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Wesley Lovell
Tomatometer-approved critic
Movies have always been a passion for me. Even when I was a child, I wanted to see movies that my grandparents wouldn't want me to see. Everything changed for me in 1990 when I sat down to watch the Academy Awards for the first time. I had a personal favorite going into the race and knew little to nothing about the awards themselves. Against odds that I was not aware of then, Driving Miss Daisy took home the trophy for Best Picture. I was ecstatic and it became my personal mission to study the Academy Awards and become a first rate prognosticator. In 1996, I founded The Oscar Guy, my personal website for the Academy Awards. Over time as I finished my studies in film, I began writing reviews in order to embellish my site. In 1997, I joined the Online Film Critics Society and have been a proud member ever since. In 2006, I was elected a governor of the Online Film Critics Society and am working on a number of projects that I feel will bring further prestige to the organization.
There are many movies that I enjoy but among my most beloved are Sunrise, Schindler's List, Citizen Kane, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Springfield, Missouri, USA
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Babylon (2022) |
Outside of these production moments, the film feels like it’s toiling away at revealing plot threads that aren’t nearly as engaging as they could be. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 27, 2023
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There's Something About Mary (1998) |
Who would have guessed that the brothers who created the stupid gross-out comedy film “Dumb and Dumber” would be able to change tracks and make an enjoyable, yet still gross, motion picture? - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 23, 2023
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Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) |
...is certainly unique. Exploring the idea of family, existential crises, and other obvious philosophical concepts, the film uses its quasi-futuristic narrative to delve into these topics in ways not often seen in film. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 23, 2023
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Armageddon (1998) |
In a cross between “Independence Day” and “Apollo 13,” “Armageddon” leans more heavily toward the former. Piles of visual effects with a weak plot to keep it all tied together and give them the excuse to make the film. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 13, 2023
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The Truman Show (1998) |
The film is assuredly one of the most defining and best films of the 1990s and ranks high up there in film history. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 13, 2023
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She Said (2022) |
Like all of the great films about journalism, She Said is a fascinating picture that explores the challenges of working in journalism...investigative reporters follow their leads until they can put together a firm and unimpeachable story. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Beloved (1998) |
“Beloved” is easily one of the year’s best films. An emotionally intense motion picture. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Top Gun: Maverick (2022) |
Top Gun: Maverick is a little bloated at times and could have used a bit of trimming, especially in its third act, but there’s no denying the magnetic energy the film brings to the viewer. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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The Manchurian Candidate (1962) |
“Manchurian” is one of the finest political intrigues in film history. It’s raw power and serpentine plot devices are terrific. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Small Soldiers (1998) |
“Small Soldiers” also joins “Godzilla” in another way. They compete now for the worst film of the year with “Godzilla” ahead, but not far enough to out distance the horrid “The Big Hit.” - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) |
Therein lies Thor: Love and Thunder‘s biggest issue, its inability to balance tone and spectacle. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Primary Colors (1998) |
The film makes a good pseudo-documentary and presents several ideas that should be considered when looking at the presidency of the man everyone feels cheats on his wife, but can still effectively run the country. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Taxi Driver (1976) |
“Taxi Driver” is a terrific film from the director of recent films like “GoodFellas” and “The Age of Innocence.” It captures a tumultuous time in American history after the Vietnam War. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Feb 06, 2023
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Diabolique (1955) |
“Les Diaboliques” is easily one of the best French foreign language films ever made and one of the finest crafted suspense thrillers in all of cinema. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 18, 2023
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Dark City (1998) |
The other major item of note in the film is its visual effects. From a giant clock to a city changing before our eyes, Dark City is one of the most spectacular visual effects feats to come out in recent memory. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 18, 2023
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Dangerous Beauty (1998) |
This film can be seen on the small screen, since it’s not big, but make sure you have some good resolution on your TV or you’ll miss some of the more elegant work of the year. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 18, 2023
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Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) |
If you’re already a fan of the first Avatar, you will welcome a return to the realm of Pandora. Those who were lukewarm or hostile to the original won’t find anything new enough to merit consideration. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 18, 2023
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Sphere (1998) |
Adding to the downfalls is the unavailable chemistry between the leads, Hoffman and Stone. No sparks seem to fly in this relationship and we don’t feel a kinship to either. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 18, 2023
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Lady and the Tramp (2019) |
While “Lady and the Tramp” is enjoyable, it pales in comparison to both Disney’s earlier and later works. Kids will love it, but parents beware…it is a little sappy and occasionally bland. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Wag the Dog (1997) |
...I’ll simply let the movie explain itself and recommend it highly for anyone interested in satirical filmmaking. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The Wings of the Dove (1997) |
The film, however, keeps your interest and Bonham Carter makes you feel her lust and pain so easily that hers is one of the finest performances of the year. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Afterglow (1997) |
Afterglow, while occasionally an entertaining movie, focuses too much on sex and not enough on character. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) |
