Tag Archives: Singer

Respect (2021) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A conventional biopic starring Jennifer Hudson

Posted on September 14, 2021 by kaist455

“Respect” is a thoroughly conventional musician biopic whose glaring flaws are occasionally compensated by the strong performance from its lead actress. Whenever the movie lets us down during its rather long running time (145 minutes), she always lifts it up … Continue reading →

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The Disciple (2020) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): An observation of artistic struggle

Posted on May 4, 2021 by kaist455

Indian film “The Disciple”, which was released on Netflix in last Friday, calmly observes its musician hero’s seemingly endless artistic struggle, and that is often quite more absorbing and sublime than you may expect. While giving us a vivid and … Continue reading →

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The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021) ☆☆(2/4): She suffered and suffered….

Posted on April 10, 2021 by kaist455

Lee Daniels’ latest film “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”, which was released on Hulu in this February, is utterly trite and disappointing in many aspects. While surely intended to be a sincere tribute to the life and career of … Continue reading →

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Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (2021) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): So, what’s next for her?

Posted on March 21, 2021 by kaist455

R.J. Cutler’s new documentary film “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry”, which was released on Apple+ in last month, often feels like watching the extended opening chapter for whatever will come next. Here is an apparently talented singer/songwriter, and … Continue reading →

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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Chadwick Boseman’s last film

Posted on December 20, 2020 by kaist455

Netflix film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, which was released on Netflix on last Friday shortly after having a limited theatrical release in US several week ago, is a commendable adaptation of the acclaimed play of the same name by late … Continue reading →

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Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Rachel McAdams shines in another usual Will Ferrell movie

Posted on June 29, 2020 by kaist455

Surprise is always important for comedy to work well on audience, and Netflix film “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” has two moments which surprised me for making me chuckle a lot. Although I could clearly see in … Continue reading →

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Nobody Knows I’m Here (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): Repressed and detached

Posted on June 29, 2020 by kaist455

Chilean film “Nobody Knows I’m Here”, which was released on Netflix in a number of countries including US in last week, is a somber and detached character drama about one tragically repressed guy who is still reeling from his old … Continue reading →

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Jazzy Misfits (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): Mother, daughter, and some other colorful misfits

Posted on June 4, 2020 by kaist455

South Korean film “Jazzy Misfits” bounces here and there in one colorful neighborhood area of Seoul along with its two very different main characters. Although we can clearly see its eventual destination from the very beginning, the movie diligently amuses … Continue reading →

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Judy (2019) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Her last hurrah

Posted on December 13, 2019 by kaist455

As many of you know, Judy Garland was a tragically messy and damaged person throughout her life and career. While she quickly rose as a new talented child performer in Hollywood thanks to the enormous success of “The Wizard of … Continue reading →

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Amazing Grace (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Amazing indeed

Posted on September 29, 2019 by kaist455

“Amazing Grace”, a music documentary film which was shot by Sydney Pollack in 1972 but then had been kept in vault for more than 40 years due to not only technical problems but also legal issues, is amazing indeed. Even … Continue reading →

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