
|
A perfect combination of gore and terror, “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is a trip you definitely want to take if you are a horror film fan.
Posted Aug 12, 2023
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|
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Tiger Within
(2020)
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Michael A. Smith
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Though the film is not rated, it does deal with some serious issues. But it is the handling of those issues, and Asner’s performance, that make this film a must see!
Posted Jul 14, 2023
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4.5/5
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Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
|
You’re mission, shoud you decide to accept it, is to check out “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” as soon as you can.
Posted Jul 10, 2023
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4/5
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Joy Ride
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
|
If you’re in need of a laugh – a real, genuine belly laugh – then I highly recommend “Joy Ride.”
Posted Jul 08, 2023
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3/5
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Mermaids' Lament
(2023)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Both Escobar and Mattos bring true emotion to their performances, a fine achievement when you learn that both actresses are making their feature film debut.
Posted Jul 08, 2023
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5/5
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
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...it’s a true pleasure to see Indiana Jones back on the big screen, where he and his adventures belong. After all, it’s not the years. It’s the miles!
Posted Jun 30, 2023
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5/5
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The Flash
(2023)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Action packed from beginning to end, “The Flash” is the DC movie fans have been waiting for.
Posted Jun 08, 2023
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2.5/5
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Creed III
(2023)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Unfortunately he didn’t spend enough time on character development, and the audience is stuck with one-dimensional character that don’t have a redeeming bone in their bodies, which is a shame for a franchise that earned it’s love by opening its heart.
Posted Jun 06, 2023
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3.5/5
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Man & Witch
(2023)
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Michael A. Smith
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Smartly written, with strong performances, “Man & Witch” could easily be described as “SHREK meets ‘The Princess Bride’” with a little bit of “The Wizard of Oz” tossed in for good measure.
Posted Jun 06, 2023
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3/5
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
...the positive side, the performances are strong and the visual effects are outstanding. But great effects do not always a great movie make (I’m looking at you, “Avatar”) and the humanity that Boseman brought to the title character is greatly missed.
Posted Nov 23, 2022
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4/5
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The Menu
(2022)
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Michael A. Smith
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A film that is both dark and funny, “The Menu” benefits from the combination of a smartly written script and some excellent performances.
Posted Nov 23, 2022
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5/5
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The Fabelmans
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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LaBelle approaches the role with the same wonder that Spielberg must have had as a young man. It’s a beautiful performance.
Posted Nov 23, 2022
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3.5/5
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Potato Dreams of America
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
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Hurley’s script is quite funny, especially in the first act, where Potato and Lena do their best to tolerate those who are intolerable among them.
Posted Oct 10, 2022
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5/5
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Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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If you can’t make it down in person, this film is a great way to enjoy the show.
Posted Oct 10, 2022
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4/5
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Amsterdam
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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You do have to pay attention, as every new twist takes you in a different direction. That being said, head to the nearest cinema and book a ticket to “Amsterdam.”
Posted Oct 10, 2022
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3.5/5
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Jerry & Marge Go Large
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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This is such a fun film to watch, from the premise to the cast. Cranston and Bening will go down as two of the best actors of their generation, and it’s a treat to see them play off each other so well.
Posted Aug 02, 2022
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3.5/5
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Minions: The Rise of Gru
(2022)
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Michael A. Smith
|
A fun treat for the whole family, “Minions: the Rise of Gru” is another in a string of successful and well made animated films starring these Twinkie-looking oddities and their hook-nosed leader.
Posted Aug 02, 2022
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4/5
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Thor: Love and Thunder
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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I love me some Taika Waititi! The Oscar-winning filmmaker has a perfect touch when balancing drama and humor. And that touch is on full display in “THOR: Love and Thunder.”
Posted Aug 02, 2022
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4.5/5
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Nope
(2022)
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Michael A. Smith
|
Jordan Peele is no longer Raffi Benitez to me. Now when I hear his name I think about the cinema’s new master of suspense. If I met him, I’d shake his hand…and “Slap Ass!”
Posted Aug 02, 2022
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3.5/5
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DC League of Super-Pets
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
In the end, it’s a story about believing In yourself, and your friends. Or, in this case, your Super-Friends.
Posted Aug 02, 2022
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4/5
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The Lost City
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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To sum it all up, “The Lost City” is a fun way to usher in the spring movie season.
Posted Jun 27, 2022
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4/5
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
(2022)
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Michael A. Smith
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So great to see Sam Raimi, the director of the first Spider-man series with Tobey Maquire, back at the helm of a superhero film and he puts his trademark eye for pacing and character development on full display.
Posted Jun 27, 2022
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4/5
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Top Gun: Maverick
(2022)
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Michael A. Smith
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The film is lovingly dedicated to the late Tony Scott, who directed “Top Gun.” I’d like to think that he would give a thumbs up and a salute to “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Posted Jun 27, 2022
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5/5
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Elvis
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Thanks to ELVIS, the King will NEVER leave the building!
