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
77%
Bones and All (2022)
77%RT Audience Score: 66%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Although its subject matter may be hard to stomach, Bones and All proves a deeply romantic and thought-provoking treat.
If you’re looking for a movie that’ll make you feel all the feels, Bones and All is the one for you. Sure, it’s not for the faint of heart – cannibalism isn’t exactly a topic you bring up at the dinner table – but trust me, it’s worth it.
The romance in this flick is so deep, you’ll need a snorkel just to keep up. And it’s not your typical love story either – it’s thought-provoking, it’s complex, it’s…well, it’s a little bit weird. But hey, who doesn’t love a good weird love story?
So if you’re feeling brave and you’re in the mood for something a little different, give Bones and All a shot. Just maybe don’t watch it while you’re eating dinner.
Production Company(ies)
MGM Studios, Road Trip / Journey, United Artists Releasing, Warner Bros.
Distributor
United Artists Releasing
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Lebanon, Ohio, United States; Kentucky, United States; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 10m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States, Italy
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 23, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Drama
Keyword(s)
Bones and All, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Luca Guadagnino, Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, André Holland, Chloë Sevigny, David Gordon Green, David Kajganich, United Artists Releasing, R, Box Office, $121.0K, Dolby Digital, Flat (1.85:1), reviewed by James Berardinelli, Carlos Aguilar, A.A Dowd, Anna Bogutskaya, David Fear, Chris Hewitt, Luke Goodsell, Chris Joyce, Roger Friedman, Matt Oakes, James Verniere, produced by Luca Guadagnino, Theresa Park, Marco Morabito, David Kajganich, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Lorenzo Mieli, Gabriele Moratti, Peter Spears, Timothée Chalamet, written by David Kajganich, first love, road odyssey, identity, beauty, society, disenfranchised, drifter, survival, graphic nudity, sexual content, bloody violence
Worldwide gross: $14,534,907
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,134,907
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,831
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,541,429
US/Canada gross: $7,834,907
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $7,834,907
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,671
US/Canada opening weekend: $121,004
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $121,004
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,854
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $16,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $16,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,447
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $8,616,000
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$10,481,093
ROI to date (est.): -43%
ROI ranking: 1,635
Timothée Chalamet – Lee
Michael Stuhlbarg –
André Holland –
Chloë Sevigny –
David Gordon Green –
Luca Guadagnino – Director, Producer
Theresa Park – Producer
Marco Morabito – Producer
David Kajganich – Producer, Writer
Francesco Melzi d’Eril – Producer
Lorenzo Mieli – Producer
Gabriele Moratti – Producer
Peter Spears – Producer
Dolby Digital – Sound Mix
United Artists Releasing – Distributor
Director(s)
Luca Guadagnino
Writer(s)
David Kajganich
Producer(s)
Luca Guadagnino, Theresa Park, Marco Morabito, David Kajganich, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Lorenzo Mieli, Gabriele Moratti, Peter Spears, Timothée Chalamet
Film Festivals
Venice, Telluride
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (162) | Top Critics (48) | Fresh (137) | Rotten (25)
Filled with underdeveloped characters and a plot that goes nowhere, it reinforces the feeling I got from Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria remake: this director doesn’t understand horror but is really good at putting viewers to sleep.
November 24, 2022 | Rating: 1.5/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
[A] beautiful, voracious coming-of-age romance.
November 24, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Carlos Aguilar
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
For a good long while, Bones and All is rather outstanding, an equally seductive and sinister scavenging of genre touchstones.
November 23, 2022
A.A. Dowd
Chron
TOP CRITIC
The beauty [Luca Guadagnino] finds in the savagery of these two outsiders’ affliction merges with the sweetness of a story of first love. Is a heartthrob still a heartthrob if he’s soaked in blood? Here, the answer is yes.
November 23, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Anna Bogutskaya
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
By the end of this film, you feel like you’ve watched Russell test her own limits and emerge a stronger performer because of it.
November 23, 2022
David Fear
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
Guadagnino establishes a mood of doomed romance, similar to a skilled production of “Romeo and Juliet,” and he sustains it, largely because his leads are all on the same disturbing page.
November 23, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Chris Hewitt
Minneapolis Star Tribune
TOP CRITIC
In its Grand Guignol gesture, in its queasy mix of horror and young lovers united against the world, the film is by turns melodramatic, earnest, and completely ludicrous – in other words, just like teenage romance.
