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Author: Douglas Laman

The lazy musical drama “Music” hits every sour note possible

Music
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Even beyond its handling of its autistic character, “Music” is a terribly constructed film.

Douglas Laman Posted on February 9, 2021February 10, 2021

Hit the open trail with the thoughtful drama “Cowboys”

Cowboys
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Giddy on up with Cowboys and its unique take on the hallmarks of the Western genre.

Douglas Laman Posted on February 8, 2021February 7, 2021

“We Are: The Brooklyn Saints” is messy but inspiring

We Are: The Brooklyn Saints
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This documentary series gives short thrift to its adolescent athletes, much to its own detriment.

Douglas Laman Posted on January 22, 2021January 21, 2021

“The Reason I Jump” is a huge leap forward for autism representation

The Reason I Jump (Kino Lorber)
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Empathetic, well-crafted filmmaking makes this profile on the specificities of autistic life both heartwarming and essential in its outreach.

Douglas Laman Posted on January 8, 2021January 7, 2021

New documentary “Assassins” digs into two unlikely political killers

Assassins Documentary
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Ryan White’s documentary examines the two women who killed Kim Jong-un’s brother, and the complex web of lies and deceptions that got them to do it.

Douglas Laman Posted on December 11, 2020December 12, 2020

“The Stand In” fails to stand out

The Stand In
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Despite Drew Barrymore’s efforts, But I’m a Cheerleader director Jamie Babbit delivers an out-of-touch showbiz satire.

Douglas Laman Posted on December 8, 2020December 7, 2020

There’s plenty to admire, though little to love, in “The Loveless”

The Loveless
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Kathryn Bigelow’s directorial debut has its standout elements but is overall too detached for its own good.

Douglas Laman Posted on November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Austin Film Festival: “The Book Keepers” is an emotional page-turner

The Book Keepers
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A cross-country book tour is the backdrop for an engrossing doc about coping with the loss of a loved one.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 29, 2020November 3, 2020

Austin Film Fest: Say hello to great filmmaking in “Farewell Amor”

Farewell Amor
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delivers an emotionally engrossing directorial debut.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

Austin Film Festival: Good filmmaking dies in “Two Deaths of Henry Baker”

Two Deaths of Henry Baker
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Director Felipe Mucci delivers a crime thriller that’s heavy on darkness but light on substance.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

Austin Film Festival: “Death of a Telemarketer” puts thoughtful commentary on hold

Death of a Telemarketer
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While effective at first, Khaled Ridgeway’s feature debut goes from dark comedy to conventional sappiness.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

Austin Film Festival: “Murder Bury Win” is a grisly game worth playing

Murder Bury Win
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“Rough Night” meets a board game pitch gone awry in this memorable dark comedy.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

AFF Fest: “Dave Not Coming Back” is a poignant look at loss and risk

Dave Not Coming Back
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Jonah Malek’s documentary proves captivating for divers and non-divers alike.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 25, 2020November 13, 2020

Austin Film Festival: “Good” serves up intimacy with overstuffed sides

Good
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Justin Etheredge’s directorial debut Good is a flawed but frequently intriguing production.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 25, 2020October 25, 2020

“Darkman” was Sam Raimi’s original superhero classic

Darkman
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Years before Spider-Man, Sam Raimi delivered a fully original and fully entertaining superhero tale with his 1990 effort.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 11, 2020October 10, 2020

“Deaf U” is a school of partying and poignancy

Deaf U
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Netflix’s newest reality show gets both turnt and insightful.

Douglas Laman Posted on October 10, 2020October 10, 2020

Bob’s Burgers kicks off its eleventh season in a tasty fashion

Bob's Burgers
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The reliable Fox sitcom reaffirms its best qualities in the first two episodes of its newest season.

Douglas Laman Posted on September 20, 2020September 26, 2020

“Julie and the Phantoms” is as weightless as a guitar-playing ghost

Julie and the Phantoms
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Netflix creates a high-school musical about a ghostly boy band that plays all the wrong notes too obviously.

Douglas Laman Posted on September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

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