The Five Devils (2023)
79%RT Audience Score: 71%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Five Devils is a film that is both enchanting and perplexing, with its magical realism and unconventional storytelling. While some critics found fault in the film’s lack of focus, others praised its formal confidence and strong performances. Adèle Exarchopoulos shines in her role, bringing a sense of depth and emotion to the film’s exploration of transgenerational trauma. Director Léa Mysius shows great ambition in her sophomore effort, and while not entirely successful, The Five Devils is a stylish and subversive psychodrama that will leave audiences both intrigued and bewitched.
The Five Devils is a wild ride through family drama, magical realism, and black girl magic. While some critics found the film to be overly ambitious or sentimental, I found it to be a playful and strange journey that kept me hooked until the end. The killer soundtrack, strong performances, and visual appeal make this film a must-see for anyone who loves a good psychodrama. Plus, who doesn’t love a little time-traveling and witchy intrigue? Overall, The Five Devils is a fun and imaginative film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
Production Company(ies)
Foreign Language, Psychological, Sister
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Seine-Saint-Denis, France; France
MPAA / Certificate
NR
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 35m
-
Language(s):French
-
Country of origin:France
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 24, 2023 Limited
Genre(s)
Drama/Fantasy
Keyword(s)
Drama, Fantasy, French (France), Léa Mysius, Jean-Louis Livi, Fanny Yvonnet, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Sally Dramé, Swala Emati, Moustapha Mbengue, Daphne Patakia, Patrick Bouchitey, Paul Guilhaume, Limited Release, $38.2K Box Office, Critic Reviews, Peter Debruge, Richard Whittaker, Michael O’Sullivan, Kevin Maher, Drew Gregory, Sophie Butcher, Rene Sanchez, Hope Madden, Emiliano Basile, Dustin Chang, Dennis Schwartz, Taylor Baker, Family Secrets, Queer Romance, Magical Realism, Time Travel, Scent, Transgenerational Trauma, Black Girl Magic
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,821
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Sally Dramé – Vicky
Swala Emati – Julia
Moustapha Mbengue – Jimmy
Daphne Patakia – Nadine
Patrick Bouchitey – Jean Yvon
Director – Léa Mysius
Producers – Jean-Louis Livi, Fanny Yvonnet
Writers – Léa Mysius, Paul Guilhaume
Director(s)
Léa Mysius
Writer(s)
Léa Mysius, Paul Guilhaume, Léa Mysius, Paul Guilhaume
Producer(s)
Jean-Louis Livi, Fanny Yvonnet
Film Festivals
Cannes
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (56) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (9)
The… director is more ambitious than she is successful this time around.
April 1, 2023
Peter Debruge
Variety
TOP CRITIC
If The Five Devils more bravely embraced a single perspective, that might have better bound together its depiction of a family splitting apart.
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/5
Richard Whittaker
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
The film’s magical realism heightens its otherwise conventional contours and sharpens its otherworldly pleasures.
March 29, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Michael O’Sullivan
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
A surfeit of storytelling ambition is the only thing that threatens to upend this otherwise startling second feature from the French director Léa Mysius.
March 27, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Kevin Maher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
With a killer soundtrack, formal confidence, and strong performances, the film invites the audience to embrace the narrative’s chewiness.
March 26, 2023
Drew Gregory
Autostraddle
TOP CRITIC
[The film] loses its edge, building towards an overly sentimental, saccharine ending – but there’s more than enough witchy intrigue, interesting filmmaking and an array of strong performances to keep you compelled.
March 24, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Sophie Butcher
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Adèle Exarchopoulos shines in this sensorial and enigmatic journey about transgenerational trauma. [Full Review in Spanish]
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Rene Sanchez
Cine Sin Fronteras
This is an unusual film, generous with its characters even as it looks at the selfishness of love, the neediness within family, and the strange battles we fight.
April 4, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Hope Madden
MaddWolf
The Five Devils is a playful and strange movie with visual appeal that lures the spectator into a journey through the power of imagination. [Full review in Spanish]
April 3, 2023 | Rating: 8/10
Emiliano Basile
EscribiendoCine
The Five Devils turns into a poignant story about prejudices and acceptance, with black girl magic elements.
April 3, 2023
Dustin Chang
ScreenAnarchy
A stylish, supernatural, weird and subversive psychodrama.
March 31, 2023 | Rating: B
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
Léa Mysius’s The Five Devils is a noteworthy sophomore film, not just in its accomplished delivery of craft but its effortlessness at capturing the story of a young girl time-traveling while a family and small community seem to splinter apart.
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 68/100
Taylor Baker
Drink in the Movies…
Plot
When Vicky’s estranged aunt returns to town, the young girl’s ability to recreate scents leads her on a journey to uncover family secrets and queer romance in the magical realism drama, The Five Devils.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Adèle Exarchopoulos shines in her role as Joanne in The Five Devils.
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Plan 75 2023
Plan 75 (2023)
91%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Plan 75 is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the complexities of a society that has lost its empathy and soul. Hayakawa Chie’s stinging precision in revealing the culture’s self-destructive tendencies is both poignant and thought-provoking. The film’s delicate whisper of a drama gradually accumulates into a palpable and lingering rage at how we have become experts at branding cruelty as compassion. The well-acted and structured journey towards oblivion retains a glimmer of hope thanks to the characters caught within. Plan 75 is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the societal strains of an aging population and the importance of empathy in a dystopian world.
Plan 75 is a movie that will make you feel all the emotions. From creeping despair to lingering rage, this film has it all. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a glimmer of hope thanks to the well-acted and structured characters caught within. Plus, the film is full of sharp little observations that tell us about the society and the experience of people living in it. So, grab some popcorn and get ready for a mildly engaging, understated, and poetic journey towards oblivion.