November 24, 2022
Luke Goodsell
ABC News (Australia)
The content may be shocking, but when it’s combined with beautiful cinematography, grotesque practical effects, and a patient pace, the story is an enveloping romance that isn’t easy to forget.
November 24, 2022 | Rating: 4.5/5
Chris Joyce
Movies and Munchies (YouTube)
Guadagnino may have a point, but I don’t what it is, nor care to. The movie is outlandishly disgusting. You can’t recommend it to anyone. The director is skilled, so the production is not the issue. I wish he applied himself to something more savory.
November 24, 2022
Roger Friedman
Showbiz 411
Though it’s not the inspired mash-up that a romantic cannibal roadtrip movie promises, ‘Bones and All’ features a strong cast (Rylance is especially great) and striking production elements.
November 24, 2022 | Rating: B-
Matt Oakes
Silver Screen Riot
Angsty cannibal leads keep getting upstaged by brilliant supporting cast. Shouldn’t Armie Hammer be playing this lead?
November 24, 2022 | Rating: B-
James Verniere
Boston Herald
It’s probably the best movie you’ll ever see about a pair of human flesh craving teenagers traveling cross country in pursuit of their next meal, and I mean that as a complement.
November 23, 2022 | Rating: B+
Nate Adams
The Only Critic…
Plot
Sixteen-year-old Maren Yearly goes on a cross-country journey as she searches through dark, unseen corners of America to find the father she’s never met. She seeks to understand why she’s killed a number of friends and acquaintances, and why she’ll kill again. Based on the novel by Camille DeAngelis.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels does not provide any goofs or errors for the film Bones and All.
Luca-Guadagnino.jpg
77%
Sick (2022)
77%RT Audience Score: 67%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Smart, self-aware, and all too timely, this slasher co-written by Kevin Williamson is Sick in all the best ways.
“Sick” is a smart and relevant slasher movie that knows exactly what it’s doing, and it’s great because of it.
Production Company(ies)
Blumhouse Productions, Miramax, Outerbanks Entertainment, Peacock, Social, Topical
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Peacock)
Filming Location(s)
Utah, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39:1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Jan 13, 2023
Genre(s)
Horror/Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
horror, mystery, thriller, pandemic, quarantine, lake house, slasher, Kevin Williamson, Gideon Adlon, Dylan Sprayberry, Jane Adams, John Hyams, Ben Fast, Bill Block, Katelyn Crabb, R rating, English, 86% Tomatometer, 67% audience score, Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News, Rolling Stone, Variety, RogerEbert.com, TheWrap, Film Threat, Common Sense Media, HollywoodInToto.com, pandemic-themed, sharp thrills, smart, self-aware, timely, bloody murder, Covidsploitation, mean-spirited, fast-paced, biting commentary, stock take, teens-and-terror, Covid-era rules, amusing time capsule, collective fears, morality play, familiar set pieces, decent performances, great visual creations, lean, mean, chase scene machine, unique spin, vengeance, twisted sense of justice, balanced commentary, Golden Tomato Awards, TV Premiere Dates 2023, Best TV Seasons Certified Fresh at 100%, Most Anticipated 2023 Movies, reviewed by Noel Murray, Randy Myers, David Fear, Peter Debruge, Simon Abrams, William Bibbiani, Michael Talbot-Haynes, Stephanie Archer, Trace Thurman, Brian Costello, Christian Toto
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.): 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
Dylan Sprayberry – Bethlehem Million
Jane Adams – self
John Hyams – Director
Kevin Williamson – Screenwriter
Ben Fast – Producer
Bill Block – Producer
Katelyn Crabb – Screenwriter
Director(s)
John Hyams
Writer(s)
Kevin Williamson, Katelyn Crabb
Producer(s)
Ben Fast, Kevin Williamson, Bill Block
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (57) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (8)
The real-world wrinkles aren’t just a cynical way to make the routine more relevant. They give all the bloody murder a meaning.
January 20, 2023
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Sick is a slick shot of horror, fast-paced, and written with just enough biting commentary to make it a cut above.
January 18, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Randy Myers
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
If you’re willing to sit through an otherwise stock take on the ol’ teens-and-terror-at-a-lake-house chestnut in the name of Covidsploitation curiosity, have at it.
