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David Chen's Random and Dubious 2024 Movie Awards
A grab-bag of stuff that I haven't been able to get out of my mind.
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‘A Complete Unknown’ Is the Blandest Bob Dylan Biopic Imaginable
James Mangold’s movie feels designed to push Spotify streams to boomers.
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‘Moana 2’ Is Rough Sailing Through Shallow Waters
Disney’s latest animated feature ditches the heart of the original for a rushed follow-up story.
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Why We're Stuck In An Endless Hell of Live Action Remakes
Tansy Gardam breaks down the phenomenon of live action remakes.
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‘Wicked’ Is the Rare Adaptation That’s Better Than Its Stage Version
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the musical’s first act gives the story more room to breathe.
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‘Gladiator II’ Is So Obsessed With 'Gladiator' It's Kinda Cringe
This sequel to the award-winning classic can't stop thinking about its predecessor.
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‘Heretic’ Shows the Horror of Being Trapped in a Reply-Guy’s Basement
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ new movie nods towards faith but is more concerned with misogyny.
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I Don’t Think People Realize What They’ve Done
Some scattered thoughts on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.
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'Anora' Is a Wildly Entertaining Home Run
Revisiting Stephen David Miller's thoughts on Sean Baker's soon-to-be-classic.
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The Most Pro-Immigrant Blockbuster in Years Is...'Venom: The Last Dance'?
The superhero threequel is a mess, but it has some worthwhile subtext.
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'Smile 2' Is Smile 1 If It Happened to Lady Gaga
Plus some thoughts on the perils of AI-assisted filmmaking.
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‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Holds Its Audience in Contempt
Todd Phillips’ sequel is part courtroom drama, part musical, and a total chore.