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killers kiss 1.jpg

Killer's Kiss (1955)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Frank Silvera, Irene Kane, Jamie Smith

Rated: NR

Running Time: 1h 7m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: Standard Story

Killer's Kiss (1955)

September 10, 2018

When a low level boxer, Davey, falls for a private dancer, Gloria, he runs afoul of her manager, Vincent, who fancies her and has no qualms about using violence to get her.

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In Romance, Crime, Drama, Noir, Kubrick Retrospective Tags mjamesmcdonald, 3 Stars, NR, Killer's Kiss, Stanley Kubrick, 1955, Frank Silvera, Irene Kane, Jamie Smith
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Fear and Desire (1953)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Frank Silvera, Kenneth Harp, Paul Mazursky

Rated: NR

Running Time: 1h 2m

TMM Score: 2 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: It's not doing anything special.

Fear and Desire (1953)

September 10, 2018

Four soldiers are stuck six miles behind enemy lines after a plane crash. As they make their way back to their camp they must face their own fears and decide which risks are worth taking when they run a cross a village girl who may turn them in.

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In Action, Drama, Thriller, War, Kubrick Retrospective Tags mjamesmcdonald, NR, 1953, Fear and desire, Stanley Kubrick, Frank Silvera, Kenneth Harp, Paul Mazursky, 2 Stars
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In Bruges (2008)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleason, Ciaran Hinds, Ralph Fiennes

Rated: R

Running Time: 1h 47m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Story

WEAKNESSES: Darker Theme than is Readily Apparent

In Bruges (2008)

September 6, 2018

A young hitman for the mob is sent to Bruges, a quaint touristy medieval town, after a hit doesn’t go as planned. With nothing interesting to distract him, he is left alone with his thoughts, and his guilt over past actions.

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In Comedy, Drama, Crime Tags mjamesmcdonald, in bruges, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleason, 2008, Ciaran Hinds, Ralph Fiennes, R Rated, Martin McDonagh, 4 Stars
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The Martian (2015)

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Mackenzie Davis, Donald Glover, Aksel Hennie

Rated: PG-13 or Some Strong Language, Injury Images, and Brief Nudity

Running Time: 2 h 24 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Visual Effects, Story Themes

WEAKNESSES: Some Farfetched Cheesy Moments

The Martian (2015)

September 5, 2018

After an accident, an astronaut is stranded on Mars and has to figure out a way to survive.

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In Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Epic, Sci Fi Tags Ridley Scott, Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Mackenzie Davis, Donald Glover, Aksel Hennie, 4 Stars, 2015, PG-13
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Stalker (1979)

Directed by: Andrei Tarkovsky

Starring: Alisa Freyndlikh, Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, Anatoliy Solonitsyn

Rated: NR

Running Time: 2h 42m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Cinematography, Acting, Directorial Vision

WEAKNESSES: Pacing if you don't have an patience

Stalker (1979)

September 5, 2018

The Zone. Dangerous. Alien. Restricted. So why would a Writer and Professor follow a guide called a Stalker to take them into the heart of the Zone? The Room found at the Zone’s center grants ones deepest desires.

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In Drama, Art House, Foreign Film, Sci Fi Tags mjamesmcdonald, philosophical, 1979, NR, Andrei Tarkovsky, Alisa Freyndlikh, Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, Anatoliy Solonitsyn, 5 Stars
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Tell No One (2006)

Directed by: Guillaume Canet

Starring: Francois Cluzet, Marie-Josee Croze, Andre Dussollier

Rated: NR (Suggest R for Violence, Language, and Some Nudity)

Running Time: 2 h 11 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Pacing, Story, Excitement, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Some Lengthy Expositional Scenes

Tell No One (2006)

September 4, 2018

Eight years after the murder of Doctor Alexandre Beck’s wife, new clues begin to surface, reopening the case. The police find strong evidence suggesting Beck might be responsible for the murder, so Beck must evade the police while he to tries to prove his innocence.