January 13, 2023
David Fear
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
“Sick” not only factors in our still-evolving COVID-era rules, but also serves as an amusing time capsule for the collective fears that have seized us these past three years.
January 13, 2023
Peter Debruge
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Sick is exactly what it looks like, and a lot of mean-spirited fun at that.
January 13, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Simon Abrams
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
A rote morality play with familiar set pieces and decent performances — performances which could have been great if the film had given the characters more, you know, character.
January 13, 2023
William Bibbiani
TheWrap
TOP CRITIC
Sick is a pathetically weak excuse for a fright film that needs to be quarantined immediately.
February 8, 2023 | Rating: 4/10
Michael Talbot-Haynes
Film Threat
While Sick may not be the grade-A horror film it wants to be, it is an enjoyable watch, with a few surprises, some great visual creations, and a capsule of a pandemic we are all still dealing with.
February 5, 2023
Stephanie Archer
Film Inquiry
While the messaging might be a little murky, Sick is nevertheless a lean, mean, chase scene machine that should satisfy most genre fans.
February 1, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Trace Thurman
Horror Queers Podcast
The payoffs are actually rewarding, and more than a little disturbing in terms of the lengths the crazed killers have gone to get vengeance and attain some twisted sense of justice.
January 25, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Brian Costello
Common Sense Media
A smart and thrilling slasher knock-off with a unique spin against a pandemic background.
January 21, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Kevin Carr
Fat Guys at the Movies
Balanced commentary, sharp thrills make pandemic-themed shocker soar.
January 20, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Christian Toto
HollywoodInToto.com…
Plot
When the country locks down due to the pandemic, two college students decide to quarantine at the family lake house alone – or so they think.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Dylan Sprayberry, who plays DJ Cole in the film, is best known for his role as Liam Dunbar in the MTV series Teen Wolf.
John-Hyams.jpg
77%
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
77%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Pale Blue Eye lacks its source material’s piercing gaze, but this well-cast mystery is just intriguing enough to investigate.
“The Pale Blue Eye” is a well-cast mystery that may not live up to its source material, but is still intriguing enough to be worth investigating.
Production Company(ies)
Chernin Entertainment, Cross Creek Pictures, Le Grisbi Productions, MadRiver Pictures, Netflix
Distributor
Netflix
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Netflix), Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States; Pennsylvania, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 10m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 23, 2022 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 6, 2023
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Horror
Keyword(s)
starring Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Robert Duvall, Charlotte Gainsbourg, directed by Scott Cooper, written by Scott Cooper, produced by Christian Bale, Scott Cooper, John Lesher, Tyler Thompson, Mystery & Thriller, Horror, R, West Point, 1830, cadet, murder, detective, Edgar Allan Poe, poetry, box office, budget, reviewed by Wendy Ide, Clarisse Loughrey, Olly Richards, Stephanie Zacharek, Anton Bitel, Richard Roeper, Dustin Chase, Sarah Marrs, Taylor Baker, Allen Almachar, Dennis Schwartz, Paul Whitington, Netflix, limited release, streaming, 2h 10m, distributor
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.): $72,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $77,087,794
Production budget ranking: 535
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $41,511,777
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Harry Melling – Edgar Allan Poe
Gillian Anderson –
Lucy Boynton – Lea Marquis
Robert Duvall – Jean Pepe
Charlotte Gainsbourg – Patsy
Director(s)
Scott Cooper
Writer(s)
Scott Cooper
Producer(s)
Christian Bale, Scott Cooper, John Lesher, Tyler Thompson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (73) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (26)
While the picture looks wonderfully atmospheric throughout, with its frostbitten monochromes and consumptive colour palette, the story disintegrates into a lurid and rather silly final act.
January 1, 2023 | Rating: 2/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
It’s a handsome adaptation, albeit with an unnecessary bit of literary celebrity dragged alongside it.
December 28, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Clarisse Loughrey
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Its plot is riddled with holes and its ending is overcooked, but it’s packed with terrific actors and achieves the light chill of a Christmas ghost story. Not one Poe would have been proud to write, but perhaps the sort of thing he’d read on holiday.
December 27, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Olly Richards
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Maybe, in truth, it never really does get going. But the story’s stately pace is part of the attraction, and perhaps key to its pleasurably somber tone.