Production Company(ies)
Foreign Language, Social, Topical
Distributor
KimStim
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
NR
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 52m
-
Language(s):Japanese, Tagalog/ Filipino
-
Country of origin:Japan, France, Qatar, The Philippines
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2023 Limited
Genre(s)
Drama/Sci-fi
Keyword(s)
Plan 75, Drama, Sci-fi, Japanese, Chie Hayakawa, Eiko Mizuno Gray, Jason Gray, Frédéric Corvez, Maéva Savinien, Chieko Baishô, Hayato Isomura, Stefanie Arianne, Yumi Kawai, Taka Takao, Hisako Okata, KimStim, WOWOW, Dongyu Club, Urban Factory, Fusee, Loaded Films, Happinet-Phantom Studios, Digital 5.1, Flat (1.85:1), elderly, death, dystopian future, Japan, Michi, Himoru, Maria, Filipino care worker, aging population, social and economic burdens, bureaucratic indifference, interconnectedness, pandemic-era cinema, generational rifts, emotional manipulation, societal strains, loss of empathy, well-acted, structured journey, glimmer of hope, sharp observations, overflowing empathy, sensitive, insightful, reviewed by Nicolas Rapold, David Ehrlich, Namrata Joshi, Peter Debruge, Diego Semerene, Morris Yang, Rory O’Connor, Jared Mobarak, Avi Offer, Jennie Kermode, Diego Batlle, produced by Eiko Mizuno Gray, Jason Gray, Frédéric Corvez, Maéva Savinien, directed by Chie Hayakawa, written by Chie Hayakawa, starring Chieko Baishô, Hayato Isomura, Stefanie Arianne, Yumi Kawai, Taka Takao, Hisako Okata, reviewed by New York Times, indieWire, The New Indian Express, Variety, Slant Magazine, In Review Online, The Film Stage, Hey, Have You Seen …, NYC Movie Guru, Eye for Film, La Estatuilla, box office performance, budget, MPAA rating
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,858
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Hayato Isomura – Himoru Okabe
Stefanie Arianne – Maria
Yumi Kawai – Yoko Narimiya
Taka Takao – Yukio Okabe
Hisako Okata – Inako Maki
Director – Chie Hayakawa
Producers – Eiko Mizuno Gray, Jason Gray, Frédéric Corvez, Maéva Savinien
Writer – Chie Hayakawa
Director(s)
Chie Hayakawa
Writer(s)
Chie Hayakawa
Producer(s)
Eiko Mizuno Gray, Jason Gray, Frédéric Corvez, Maéva Savinien
Film Festivals
Cannes, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (22) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (1)
Baisho gets across the creeping despair that morbidity and the loss of community can create — a sensation that lets “Plan 75” double as a consummate entry in pandemic-era cinema.
April 20, 2023
Nicolas Rapold
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
This is an ultra-delicate whisper of a drama… And yet the anger that fringes such bittersweet moments gradually accumulates into a palpable and lingering rage at how good we’ve become at branding cruelty as compassion.
April 19, 2023 | Rating: B+
David Ehrlich
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
I admire Plan 75 for how it is strikingly- poised on contradictions. A film about generational rifts gradually becomes all about a conversation between the young and the old.
January 13, 2023
Namrata Joshi
The New Indian Express
TOP CRITIC
“Plan 75” might have been a risible exercise in emotional manipulation if not for the sensitive tone with which Hiyakawa approaches all of her characters.
October 14, 2022
Peter Debruge
Variety
TOP CRITIC
With stinging precision, Hayakawa Chie reveals a culture that seems almost mobilized to destroy its own soul.
May 22, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Diego Semerene
Slant Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Plan 75 marks its relevance with a masterful and well-calibrated narrative of the individuals that live and persist within, and often despite, the workings of dystopia.
April 21, 2023
Morris Yang
In Review Online
In Plan 75, Japan suffers two existential crises: the very real economic and societal strains of its aging population and, worse yet, a severe loss of empathy.
April 21, 2023 | Rating: B
Rory O’Connor
The Film Stage
The result is a well-acted and structured journey towards oblivion that retains a glimmer of hope thanks to characters caught within. [Its] criticism and commentary are objectively drawn to both question the idea’s legitimacy and execution.
April 21, 2023 | Rating: 8/10
Jared Mobarak
Hey, Have You Seen …?
Mildly engaging, understated and poetic.
April 18, 2023
Avi Offer
NYC Movie Guru
The film is full of sharp little observations, made in passing, which tell us about this society and the experience of people living it.
March 10, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Jennie Kermode
Eye for Film
Despite not all stories having the same depth, findings, and intrigue, Plan 75 is a very good film as a whole. [Full review in Spanish]
December 30, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Diego Batlle
Otroscines.com
A film that overflows with empathy towards the elderly… [Full Review in Spanish]
December 16, 2022
Ricardo Gallegos
La Estatuilla…
Plot
In a near dystopian future, Japan’s government launches PLAN 75, a program encouraging the elderly to terminate their own lives to relieve its rapidly aging population’s social and economic burdens, and three ordinary citizens confront the crushing callousness of a world ready to dispose of those no longer deemed valuable.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels mentions that legendary Japanese actress Chieko Baishō stars as a 78-year-old Michi who considers signing up for the program after losing her meager but fulfilling hotel job and the means to live independently.
Chie-Hayakawa.jpg
Sanctuary 2023
Sanctuary (2023)
78%RT Audience Score: 62%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Sanctuary is a film that defies categorization, blending elements of romantic comedy, psychosexual thriller, and class warfare drama into a deliciously twisted and unpredictable whole. Director Zachary Wigon plays with audience expectations, revealing the true dynamic between the two leads in a way that is both surprising and satisfying. Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott give standout performances, their chemistry fluctuating between desire, desperation, and despisal with ease. The film’s message about the shifting power dynamics between men and women is engaging and thought-provoking, and the witty dialogue and energetic pacing make for a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. Overall, Sanctuary is a smart, sexy, and subversive film that is not to be missed.
Sanctuary is the perfect movie for those who want a little bit of everything – romance, comedy, and a twisty thriller all rolled into one. The chemistry between Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott is electric, and the film keeps you guessing until the very end. Plus, who doesn’t love a movie that explores power dynamics and the blurred lines between desire and desperation? It’s a wild ride that you won’t want to miss.
Production Company(ies)
Mosaic, Psychological
Distributor
NEON
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
New York, United States
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 36m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Margaret Qualley, Christopher Abbott, directed by Zachary Wigon, written by Micah Bloomberg, mystery, thriller, drama, R rating, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Jeannette Catsoulis, Greg Nussen, Hannah Strong, Nick Schager, Amy Nicholson, David Ehrlich, Mark Jackson, Josh Bell, Travis Hopson, Zoë Rose Bryant, Danielle Solzman, produced by Pavel Burian, David Lancaster, Ilya Stewart, Stephanie Wilcox, NEON, Hype Studios, Mosaic Films, Rumble Films (II), Charades, dominatrix, hotel room, inheritance, relationship, disaster, sexual content, language.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Christopher Abbott – Hal
Zachary Wigon – Director
Micah Bloomberg – Screenwriter
Pavel Burian – Producer
David Lancaster – Producer
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (40) | Rotten (1)
A jet-black romantic comedy hidden inside a twisty psychosexual thriller. Or maybe it’s the other way around.
