Author: Ben Kaye

Spider-Man 2F
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October 27, 2020

From page to screen, “Spider-Man 2” brought New York to life

Despite attempts to recapture its magic, Sam Raimi's second superhero entry remains the best in energy and empathy.
Guardians of the Galaxy&
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April 16, 2020

“Guardians of the Galaxy” Gave the MCU Its Identity

A break from all those iron men and thunder gods, James Gunn's blast of '70s pastiche helped solidify the Marvel movies' blend of character and comedy.
A Master BuilderH
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February 26, 2020

How “A Master Builder” Stumbled in Its Journey From Stage to Screen

Jonathan Demme's penultimate film is well-made and features excellent performances, but suffers in scope.
Revolutionary Road&
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December 26, 2019

“Revolutionary Road” and the Lost Art of Knowing What Isn’t Special

Sam Mendes's tale of forlorn love works best as a study of the pitfalls that litter the American Dream.
Shutter Island&
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October 30, 2019

“Shutter Island” Struggles Between Monsters and Good Men

Martin Scorsese followed up The Departed with Shutter Island, a claustrophobic psychological thriller about the madness of loss.
Waking LifeL
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August 17, 2019

Looking Back at the Rotoscoped Dreams of “Waking Life”

Richard Linklater's 2001 rotoscope experiment gets lost in philosophical aimlessness.
Jupiter Ascending&
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June 29, 2019

“Jupiter Ascending” Is the Wachowskis’ Big, Silly Cinematic Swan Song

The Wachowskis' last theatrical film to date -- a space opera with Channing Tatum as a roller-skating wolf man -- is one of their most ambitiously corny efforts yet.
Porco RossoP
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May 18, 2019

Pigs Fly in Miyazaki’s Swashbuckling Sea Adventure “Porco Rosso”

Porco Rosso is yet another swashbuckling adventure in the grand tradition of Hayao Miyazaki, a high-flying caper about a flying pig who's also a sea pirate.