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A-
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Top Gun: Maverick
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
One more piece of advice: See it in a theater. A big, loud, and crowded one. See it with the fans. That's the way these summer blockbuster blasts were designed to work.
Posted Sep 10, 2022
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B+
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
It's Olsen who is the anchor of this movie's originality. She is Cate Blanchett's antagonist on steroids, at least when it comes to levels of vengeance and agony. There's a high level of commitment to the role.
Posted May 14, 2022
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A-
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The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
It's not really about Cage playing the hero in real life that he did in his movies countless times; it's him handling self-deprecation like a champ and giving his deep bag of tricks a new riff.
Posted May 14, 2022
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B-
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The Northman
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Eggers' film didn't resonate with me after I left the theater. I never felt pulled into the orbit of Amleth's revenge close enough to really empathize with his plight. Gorgeously shot yet oddly hollow emotionally.
Posted May 14, 2022
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B
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Father Stu
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
This is the best Gibson has been in years, and that's because he's not playing an angel. Let's face it. We like our Gibby with a slice of crazy and some vitriol but with a heart attached, at least on screen.
Posted May 14, 2022
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B+
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Everything Everywhere All at Once
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Daniels had a goal: reintroduce Yeoh, who is so gifted with nuance that this role hits like a ton of bricks, and give movie audiences something they don't usually get. A genre-less, time-hopping adventure film that manages to thrill and make one laugh.
Posted May 14, 2022
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|
D
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Morbius
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Daniel Espinosa's film isn't awful by definition, but it's another reminder that when a comic book adaptation is produced poorly and without a real identity, the stink is much worse when you leave the theater.
Posted May 14, 2022
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B
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Infinite Storm
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
As Pam, Naomi Watts puts in strong work, perfecting Pam’s accent and giving an instant worth to the story. The minute she steps on screen, we’re buying in and never doubt her on the mountain for a second.
Posted May 14, 2022
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B
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The Lost City
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
It's best to just sit back, devour some popcorn, and let this easy-going flick roll right through you.
Posted May 14, 2022
|
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B+
|
X
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
It's Mia Goth's show. The English-Brazilian actress is building a fine repertoire in the horror genre as someone who likes to dive into the deep end of psychotic-tinged stories with a human element coercing through it.
Posted May 14, 2022
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A-
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The Adam Project
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The goal here is to make you feel good about the magic that movies can grab a hold of, even if only temporarily--and how simple father-son pathos can cue the waterworks when performed well.
Posted May 10, 2022
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B+
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Bisping: The Michael Bisping Story
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Great documentaries find new and fun ways to inform viewers about a subject they may not know a lot about. Bisping's documentary belongs in that group. He's larger than life and honest (often in a hilarious way) about his profession.
Posted May 10, 2022
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B+
|
The Batman
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
If any character leaves you wanting more in a good way, it's Farrell. He's very entertaining, something the film strives very hard to be in all its gothic rage. It's his young Penguin who nearly steals Matt Reeves's film.
Posted May 10, 2022
|
|
F
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Studio 666
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Laugh-less and oddly structured, this spoof attempt hammers one thing into the ground: The Foo Fighters should stick to music.
Posted May 10, 2022
|
|
D
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Texas Chainsaw Massacre
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Outside of a couple inventive kills, the rest of the movie falls flat for relevancy or enjoyment. The final scare could have been a real shocker if the characters had any depth outside of their skin color and age. That's all you get here.
Posted May 10, 2022
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|
D
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Blacklight
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Little of it is memorable, even for the fourth choice at your neighborhood Redbox. The score is stock music borrowed from sixty other action films, spliced together from Lorenzo Lamas's greatest hits and a couple Jean-Claude Van Damme bangers.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
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C-
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Marry Me
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Lopez and Wilson do their best to lift up the tedious material, but this should be your third choice at a Redbox in about six weeks.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
|
|
B
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Death on the Nile
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The actor-filmmaker hybrid relishes the role every second hes onscreen, mastering the dry yet snapping tone of Agatha Christies seamless detective.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
|
|
B+
|
Sundown
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Everything that would seem normal in this sort of film-almost a drama, not exactly a thriller-vanishes after the first 15 minutes. What exists after is fascinating and raw, the kind of movie that surprises you without being overwhelming.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
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|
B+
|
Jackass Forever
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The cast is always winking at the camera while in a sudden moment of shock, bringing the surreal nature of their endeavors together with true best friend sincerity.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
|
|
B+
|
Scream
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
What I can tell you is that this film is wildly gory in the best way imaginable. Arquette gets one great speech and a couple moments in the sun, as do his old(er) cohorts.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
|
|
F
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The 355
(2022)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The main problem is that Kinberg, a better screenwriter and producer than director, hired award-caliber actors to play low-grade roles. It didn't work.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
|
|
B+
|
Sing 2
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
While the film is highly commercialized and fast-moving, the slower moments make for its finest ones. Any time it involves Scarlett Johansson singing with Bono, the sequel soars.
