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Author: Peter Sobczynski

“He Was the Best—Undisciplined, But The Best.” A look at “Our Man Flint.”

our man flint
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Perhaps the best of the Bond rip-offs, this 60s classic offers style, self-aware humor, and an iconic performance by James Coburn.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on January 14, 2021January 12, 2021

The dumb limbo mumbo jumbo of “Altered States” at 40

Altered States
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Four decades on, Ken Russell and Paddy Chayefsky’s psychedelic nightmare remains a testament to the perverse power of artistic conflict.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on December 25, 2020December 24, 2020

“The Godfather Coda” gives Coppola a fitting cap to his masterwork

The Godfather Coda Part III
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Francis Ford Coppola returns to his most iconic story with a re-edit of Part III that repairs the infamous original.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020

“I’m axking you for an apologeky”: “Popeye” at 40

Popeye
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Robert Altman’s adaptation of the seminal comic strip remains a prime example of how to bring a cartoon to life in earnest.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on December 7, 2020December 7, 2020

“Don’t be afraid, I’m part of the family”: In defense of “Alien 3”

Alien 3
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David Fincher’s first feature may have angered people at the time, but it continues to prove equally daring as a sequel and a debut.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on December 6, 2020December 12, 2020

“Poetry Is A Game Of Loser-Take All”: “Pierrot le Fou” at 55

Pierrot le fou
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Jean-Luc Godard’s tale of fractured romance and love on the run, is one of the most fearsome, rebellious works of his career.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on November 8, 2020November 8, 2020

“We’re going this way”: “To Live and Die in L.A.” at 35

To Live and Die in L.A.
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Pegged upon release as a retread of previous work, William Friedkin’s neo-noir is something altogether different.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on November 2, 2020November 3, 2020

“Different rules apply”: “After Hours” at 35

After Hours
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An under-appreciated work from the filmmaker and a career rebound, Martin Scorsese’s screwball comedy remains one of a kind.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on October 11, 2020October 10, 2020

“You broke my shocker!”: Sam Raimi and the Coens go on a “Crimewave”

Crimewave
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Sam Raimi’s collaboration with the Coen Brothers is an infamous disasterpiece, but there are nuggets of insight to be found.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on October 9, 2020October 9, 2020

“What’s the rumpus?”: “Miller’s Crossing” at 30

Miller's Crossing
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A noticeable step up in their artistry at the time, the Coen brothers’ gangster pastiche remains the duo’s crown jewel.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

“He’s Not Funny Anymore”: “Stardust Memories” at 40

Stardust Memories
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Misinterpreted upon its release, Woody Allen’s 1980 comedy is a worthy riff on the likes of 8 1/2 and Sullivan’s Travels.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on September 26, 2020September 26, 2020

“Welcome to your sophomore year!”: “My Bodyguard” at 40

My Bodyguard
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Something of an unsung classic, Tony Bill’s directorial debut precedes and exceeds its John Hughes peers of the era.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on September 26, 2020September 21, 2020

“It’s The Smiles That Keep Us Going” : “The Exorcist III” at 30

The Exorcist III
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William Peter Blatty’s third entry in the vaunted horror series had a rocky road to the screen, and deserves its own stab at salvation.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on August 17, 2020August 17, 2020

“Stab It And Steer!”: “Wild at Heart” at 30

Wild at Heart
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David Lynch’s 1990 thriller remains a scintillating, if inessential, piece of the filmmaker’s gonzo catalog.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on August 17, 2020August 17, 2020

“It Never Goes Away”: “The Two Jakes” At 30

The Two Jakes
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Jack Nicholson’s disastrously-received sequel to Chinatown is far more interesting than its reputation implies.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on August 11, 2020August 11, 2020

“Look, it’s the gentleman guppy”: “Waterworld” at 25

Waterworld
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Say what you will about Kevin Costner’s disasterpiece, but it’s a reminder of the time when studios were willing to wade into uncharted seas.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on July 28, 2020July 28, 2020

“Can’t you see this horse loves me?”: “Silverado” at 35

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Lawrence Kasdan’s 1985 throwback Western is overstuffed, but 35 years later boasts loads of charm.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on July 10, 2020July 7, 2020

Joel Schumacher starts small with “The Incredible Shrinking Woman”

Incredible Shrinking Woman
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Schumacher’s directorial debut is a silly, messy take on the restrictive gender roles of women in the household.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on July 6, 2020July 6, 2020

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