Category: Mini Review
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Mini Review: Kung Fu Panda 4
It’s an entirely unnecessary sequel, but #KungFuPanda4 still manages to nail those emotional beats centered around an always-stellar performance by Jack Black as the lovable Po. While the plot wears thin, any fan of the franchise will still be in for a good time. In theatres now!
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Mini Review: Robot Dreams
Oscar nom’ed #RobotDreams is yet another example of the power of animation, balancing a compellingly weighty message on friendship & loss with moments of cute humour, charm, and toe-tapping levity. A delightful experience all around. Just hoping it gets a wider release soon!
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Mini Review: Io Capitano
Italy’s Oscar nominated #IoCapitano is a harrowing tale of survival on the immigrant journey from Senegal to Italy, highlighted by incredible visuals & a devastatingly powerful lead performance by Seydou Sarr. A great watch, marking an incredible year in international filmmaking!
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Mini Review: Drift
Anthony Chen’s latest #Drift is a tender & calculated character study told through Chen’s signature contemplative melancholic lens. While its missing the connective tissue needed to fully drive home its message, it is helped immensely by deft performances from Erivo & Shawkat.
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Mini Review: Dune Part 2
#DunePart2 is without a doubt a triumph of filmmaking, anchored by impressive cinematography, sound design & score. Denis Villeneuve has created something truly astonishing & awards-worthy, more than living up to its heavy source material. An incredible IMAX experience to behold.
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Mini Review: Drive Away Dolls
Don’t know what I was expecting from #DriveAwayDolls but the movie never fully landed, like it was trying too hard to be campy “bad”, screwball silly, and aggressive in its over-sexualization, but without the substance, plot, or character arcs to back it up. It’s a miss for me.
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Mini Review: Good Grief
Daniel Levy’s #GoodGrief is highlighted by an incredibly talented cast who deliver powerful and honest monologues at the perfect moments. But it’s weighed down by a plot that feels too familiar and a message about grief that feels too underbaked. Stream on @netflix now.
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Mini Review: Anyone But You
Finally caught #AnyoneButYou to see what all the buzz is about and I can honestly say…I get it. It’s formulaic, fun & familiar, and maybe that’s what we need right now. Glen Powell & Sydney Sweeney are charming and attractive. Really nothing to complain about here.
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Mini Review: The Taste of Things
France’s #TheTasteofThings is a skillfully crafted & meditative film that shines in its cooking scenes & in the chemistry of its leads. It’s a little too quiet for my taste, & I was missing a score to really complete the meal, but it’s a worthy entree nonetheless. In theatres now
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Mini Review: Nai Nai and Wai Po
Sean Wang’s Oscar nominated Nai Nai and Wai Po is perfection in its encapsulation of the joy & hardships of growing older, and the importance of friendship & connection in a world filled with social isolation. Oozing with love and respect. A real triumph. Stream @DisneyPlus now.
Year in Cinema 