Category: Xpired Categories
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The Top Tens: The 1940s
Every month, our contributors submit lists of ten films fitting certain topics. Each month, we feature an alphabetical list of films along with commentary explaining our selections. There will also be an itemized list at the end of each of our individual selections. As we move into our second decade of flashbacks, we take a…
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Eyeing the Truth: April 2018
Arthur Miller Writer (HBOGo) Biographical documentaries made by the children of the subject often fall into two equally grating tropes: they are either about deifying the subject or coming to grasp with a person who may not have been as wonderful in their private life as their public persona suggests. Arthur Miller: Writer, the new…
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The Top Tens: The 1930s and Prior
Every month, our contributors submit lists of ten films fitting certain topics. Each month, we feature an alphabetical list of films along with commentary explaining our selections. There will also be an itemized list at the end of each of our individual selections. Beginning this month and going through November, we will be taking our…
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Eyeing the Truth: February 2018
Unrest (Netflix) Unrest, Jennifer Brea’s debut documentary about her own battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a powerfully uncomfortable viewing experience. Brea holds no punches in what she chooses to show us; she started videotaping herself early on in order to prove to her doctor’s that something was wrong, and she isn’t afraid to show…
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The Top Tens: Top Animated Films
Every month, our contributors submit lists of ten films fitting certain topics. Each month, we feature an alphabetical list of films along with commentary explaining our selections. There will also be an itemized list at the end of each of our individual selections. This month, we chose to look at animated films. There are a…
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Eyeing the Truth: January, 2018
Gilbert (Hulu) In an unexpected twist, one of the most touching love affairs in cinema last year may have been the notoriously vulgar comedian Gilbert Gottfried and his wife Dara. Director Neil Berkeley frames Gilbert sadly leaving their apartment for the road, her holding him dearly like a protective mother not wanting her kid to…
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The Top Tens: 2018 Antici-pation
Every month, our contributors submit lists of ten films fitting certain topics. Each month, we feature an alphabetical list of films along with commentary explaining our selections. There will also be an itemized list at the end of each of our individual selections. With 2017 now part of our memories, it’s time to look forward…
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – Amazon Studios
Amazon has a lot of solid efforts this year. They’ve sent four. Of note is that Woody Allen isn’t listed at all on the Wonder Wheel screener, not for directing or for screenplay.
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – SP Releasing
A company I’ve not heard of with a film I’m not familiar with starring people I recognize. It’s an odd submission. The Pirates of Somalia Oscar Chances: Unlikely: The fact that this is on no one’s radar pretty much confirms it’s not a contender. Campaign-Proposed Categories Picture (Mino Jarjoura, Matt Lefebvre, Claude Dal Farra, Irfaan…
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Eyeing the Truth: Dec. 2017
Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (Amazon Prime) The Abacus bank is not one of the mega-banks that was deemed Too Big to Fail in the mortgage crises of 2008; the family-run bank at the center of Steve James’ remarkable new documentary is instead Small Enough to Jail, in the words of one expert interviewed in…
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – A24 4
I have a voting deadline looming and A24 has sent me another film. While I suspect this one is for my voting that will occur in January, I have an option to review it for Friday. The Disaster Artist Oscar Chances: Uncertain: Only two elements of the film are at all considered Oscar contenders: James…
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – Focus Features 2
Perhaps Focus Features’ biggest candidate this year is next up on the docket. Darkest Hour Oscar Chances: Good: Sight unseen, everyone thought this would be a major Oscar contender. While it still has solid chances in a number of categories, its reputation hasn’t been great and it’s stumbling hard in the early precursors. It could…
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – A24 3
Another A24 package arrived, this time with a major contender. Lady Bird Oscar Chances: Definite: The film will be a major factor in several above-the-line category, picking up at least four nominations, possibly a fifth in Best Director). Campaign-Proposed Categories Picture Director (Greta Gerwig) Original Screenplay (Greta Gerwig) Actress (Saoirse Ronan) Supporting Actress (Laurie Metcalf,…
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – 20th Century Fox 3
There may be still more to come, but this is another major Fox contender. This is clearly a SAG screener. War for the Planet of the Apes Oscar Chances: Solid: While it won’t be nominated in any of the recommended categories, it will definitely be a Best Visual Effects contender. Campaign-Proposed Categories Actor (Andy Serkis)…
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90th Oscars: Screener Watch – Neon
A big production package from Neon featuring several titles. No proposed categories on these. Colossal Oscar Chances: Unlikely: Well reviewed Anne Hathaway starrer that doesn’t have much of a prayer. The B-Side Oscar Chances: Unknown: This documentary could be a contender, but it’s not been on many year-end lists so far, so possibly not. The…
