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Mr. Malcolm's List
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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In this way, and many others, the story is reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, though the premise offers something a bit juicier. So, yes, we are on well-tread territory, however in this case it’s about the journey, not the destination.
Posted Jul 15, 2022
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4/5
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Persuasion
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Sometimes it’s just about embracing an adaptation for what it is, and not what it ‘should’ be. [...] While, yes, there are some historical inaccuracies and anachronisms, that is just what is at the surface. Look beneath that to find the heart.
Posted Jul 15, 2022
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2/5
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The Valet
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Perhaps it’s because the movie is penned by two writers who seem to have little experience writing romance, or maybe it was the lack of overall chemistry, but The Valet is DOA.
Posted Jun 22, 2022
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4/5
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The Northman
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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In The Northman, Robert Eggers sheds the title of a horror director. He shows just how far his range can lead him, and it is exciting to see him lean into that.
Posted May 18, 2022
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2/5
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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I'm sure Doctor Strange will be perfect for some eager to see Raimi's return, but it is an insult to the most powerful being in Marvel, cutting her off at the legs and weighing her down with a misogynist trope.
Posted May 18, 2022
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4/5
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Lucy and Desi
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Its clear that this doc is made by someone who not only loves Lucy and Desi, but understands what it takes to approach a balanced and respectful story when it comes to one of Hollywoods most influential and iconic pairings.
Posted Mar 11, 2022
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3.5/5
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Ascension
(2021)
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Therese Lacson
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For those unfamiliar with the beast that is the Chinese socioeconomic structure, Ascension is sure to be a surprising look and perhaps a wake-up call. Those familiar might wish for a more pointed message at the end of it all.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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3/5
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Wuhan Wuhan
(2020)
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Therese Lacson
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For Western audiences, who will probably be the main audience, Wuhan Wuhan is a look at the kindness and humanity of Wuhan, a city that undoubtedly sparks more fear and judgment in the minds of those who only know it as ground zero.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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3.5/5
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A Shot Through the Wall
(2021)
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Therese Lacson
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Regardless, Long does an impressive job with an immensely difficult subject, anchored by the strength of a nuanced performance from her leading actor Kenny Leu.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4/5
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King Richard
(2021)
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Therese Lacson
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The chemistry between the actors, the positive portrayal of the character, and an award-winning performance help bolster King Richard. It does indeed put a man at the center of a story about two iconic female athletes, but it proves its importance there.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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3/5
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Every Day in Kaimuki
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Ultimately Every Day in Kaimuki is a humble piece. For anyone who has left home behind in search of themselves and a place to belong, Tegan weaves a familiar story that is quietly vulnerable and unconventionally nostalgic.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4.5/5
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After Yang
(2021)
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Therese Lacson
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After Yang is subdued and beautifully calming, aesthetically pleasing, and sleek, but it shines the most when it highlights the humanity and connection we all feel with the people we come into contact with.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4/5
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The Exiles
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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These types of documentaries typically have a strong directorial voice and in this, that voice is Choy. Klein and Columbus feel like two students who have been gifted this archive of footage (...) but this is not really their story.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4/5
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Free Chol Soo Lee
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Free Chol Soo Lee tackles many subjects, the justice system, the Asian American community, the burden of representation, but the way that it puts Chol Soos story and his tragedies front and center is exceedingly effective.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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3.5/5
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TikTok, Boom.
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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If theres anything new to be gleaned from Tiktok, Boom by those who are already familiar with everything presented, its a confirmation that although there is much to do, indifference has not yet settled in.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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3/5
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Sharp Stick
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Its unnecessary to dogpile onto Dunham for her past scandals and controversies, more than enough has been said on it, but Sharp Stick presents the idea that perhaps Dunham simply doesnt have much more to say.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4/5
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Dual
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Coming in at 95 minutes, Stearns story moves at a clip and it leaves you wanting more, feeling unresolved in the final moments.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4/5
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Fire of Love
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Fire of Love is inspiring for anyone who has a passion, and Sara Dosas vision with the Krafft footage pulls together a charming and tragic story that is both an informative nature documentary and also playful and witty in the style of Wes Anderson.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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3/5
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When You Finish Saving the World
(2022)
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Therese Lacson
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Making little impact, Jesse Eisenbergs debut feature is just okay. Is there anything really comedic about this? Not unless you count a couple of wince-inducing cringe moments.
