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The Saragossa Manuscript (1965)

Directed by: Wojciech Has

Starring: Zbigniew Cybulski, Iga Cembrzynska, Elzbieta Czyzewksa

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Some Nudity and Thematic Elements)

Running Time: 3 h 2 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Unexpected Humor, Production Design, Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Length

The Saragossa Manuscript (1965)

August 28, 2019

A soldier in a war finds a book that recounts a tale of a soldier traveling through Spain and meeting a variety of characters, many of who have stories of their own to tell. 

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In Adventure, Art House, Anthology, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Foreign Film, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Wojciech Has, Zbigniew Cybulski, Iga Cembrzynska, Elzbieta Czyzewksa, 1965, NR, 4 Stars
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Ida (2013)

Directed by: Pawel Pawlikowski

Starring: Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuchowska, David Ogrodnik, Adam Szyszkowski

Rated: PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Some Sexuality and Smoking

Running Time: 1 h 22 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Writing, Themes, Cinematography, Acting

WEAKNESSES: -

Ida (2013)

August 27, 2019

A young novice nun on the verge of taking her vows discovers a family secret dating back to German occupation. 

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In Coming of Age, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Foreign Film Tags Pawel Pawlikowski, Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuchowska, David Ogrodnik, Adam Szyszkowski, 5 Stars, PG-13
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Rob Roy (1995)

Directed by: Michael Caton-Jones

Starring: Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Brian Cox

Rated: R for Violence and Sexuality

Running Time: 2 h 19 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Cinematography, Production Design, Some Acting, Some Writing

WEAKNESSES: Some Acting, Pacing, Length, Some Writing

Rob Roy (1995)

August 23, 2019

A Scottish man seeks a loan from a British nobleman, and after his honor is wronged he seeks vengeance.

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In Action, Adventure, Biographical, Drama, Crime, Epic, Romance, War, Thriller Tags Michael Caton-Jones, Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Brian Cox, R, 3 Stars
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Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

Directed by: The Pang Brothers

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Chakrit Yamnam, Charlie Yeung

Rated: R for Violence, Language, Some Sexuality

Running Time: 1h 35m

TMM Score: 1.5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Almost So Bad It’s Good, Unintentionally Hilarious

WEAKNESSES: Cinematography, Direction, Action, Performances

Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

August 21, 2019

Contract Killer Joe Faces His Toughest Assignment Yet

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In Crime, Action Tags Karl Nagurski, Nicolas Cage, Pang Brothers, Action, 1.5 Stars, Chakrit Yamnam, Charlie Yeung
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Face/Off (1997)

Directed by: John Woo

Starring: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Alessandro Nivola, Joan Allen

Rated: R for Intense Sequences of Strong Violence, and For Strong Language

Running Time: 2 h 18 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Practical Effects and Stunts, Ridiculous Performances, Bizarre Story

WEAKNESSES: Logic, Hokey 90s Moments

Face/Off (1997)

August 21, 2019

An FBI agent undergoes a facial transplant surgery to work his way into a terrorist sect, but the plan goes awry when the terrorist whose face he stole impersonates the FBI agent. 

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In Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags John Woo, 1997, 3.5 Stars, John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Alessandro Nivola, Joan Allen
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Joe (2013)

Directed by: David Gordon Green

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Gary Poulter

Rated: R for Violence, Disturbing Material, Language and Some Strong Sexual Content

Running Time: 2h

TMM Score: 4 Stars

STRENGTHS: Subtle Nic Cage, Performances, Atmosphere, Story

WEAKNESSES: Some Directing/Writing Choices, Unnecessary Animal Violence

Joe (2013)

August 20, 2019

Joe is a hard working ex-con man who forms an unlikely bond with Gary, a 15 year old with an abusive father, and eventually Joe’s past catches up with him.

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In Crime, Drama Tags Karl Nagurski, Nicolas Cage, David Gordon Green, Tye Sheridan, Gary Poulter, Rated R, Joe, 4 stars
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Brightburn (2019)

Directed by: David Yarovesky

Starring: Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn

Rated: R for Horror Violence/Bloody Images, and Language

Running Time: 1 h 30 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Concept, Fun, Pacing

WEAKNESSES: Tone, Acting, Plot Holes, Stupid Characters, Melodrama

Brightburn (2019)

August 20, 2019

A retelling of the Superman origin story wherein the Superman figure decides to be evil. 