Posted Jun 27, 2022
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3/5
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The Batman
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
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The cast is fine, with Pattinson adding his own touch to a role now undertaken by six different actors in the past 30 years, seven if you go back to Adam West and the original television show of the 1960s.
Posted Mar 18, 2022
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5/5
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Tick, Tick... Boom!
(2021)
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Michael A. Smith
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What do you do after youve written two Tony-award winning musicals, including the brilliant Hamilton? If youre Lin-Manuel Miranda you make your feature film directing debut with a musical about one of your peers.
Posted Feb 14, 2022
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5/5
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Val
(2021)
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Michael A. Smith
|
Mr. Kilmer is slated to be in the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick, which was originally slated to be released in 2020. Cant wait to see the Iceman again. He can be my wingman anytime!
Posted Feb 14, 2022
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3/5
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Jackass Forever
(2022)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
As the credits rolled my wife said to me, everybody needs to laugh like thisespecially now. My thoughts exactly.
Posted Feb 14, 2022
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5/5
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West Side Story
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
With a few weeks left in 2021, "West Side Story" is looking to be the best film of the year.
Posted Dec 16, 2021
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5/5
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Spider-Man: No Way Home
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
The MCU has had more gems than rocks over the years, with pretty much each hero ("Iron Man, Thor) hitting an occasional bump in the road. Not Spider-man. To me his series of films is head and shoulders the best of the stand-alone films.
Posted Dec 16, 2021
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4/5
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Ghostbusters: Afterlife
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
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A great throwback to the 1980s, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" picks up decades after the events in "Ghostbusters II."
Posted Nov 17, 2021
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4/5
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Eternals
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
To sum it up, "The Eternals" - the third film in the Fourth Phase of the MCU -is another fine addition to the series that may itself be eternal.
Posted Nov 04, 2021
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3.5/5
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Jungle Cruise
(2021)
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Michael A. Smith
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Full of fun, with another winning performance by Dwayne Johnson - I think if he met me he and I would be best pals immediately - "Jungle Cruise" is the latest Disney attraction to become a feature film and, I must say, it's pretty darn entertaining.
Posted Jul 28, 2021
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3.5/5
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Black Widow
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Full of non-stop action and some self-depreciating humor, "Black Widow" is an origin story that attempts to inform viewers where Natasha (Johansson) came from and why she defected to the Avengers.
Posted Jun 30, 2021
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4/5
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Godzilla vs. Kong
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Sure, you could stay home this weekend and watch the basketball Final Four, or you can treat yourself to the Ultimate March Madness and see "Godzilla vs Kong!"
Posted Mar 30, 2021
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4/5
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Nobody
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Action-packed from beginning to end, "Nobody" is a true cousin to films like "Death Wish" (the Bronson one, not the horrible Bruce Willis remake) and "Straw Dogs."
Posted Mar 26, 2021
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5/5
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Tina
(2021)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Full of amazing interviews and even more amazing vintage footage, TINA is a must see!
Posted Mar 26, 2021
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4/5
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Stallone: Frank, That Is
(2020)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
If you're looking for a film in which the underdog keeps fighting, and you've already seen "Rocky" a hundred times, I hope you give "Stallone: Frank That Is" a look.
Posted Jan 23, 2021
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4/5
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Wonder Woman 1984
(2020)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
The film is beautifully shot and Ms Jenkins' direction flows smoothly, though at two and a half hours the film could have used some trimming. Hans Zimmer's score sets the mood of the film and energizes the action scenes.
Posted Dec 25, 2020
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4/5
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News of the World
(2020)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
Hanks is his usual excellent self, seemingly able to inhabit any character he plays, much like Jimmy Stewart did in his career.
Posted Dec 23, 2020
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5/5
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The Dissident
(2020)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
A powerful film that will make you think long after it's over, "The Dissident" is one of the best films of the year.
Posted Dec 22, 2020
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4/5
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HAM: A Musical Memoir
(2020)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
A filmed version of Harris' award winning off-Broadway show, "HAM: A Musical Memoir" is an entertaining - and deeply moving - look at the life of a boy with a dream and the sacrifices he had to make to keep that dream alive.
Posted Dec 08, 2020
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4/5
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All Joking Aside
(2019)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
A film about stand-up should, of course, be funny and "All Joking Aside" has some side splitting moments. But it also has heart, which makes it a rarity in the genre'. The heart here comes from the performances of the three leads.
Posted Nov 26, 2020
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5/5
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Belushi
(2020)
|
Michael A. Smith
|
I have always maintained that John Belushi would have had a career similar to Robin Williams. Both men had unlimited range and talents and I would not have been surprised if Belushi won an Oscar one day.
Posted Nov 22, 2020
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