May 18, 2023
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
This is a theatrical story told in a purposefully and self-consciously theatrical manner.
May 13, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Greg Nussen
Slant Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Despite the imperfections within Bloomberg’s screenplay, Abbott and Qualley sell the hell out of it – they possess an easy chemistry that fluctuates between desire, desperation and despisal.
March 7, 2023
Hannah Strong
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
There’s no way to get a total read on what Qualley’s protagonist is up to, which turns out to be the primary thrill of this snapshot of personal, professional, and class warfare.
September 16, 2022
Nick Schager
The Daily Beast
TOP CRITIC
The film has the confidence and generosity to allow the audience to ask its own questions before it makes its first (of many) giddily upending reveals.
September 16, 2022 | Rating: A-
Amy Nicholson
Variety
TOP CRITIC
What makes Sanctuary such a salaciously enjoyable slice of snack-sized fun is how it argues that some people have more to give than they would ever know without the right person to take it from them.
September 14, 2022 | Rating: B
David Ehrlich
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
The message–that women have usurped so many traditionally male roles–while not a groundbreaking concept in and of itself, has a particular logic here that’s engaging.
May 19, 2023
Mark Jackson
Epoch Times
Director Zachary Wigon plays with audience assumptions as he reveals the true dynamic between Hal and Rebecca, and Sanctuary continues to brilliantly defy expectations for its entire runtime.
May 18, 2023
Josh Bell
CBR
There are plenty of comfortable rom-coms out there, but Sanctuary is a surprisingly beguiling and witty romance for those who like their love stories to need a safe word.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Travis Hopson
Punch Drunk Critics
The summer movie season is synonymous with bombastic blockbusters, but “Sanctuary” shows that there are just as many fireworks that can arise from the unfiltered expression of our unruly human feelings
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 9/10
Zoë Rose Bryant
Next Best Picture
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott never lose our attention as the duo are acting their hearts out in Sanctuary.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Danielle Solzman
Solzy at the Movies
With energetic insight and humor, Sanctuary scrapes and scrapes at these characters and the power dynamics between them.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Mark Dujsik
Mark Reviews Movies…
Plot
Sanctuary follows the story of a dominatrix and her wealthy client, who tries to end their relationship but faces disastrous consequences when his attempt backfires.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t say anything goofy or funny or odd about the film Sanctuary.
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The Night of the 12th 2023
The Night of the 12th (2023)
91%RT Audience Score: 90%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Director Dominik Moll’s “The Night of the 12th” is a masterful exploration of the gritty reality of crime-fighting, eschewing the flashy thrills of conventional police procedurals in favor of a grounded, deceptively plain approach that captures the grind of false leads, workplace fatigue, and the lack of closure that plagues real-life investigations. Moll’s singular texture keeps tricking the audience into thinking they’re watching a more conventional thriller, but the film’s grim authenticity and chilling suspense sequences make it clear that this is a work of art that transcends genre. With a beautiful score by Olivier Margueri and a convincing cast, “The Night of the 12th” is a spellbinding and engrossing psychological crime thriller that ranks among the best in the genre.
“The Night of the 12th” is a crime thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film is not your typical police procedural, but rather a grounded and realistic portrayal of the investigation process. The cast delivers convincing performances, and the score adds an ominous tone to the film. Director Dominik Moll and screenwriter Gilles Marchand take a bold approach by centering the film around flawed, yet noble cop protagonists. Overall, “The Night of the 12th” is a spellbinding and engrossing film that delves into questions of violence, guilt, and the nature of evil. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre!
Production Company(ies)
Foreign Language
Distributor
Film Movement
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
France
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 55m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Crime/Drama
Keyword(s)
Crime, Drama, Mystery & thriller, French (France), Dominik Moll, Caroline Benjo, Barbara Letellier, Carole Scotta, Simon Arnal, Gilles Marchand, Centre National du Cinéma et de L’image Animée, VOO, Cinéventure 7, Haut et Court, Canal+, Cinécap 5, Cinémage 16, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, RTBF, Wallimage, BE TV, O’Brother Distribution, Tax Shelter du Gouvernement Fédéral Belge, Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Versus Production, Radio Télévision Belge Francophone, Doco Digital, Proximus, Ciné+, Bastien Bouillon, Bouli Lanners, Anouk Grinberg, Mouna Soualem, Pauline Serieys, Théo Cholbi, reviewed by Jeannette Catsoulis, John Powers, Owen Gleiberman, Jonathan Coe, Helen O’Hara, Saskia Lloyd Gaiger, Morgan Rojas, Ethan Vestby, Avi Offer, Dennis Schwartz, Monica Reid, Ruben Peralta Rigaud, Film Movement, MPAA rating, box office performance, budget, Clara, Grenoble, Yohan Vivès, murder investigation, police procedural, toxic ripple effect, violence, revenge, scorned ex-lover, male-dominated world, law enforcement, women victims.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Producer: Caroline Benjo – self
Barbara Letellier – self
Carole Scotta – self
Simon Arnal – self
Writer: Gilles Marchand – self
Dominik Moll – self
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Cannes
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (3)
This is a refreshingly grounded, deceptively plain picture of crime-fighting as a grind of false leads, workplace fatigue and no closure.
May 18, 2023
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Focusing on a single, real-life murder investigation she covers, Moll has created a film that keeps looking like the conventional police procedural that it actually isn’t.
May 17, 2023
John Powers
NPR
TOP CRITIC
“The Night of the 12th” is a mostly compelling sit, though what lends the film its singular texture is that it keeps tricking us into thinking it’s a more conventional thriller than it is.
May 5, 2023
Owen Gleiberman
Variety
TOP CRITIC
There is no doubting the grim authenticity of all of this. But that authenticity is sometimes at odds with the craftsmanship on display in the film’s several chilling suspense sequences and long, well-paced interrogation scenes.
