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B+
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Fly Me to the Moon
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
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The movie is a delightful departure from the usual Hollywood assembly line of movies. Johansson and Tatum’s charismatic nature and great chemistry drive the momentum from start to finish.
Posted Jul 09, 2024
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B+
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The Imaginary
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
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The Japanese import, acquired by Netflix, is a refreshing break from the CGI onslaught of animated films. The hand-drawn animation suits the setting of imaginary friends and the world of the Imaginaries.
Posted Jun 15, 2024
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B+
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The Dead Don't Hurt
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
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Viggo Mortensen delivers a visually stunning but violent portrait of the American West, from the female gaze and the immigrant experience.
Posted Jun 02, 2024
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B
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Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
This outing is much more tame than Fury Road, but typical of George Miller’s wasteland adventure with Chris Hemsworth stealing every scene. Anya Taylor-Joy is badass in the action scenes, but her character is bland and one-note.
Posted May 24, 2024
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C
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The Strangers: Chapter 1
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Chapter 1 is a bland entry in the horror genre. With a predictable plot and uninteresting characters, the first installment in the upcoming trilogy lacks scary moments and tension.
Posted May 17, 2024
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B+
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The prequels were a rare instance, in which all the films in the trilogy were excellent. Wes Ball found a way to shake up the mythology and steer it in a unique direction for the next installments.
Posted May 09, 2024
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B
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Unsung Hero
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The faith-based movie delivers a raw and grounded story by showcasing how men and women handle setbacks differently. The Smallbone's family story is a riveting example of the American dream.
Posted Apr 27, 2024
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B-
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Satanic Hispanics
(2022)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The Latino horror anthology, directed by five directors, has various styles and tones, from campy horror to bone-chilling tales. Some segments are more entertaining and unique than others, but the anthology celebrates an untapped market for horror.
Posted Mar 29, 2024
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A-
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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Luckily, the human drama is kept at a minimum. Here the Titans take on human characteristics which is a bit hokey but it’s in the tradition of the campy Japanese Godzilla movies. True Godzilla fans won’t mind the shift in tone.
Posted Mar 28, 2024
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B
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Problemista
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
A peculiar but charming film that brings a unique perspective to work visas and the immigration process.
Posted Mar 15, 2024
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B
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Road House
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The Jake Gyllenhaal-led film amps up the violence and humor in a very different and entertaining manner. Conor McGregor is the standout as a scary dude, and his grand entrance is memorable. He brings energy to a movie that could’ve lagged midway through.
Posted Mar 12, 2024
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A-
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Accidental Texan
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
It's not an insult to describe the movie as a simple charming, little film. In a time when characters and plot lines are overcomplicated, the movie's concept is basic, and driven by the strength of the characters.
Posted Mar 12, 2024
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B
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Ordinary Angels
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
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Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson turn in compelling performances especially Ritchson who proves he can play beyond the tough guy persona, but it's Swank who elevates the film from your ordinary faith-based movie.
Posted Feb 24, 2024
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B+
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Dune: Part Two
(2024)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The sequel is slower paced than the first installment with the director taking time for Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) to prove himself the messiah to the Freman, which left little time for Paul’s transition.
Posted Feb 22, 2024
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B+
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Land of Bad
(2024)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The film is heavy on the star power and firepower. A thrilling, heart-pumping action thriller worth watching on the big screen.
Posted Feb 20, 2024
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B+
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This Is Me... Now: A Love Story
(2024)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Jennifer Lopez delivers the spectacle but also brings a vulnerability we haven’t seen before. The artist shares something very personal with the world. It humanizes the public persona in a very relatable and human way.
Posted Feb 15, 2024
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C+
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Night Swim
(2024)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
It features a few scares along the way, and like Jaws, it may deter viewers from dipping into a pool anytime soon. The characters are riveting and interesting but the payoff is lacking as the story beats fall into the usual horror tropes.
Posted Jan 10, 2024
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B
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America's Family
(2022)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The film plays like an educational film shown at school, regardless, the movie is a gripping tale of a family torn apart by careless policies, told in a positive light.
Posted Dec 31, 2023
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B
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Wonka
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Timothée Chalamet is endearing and charming as Wonka. The production design is pure eye candy. The musicals were delightful and unexpected. Director Paul King of Paddington fame, brings the same kind of energy and vibe.
Posted Dec 07, 2023
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A-
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Radical
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The heart-warming true story is inspirational and relevant, and Eugenio Derbez delivers a powerful performance.
Posted Nov 22, 2023
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B+
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Thanksgiving
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Thanksgiving is Eli Roth’s most enjoyable film to date. The holiday horror film is his most socially-relevant film executed with humor and scares
Posted Nov 21, 2023
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B+
|
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The prequel is much more layered than the Jennifer Lawrence films. Actor Tom Blyth is mesmerizing in the role with deep, soulful eyes that convey his thoughts and feelings. Viola Davis also shines as the mad scientist who shapes Snow into the President.
Posted Nov 21, 2023
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B
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The Marvels
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Iman Vellani brings an energetic vibe to a lackluster story in THE MARVELS. However, Vellani along with Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris make a great and entertaining team in a space adventure.
Posted Nov 13, 2023
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B+
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Killers of the Flower Moon
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
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Despite its character issues, the Martin Scorsese film is a devastating tale of greed and racism that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Posted Oct 21, 2023
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C
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Dear David
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Movie has zero merit as a horror movie. It also doesn’t work as a psychological thriller with a character you could care less about. Luckily it clocks in at 94 minutes but feels like a two-hour chore.
Posted Oct 14, 2023
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B-
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King of Killers
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Frank Grillo is the main attraction, and the actor shows up his fellow costars in this solid action movie but the film suffers from some corny and on-the-nose dialogue.
