Author Archives: kaist455

The Lego Batman Movie (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Batman’s relationship matters

Posted on February 11, 2017 by kaist455

As I was watching “The Lego Batman Movie”, my mind often went back to when I watched “The Lego Movie” three years ago. I did not expect much when I watched its trailer, but then I heard some good words … Continue reading →

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Hacksaw Ridge (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): A pacifistic medic struggling in a brutal war movie

Posted on February 10, 2017 by kaist455

“Hacksaw Ridge” is rather interesting for its ironic contradiction. While evoking those sincere old-fashioned Hollywood war films such as Howard Hawks’ “Sergeant York” (1941) on one side, the movie is also far more brutal and sanguinary than them on the … Continue reading →

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Moonlight (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A specific lifetime observed in three acts

Posted on February 8, 2017 by kaist455

Sensitive and empathetic, “Moonlight” is a simple but eloquent coming-of-age tale packed with haunting human moments. While its hero and background are quite specific, we notice universal themes from its intimate drama as watching its hero struggling to find his … Continue reading →

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Manchester by the Sea (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Living with broken heart

Posted on February 5, 2017 by kaist455

They say time can heal us, but that is not true for the gloomy hero of “Manchester by the Sea”. Gradually revealing the emotional scar and pain in his heart, the movie gives us a vivid, intimate slice of his … Continue reading →

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Arrival (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): When they arrive…..

Posted on February 4, 2017 by kaist455

Can we possibly communicate with aliens if they ever come to our planet? Can we and they really understand and emphasize with each other even if that were possible? “Arrival” begins with these familiar but undeniably fascinating questions which have … Continue reading →

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Lion (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A long way to his hometown

Posted on February 3, 2017 by kaist455

Based on one remarkable real-life story, “Lion” tries to tug at our heartstrings, and it succeeds with several powerful moments during its first half. Although it stumbles a bit during the second half which is more conventional in comparison, the … Continue reading →

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Jackie (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Who is Jackie?

Posted on January 31, 2017 by kaist455

Calmly examining the formation of that lasting public image of Jacqueline Kennedy, “Jackie” works as a compelling observation on a woman who happened to be in the middle of one of the darkest historical moments in the 20th American history. … Continue reading →

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Deepwater Horizon (2016) ☆☆(2/4): Lots of mud, water, oil, and fire

Posted on January 30, 2017 by kaist455

When I heard the news about the explosion on Deepwater Horizon for the first time, I was about to begin the first day of the 2010 Eberfest along with my critic friends and acquaintances. I thought it was just a … Continue reading →

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Maggie’s Plan (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): That was her plan, but…

Posted on January 28, 2017 by kaist455

“Maggie’s Plan” is full of lightweight comic touches to delight and tickle you. As smart, witty, and charming as you can expect from your average sassy New Yorker comedy movie, it serves us with a number of hilarious moments to … Continue reading →

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Snowden (2016) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): The Snowden Files

Posted on January 27, 2017 by kaist455

As a story about one famous real-life whistleblower, Oliver Stone’s new film “Snowden” often feels redundant despite some fascinating parts. While its subjects are certainly relevant especially at this point, the movie does not have many things to surprise or … Continue reading →

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