April 12, 2023
Jonathan Coe
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
The long and devastating fallout from a senseless act of violence affects almost everyone in this compelling reality-inspired account, which lingers in the mind in a way that few crime stories do.
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Helen O’Hara
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Not revolutionary, but competent and compelling.
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Saskia Lloyd Gaiger
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
Composer Olivier Margueri’s score offers a beautiful mix of buoyancy sprinkled with melancholy, giving the film its ominous nature.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Morgan Rojas
Cinemacy
It’s almost bold of director Dominik Moll and screenwriter Gilles Marchand to center their film so much around both the male perspective and flawed, albeit noble cop protagonists, and intriguing how Night of the 12th flips this on its head.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: B
Ethan Vestby
The Film Stage
Spellbinding and engrossing. One of the best psychological crime thrillers since Zodiac and No Country for Old Men.
May 17, 2023
Avi Offer
NYC Movie Guru
Though the criminal act was lurid the film wasn’t.
May 14, 2023 | Rating: B-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
The Night of the 12th goes deeper than the crime in question, delving into questions of violence, guilt, and the nature of evil.
May 4, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Monica Reid
Far Out Magazine
An excellent film for the genre, guided by a convincing cast while being a beautiful and rare homage to the labor of political justice. [Full review in Spanish]
April 25, 2023
Ruben Peralta Rigaud
Cocalecas…
Plot
The Night of the 12th follows police Captain Yohan Vivès as he investigates the brutal murder of a young woman named Clara, uncovering her secrets and navigating the male-dominated world of law enforcement to find her killer.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t say anything goofy or funny or odd about the film Signed in.
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The Man In The Basement 2023
The Man In The Basement (2023)
88%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Man in the Basement is a thought-provoking and timely French thriller that delves into the dangerous territory of Holocaust denial and its insidious effects on the human psyche. With a gripping and suspenseful plot, the film expertly weaves together themes of domestic drama, political urgency, and ideological division, all while showcasing the talents of its exceptional cast. While some critics may find fault with the film’s pacing and lack of insight in its finale, it remains a smart and tense exploration of social issues that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Plus, any movie that gives us a chance to see François Cluzet play a hissable stinker is worth the price of admission.
The Man in the Basement” is a French thriller that will make you question everything you know about Holocaust denial and the power of persuasion. Critics are raving about the film’s intelligence, suspense, and timely social commentary. While some found the ending lacking, others praised the performances of the talented cast. Overall, this movie is a must-see for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller with a relevant message. Just don’t watch it alone in your basement, or you might start questioning your own beliefs.
Production Company(ies)
Foreign Language, VOD
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Paris, France; Hauts-De-Seine, France
MPAA / Certificate
NR
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 54m
-
Language(s):French
-
Country of origin:France
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 27, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 28, 2023
Genre(s)
Mystery & Thriller/Drama
Keyword(s)
Mystery, thriller, drama, French, Philippe Le Guay, Anne-Dominique Toussaint, Jérémie Renier, Bérénice Bejo, François Cluzet, Gilles Taurand, Marc Weitzmann, box office, budget, reviewed by Tim Cogshell, Rex Reed, Elizabeth Weitzman, Glenn Kenny, Gary Goldstein, Beatrice Loayza, Dennis Schwartz, Calan Panchoo, Hannah Brown, Joel Copling, Todd Jorgenson, MPAA rating, Greenwich Entertainment, Holocaust denial, conspiracy theorist, tenants’ rights, psychological thriller, domestic drama, teenage daughter, anti-Semitic, history teacher, Jewish couple, naïve, suspenseful, provocative, intelligent, cautionary tale, political urgency, smart psychodrama, social issues, character dynamics, ideological division, Frenchman’s Frenchman, delicious character roles, hissable stinker
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend: $3,450
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $3,450
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,834
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jérémie Renier – Simon Sandberg
Bérénice Bejo – Hélène Sandberg
Jonathan Zaccaï – David Sandberg
Victoria Eber – Justine
Denise Chalem – Nelly Sandberg
Director – Philippe Le Guay
Producer – Anne-Dominique Toussaint
Writers – Philippe Le Guay, Gilles Taurand, Marc Weitzmann
Director(s)
Philippe Le Guay
Writer(s)
Philippe Le Guay, Gilles Taurand, Marc Weitzmann
Producer(s)
Anne-Dominique Toussaint
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (13) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (2)
Very interesting… A thriller about how easily Holocaust denial can be insinuated in one’s mind.
February 11, 2023
Tim Cogshell
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
The Man in the Basement is as provocative, intelligent and suspenseful as anything you are likely to see this year.
January 30, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Rex Reed
Observer
TOP CRITIC
Because Le Guy’s adroit script brings the past into the present so realistically (Fonzic might as well use the term “crisis actors”), “The Man In the Basement” is often almost unbearably fraught.
January 29, 2023
Elizabeth Weitzman
TheWrap
TOP CRITIC
Cluzet is superb in the role, even when the climax calls on him to show his hand in a way that’s arguably too obvious by half.
January 28, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Glenn Kenny
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
A gripping, smart and timely film that’s part thriller, part domestic drama and all cautionary tale.
January 27, 2023
Gary Goldstein
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Somewhere in “The Man in the Basement” there is a smart psychodrama sharpened by political urgency, but what we get is a middling think piece that too quickly loses momentum — and peters out by the end.
January 26, 2023
Beatrice Loayza
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
A smart, tense French thriller exposing social issues.
February 21, 2023 | Rating: B
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
The film carries itself as though possessing great discernment but leads to a finale without insight.
February 16, 2023 | Rating: 6/10
Calan Panchoo
Film Threat
All the actors are good here, among them Renier, who starred in a number of films by the Dardenne brothers… But the movie really belongs to Cluzet and the vile character he portrays.
February 3, 2023
Hannah Brown
Jerusalem Post
Whatever its shortcomings, the premise of The Man in the Basement prods a primal nerve.
February 1, 2023
Joel Copling
Spectrum Culture
Intriguing character dynamics offset the logical gaps in this French psychological thriller, in which a clash over tenants’ rights is supplemented by an undercurrent of relevant ideological division.
January 27, 2023
Todd Jorgenson
Cinemalogue
Cluzet, very much the Frenchman’s Frenchman in many a movie, adds a fine, hissable stinker to his long resume of delicious character roles.
