Author Archives: kaist455

M3GAN 2.0 (2025) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): She is back – and upgraded

“M3GAN 2.0” tries to surpass its predecessor, but its upgrade is a bit less fun to my little dissatisfaction. While its titular character gives us some naughty entertainment as expected, the movie is no more than a conventional genre variation … Continue reading

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The Lady in the Van (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): His eccentric homeless neighbor

Maggie Smith, who sadly died in last year, was always a pleasure to watch for many years. Yes, she has been mainly known for her supporting performances in those Harry Potter movies and the acclaimed British TV series “Downton Abbey”, … Continue reading

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Temple Grandin (2010) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Different, Not Less

I have a personal soft spot for Mick Jackson’s 2010 HBO TV movie “Temple Grandin”, a deeply empathic drama about the remarkable life and career of Dr. Temple Grandin. Despite being on the autistic spectrum, Dr. Grandin became a respectable … Continue reading

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You Don’t Know Jack (2010) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): He cared a lot

Barry Levinson’s 2010 HBO TV movie “You Don’t Know Jack” observes the legal troubles of Jack Kevorkian (1928 ~ 2011), an American pathologist who became quite controversial as a prominent euthanasia proponent during the 1990s. As sticking to its somber … Continue reading

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Shiri (1999) ☆☆(2/4): A seriously dated South Korean blockbuster

I wonder how I would have responded to the 1999 South Korean film “Shiri” if I had watched it 26 years ago. I did not feel any particular need to watch it mainly because I was unfortunately exposed to its … Continue reading

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Spring Night (2024) ☆☆(2/4): Misery loves company…

South Korean independent film “Spring Night” is often frustrating for its dry and austere storytelling which does not add much on its barebone narrative. This is a simple story about two miserable people who somehow choose to live together, and … Continue reading

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Thelma & Louise (1991) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Two friends on the run

Ridley Scott’s 1991 film “Thelma & Louise”, which happens to be released in South Korean theaters in this week, remains fresh and vibrant besides being one of the best female drama films from the 1990s. While it looks like a … Continue reading

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Superman (2025) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Superman in a cheery reboot

“Superman”, what is supposed to be the first product from whatever has been planned by DC Universe (DCU) during last several years, is a bit welcoming for being, well, cheery. After that ponderously serious period mainly represented by “Man of … Continue reading

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Superman (1978) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): You will still believe that he can fly

The greatness of Richard Donner’s 1978 film “Superman” lies in a rare quality which has been seldom equaled during last five decades. Masterfully balancing itself between earnest gravitas and a witty sense of humor, the movie not only entertains us … Continue reading

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KPop Demon Hunters (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): A ridiculously fun K-POP fantasy animation

First, I must confess that animation feature film “KPOP Demon Hunters”, which was released on Netflix a few weeks ago, willingly goes into a musical territory not so familiar to me to say the least. Yes, despite being a South … Continue reading

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