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Courtney Lanning
Tomatometer-approved critic
Courtney Lanning is a Maine-based movie critic. She regularly contributes reviews to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, KUAF, and WCSH. Courtney's primary passion is animation, and she's always excited to watch new cartoons. When she isn't watching movies, Courtney is probably reading, eating pizza, or both.
Movies reviews only
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Dune: Part Two (2024) |
On every level, it's a set of cinematic genius. The craft is expertly made, and it shows in every shot, every note of the [score], and every scene that transports the audience to Arrakis. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Mar 13, 2024
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Drive-Away Dolls (2024) |
Drive-Away Dolls is an explicit film that doesn’t shy away from sex or nudity. It’s unapologetically queer with Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan delivering unmatched chemistry that brings their surprisingly tender love front and center. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Feb 23, 2024
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Madame Web (2024) |
Masterpiece? No. Enjoyable for what [it is]? Possibly. For a select few, that will be enough. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Feb 17, 2024
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Argylle (2024) |
In a world that seems like more and more movies are being written by AI (hopefully that isn’t true), Argylle is yet another example of a big-budget misfire. So, the lesson for Apple in future movies should be clear: No more spies. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Feb 02, 2024
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I.S.S. (2023) |
The premise is interesting enough to start with, but the plot starts to peter out during the final act. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Jan 22, 2024
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Role Play (2023) |
Right from the start, Role Play is filled with tired tropes. The entire storyline of a killer pretending to be a normal family member, only to have their cover blown seems to be turned into a movie at least once or twice a year. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Jan 12, 2024
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Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire (2023) |
Rebel Moon is a visually-stunning film that has a fun (though thin) narrative and interesting characters who all deserve more backstory. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Dec 22, 2023
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Wonka (2023) |
It’s understandable for folks to be a bit suspicious of this prequel. Fortunately, “Wonka” manages to deliver in just about every way imaginable. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Dec 16, 2023
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The Boy and the Heron (2023) |
[Hayao] Miyazaki has shown everyone, critics and fans alike, that his magic hasn’t dissipated with age. And if he finishes the next movie at age 90, everyone will still have something spectacular to look forward to. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Dec 09, 2023
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Godzilla Minus One (2023) |
Godzilla Minus One packs grounded human drama, terrifying monster visuals, and top-notch sound design to create one of 2023’s best films. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Dec 01, 2023
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Wish (2023) |
"Wish" is actually more interested in spending 95 minutes reminding viewers of Disney’s greatest hits. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Nov 24, 2023
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The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) |
[Viola] Davis and [Rachel] Zegler steal every single frame they’re in, chewing up the scenery and delivering such amazing performances as to not be forgotten for some time. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Nov 17, 2023
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Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning (2023) |
“Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning” isn’t nearly as powerful as the previous film, “Last Evolution Kizuna.” With that said, the updated animations are enjoyable, and the music is still great. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Nov 11, 2023
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The Marvels (2023) |
“The Marvels” gets by mostly on the chemistry of its core three. Vellani, Parris, and Larson are an amazing team. Of course, it’s Vellani who steals the show with her unbridled joy and charisma. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Nov 11, 2023
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Quiz Lady (2023) |
Not every joke lands, but with the movie’s quick pace and the powerful chemistry of its lead actors, the misfires don’t bog the film down. - KUAF Public Radio 91.3 (Arkansas)
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| Posted Nov 03, 2023
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Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) |
Somewhere in this bloated runtime is enough material to craft an excellent movie that rightfully tells the story of this tragedy and those who were murdered. "Killers of the Flower Moon" needed more editing to refine its focus. - WCSH
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| Posted Oct 20, 2023
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The Burial (2023) |
[Jamie] Foxx is front and center in a movie packed with powerful performers. He brings an unchecked charisma and will have audiences eating out of the palm of his hand for the whole film. - WCSH
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| Posted Oct 16, 2023
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Dumb Money (2023) |
Paul Dano's performance is what makes this movie so great. He blends into the character and seamlessly becomes an analyst who wears cat sweaters and posts memes about the stock he finds interesting. - WCSH
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| Posted Oct 02, 2023
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The Creator (2023) |
"The Creator" gives viewers some amazing machines to ponder over as people, but it's unfortunately not committed to exploring much of their point of view in this futuristic world. - WCSH
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| Posted Sep 29, 2023
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Flora and Son (2023) |
The story can be heavy and bittersweet, but there's a surprising bit of humor in this film's, at times, crass tones and dialogue. But what takes this movie from good to great is its music. - WCSH
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| Posted Sep 22, 2023
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2022) |
Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales completely own these characters and bring them to life from the pages of a beloved novel in LGBTQ+ circles. This is their tale, and each actor plays the part perfectly. - WCSH
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| Posted Sep 08, 2023
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Blue Beetle (2023) |
"Blue Beatle" manages to avoid a lot of cliches as it navigates a movie release schedule full of superhero fatigue. And it really comes together in the final act. - WCSH
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| Posted Aug 17, 2023
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Red, White & Royal Blue (2023) |
