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“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

“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

How “The Apple” killed the movie musical (for a little while)

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The futuristic religious allegory set to a disco-rock soundtrack turns 40 this week, & must be seen to be believed.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 22, 2020November 22, 2020

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” answered questions no one was asking

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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Ron Howard’s live-action take on the Dr. Seuss classic remains a crass & unpleasant mess that has the gall to present an anti-materialism message.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 17, 2020November 15, 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

“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

“Dancer in the Dark” at 20: A haunting swan song that’s complicated to love

Dancer in the Dark
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Despite on-set conflict, Lars von Trier’s collaboration with Björk is still emotionally devastating and superb two decades later.

Theo Estes Posted on October 6, 2020October 7, 2020

“Se7en” can still keep you up at night, even after 25 years

Se7en
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David Fincher’s bleak, gruesome murder mystery packed a punch audiences have never forgotten.

Chris Ludovici Posted on September 22, 2020September 23, 2020

Guitars and gunplay: “Desperado” 25 years later

Desperado 25th Anniversary
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Robert Rodriguez’s official arrival on the major-studio film scene remains a riotous, stylish pulp actioner.

Tim Stevens Posted on August 25, 2020August 24, 2020

20 years on, “Bring It On” scores high on spirit and voice

Bring It On
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Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union’s cheerful high-school comedy finds ways to pepper charming rivalry with digs at cultural theft.

B.L. Panther Posted on August 25, 2020August 24, 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

“Sky High” is 15 years old. It’s best admired in the trophy room

Sky High
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In 2005, Disney showed us what a superhero high school would look like — the results are fun, but they fall short of their deconstructive potential.

Justin Harrison Posted on July 29, 2020July 29, 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

25 Years of “The Net,” and the new age of techno-thrillers

The Net
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A look back at a time when “the internet” was portrayed as a mysterious boogeyman that could destroy your life.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on July 28, 2020July 27, 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

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