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In Action, Crime, Drama, Foreign Film, Mystery, Thriller Tags Guillaume Canet, Francois Cluzet, Marie-Josee Croze, Andre Dussollier, NR, 2006, France, 4 Stars
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The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)

Directed by: Penelope Spheeris

Starring: Flea

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Pervasive Language and Destructive Behavior)

Running Time: 1 h 26 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story

WEAKNESSES: Content

The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)

August 31, 2018

A documentary following the lives of gutter punks in Los Angeles in the late nineties.

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In Art House, Biographical, Crime, Drama, Documentary, Musical Tags Penelope Spheeris, 1998, NR, Flea, 4 Stars
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The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

Directed by: Penelope Spheeris

Starring: Alice Cooper, Lizzy Borden, Poison, Aerosmith, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 33 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Music, Story

WEAKNESSES: Content, Misogyny

The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

August 31, 2018

Filmmaker Penelope Spheeris revisits her Decline of Western Civilization documentary series, this time taking a look at the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles.

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In Biographical, Documentary, Drama, Musical Tags Alice Cooper, Lizzy Borden, Poison, Aerosmith, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Penelope Spheeris, R, 1988, 4 Stars
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Sid & Nancy (1986)

Directed by: Alex Cox

Starring: Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 52 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Acting, Directing

WEAKNESSES: Content

Sid & Nancy (1986)

August 30, 2018

The true story of Sid Vicious, bassist for The Sex Pistols, and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen.

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In Art House, Biographical, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Musical, Thriller Tags R, 4 Stars, Alex Cox, Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman
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A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)

Directed by: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire

Starring: Joe Cole, Pornchanok Mabklang, Panya Yimmuphai

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 56 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Realism, Writing, Directing, Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: Pacing

A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)

August 29, 2018

The true story of Billy Moore, an English boxer who was incarcerated in a Thai prison and fought in a Muay Thai tournament to prove himself to the other inmates.

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In Sports, Thriller, Crime, Action, Biographical, Drama Tags Joe Cole, Thailand, Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, Pornchanok Mabklang, Panya Yimmuphai, R, 4 Stars
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Interstellar (2014)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Timothee Chalamet, David Oyelowo, Wes Bently, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Matt Damon, Topher Grace, Mackenzie Foy

Rated: PG-13 for Some Intense Perilous Action and Brief Strong Language

Running Time: 2 h 49 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Writing, Soundtrack, Cinematography, Acting, Visual Effects

WEAKNESSES: Cheesy Climax

Interstellar (2014)

August 28, 2018

A team of astronauts travels through a wormhole in search of a planet that might support mankind. 

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In Action, Adventure, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Christopher Nolan, Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Timothee Chalamet, David Oyelowo, Wes Bently, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Matt Damon, Topher Grace, Mackenzie Foy, PG-13, 4 Stars, 2014
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Return to Oz (1985)

Directed by: Walter Murch

Starring: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh

Rated: PG

Running Time: 1 h 53 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Production Design, Atmosphere

WEAKNESSES: Trouble Finding Target Audience

Return to Oz (1985)

August 27, 2018

Six months after the tornado took Dorothy to Oz, she must return to help lift the curse that a witch and the Nome king have placed across the land.

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In Adventure, Children's Movies, Comedy, Drama, Epic, Fantasy Tags 4.5 Stars, PG, Walter Murch, Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh
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Serial Mom (1994)

Directed by: John Waters

Starring: Kathleen Turner, Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake

Rated: R for Satirical Presentation of Strong Violence, Vulgar Language, and Sexual Episodes

Running Time: 1 h 35 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Uniqueness, Dripping With Satire, Hilarity

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Joke Feels Played Out

Serial Mom (1994)

August 24, 2018

Little annoyances drive a happy suburban mother to murder.