January 26, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/4
Roger Moore
Movie Nation…
Plot
A Parisian couple decide to sell an unsanitary basement in their building, and Mr. Fonzic shows up to buy it. But slowly, Mr. Fonzic becomes a threat to the family as he turns out be a hateful man spreading anti-Semitic lies and exerting a perverted influence on the couple’s teenage daughter.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Bérénice Bejo, who plays Hélène Sandberg in the film, is best known for her role in the Academy Award-winning film The Artist (2011).
Philippe-Le-Guay.jpg
Air 2023
Air (2023)
95%RT Audience Score: 98%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Air, the latest film from director Ben Affleck, has been met with mixed reviews from critics. While some praise the exceptional script and cast, others find the film to be lacking in meaningful critique of society. However, one thing that cannot be denied is the effortlessly entertaining nature of the film. It’s a ground level, perfectly paced, and quietly inspirational movie that will knock you on your ass by the end. Matt Damon and Viola Davis deliver Oscar caliber work, and Affleck further cements himself as one of our greatest directors. A shoe may just be a shoe until someone steps into it, but Air steps up to the challenge and delivers a Triple Double of a film.
“Air” is like a slam dunk that hits the rim and bounces out. While it has its moments of charm and inspiration, it ultimately falls short of being a truly great sports movie. The cast, led by Matt Damon and Viola Davis, deliver solid performances, but the film’s attempts at social commentary feel forced and disingenuous. Still, if you’re a fan of underdog stories and ’90s nostalgia, “Air” might just be worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to be a game-changer.
Production Company(ies)
Amazon Studios, Mandalay Pictures, Skydance Media
Distributor
Amazon Studios
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Santa Monica, California, United States; Los Angeles, California, United States; Los Angeles Thirty Mile Zone, California, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 52m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 5, 2023 Wide
Genre(s)
Drama/Sports
Keyword(s)
starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis, Chris Messina, Gustaf Skarsgård, directed by Ben Affleck, written by Alex Convery, drama, sports, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Wendy Ide, Bob Mondello, Donald Clarke, Maxwell Rabb, Kevin Maher, Liz Shannon Miller, John Rocha, Stephen Silver, T.J Callahan, Anthony Morris, Dennis Schwartz, produced by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinov, Peter Guber, Jason Michael Berman, MPAA rating R, Michael Jordan, Nike, Air Jordan brand, basketball, game-changing partnership, rookie, mother, underdog shoe company, marketing triumph, contemporary culture, career-defining gamble, unconventional team, worth, immense talent, greatest of all time, Dolby Digital, Flat (1.85:1)
Worldwide gross: $88,101,640
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $52,001,640
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $25,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $25,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,227
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $13,462,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Ben Affleck – Phil Knight
Jason Bateman – Rob Strasser
Viola Davis – Deloris Jordan
Chris Messina – David Falk
Gustaf Skarsgård – Horst Dassler
Director – Ben Affleck
Producers – Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinov, Peter Guber, Jason Michael Berman
Writer – Alex Convery
Director(s)
Ben Affleck
Writer(s)
Alex Convery
Producer(s)
Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinov, Peter Guber, Jason Michael Berman
Film Festivals
South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (235) | Top Critics (69) | Fresh (216) | Rotten (19)
For all its affable charm, there’s something slippery and disingenuous about this film.
April 9, 2023 | Rating: 2/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
“Air” is effortlessly entertaining, but it wants to be about more than just the marketing triumph of an underdog shoe company.
April 9, 2023
Bob Mondello
NPR
TOP CRITIC
The film certainly invites fists to be pumped in celebration. It is less certain Air offers any meaningful critique of the society that gave us the sacred gutty.
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Donald Clarke
Irish Times
TOP CRITIC
Affleck’s return to the director’s chair is an exceptional success, stimulated by its script and cast.
April 7, 2023
Maxwell Rabb
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The decision to deny Jordan a character presence… conspicuously muzzles a pivotal character and it’s clumsily out of step with a movie that is otherwise the definition of carefully considered, precisely told, error-free film-making.
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Kevin Maher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
As much as we can talk about the thematic resonance of Air, its impact is dependent on your personal connection to Michael Jordan. It’s like going to church as an atheist — you might be able to follow the story, but its meaning is lost.
April 7, 2023 | Rating: B-
Liz Shannon Miller
Consequence
TOP CRITIC
AIR is one of those ground level, perfectly paced, and quietly inspirational movies that will knock you on your ass by the end. Matt Damon and Viola Davis deliver Oscar caliber work and Ben Affleck further cements himself as one of our greatest directors!
April 10, 2023 | Rating: 4.5
John Rocha
The Outlaw Nation (Youtube)
An entertaining crowd-pleaser, with a cool period look and convincing performances by good actors playing, for the most part, well-known people.
April 10, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Stephen Silver
Splice Today
A shoe is just a shoe until someone steps into it. A little ol sneaker company in Oregon was out to change that. Air is a Triple Double of a film.
April 9, 2023
T.J. Callahan
AWFJ.org
This is a subdued return to directing for Affleck, and while the small scale helps the story – these guys really do feel like underdogs – this isn’t a tale of sports excellence: these are marketing guys putting together a deal, and the winner is money.
April 9, 2023
Anthony Morris
It’s Better in the Dark
A fluff sports marketing drama that scores only when shooting uncontested layups.
April 9, 2023 | Rating: C+
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
If Air wasn’t an R-rated comedy, it would probably be a Hallmark channel movie. The story, however, is what keeps it compelling and entertaining the whole way through.
April 9, 2023
Korey Coleman
Double Toasted…
Plot
AIR is a drama/sports film directed by Ben Affleck that tells the story of the partnership between Michael Jordan and Nike’s basketball division, which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises the “effortlessly entertaining” performances of Matt Damon and Viola Davis in Air.