Posted Oct 14, 2023
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A-
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A Million Miles Away
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Michael Peña once again proves he’s one of the best actors working in Hollywood. The movie is a feel-good and inspirational story. It's perfect family entertainment, especially for Latinos who rarely see themselves portrayed positively on screen.
Posted Sep 20, 2023
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B
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Dumb Money
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Once the slow and somewhat boring introduction of the supporting characters is out of the way, DUMB MONEY is an engrossing film in a David vs. Goliath plot that has you rooting for the little guy and gal.
Posted Sep 17, 2023
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B
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A Haunting in Venice
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
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The gothic setting is unique with cinematographer Haris Zambarloukous' lighting evoking classic noir films. The visuals are actually more intruding than the storyline.
Posted Sep 17, 2023
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A-
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
(2022)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
A sweet-natured, coming-of-age movie with breakthrough performances from newcomers Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales.
Posted Sep 11, 2023
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|
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Vacation Friends 2
(2023)
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Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The Hulu wasn’t the greatest movie but the odd pairing of John Cena and Lil Rel Howery and the ridiculous shenanigans made it a fun watch from the comfort of your home. The sequel, unfortunately, doesn’t live up to the hijinks of the first one.
Posted Aug 31, 2023
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A-
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Blue Beetle
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The film is far from perfect with questionable visuals at the start, but this wholesome superhero comedy will have you cheering, laughing and crying. The three essentials needed for a great time at the movies.
Posted Aug 16, 2023
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A-
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Talk to Me
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Director and co-writer Danny Philippou and director Michael Philippou bring us an eerie story with unexpected violence that is the source of the horror. The level of violence will make you look away or gasp like the crowd in my screening.
Posted Aug 10, 2023
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B+
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
By far the best and funniest adaptation of these endearing characters. There are tons of references to other IPs and pop culture. It's s a good time at the movies for all age groups.
Posted Aug 05, 2023
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B
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Haunted Mansion
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Take two! Disney’s second attempt at adapting the theme park attraction into a movie is jam-packed with Easter Eggs Disneyland fans will enjoy, but the plot is a little lackluster.
Posted Jul 29, 2023
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B+
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Barbie
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
As expected, Greta Gerwig’s live-action BARBIE movie is filled with subversive feminist messaging but Gerwig balances the truth bombs with comedy. Margot Robbie is a perfect Barbie and Ryan Gosling steals the show with his himbo Ken-energy.
Posted Jul 18, 2023
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B+
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Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Tom Cruise delivers his usual performance but with more comedy. There are more moments of levity than ever before. A majority of the fun stems from Hayley Atwell’s small-time pickpocket character Grace who constantly outsmarts Ethan.
Posted Jul 10, 2023
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B
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The plot hits the usual beats of an Indiana Jones adventure. The film plays it safe and sticks to the formula except it brings more emotional depth to Ford's character much like he did with Hugh Jackman in LOGAN. It's a nice send-off for Ford.
Posted Jun 30, 2023
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B
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Carmen
(2022)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
While most indie films don’t require a big-screen viewing, Carmen is a work of art that should be watched on the big screen. With beautiful and mesmerizing imagery and smoldering chemistry between the leads, Millepied delivers a cinematic painting.
Posted Jun 23, 2023
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A-
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The Flash
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Director Andy Muschietti delivers an emotional film filled with nostalgia and throwbacks to previous films. It's the most satisfying film to date from the DCEU in the past decade. The movie will do bonkers business with repeat viewings.
Posted Jun 06, 2023
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A
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The amount of animation styles is crazy, and the numerous Easter Eggs keep your eyes ping-ponging trying to catch all the Spider-verse characters. The stakes and visuals are intense, and it will require multiple viewings to take it all in.
Posted Jun 01, 2023
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B
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Kandahar
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
There's plenty of gunplay and explosions for the action junkies, but more importantly, the main characters are well-rounded and interesting. So if you've enjoyed Butler's last few movies, expect more of the same.
Posted May 26, 2023
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C
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Fast X
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The tenth installment is more of the same gravity-defying stunts and laughable dialogue but Jason Momoa fuels the action with humor. The script is also filled with fun moments that poke fun at the "familia" and the ridiculous car stunts.
Posted May 19, 2023
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B-
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Cutting back and forth between the light-hearted moments with the Guardians, and young Rocket’s story is jarring in tone and slows down the pacing. It’s surprising Marvel Studios approved such morbid imagery of mutilated critters.
Posted May 06, 2023
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C+
|
Snag
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
There are a few hilarious running gags and it has its charm but SNAG is mostly a cheap remake of films we've seen way too many times.
Posted Apr 28, 2023
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B+
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Renfield
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
This horror-comedy is a good time at the movies, especially for Nicolas Cage fans who enjoy watching the actor’s eccentricities. If you like Kick-Ass, this movie is for you.
Posted Apr 14, 2023
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A
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Air
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
Ben Affleck has managed to make a riveting movie out of a mundane story. Everyone knows how this story ends, but the cast and Affleck deliver a pulse-pounding drama with a lot of heart and gusto.
Posted Mar 31, 2023
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B
|
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
The movie has a Lord of the Rings vibe, but this adaptation has much more humor when poking fun and countering the usual tropes.
Posted Mar 30, 2023
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B
|
John Wick: Chapter 4
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
It's more of the same but funnier thanks to scene-stealer Donnie Yen. The action is relentless from start to finish, and this time around the filmmakers are self-aware of the over-the-top action.
Posted Mar 14, 2023
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A-
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Scream VI
(2023)
|
Lupe Rodriguez Haas
|
This latest entry subverts the franchise’s rules and cranks the horror way up to deliver the best movie since the original.
Posted Mar 08, 2023
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