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historical

Houston, we have a problem: “Apollo 13” at 25

Apollo 13
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Ron Howard’s gripping historical space thriller teaches us a lot about frustrated expectations in our current moment (and the resolve to overcome them).

Sean Price Posted on June 30, 2020July 2, 2020

“Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror” Puts “Doctor Who” Back on Track

Doctor Who Nikola Tesla
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Spurned inventors and a chilling villain make for one of the most coherent, moving episodes of Whittaker’s tenure.

Clint Worthington Posted on January 19, 2020January 19, 2020

Doctor Who: “Spyfall Part 2” Rights the Ship In a Big Way

Doctor Who Series 12 Episode 2 Spyfall Part 2
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A spotty first half turns into a thrilling, crackerjack conclusion, and a startling set up for the new season.

Clint Worthington Posted on January 5, 2020January 5, 2020

Tom Harper on the High-Flying Dangers of “The Aeronauts”

Tom Harper Teronauts
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The director of Wild Rose and The Aeronauts sits down to talk about his high-flying historical adventure, now available on Amazon Prime Video.

Clint Worthington Posted on December 20, 2019December 20, 2019

Little Women Review: Gerwig’s Girls March to Their Own Drum

Little Women
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Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott book is sensitive, challenging, and earnestly engages with the source material.

Clint Worthington Posted on November 25, 2019November 25, 2019

Martin Scorsese Explored the Madness of Innovation with “The Aviator”

The Aviator
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Scorsese recovered from the brutal conditions of Gangs of New York with an intimate, tragic portrait of the foibles of genius.

Scout Tafoya Posted on October 29, 2019October 29, 2019

Review: Emily Dickinson is America’s Original Quirky Girl in “Dickinson”

Dickinson
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Despite the ridiculous concept and uneven tone, Apple TV+’s new comedy is a compelling watch.

Theo Estes Posted on October 29, 2019October 29, 2019

TIFF: “Harriet” Is a Rare Misfire for Kasi Lemmons

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The acclaimed filmmaker stumbles in her slick, but inaccessible portrait of the iconic civil rights figure.

Andrea Thompson Posted on September 16, 2019September 16, 2019

Vita & Virginia Review: A Woolf In Sheep’s Clothing

Vita & Virginia
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Chanya Button’s tale of the romance between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf is a little too slapdash to address its myriad concerns.

Matt Cipolla Posted on August 20, 2019July 2, 2020

Aisling Franciosi and Baykali Ganambarr on “The Nightingale” and Slaying Historical Demons

The Nightingale Aisling Franciosi Baykali Ganambarr
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The stars of Jennifer Kent’s harrowing colonial revenge film sit down to talk about finding their characters amidst historical hell.

Clint Worthington Posted on August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

“All Is True” Review: Enjoyable, Slight Biopic Eschews Fact for Feeling

All is True
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Kenneth Branagh furthers his adoration for William Shakespeare by directing and starring in this free-wheeling biopic of the Bard’s final years.

Tim Stevens Posted on May 17, 2019August 10, 2020

The White Crow Review: Lots of Technique, But Not Enough Purpose

The White Crow
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Ralph Fiennes’ tale of real-life Russian dancer and defector Rudolph Nureyev is stylish enough but fails to slip deeply into its’ characters ballet flats.

Matt Cipolla Posted on May 11, 2019July 2, 2020

Five Years Later, Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” Remains a Powerful Document of the Civil Rights Movement

Selma
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Five years on, Ava DuVernay’s gripping account of the march from Selma to Washington stresses that MLK’s fight is far from over today.

Andrea Thompson Posted on April 27, 2019August 7, 2020

Gentleman Jack Review: HBO Flaunts England’s First Modern Lesbian

Gentleman Jack
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Suranne Jones captivates as historical feminist and lesbian Anne Lister in a messy, but insightful HBO miniseries that overcomes its own stylistic crutches.

Sarah Gorr Posted on April 22, 2019August 7, 2020

Wild Nights With Emily Review: Tell the Truth, But Tell it Slant

Wild Nights with Emily
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Molly Shannon and Amy Seimetz shine in this warm, tender, humanizing portrayal of the famously enigmatic poet.

Marshall Estes Posted on April 16, 2019August 6, 2020

The Best of Enemies Review: The Real Racism Was the Friends We Made Along the Way

The Best of Enemies
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Solid lead performances are little compensation for more feel-good “can’t we all just get along?” Oscar bait.

Matt Cipolla Posted on April 5, 2019August 6, 2020

Sunset Review: A Dreamlike Drama Of A Woman Lost

Sunset
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While it’s long, languorous and more than a little dreamlike, László Nemes’ latest paints another sumptuous world of woe.

Matt Cipolla Posted on March 26, 2019August 6, 2020

The Highwaymen Review: Bonnie & Clyde Cop Chase Runs Out of Gas

THE HIGHWAYMEN
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Recounting the tale of the men who hunted down Bonnie and Clyde, The Highwaymen is far too trite and hokey for its own good.

Matt Cipolla Posted on March 25, 2019August 5, 2020

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