Ben-Affleck.jpg
Guy Ritchies The Covenant 2023
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023)
91%RT Audience Score: 98%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant is a cinematic masterpiece that showcases the director’s ability to create a gripping and emotional war film. While some critics may argue that the fictional story takes away from the sincerity of the film, Ritchie’s direction and the outstanding performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim make up for any genre liberties taken. The film expertly explores the bonds of brotherhood and the loyalty and respect that come with serving in the military. Ritchie’s no-fuss, no-muss approach to storytelling and filmmaking creates a mean-and-lean film that is both melancholy and uplifting. The Covenant is a must-see for any fan of war films and a testament to Ritchie’s talent as a director.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant is a war movie that will make you laugh, cry, and question why you didn’t enlist in the military. With a cast led by the talented Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim, this film is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you feeling like you just went through basic training. While some critics may argue that the story takes too many liberties, we say sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. This is not your typical war movie, but it’s definitely one that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Production Company(ies)
MGM Studios, Miramax, STXfilms
Distributor
United Artists Releasing
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Spain
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 3m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom, Spain
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2023 Wide
Genre(s)
War/Action
Keyword(s)
starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Alexander Ludwig, Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham, directed by Guy Ritchie, written by Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies, war, action, mystery & thriller, crime, R-rated, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Richard Roeper, Bilge Ebiri, Thelma Adams, Robert Daniels, Nick Schager, Kyle Smith, Nick Rogers, John Urbancich, John Rocha, Allison Rose, Steven Warner, Rodrigo Perez, produced by Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, John Friedberg, Josh Berger
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $75,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $75,000,000
Production budget ranking: 562
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $40,387,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Dar Salim – Ahmed
Antony Starr – Eddie Parker
Alexander Ludwig – Sergeant Declan Brady
Bobby Schofield – Steve Kershaw
Emily Beecham – Caroline Kinley
Director – Guy Ritchie
Producers – Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, John Friedberg, Josh Berger
Writers – Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Director(s)
Guy Ritchie
Writer(s)
Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Producer(s)
Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, John Friedberg, Josh Berger
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (67) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (54) | Rotten (13)
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in skillfully made and gripping film…
April 22, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
For much of its running time, director Ritchie’s war movie manages to be topical, suspenseful, and moving. But partly because the story is fiction, Ritchie takes a few genre liberties that threaten to undermine the sincerity of his tale.
April 21, 2023
Bilge Ebiri
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
The Covenant does merit bonus points for showcasing Salim, a terrific journeyman actor who finally has a meaty role in an American movie.
April 21, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Thelma Adams
AARP Movies for Grownups
TOP CRITIC
A muscular, overwrought war film.
April 21, 2023 | Rating: 2/4
Robert Daniels
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
A sober military thriller that excoriates Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of Afghanistan in 2021 and, in the process, to strand the thousands of local interpreters who had risked their lives to aid the American cause.
April 21, 2023
Nick Schager
The Daily Beast
TOP CRITIC
How does it honor these brave and essential people to make a movie that isn’t about any of them but rather a near-superhuman fictional character?
April 20, 2023
Kyle Smith
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
The least Guy Ritchie film Guy Ritchie has yet made boasts a title bearing his name. Even as Ritchie quiets his quirks, there’s still considerable style and scope here. Melancholy, mournful and meaty dramatic filmmaking that’s less rah-rah, more requiem.
April 22, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Nick Rogers
Midwest Film Journal
Harmful stuff comes with such nasty work, but so does the loyalty, friendship, and mutual respect that filmmaker Ritchie dramatizes just about perfectly after collecting these incidents for the big screen.
April 22, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
John Urbancich
JMuvies
The Covenant is a well crafted, action packed and intense drama expertly directed by Guy Ritchie featuring career best acting work from Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim. A film about the bonds of brotherhood that’ll move you, enlighten you and uplift you!
April 21, 2023 | Rating: 4.25/5
John Rocha
The Outlaw Nation (Youtube)
If you think Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant is simply just another movie about war, you are in for a large and pleasant surprise.
April 21, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Allison Rose
FlickDirect
Much like Ritchie’s last feature, Mission:Impossible-wannabe Operation Fortune, The Covenant is completely devoid of any of the stylistic tics that once marked the director’s work.
April 21, 2023
Steven Warner
In Review Online
Ritchie pulls off the best film of his career in nearly 20 years thanks to Jake Gyllenhaal and his own no-fuss, no-muss approach to mean-and-lean filmmaking and storytelling.
April 21, 2023 | Rating: B+
Rodrigo Perez
The Playlist…
Plot
US Army Sergeant John Kinley must return to the war zone to retrieve Afghan interpreter Ahmed and his family before the Taliban hunts them down first, after Ahmed saves Kinley’s life and is not given safe passage to America as promised in Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t provide any goofy or funny comments about Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant.
Guy-Ritchie.jpg
Are You There God Its Me Margaret 2023
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)
95%RT Audience Score: 94%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret has finally made its way to the big screen, and it’s a delightful and heartwarming adaptation of Judy Blume’s iconic novel. The film captures the essence of the 70s with its Polaroid-style haze and nostalgic tone, transporting viewers to a simpler time. The performances are precise and careful, with Rachel McAdams delivering a standout performance as Margaret’s mother. While some critics may find the film to be a bland fantasy, it strikes a universal chord and remains a radical act of kindness, tackling timely issues such as reproductive health and sex education. Overall, this charming and atmospheric movie is an utter delight and a minor miracle in its faithful adaptation of such an interior life onto the screen.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is like a warm hug from your childhood best friend. The movie perfectly captures the essence of Judy Blume’s iconic novel, with a Seventies vibe that will make you want to break out your bell-bottoms and platform shoes. The performances are spot-on, especially Rachel McAdams as Margaret’s mother, who delivers a heart-wrenching monologue that will leave you reaching for the tissues. And while the film deals with serious topics like reproductive health and sex education, it never loses its sense of humor or its ability to transport you back to a time when the biggest worry in your life was getting your first bra. Overall, this movie is an utter delight and a must-see for anyone who grew up reading Judy Blume.
Production Company(ies)
Gracie Films, Lionsgate
Distributor
Lionsgate
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States; North Carolina, United States; York, South Carolina, United States; New York, New York, United States; New Jersey, United States
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 45m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, Kathy Bates, Amari Alexis Price, directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, written by Kelly Fremon Craig, produced by Julie Ansell, James L. Brooks, Richard Sakai, Judy Blume, Amy Brooks, Aldric La’Auli Porter, genre: Comedy, Drama, box office: $16.5M, MPAA rating: PG-13, reviewed by Ed Power, Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Deborah Ross, Leaf Arbuthnot, Clarisse Loughrey, Danny Leigh, Josh Larsen, Markie Robson-Scott, Matt Conway, Dann Gire, Eileen Jones, produced by Gracie Films.
