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A
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Blue Beetle
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
The family dynamic, emotional beats, performances and direction feel so authentic it'll leave you wondering why it took so long to see true Latino representation in the superhero genre.
Posted Aug 16, 2023
|
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B
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B-Boy Blues
(2021)
|
Lucas Moore
|
It's rare to get a movie adaptation of great novel that can come as close as B-Boy Blues does to living up to the book. Jussie Smollett's direction is phenomenal especially for a debut film.
Posted Aug 11, 2023
|
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C
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Rounding
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
The horror elements help elevate this from a story that at times lacks to punch execute its ambitious setup but, anchored by a great performance from Namir Smallwood Rounding is a nice creepy drama.
Posted Aug 11, 2023
|
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A
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Bruiser
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
This is an emotionally raw film about how a child's longing can manifest in ways a parent can never understand. Full of great performances, this is a must see film especially for fathers and sons..
Posted Aug 11, 2023
|
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D
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V/H/S/99
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
The two segments in the middle of V/H/S 99 completely drag the movie down from really good to bad. Ozzy's Dungeon and The Gawkers segments have no elements of horror in them. They feel like a poorly executed attempt at comedy that's not funny at all.
Posted Aug 11, 2023
|
|
D
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Rocket's origin story is great and the only highlight of the movie. Tonally it's all over the place and the runtime is about 25 minutes too long. After the brilliance of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 we're left wondering what happened to this series.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
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A+
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Brother
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Brother deals with grief in a manner we rarely get to see on film. The way we see how grief has completely trapped Michael and Ruth is hard to watch but captivating. Aaron Pierre as Francis gives a very sincere, haunting performance.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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C +
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The People's Joker
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
It's a completely outlandish at times coming of age story that never takes itself too seriously that the audience can't sit back and enjoy. Vera Drew as a trans version of the greatest comicbook villain of all time is a slight to see and cheer for
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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D
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A Man of Reason
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
A Man of Reason is an action thriller with little to no action or thrilling moments. You feel the star power and directing talent of Jung Woo-sung but with a story that doesn't connect it becomes an unnecessary mess of a movie.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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C +
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Legions
(2022)
|
Lucas Moore
|
With a great mix of comedy and horror Legions always keeps you entertained even at times when it gets a little to silly.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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B -
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Magazine Dreams
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
While the story isn't the best and it has a third act that almost derails the entire movie, Johnathan Majors is absolutely captivating. This is the first must see performance of the year.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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B
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The Reading
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
It's great to see an actress of Mo'Nique's pedigree have so much fun in a role. It's a slick, by the numbers horror movie with great pacing that makes the movie float by before it overstays its welcome.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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A
|
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Across the Spider-Verse is the emotionally driven Spiderman movie people have been waiting for. There is no death gimmick used here to driven the emotion, instead it's driven by a great story that leans on a parents love and understanding.
Posted Aug 02, 2023
|
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B
|
Young. Wild. Free.
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
It's very reminiscent of 90s, early 2000s coming of age black cinema. While a shocking twist in the third act almost takes you out of it the characters and story is so strong you'll forgive it.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
A
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Evil Dead Rise
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Evil Dead Rise is as perfect of an Evil Dead movie you can get in todays climate. A definite improvement over the 2013 re-imagining.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
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D+
|
From Black
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Anna Camp is really good but its so by the numbers that its hard to always stay in tune with it. It's a bargain basement horror movie perfect for a slow weekend afternoon.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
D
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White Men Can't Jump
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
The chemistry between Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow is great but the movie takes every cliché from sports movies, hood movies and throws them at a generic story that isn't strong enough to withstand them.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
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A
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Mountains
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
This is a movie that will lead to serious discussions about gentrification in immigrant heavy neighborhoods while also being a great showcase of what it means to sacrifice for the betterment of your family.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
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A +
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is the best movie of the year. The movie does an amazing job of showing a realistic depiction of teenagers dealing with social acceptance while still being a funny, wildly entertaining movie.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
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A +
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Talk to Me
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Beyond being a great horror movie Talk to Me is one of the best films of the year. Sophie Wilde gives a star turning, tour de force performance you can't take your eyes off of.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
F
|
Blood for Dust
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
It's elements in the movie that should work but due to unconvincing performances from Josh Lucas and Kit Harington the movie falls apart. Blood for Dust feels like a cut, copy and paste version of a better movie.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
C +
|
Extraction 2
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
You can cut your brain completely off, turn on Extraction 2, sit back and enjoy the video game violence and unbelievable set pieces.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
D -
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Bird Box Barcelona
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
While it has glaring faults Bird Box: Barcelona still has enough dramatic elements to keep you intrigued until it leans too heavy into the worst tropes of movies like Book of Eli.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
A
|
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Tom Cruise understands better than anyone how to make a great action movie. Dead Reckoning Part One is the perfect summer action movie.
Posted Aug 01, 2023
|
|
A-
|
They Cloned Tyrone
(2023)
|
Lucas Moore
|
Even though it's shot like a Blaxploitation film, at no time does the scope of the film not feel grand. It's a horror/sci-fi film with social commentary that doesn't feel too woke that it takes you out of the pure enjoyment of the film.
Posted Jul 31, 2023
|
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A+
|
Blood for Dust
(2023)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Blood for Dust was intense start to finish! Blackhurst direction & scene setup are next level, tense score and tone leaves it feel like anything could happen. Harrington & McNairy truly shine in this film, showings levels of darkness/consequence equally!
Posted Jul 13, 2023
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B+
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Creed III
(2023)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
A great standout for Jordan’s first film. The fights & choreography are some of the best of the trilogy, the relationship progression & character evolution that I really loved. Such great chemistry with the whole cast, yet Majors is a powerhouse here!