Posted Feb 13, 2022
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4/5
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The Counselor
(2013)
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Therese Lacson
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McCarthy is ambitious in his first original screenplay,(...) in the end (...) [it] could even be too verbose for a critical audience.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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5/5
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Thor: The Dark World
(2013)
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Therese Lacson
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Hemsworth and Hiddleston are enough to give this movie an A, but graphics are stellar and the humor is great. Whatever failures they had (...) are band-aided by that.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3/5
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Maleficent
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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Despite the romantic short comings, Jolie is perfect as this Maleficent. But did this blow me out of the water? No, sadly it didn't.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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5/5
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Guardians of the Galaxy
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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Absolutely stunning to look at, hilarious to watch, and never takes itself too seriously or gets dragged down in melodrama.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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2.5/5
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Need for Speed
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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It's nowhere near a perfect movie, and where there should be humor there is often less of an audible laugh and more of an awkward chuckle.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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5/5
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The Grand Budapest Hotel
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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It is a gorgeous movie; both comedic as well as emotional until the very last moment. Another great film by Anderson.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3/5
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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
(2013)
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Therese Lacson
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It does the job that every middle movie should, that is it sets up the climax of the story perfectly.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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1/5
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Winter's Tale
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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[Unfortunately,] Winter's Tale falls very flat, and unless you are watching it for the actors, don't pay money for this movie.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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Haters Gonna Hate, But I Loved Being Back in Sin City
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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Cinderella
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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There really is no other word to describe this film other than enchanting.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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[Mockingjay: Part 1] may lack some of the heavy action of its previous counterparts, but brings with it an inevitable and emotional evolution into a more mature story.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3/5
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Interstellar
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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The inherent message of the film brings hope, but it can definitely get waterlogged by intellectual speak and long-winded scenes.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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Dracula Untold
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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[If] you enjoy an entertaining film, watch Dracula Untold for a fun movie in the theme of Halloween and vampires who drink human blood and sizzle in sunlight.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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The Guest
(2014)
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Therese Lacson
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Dan Stevens delivers a killer performance and is not to be missed in this unique and exciting film.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3.5/5
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Avengers: Age of Ultron
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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It seems [Whedon] was willing to tell the story at all costs, regardless of faults within the narrative and the universe.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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2.5/5
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The Divergent Series: Insurgent
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Insurgent falls short from its predecessor. It's heavy-handed themes lend themselves to overworked storylines and the lack of any true impact.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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5/5
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Mad Max: Fury Road
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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The definition of a wholly unapologetically action-packed film, Mad Max: Fury Road breathes new life into an old series...
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3/5
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Tomorrowland
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Tomorrowland falls flat in promising what it's advertising, feeling more like concept art before a final film. Overflowing with optimism, it fails to feel genuine.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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2.5/5
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The Intern
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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[Where] it succeeds its charm and grace, it lacks in depth. The meat of the story can be summarized in a sentence and ends up feeling somewhat superficially emotional...
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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Pan
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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It'll certainly keep your kids entertained, but that's all that it will do. Pan does little to add to the classic tale (...) and fails to make an impression that lasts.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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American Ultra
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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"American Ultra" is Explosively Fun and Completely Ridiculous
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4.5/5
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Dope
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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With a summer full of action movies and blockbuster hits, Dope stands out as both a comedy as well as a dramatic film written about teens growing up in this generation
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4.5/5
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Sicario
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Sicario offers nothing completely new within the genre (...) but it is still a heart-racing ride brilliantly casted (...) and brings a fresh take on a familiar story.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Mockingjay Part 2 brings a solid conclusion to a riveting series, with a wonderfully suspenseful buildup and a solid end that is sure to satisfy.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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5/5
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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With all the heart and soul of the series we love, it's undoubtedly set to be a favorite for the years to come.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3.5/5
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Spectre
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Daniel Craig's Bond story feels a little too sugary sweet for our beloved 007. Leave the happily ever afters for the fairytales, we came here for a movie about a spy.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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Macbeth
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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[A] familiar story in a more traditional setting, but still manages to bring forth a new, bolder version of Macbeth that Michael Fassbender does a brilliant job delivering.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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Creed
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Stallone shines once again as the dearly loved Rocky Balboa and hands over the gloves to Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Creed.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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3/5
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Legend
(2015)
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Therese Lacson
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Hardy's performance shows off his range as an actor and is a perfect image of his acting chops. Beyond Hardy, [it] is a flawed gangster film with shifts in tone and [a familiar] plot.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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4/5
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The Finest Hours
(2016)
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Therese Lacson
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It's not going to surprise you with any plot twists, but The Finest Hours is by far one of the most exciting disaster movie so far this year.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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Zootopia
(2016)
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Therese Lacson
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It's got all the hallmarks of a great animated movie, and it doesn't fail to get laughs and give you that warm happy feeling that an inspiring film should.
Posted Oct 09, 2021
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