Category Archives: Movies

The Good Lie (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : From Sudan to America

Posted on February 3, 2015 by kaist455

“The Good Lie” approaches to its simple story with not only good intention but also honest attitude, and that is a good thing. While it is partially about the kindness of strangers, it is mainly about how its outsider characters … Continue reading →

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Open Windows (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A thriller unfolded within one laptop screen

Posted on February 3, 2015 by kaist455

 As a thriller literally unfolded within one laptop screen during most of its running time, “Open Windows” is more entertaining than expected. Its storytelling device is an apparent gimmick to say the least, but the movie uses it to full … Continue reading →

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Cake (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Broken Body, Broken Mind, and Cake

Posted on February 3, 2015 by kaist455

  There are good parts in “Cake” which almost make it look like a film worthwhile to watch, and then there are also bad parts which could have been discarded or modified without any serious problem. The movie wants to … Continue reading →

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The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4): Studio Ghibli in Twilight

Posted on February 2, 2015 by kaist455

As a gentle tribute to one great animation director who has been one of the key leading figure in Studio Ghibli, Japanese documentary “The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness” has a bittersweet quality considering the uncertain future of Studio Ghibli … Continue reading →

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The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) ☆☆(2/4) : A sweet but mellow cuisine conflict

Posted on February 1, 2015 by kaist455

  “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is a sweet but mellow cuisine conflict which gets clumsily overcooked during its first half and then gets tediously undercooked during its second half. I like some ingredients of its main course, and it is surely … Continue reading →

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Million Dollar Arm (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Another outsourcing from India

Posted on February 1, 2015 by kaist455

 “Million Dollar Arm” is a mild sports movie with a little dose of good will and local flavor. You can easily guess what you are going to get if you are aware of that this is your average Disney family … Continue reading →

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Big Eyes (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Behind those big eyes

Posted on January 31, 2015 by kaist455

 What is the standard of good art? Or is there really such a standard like that? Mostly shying away from these interesting questions evoked by its fascinating real-life story, Tim Burton’s new film “Big Eyes” takes a rather plain, earnest … Continue reading →

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Beyond the Lights (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A Star is Reborn

Posted on January 31, 2015 by kaist455

“Beyond the Lights” gave me two things to remember. First, while reminding me again of my serious lack of knowledge on pop songs, it enlightened me a bit on Nina Simone, an African American singer I was not so familiar … Continue reading →

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The Water Diviner (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : A father’s search for his fallen sons

Posted on January 29, 2015 by kaist455

  As a seasoned moviegoer, I usually ignore “Inspired by a true story/true stories” at the beginning of movies supposedly based on real-life incidents, and I am always ready to enjoy any fictional elements in them, but “The Water Diviners” … Continue reading →

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Love is Strange (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : More than longtime companions

Posted on January 28, 2015 by kaist455

  “Love is Strange” is a small intimate drama about two good people who have loved and lived with each other for almost 40 years and then suddenly have to deal with a trouble suddenly coming into their happy life. As … Continue reading →

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