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In Action, Crime, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Horror, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags David Yarovesky, Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn, R, 2.5 Stars, 2019
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Limitless (2011)

Directed by: Neil Burger

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish

Rated: PG-13 for Thematic Material Involving a Drug, Violence Including Disturbing Images, Sexuality and Language

Running Time: 1 h 45 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Fun Concept, Some Acting

WEAKNESSES: It Thinks It’s Smarter Than It Is, Some Acting

Limitless (2011)

August 19, 2019

A struggling writer takes an experimental drug and suddenly becomes a genius.

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In Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Neil Burger, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, 3 Stars
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Bad Lieutenant (1992)

Directed by: Abel Ferrara

Starring: Harvey Keitel, Frankie Thorn, Zoe Lund

Rated: NC-17 for Sexual Violence, Strong Sexual Situations and Dialogue, Graphic Drug Use

Running Time: 1 h 36 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Writing, Directing

WEAKNESSES: Content Will Deter Some Viewers, Some Melodrama

Bad Lieutenant (1992)

August 19, 2019

A police lieutenant with serious gambling and drug addictions reevaluates the way he chooses to live his life during his investigation into the rape of a nun. 

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In Art House, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller Tags Harvey Keitel, Frankie Thorn, Zoe Lund, Abel Ferrara, NC-17, 4 Stars, 1992
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Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

Directed by: Werner Herzog

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Xzibit, Fairuza Balk, Jennifer Coolidge, Tom Bower, Brad Dourif, Shea Whigham, Michael Shannnon

Rated: R for Drug Use and Language Throughout, Some Violence and Sexuality

Running Time: 2 h 2 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Some Acting, Story

WEAKNESSES: Some Acting, Cheesy Ending, Uneven Quality

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

August 19, 2019

A drug and gambling addicted detective working in post-Katrina New Orleans investigates the brutal killings of five Senegalese immigrants.

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In Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Xzibit, Faiiruza Balk, Jennifer Coolidge, Tom Bower, Brad Dourif, Shea Whigham, Michael Shannnon, Werner Herzog, 2009, 3 Stars
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Darkman (1990)

Directed by: Sam Raimi

Starring: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake, Bruce Campbell

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 36 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Tone, Writing, Original Character

WEAKNESSES: Some Weaker Story Elements

Darkman (1990)

August 9, 2019

A brilliant scientist left for dead returns to exact vengeance on the people who tried to kill him. 

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In Action, Adventure, Crime, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance, Superhero, Thriller Tags Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake, Bruce Campbell, R, 3.5 Stars
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Notorious (1946)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, Leopoldine Konstantin

Rated: NR (Suggested PG for Thematic Material)

Running Time: 1 h 42 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Acting, Writing, Story, Pacing, Classic Hollywood Charm

WEAKNESSES: -

Notorious (1946)

August 6, 2019

An American agent recruits a woman with ties to Nazis in South America. After they find themselves falling in love, he finds out her mission is to seduce a man with possible ties to future Nazi plots. 

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In Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Noir, Romance, Thriller Tags Alfred Hitchcok, Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, Leopoldine Konstantin, 5 Stars, 1946, NR
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Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, Abbie Cornish, Lucas Hedges, Peter Dinklage, John Hawkes, Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton

Rated: R for Violence, Language Throughout, and Some Sexual References

Running Time: 1 h 55 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Characters, Acting, Unconventionality

WEAKNESSES: -

Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

August 5, 2019

After her daughter is raped and killed, a mother in a small town puts up three billboards asking the police department why they haven’t found the killer.

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In Crime, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Thriller Tags Martin McDonagh, Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, Abbie Cornish, Lucas Hedges, Peter Dinklage, John Hawkes, Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, R, 5 Stars, 2017
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The Kill Team (2019)

Directed by: Dan Krauss

Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Nat Wolff, Adam Long

Rated: R for Language Throughout, Violent Content and Drug Use

Running Time: 1 h 27

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Themes, Directing, Cinematography, Alexander Skarsgard

WEAKNESSES: Emotional Connection, Mild Acting

The Kill Team (2019)

August 4, 2019

An young American soldier faces a moral dilemma when his commanding officer starts to use questionable methods in their missions.  