Posted Feb 12, 2022
|
|
B+
|
Spider-Man: No Way Home
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
A riveting finale helped seal the deal for an imperfect film. While there's a little too much fan service at times, Holland and the cast make it all seem exhilarating.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Spencer
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
It's a career-defining moment for Stewart. More than merely mimicking a voice or a walk, you can see it in her face and every mannerism.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
B
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The Unforgivable
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Bullock plays Ruth like a woman who is carrying a boulder on her shoulders, and it's an engrossing performance to witness. She powers most of the film's dramatic notes.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
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|
A+
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C'mon C'mon
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Kindred spirits who explore the world asking young souls vital questions that politicians snooze through, Phoenix and Norman give the film a strength that makes it memorable.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
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|
F
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Don't Look Up
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Overlong and impetuous, this is Adam McKay saying you're stupid for 2.5 hours. There's a point when going over-the-top is hazardous to the enjoyment of a movie.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Finch
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Craig Luck and Ivor Powell's script doesn't toss many curveballs or proclaim something profound, relying on endearing plot development and its trio of stars to carry the show.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
A worthwhile sequel that doesn't waste your time, makes you laugh quite a lot, and also finds a way into your heart.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
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|
A-
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King Richard
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Smith's portrayal is heartfelt and sincere, bolstered by character work and a moderate amount of "non Will Smith" screen attributes.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
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|
B
|
Being the Ricardos
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Technically flawless-the costume and production design are next level-there was a detached personality to Sorkin's script that kept the film from hitting harder at times.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
D
|
Eternals
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
It doesn't have one remarkable element, performance, scene, or moment in its two and a half hour running time that made me think I was watching something marvelous.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
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|
B
|
The Harder They Fall
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The music and the performances of Majors and Lindo, along with inventive action directing, pushed this one into the "perfect idea for a Netflix movie at home with friends.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
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|
B+
|
The Power of the Dog
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Cumberbatch continues to spread his wings in terms of character choice and the boldness of a particular role.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
B
|
Clifford the Big Red Dog
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Here's the thing. The cast sells the tail off this thing, making normally unfunny setups come off fresher than one would have expected.
Posted Dec 20, 2021
|
|
C+
|
The French Dispatch
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The eccentricity is cranked up to an eleven here; if that's your game, then you're golden. But if you're not, a lot of what transpires here will zoom past your brain.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Halloween Kills
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Green's second stab at the material makes a more decent cut this time out. It's old school horror style being served up here, but this serving has better crust on its pizza.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Last Night in Soho
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The great thing about this movie is its ability to misdirect, or mildly invert, your expectations. It keeps your movie mind guessing while soaking your ears in comfort.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
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|
B+
|
No Future
(2020)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Heaton looks like a guy who would like to use his skin as a blanket, closing himself off from the real world. Without a spoken word, he convinces you of that.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
|
|
B-
|
No Time to Die
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
When the movie has a one track mind and cuts out the extra nonsense, there's a sweeping allure that encapsulates the final 30 minutes. But overall, it's a bloated experience.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
|
|
D
|
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Like the original, this sequel is tedious, not that funny, overly silly, and doesn't really have a reason to exist until the mid-credits sequence after the movie is over.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
|
|
B
|
Lamb
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Rapace is terrific here. She could haunt you without words, a beautiful face that looks like it has seen too many bad things in life.
Posted Nov 01, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Kate
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Winstead sells the carnage and keeps you invested in a screenplay that most film addicts can unfold in their heads during the first ten minutes. This is her action showcase.
Posted Sep 30, 2021
|
|
A-
|
The Many Saints of Newark
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
The Italian-blooded Nivola rips into the scar tissue that made Dickie tick and vibrate, while never shying away from the demons that doomed him. His eyes hold all the cards.
Posted Sep 30, 2021
|
|
B-
|
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
If there's a redeeming factor, it's Chastain's performance. The actress, who become one of Hollywood's finest performers, really goes for the wild spectacle of Tammy Faye.
Posted Sep 20, 2021
|
|
A-
|
Blue Bayou
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
This is rare work, if you allow it to hit you. It's not an agenda film; you can think of it as a gritty family drama with real-world purpose and ingenuity.
Posted Sep 20, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Copshop
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
Grillo and Carnahan keep it interesting and quick on its feet--which is exactly how every great action film should be.
Posted Sep 20, 2021
|
|
B+
|
Malignant
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
If you're like me and have been begging the horror genre to get back to originality, a filmmaker like Wan should represent a breath of fresh air.
Posted Sep 20, 2021
|
|
B+
|
The Protégé
(2021)
|
Dan Buffa
|
A quality film with a sharp personality, Martin Campbell's film has the perfect balance of stunt-savvy fighting scenes, humor, and dialogue-driven showdowns.
Posted Sep 20, 2021
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