Worldwide gross: $17,370,250
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $17,370,250
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): REPORTED BUDGET:
$30,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Abby Ryder Fortson – Margaret Simon
Elle Graham – Nancy
Director – Kelly Fremon Craig
Producers – Julie Ansell, James L. Brooks, Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume, Amy Brooks, Aldric La’Auli Porter
Writer – Kelly Fremon Craig
Production Company – Gracie Films
Sound Mix – Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio – Flat (1.85:1)
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (166) | Top Critics (53) | Fresh (164) | Rotten (2)
Framed in a Polaroid-style Seventies haze, the mood is Classic Coke ad meets the Wonder Years, a sugary concoction that goes down perfectly.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Ed Power
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
This lovely film strikes a universal chord.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Larushka Ivan-Zadeh
Metro Newspaper (UK)
TOP CRITIC
This is a wonderfully charming, warm, tender, pitch-perfect film, much better than anything else I’ve seen recently.
May 18, 2023
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
The novel that Blume long prevented from being made into a film has finally received the big-screen treatment. The result, thank goodness, is lovely: tender, funny, at points very moving, and full of precise and careful performances.
May 18, 2023
Leaf Arbuthnot
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
Much has changed since Blume first published her work. And, also, very little… Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret remains a radical act of kindness.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Clarisse Loughrey
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
lume’s widescreen social context remains, with timely-once-more subplots about reproductive health and sex education.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Danny Leigh
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
A minor miracle…
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Josh Larsen
LarsenOnFilm
Writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig’s charming, atmospheric movie is mainly faithful to Judy Blume’s iconic novel, fans will be relieved to know, though transferring such an interior life on to the screen is by definition problematic.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Markie Robson-Scott
The Arts Desk
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is an utter delight.
May 17, 2023
Matt Conway
Battle Royale With Cheese
McAdams, in what clearly qualifies as the personal best of her career, tells Margaret the unpleasant family history in a clear, deliberate voice, but her eyes betray the lingering pain and sadness that she refuses to express.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Dann Gire
Chicago Daily Herald
It comes off as a bland fantasy film about a land peopled by smiling denizens in sunny dreamscapes who have such mild problems that they aren’t actually problems.
May 17, 2023
Eileen Jones
The Jacobin
It’s hard to watch Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and not be transported to a certain point in your own life.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Amelia Harvey
Frame Rated…
Plot
In Lionsgate’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel, 11-year-old Margaret navigates the challenges of puberty and adjusting to life in the suburbs after moving from New York City with her mother and grandmother.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t provide any goofy, funny, or odd comments about the film Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
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Wild Life 2023
Wild Life (2023)
85%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: NA
“Wild Life” is a documentary that takes us on a journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Chile and Argentina, while also telling the story of the Tompkins’ conservation efforts. The film manages to balance the challenges of land preservation and self-preservation, all while showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Tompkins and their unwavering dedication to their cause. While some critics may view it as a PR stunt, the film’s warmth and epic storytelling exemplify how it’s never too late to make big changes. It’s a love story, an adventure, and a call to action all rolled into one, and it’s sure to inspire eco-tourists to visit these beautiful regions and see the impact of conservation efforts firsthand. Overall, “Wild Life” is a beautifully told and affecting documentary that proves not all billionaires suck.
“Wild Life” is a documentary that will make you want to pack your bags and head straight to Chile and Argentina to experience the breathtaking scenery for yourself. The film tells the inspiring story of the Tompkins and their conservation efforts, but also highlights the sense of entitlement they have for themselves and their plans to save the earth through capitalism. While some critics found the film a bit too sanitized, it’s still an informative and affecting watch. Plus, the outdoor photography is simply stunning. Overall, “Wild Life” is a reminder that not all billionaires suck and that it’s never too late to make big changes.
Production Company(ies)
Disney+, Topical
Distributor
Picturehouse
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Disney+), Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 33m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Documentary/Nature
Keyword(s)
starring Kristine Tompkins, Rick Ridgeway, Jimmy Chin, Claudio Alvarado, Michelle Bachelet, Dago Guzman, directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, written by N/A, documentary, nature, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Christy Lemire, Josh Kupecki, Michael Rechtshaffen, Randy Myers, Nick Allen, Esther Zuckerman, Oscar Goff, Lael Loewenstein, Robin Clifford, Aaron White, Sean P. Means, PG-13 rating, conservationist, love story, Patagonia, The North Face, Esprit, National Parks, Chile, Argentina, private land donation, Picturehouse, National Geographic, National Geographic Documentary Films, Little Monster Films.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Rick Ridgeway – Self
Jimmy Chin – Self
Claudio Alvarado – Self
Michelle Bachelet – Self
Dago Guzman – Self
Director: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Producers: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Bob Eisenhardt, Anna Barnes
Production Company: National Geographic, National Geographic Documentary Films, Little Monster Films
Distributor: Picturehouse
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (29) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (3)
It’s so well made, and puts you in the middle of some really breathtaking scenery.
May 17, 2023
Christy Lemire
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
It’s a biographical portrait of the Tompkins, yes, but its focus is geared more toward their conservation and rewilding efforts and, more poignantly, toward Kristine.
April 27, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Josh Kupecki
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Wild Life is committed in equal measure to the formidable challenges of land preservation and self-preservation.
April 21, 2023
Michael Rechtshaffen
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Another breathtaking journey from Chin and Vasarhelyi, one that fits snugly in their canon about indomitable rule breakers who achieved greatness and broke their barriers by persistence and unwavering dedication.
April 19, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Randy Myers
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
A warming, epic story that exemplifies how it’s not too late to make big changes.
April 17, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Nick Allen
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
A documentary that comes off mostly as a PR stunt.
April 14, 2023 | Rating: C
Esther Zuckerman
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
As corny as it sounds, it is as if the Tompkins were trying to save the world so they could continue to live in it together.
May 17, 2023
Oscar Goff
Boston Hassle
It’s beautifully told. A little shapeless, but still affecting.
May 17, 2023
Lael Loewenstein
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
One fascinating aspect of “Wild Life” is the sense of entitlement the Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, have for themselves and their lofty plans to save the earth through capitalism.