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In Adventure, Action, Crime, Drama, Coming of Age, Mystery, Thriller, War Tags Alexander Skarsgard, Nat Wolff, Adam Long, Dan Krauss
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Cache (2005)

Directed by: Michael Haneke

Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Juliette Binoche, Maurice Benichou

Rated: R for Brief Strong Violence

Running Time: 1 h 57 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Writing, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Mild Pacing Issues

Cache (2005)

August 2, 2019

A married couple is terrorized by a series of surveillance videotapes that are left on their front door.

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In Crime, Drama, Foreign Film, Mystery, Thriller Tags Daniel Auteuil, Juliette Binoche, Maurice Benichou, Michael Haneke, 2005, R, 4.5 Stars
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The Hateful Eight (2015)

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Channing Tatum, Bruce Dern, James Park

Rated: R

Run Time: 2h 48m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

Strengths: Dialogue, Characters, Mystery

Weakness: None

The Hateful Eight (2015)

August 2, 2019

With a blizzard on their trail, a bounty hunter, his bounty, and a couple of hitch hikers decide to hunker down at Millie’s Haberdashery for the next couple of days but with four additional occupants already there, tensions are high and patience is thin.

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In Crime, Drama, Mystery, Western Tags Michael McDonald, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Channing Tatum, Bruce Dern, James Park, Quenti Tarantino, 2015, R Rated, 5 stars
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Warwick Davis, Bonnie Wright, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, David Bradley, Tom Felton, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane

Rated: PG for Frightening Moments, Creature Violence and Mild Language

Running Time: 2 h 22 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Cinematography, Use of Magic, Production Design, Acting, Writing, Story

WEAKNESSES: Some Acting

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

July 31, 2019

Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to attend classes, only this year an escaped murderous lunatic stalks him. 

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In Adventure, Coming of Age, Drama, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller Tags Alfonso Cuaron, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Warwick Davis, Bonnie Wright, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, David Bradley, Tom Felton, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane, 2004, PG, 4.5 Stars
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Hard Eight (1996)

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: John C. Reilly, Phillip Baker Hall, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson

Rated: R for Strong Language, Some Violence and Sexuality

Running Time: 1h 42m

TMM Score: 4.5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Directing, Cinematography, Story

WEAKNESSES: Ending Lacks Impact

Hard Eight (1996)

July 30, 2019

A man makes it big in gambling with the help of a mentor, but all good things must come to an end…

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In Crime, Drama Tags Karl Nagurski, Hard Eight, Paul Thomas Anderson, drama, Rated R, 4.5 Stars, John C Reilly, Phillip Baker Hall, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L Jackson
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Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino

Rated: R for Language Throughout, Some Strong Graphic Violence, Drug Use, and Sexual References

Running Time: 2 h 41 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Characters, Acting, Story, Homage, Cameos, Soundtrack, Humor

WEAKNESSES: Absolutely Nothing

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

July 27, 2019

An aging TV star and his stunt double try to achieve fame and fortune in the last years of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

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In Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Western Tags Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Austin Butler, Sydney Sweeney, Margaret Qualley, Dakota Fanning, Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, Luke Perry, Damian Lewis, Emile Hirsch, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Scoot McNairy, Lena Dunham, Maya Hawke, Rafal Zawierucha, Mike Moh, Lorenza Izzo, Damon Herriman, Harley Quinn Smith, Quentin Tarantino
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House of Games (1987)

Directed by: David Mamet

Starring: Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum, William H Macy

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 42 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing

WEAKNESSES: Acting

House of Games (1987)

July 26, 2019

After a psychiatrist/bestselling author comes to the aid of one of her clients, a compulsive gambler, she finds herself led by a smooth-talking grifter into the world of con men.

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In Crime, Drama, Mystery, Noir, Romance, Thriller Tags 1987, David Mamet, Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum, William H Macy, 4 Stars, R
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