Category Archives: Movies

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

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…..

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

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?

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

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…

“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

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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It’s Only the End of the World (2016) ☆☆(2/4): It’s only the end of his life….

The characters in “It’s Only the End of the World” talk a lot throughout the film, but their words signify nothing but sound and fury as they go through one miserable day together. Maybe that is its whole point, but … Continue reading

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Hidden Figures (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Three black female figures in NASA

Based on the remarkable professional careers of three real-life figures who worked in NASA in the early 1960s, “Hidden Figures” confidently moves forward along with its three main characters. While never overlooking how things were hard and difficult for them and … Continue reading

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Fences (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): At the backyard of his house

“Fences” trusts its performers, and we gladly go along with that. Even if you are not that familiar with August Wilson’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, you can easily notice a number of theatrical aspects on the screen, but this … Continue reading

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