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In Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller Tags Kathleen Turner, John Waters, Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake, R, 3.5 Stars
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Easy Rider (1969)

Directed by: Dennis Hopper

Starring: Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Phil Spector

Rated: R

Running Time: 1h 35m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Authenticity, Intimacy

WEAKNESSES: Slow Pacing

Easy Rider (1969)

August 24, 2018

A couple of young, drug dealing, motorcycle enthusiast friends, set out across America, West to East, looking for the freedom that the American Dream promised them.

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In Art House, Drama Tags mjamesmcdonald, 1969, Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson, R Rated, Motorcycle, Road Movie, 4 Stars, Phil Spector
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The Rock (1996)

Directed by: Michael Bay

Starring: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris

Rated: R for Strong Violence, Language and a Sex Scene

Running Time: 2 h 16 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, No Holds Barred Action, Ridiculous Premise, Humorous Writing

WEAKNESSES: Ridiculous Premise, Directing

The Rock (1996)

August 23, 2018

An ex-con and a chemist team up to stop a general who has taken control of Alcatraz Island and plans to release nerve gas on San Francisco.

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In Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Epic, Thriller Tags Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, Michael Bay, 3 Stars
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A Brighter Summer Day (1991)

Directed by: Edward Yang

Starring: Chen Chang, Lisa Yang, Hung-Ming Lin

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Some Brutal Violence Involving Teens and Language)

Running Time: 3 h 57 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Cinematography, Staging

WEAKNESSES: Length Will Deter Viewers

A Brighter Summer Day (1991)

August 22, 2018

Based on a true story of rival youth gangs in 1960s Taiwan. 

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In Action, Art House, Biographical, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Epic, Foreign Film, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Edward Yang, Chen Chang, Lisa Yang, Hung-Ming Lin, Not Rated, 5 Stars
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The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

Directed by: Terry Gilliam

Starring: Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole, Heath Ledger, Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Andrew Garfield, Verne Troyer

Rated: PG13

Running Time: 2h 3m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Story Concept

WEAKNESSES: Visual Effects, Uneven Story Structure

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

August 22, 2018

An Ancient Storyteller and his band of entertainers, travel the world, opening people’s imaginations and competing with The Devil to enthrall their souls. Now, a new wager, threatens the life of his daughter who may be falling for a mysterious, dashing, and shady new member of their troupe.

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In Comedy, Art House, Drama, Fantasy Tags mjamesmcdonald, 2009, PG13, 3 Stars, Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole, Heath Ledger, Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Andrew Garfield, Verne Troyer, Terry
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Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Directed by: John Schlesinger

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 53 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Writing, Creative Dream/Fantasy Sequences

WEAKNESSES: Failed to Engage Me Emotionally

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

August 21, 2018

A naïve self-proclaimed hustler from Texas travels to New York, but finds he’s unable to do so. Instead he teams up with a streetwise lowlife, and the two form an unlikely friendship.

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In Comedy, Crime, Drama Tags R, Dustin Hoffman, John Voight, John Schlesinger, 3.5 Stars
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BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Directed by: Spike Lee

Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace, Laura Harrier

Rated: : R for Language Throughout, Including Racial Epithets, and for Disturbing/Violent Material and Some Sexual References

Running Time: 2 h 15 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Directing, Heavy-Handedness

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

August 20, 2018

Based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, an African American police officer in Colorado Springs, who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan.

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In Action, Biographical, Drama, Crime Tags R, Spike Lee, John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace, Laura Harrier, 2018, 3.5 Stars
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Topsy-Turvy (1999)

Directed by: Mike Leigh

Starring: Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner, Timothy Spall, Lesley Mansville

Rated: R for a Scene of Risque Nudity

Running Time: 2 h 34 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Mise-En-Scene, Direction, Acting, Production Design, Characters

WEAKNESSES: Length, Cultural Appropriation (?)

Topsy-Turvy (1999)

August 20, 2018

The two leaders of a Victorian era theatre troupe struggle to come up with any good new material, straining their relationship, until inspiration for something new strikes.

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In Comedy, Drama, Biographical, Epic, Musical Tags R, 4 Stars, Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner, Timothy Spall, Lesley Mansville, Mike Leigh
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