Posted Feb 26, 2023
|
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B
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Knock at the Cabin
(2023)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
This was not what I expected but for some reason it’s tight enough & stationary enough for me to really get behind the narrative. Great acting from Batista & surrounding cast. But it’s Shyamalan that shines through in this dramatic thriller with a message
Posted Feb 02, 2023
|
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B+
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M3GAN
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
M3GAN is some kind of a way one the most entertaining thriller horrors I’ve seen in a while. It’s all dude to the title character who as dedicated/devoted as she is deadly/demented and I’m all here for it! Even with the cheese and camp it works!
Posted Jan 06, 2023
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9/10
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Where the Crawdads Sing
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Where the Crawdads Sing feels like a novel truly coming to life. The scripting, the dialogue, the scenery choices, the score, has it all of the pieces to make you feel its great pacing & progression. The story may be harsh but its all the more encouraging
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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6.5/10
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White Noise
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
At times doesn't feel like it knows where it needs to lead into. The director pulls some great shorts and transitions, the cast plays to their respective roles well. But as the story progresses it feels all over the place & some themes just aren't touched
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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9/10
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The Menu
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
The Menu is just out there, its violent, intentionally creepy, dark, and at times horrifically comedic and I truly loved every minute of it. With a great cast, very interesting concept for the script & devotion to the characters is always felt. A MUST SEE
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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9/10
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The Inspection
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Director Elegance Bratton's first film is captivating. An autobiography of his own struggles & testimony navigating through going into the military & working towards a relationship with his mother. Powerful scripting and performance from lead Jeremy Pope!
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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6.5/10
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Nope
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
NOPE has ground breaking cinematography and sound design. If seen in theaters or under surround sound, you truly feel like something is out there. Palmer and Kaluuya have great performances, but it was Steve Yeun's character that was most engaging here
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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10/10
|
Women Talking
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Women Talking has some of the strongest ensemble performance of 2022! The script on this film is Oscar worthy, having so many different perspectives of emotions, thoughts, and communication. The production and score are just bonuses. A MUST WATCH FILM!
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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6.5/10
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Devotion
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Devotion handles the story of Jesse Brown and he make on his story with a heroic level of care. Majors is great her, he is such a talent that you feel all the layers of Jesse's existence as a black pilot. Great chemistry between him and Powell as well!
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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9/10
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She Said
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
She Said is a very good film. The script is tight and feel very organic, even with things still in flux now they allow for the story to experience the lives tragically impacted by this case and the individual involved. Great performances through!
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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B
|
Pinocchio
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
They allow for some good emotional moments with a story that we've known before. Tom Hands does a good job as Geppetto & leads to the human connection to this story. Some times it feels like to much of a direct copy & doesn't boast for much rewatchability
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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4/10
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Armageddon Time
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
The understanding of generational knowledge and the fight to make sure our kids learn from our mistakes is at the core of Anthony Hopkins role in this film & all his scenes I loved, outside of that a lot of characters I did not care for or connected with
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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6.5/10
|
Barbarian
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Barbarian has the framings of the perfect first time horror film. Has some of the creepiest setups and executions of horror this year. This is bloody, disturbing, trippy, but at times feels very unbelievable & characters make questionable decisions during
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
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8/10
|
Tár
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
TAR has one of the best leading actress performances this year! Cate Blanchett is on fire here, her energy, how dedicated to each scripted scene and the execution providing us with a performance of a genius composer that feels real & raw at the same time
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
|
10/10
|
Everything Everywhere All at Once
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the best films this year. From the editing, set design, world building, pacing/transitions, amazing student choreography and some of the best performances this year from Yeoh, Quan, & Hsu. A NEAR PERFECT FILM!
Posted Jan 01, 2023
|
|
6.5/10
|
Babylon
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
It's long, all over the place, unsure of its message & is over exaggerated. BUT I really enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! It has some very strong moments, well acted scenes & dissects levels of negatives/positives of created cinema
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
|
8.5/10
|
Nanny
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
The Nanny is very grounded in its approach to mental health and awareness. Where even when the add in African folklore & connection, this at its core is about how deal with trauma & how to overcome it for our future legacy
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
|
9.5/10
|
Avatar: The Way of Water
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
This is better than the original. Action in the 2nd act is top notch, the voice acting/motion capture is vibrant, characters new & old have more weight/emotion, and the visuals are so good it took my eyes time to truly grasp IMAX 3D High FPS. IT’S SO EPIC
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
|
10/10
|
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Guillmermo's approach to this classic story is mesmerizing! Easily the best anime film this year and the raw emotion of it all. So much life, tragedy, emotional, and it feels so personal. Oscar worthy film... ABSOLUTE MUST WATCH!
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
|
8.5/10
|
The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
Another amazing looking anime film for 2022. The sequel to the series takes us down a journey of these young group of friends moving into adult hood. The story & characters are as great as ever but this could’ve been concluded with a mini-series instead
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
|
9.5/10
|
RRR
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
RRR was amazing… No other word can describe it! The stunts, story, choreography, music, it was pure cinema. Oh my goodness. A MUST WATCH!
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
|
10/10
|
The Banshees of Inisherin
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
McDonagh has it all, a great script, amazing cinematography, an astonishing score, & some of the best ensemble performances this year! Farrell & Gleeson are off the charts with their roles but everyone one around them makes this such a rich grounded story
Posted Dec 29, 2022
|
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10/10
|
Close
(2022)
|
Samuel Leggett Jr.
|
It's one of if not the best indie/international film this year! Newcomer Eden Dambrine gives one of the best performances of the year & with Dhont’s directing/writing this is a heartbreak and yet truthful depictions of friendship & loss I’ve ever seen!
Posted Dec 29, 2022
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