Galitzine and Perez have effortless chemistry with each other, and the way the pair move from agitation to affection to heartbreak and back makes "Red, White & Royal Blue" such a great rom-com to watch. - WCSH
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| Posted Aug 10, 2023
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Meg 2: The Trench (2023) |
It's a crying shame [this] sequel decided to gorge itself on boring human antagonists for much of its runtime instead of doubling down on monster action. - WCSH
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| Posted Aug 03, 2023
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Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie (2023) |
The film simplifies [its] characters to the point they have no soul and no redeeming qualities. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 28, 2023
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Haunted Mansion (2023) |
"Haunted Mansion" does very little to make the audience jump in fear or laugh in amusement. And much like the characters trying to leave the ghost house, the audience will have no escape for the two hours their ticket price commits them to. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 28, 2023
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Plane (2023) |
"Plane" doesn't look like much in its trailers, but the film manages to be a decent popcorn thriller. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Knock at the Cabin (2023) |
"Knock at the Cabin" is a well-made movie, and there's not a bad performance in the entire film. But Bautista steals the show... - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Cocaine Bear (2023) |
Obviously, this isn't a film for kids or people who can't handle seeing lots of blood on the screen. But for everyone else, "Cocaine Bear" is just a fun time that packs in several laughs through its absurd and welcome violence. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) |
"John Wick: Chapter 4" is the best entry since the original, and it knows the mileage on John's soul is starting to reveal itself more and more. So, it smartly plans for a narrative exit ramp. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) |
If folks grew up playing the games (or still do), and already treasure everything Mario, this is a must-see movie. For everyone else, the mileage in their kart will vary. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Renfield (2023) |
Cage is a delight as the prince of darkness, hamming it up with a performance that makes it look like the actor is having a blast on screen. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023) |
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." delivers on the full promise of its source material, bringing audiences a heartfelt and emotional core about girlhood and faith that has something to teach everyone watching this film. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) |
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" shows [Marvel] still has fuel in the tank and is capable of making good movies. [The company] just needs to remember how to make character-driven stories that give its heroes something fun to accomplish. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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The Little Mermaid (2023) |
Mostly thanks to the music and dramatic performances from Bailey and McCarthy, "The Little Mermaid" goes along swimmingly. And that puts it several strokes ahead of other live-action Disney remakes. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) |
The music, the animation, the characters, and the story all come together to create the greatest Spider-Man movie. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) |
. . .A mixed bag that establishes this latest outing as less than meets the eye. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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The Flash (2023) |
Fortunately, "The Flash" comes with enough twists and tricks to keep things from being stale. And a large part of that is seeing Michael Keaton suit up as Batman again for the first time in more than 30 years. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) |
Longtime fans should find an adequate conclusion for this 70-year-old hero. And maybe given how "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" turned out, that in itself is the real accomplishment. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Joy Ride (2023) |
...This really does feel like a group of friends thrown together by circumstance on a wacky journey, the epitome of a road movie. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) |
Like the last several "Mission: Impossible" films, this one proves to be an exceptionally competent action-thriller full of beautiful set pieces and spectacular stunts from Cruise himself. - WCSH
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| Posted Jul 25, 2023
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Oppenheimer (2023) |
"Oppenheimer" is weighty, it's tragic, it's art. Dammit, this is everything cinema should be. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 21, 2023
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Superman: Red Son (2020) |
Superman: Red Son isn't a bad film. It's just a strange spectacle with a bit of uneven pacing and muddled messaging. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 19, 2023
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Nine Days (2020) |
There's not one wasted detail in [Edson] Oda's movie. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 19, 2023
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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) |
In more ways than one, this simple story leaves complexity and nuance to its characters. They do the heavy lifting, and they look great doing it among a sea of creative cinematography from Conrad Hall. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 19, 2023
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Theater Camp (2023) |
..."Theater Camp" is exactly the type of risky production Hollywood needs to be investing in to keep itself fresh and alive. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 19, 2023
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Biosphere (2022) |
There's no CGI to hide behind. And the only accompanying music they get is a scat soundtrack. But Ray and Billy make it work. Their journey, their grief, their humor, and their chemistry take a risky experiment and make it a film worth watching. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jul 07, 2023
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Nimona (2023) |
This isn't a mindless cartoon full of pop music and a minimalistic story to put on in the background. Nimona deserves your full attention. It's important and it's still an absolute blast of action and fun even for those who aren't LGBT. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jun 30, 2023
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Asteroid City (2023) |
Every scene feels handstitched by a man who clings so tightly to his own vision that he has become a household name in the same vein as Christopher Nolan or Tim Burton. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jun 30, 2023
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Extraction 2 (2023) |
I don't think it's often we see sequels that improve on the previous entry in a film series. But when it happens, it certainly makes me happy. - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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| Posted Jun 16, 2023
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