The Banshees of Inisherin is just another feather in McDonagh’s cap and it might be the film that finally wins him the full roster of accolades he deserves. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The Apostle (1998) |
If you can stand to sit for two hours and listen to a sermon and really want to see Robert Duvall’s performance by all means go see it, but if you’re not as patient as I tried to be this is not the film for you. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The Big Hit (1998) |
The film fails on so many levels that it’s hard to even remember the ONE extremely funny scene about one hour into the film. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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As Good as It Gets (1997) |
James L. Brooks’ screenplay is fantastic, we are in their lives, it feels as if we are PART of their lives and watching it from right up close. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The X-Files (1998) |
So if you’re free on Sunday nights, tune into the show and catch up on a fascinating journey into paranormal disturbances and government conspiracies. It’s a wild ride and more exciting when you see it on the small screen. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Tár (2022) |
What Field has done with Lydia Tár is not only castigate those who allow their fame to increase their sense of entitlement, but also to question the lengths and depths to which the public as a whole will go to tear those people down, warranted or not. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Spice World (1997) |
The girls themselves sometimes have a chemistry, but are normally annoying paper-thin characters, but still quite fun. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Gods and Monsters (1998) |
“Gods and Monsters” is easily one of the best films of the year. It is a real treat for any movie lover and will easily span the test of time like the films of the man it portrayed. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Cop Land (1997) |
“Cop Land” is an interesting film that allows its flaws to overwhelm it in the end while never realizing its full potential. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Sing 2 (2021) |
The biggest issues with the film come down to familiarity, predictability, and a notable drop in song quality. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) |
“Insurrection” is an extremely enjoyable film that looks as good as it is written - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Rebel Without a Cause (1955) |
“Rebel” is one of those classic films that defines a generation and will define many to come. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Wendell & Wild (2022) |
While it feels very familiar at first, the screenplay travels its expected paths towards a conclusion that is well crafted and emotionally fulfilling. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The Opposite of Sex (1998) |
Roos knows his way around the ideas of homosexuality as well as the human condition. He’s able to tug at the right heartstrings while dousing his screenplays with enough humor to keep them afloat. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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The Lost City (2022) |
Ultimately, the The Lost City is relatively hollow with a somewhat uncharacteristic denouement that connects back to Bullock’s late husband and her inability to let him go. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) |
The film, written and directed by Randall Wallace, writer behind the pathetic Braveheart adaptation, does nothing exciting for the picture and can’t command more than a few decent performances. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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The Thin Red Line (1998) |
"The Thin Red Line” is a magnificent motion picture whose very essence is epitomized in its every sequence. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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The New Land (1972) |
It’s not hard to see what side Troell is fighting on. He stays faithful to his countrymen while chastising their ethnocentrism and religious solidarity. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) |
Where The Avengers: Endgame lacked in its depiction of post-traumatic psychological exploration, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever makes up for in its examination of grief as a motivator and the difficulty of moving on from a core part of one’s own identity. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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Life Is Beautiful (1997) |
“Life Is Beautiful” is quite entertaining and well acted for the most part. Benigni isn’t extremely impressive in the lead role, nor is Cantarini very effective. The plot contains various elements seen in other films and not done much better. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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The Goonies (1985) |
“Goonies” is an entertaining film and has a cult following of teens from the ’80s, who remember the film well. Adults will enjoy watching it with their children, since it’s a more subdued family film than what comes out today. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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The Fabelmans (2022) |
In spite of its handful of faults, the film never fails to endear itself to the viewer and while there are some moments that ring just a shade false, there’s no question that Spielberg is still working at the top of his game all these 50 years later. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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Lady and the Tramp (1955) |
While “Lady and the Tramp” is enjoyable, it pales in comparison to both Disney’s earlier and later works. Kids will love it, but parents beware…it is a little sappy and occasionally bland. - Cinema Sight
Read More
| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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One (2000) |
Average is the best way to describe this independent film. Although there is intense meaning behind the dialogue and events of the story, “One” skims the surface of a much larger idea. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 25, 2022
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Elizabeth (1998) |
The technical aspects are terrific, from the beautiful score, great acting and wonderful sets, all the way down to the last stitch of thread on the costumes. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Ghost World (2001) |
This kind of subtle moral isn’t as readily available to most audiences, but should appeal to the younger generation who are strapped with the burden of carrying society into a new century filled with strife, misery and great opportunity. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Nope (2022) |
This is a film full of symbolic exhortations, which is as much a part of the goals of science-fiction as it is essential to Peele’s cinematic oeuvre. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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Smoke Signals (1998) |
“Smoke Signals” is an interesting film, but it is too long and lifeless to achieve success. The performances are on par, but don’t seem to further the cause of the film. - Cinema Sight
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| Posted Dec 20, 2022
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