May 10, 2023 | Rating: B-
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
An inspiring true story about conservationism that proves not all billionaires suck. A bit too sanitized, likely due to the filmmakers relationship with their subject, but informative nonetheless. Outdoor photography is unsurprisingly excellent.
May 8, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Aaron White
Feelin’ Film Podcast
Watching the movie may prompt some adventurous eco-tourists to visit Chile and Argentina, to see if it’s as beautiful and wild as it looks on the screen.
May 5, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Sean P. Means
The Movie Cricket
This is not only an incredible story of environmental activism, but one of scrappy, rugged individuals not only scaling physical heights but succeeding against all odds in the business world. And it’s a love story.
May 3, 2023
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews…
Plot
WILD LIFE follows the love story of Kris and Doug Tompkins as they leave behind their successful outdoor brands to create National Parks throughout Chile and Argentina, culminating in the largest private land donation in history.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Wild Life features Kristine Tompkins, a conservationist who dedicated her life to protecting landscapes and creating National Parks throughout Chile and Argentina.
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Shazam Fury of the Gods 2023
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
77%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a cacophonous and bombastic carnival that relies heavily on CGI and a crushing soundtrack to fake its ambitious scale. While the action sequences featuring dragon-based mayhem, cyclopes, and an army of formidable hell unicorns hopped up on candy are pacy and fun, the undercooked casserole of cliched narrative elements, underdeveloped characters, and juvenile humor make it a forgettable experience. However, Zachary Levi’s charmingly consistent performance as Billy and the diverse cast of women of every age, ethnicity, and skill make it an enjoyable slice of silliness. Overall, it’s a sequel that duplicates the original’s charm but fails to elevate the franchise to new heights.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods has critics divided, but one thing is for sure – it’s a fun and silly ride. Some say it’s too juvenile, while others praise its charm and humor. Personally, I loved seeing Zachary Levi tap into his inner child as Billy, and the diverse cast was a win for me. Sure, the CGI can get a bit overwhelming, but it’s all in good fun. If you’re looking for a lighthearted superhero flick, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is worth checking out. Just don’t take it too seriously, or you might end up like those critics who checked out.
Production Company(ies)
DC Entertainment, New Line Cinema, The Safran Company, Verse, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Georgia, United States; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 10m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 17, 2023 Wide
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Zachary Levi, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, Asher Angel, Rachel Zegler, Jack Dylan Grazer, directed by David F Sandberg, written by Henry Gayden, Chris Morgan, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, PG-13, Warner Bros Pictures, Peter Safran, $30.1M, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DC Universe, reviewed by tt stern-enzi, Claudia Puig, Sara Michelle Fetters, Wendy Ide, James Berardinelli, Wenlei Ma, Carla Renata, Cris Kennedy, Christian Toto, Bob Grimm, Jay Ledbetter, Ian Thomas Malone, Shazam, Hespera, Kalypso, Anthea, Freddy Freeman, dragon-based mayhem, cyclopes, hell unicorns, candy, superhero, magic word, transformed, adult, Super Hero alter ego, box office performance, sequences of action, language, violence, March 17, 2023, 2h 10m, Digital 2.39:1
Worldwide gross: $133,438,006
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $73,556,765
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,171
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 8,021,457
US/Canada gross: $57,638,006
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $38,956,765
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,175
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $100,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $100,000,000
Production budget ranking: 401
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $53,850,000
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$80,293,235
ROI to date (est.): -52%
ROI ranking: 1,703
Helen Mirren – Hespera
Lucy Liu – Kalypso
Asher Angel – Billy Batson
Rachel Zegler – Anthea
Jack Dylan Grazer – Freddy Freeman
Director – David F. Sandberg
Producer – Peter Safran
Writers – Henry Gayden, Chris Morgan
Director(s)
David F. Sandberg
Writer(s)
Henry Gayden, Chris Morgan
Producer(s)
Peter Safran
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (199) | Top Critics (44) | Fresh (103) | Rotten (96)
If you’re under 13 this could be fun, if you’re 13-18 you’re going to be like “what is this?” and if you’re older than that, you’re gonna check out.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: C-
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
Neither Mirren nor unicorns are enough to make this worth seeing.
March 21, 2023
Claudia Puig
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Everyone who got a kick out of the low stakes, self-contained storytelling and goofily juvenile antics on display in 2019’s Shazam! will likely be equally satisfied with its sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Sara Michelle Fetters
MovieFreak.com
TOP CRITIC
Billy’s inane babbling gets a little wearing, but the action sequences, featuring dragon-based mayhem, cyclopes and an army of formidable hell unicorns hopped up on candy, are pacy and fun.
March 20, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
An undercooked casserole of cliched narrative elements, underdeveloped characters, juvenile humor, and a deus ex machina cameo.
March 20, 2023 | Rating: 2/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
Bombastic and cacophonous, a relentlessly overstimulating carnival that relies heavily on CGI and a crushing and clanging soundtrack to fake its ambitious scale.
March 19, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/5
Wenlei Ma
News.com.au
TOP CRITIC
Zachary Levi is simply charmingly consistent tapping into his inner child for Billy a But, the real win for me, is the fact that there is a woman of every single age, ethnicity and skill within the young cast and the their more mature counterparts.
March 22, 2023
Carla Renata
The Curvy Film Critic
While the film almost, almost falls into the same trap the second Wonder Woman film fell in – relying too much in its final acts on dumb and confusing CGI carnage – it remains an enjoyable slice of silliness.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Cris Kennedy
The Canberra Times (Australia)
Silly, sweet and packed with smiles, this sequel duplicates original’s charm.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Christian Toto
HollywoodInToto.com
What are good movies like? Given the last couple of months, I’m sort of forgetting.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: 2/5
Bob Grimm
Reno News and Review
There are few superhero movies that have lower human stakes.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: D-
Jay Ledbetter
InSession Film
Fury of the Gods feels oddly empty for a film with far too many characters, coasting solely off any remaining goodwill earned by its predecessor. This narrative tries to pretend it has a heart to cover up the overabundant sense of nothing at its core.
March 21, 2023
Ian Thomas Malone
ianthomasmalone.com…
Plot
Continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam. Sequel to “Shazam!” and based on the comic series written by Bill Parker.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cars hitting the dome while at full speed on the bridge should have crashed much more violently.
David-F.-Sandberg.jpg