December 26, 2022
Stephanie Zacharek
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The Pale Blue Eye is all at once a melancholic romance, a revenger’s tragedy, and an intriguing mystery. Its one problem, though, is that it comes with a glacial pace to match its wintry setting.
December 26, 2022
Anton Bitel
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
Even when the 19th century mystery takes some insanely big dramatic swings, Bale is immersed in his performance.
December 23, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
Director Scott Cooper and actor Christian Bale eat crow in this hum drum Edgar Allen Poe whodunnit.
December 31, 2022 | Rating: C-
Dustin Chase
Galveston Daily News
If you’re looking for a moody detective story, Eye is a reasonable option, even if the ending is very silly.
December 31, 2022
Sarah Marrs
Lainey Gossip
With a commanding performance by Bale, exquisite exterior cinematography wrought from natural lighting by Masanobu Takayanagi, and a committed turn by Melling as Poe, it’s unfortunate that The Pale Blue Eye is a meandering disappointment.
December 30, 2022 | Rating: 50/100
Taylor Baker
Drink in the Movies
Thankfully, strong performances and a striking ending lift it beyond its shortcomings. There’s a gem here if viewers are willing to find it.
December 30, 2022 | Rating: B
Allen Almachar
The MacGuffin
Can be enjoyed if you can somehow overcome how it goes off the tracks.
December 30, 2022 | Rating: B-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
Scott Cooper’s film starts well enough and establishes its gothic atmosphere nicely. But an overripe plot overtakes it midway through.
December 29, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Paul Whitington
Irish Independent…
Plot
Set in the 1830s, a cadet is murdered at then-fledgling West Point Academy. A local, veteran detective attempts to solve the case as it derails into a series of deaths. There he meets a young cadet, with a disdain for the strict regulations of the military and instead has a passion for poetry. The detective enlists the help of the cadet who will grow up to be author Edgar Allan Poe. Based on the novel by Louis Bayard.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Christian Bale stars in The Pale Blue Eye as Augustus Landor, a world-weary detective investigating the murder of a West Point cadet.
Scott-Cooper.jpg
77%
How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2023)
77%RT Audience Score: 60%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Daniel Goldhaber’s “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that manages to balance its political message with a gripping heist plot and a talented ensemble cast. The film’s Soderbergh-ian direction and deep well of movie history make it one of the most original American thrillers in years, while its urgent sense of activism and lack of artifice give it an appealing edge. The characters, each representing a distinct background, unite against a shared enemy: those willing to see the planet burn for profit. While the film may not offer a blueprint for explosive solutions, it certainly sparks ideas and guarantees 100 minutes of quality stress and adrenaline. Overall, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” is a thrilling action heist drama worth seeking out, even if its didactic dialogue occasionally weighs down its churning pace.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline is the perfect movie for those who want to see a group of activists take matters into their own hands. With a stellar ensemble cast and heart-pumping action, this film will have you on the edge of your seat. While it may not offer a blueprint for explosive solutions, it will definitely spark some ideas. Plus, the fact that it was made on a shoestring budget just proves that you don’t need a big Hollywood studio to make a thrilling movie. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a wild ride!
Production Company(ies)
Topical
Distributor
NEON
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 39m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 7, 2023 Limited
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Ariela Barer, Kristine Froseth, Lukas Gage, Forrest Goodluck, Sasha Lane, Jayme Lawson, directed by Daniel Goldhaber, written by Ariela Barer, Jordan Sjol, Daniel Goldhaber, Mystery & thriller, Drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Tomris Laffly, Matt Zoller Seitz, Roxana Hadadi, Lovia Gyarkye, Carlos Aguilar, David Fear, Rosa Parra, Andrew Dignan, Marianna Neal, Dustin Chase, Payton McCarty-Simas, produced by Isa Mazzei, Daniel Goldhaber, Ariela Barer, Adam Wyatt Tate, David Grove Churchill Viste, MPAA rating R, environmental activism, oil pipeline, high-stakes heist, climate crisis, Andreas Malm, Xochitl, Rowan
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
Kristine Froseth – Rowan
Lukas Gage –
Forrest Goodluck –
Sasha Lane –
Jayme Lawson –
Director: Daniel Goldhaber
Producer: Isa Mazzei, Daniel Goldhaber, Ariela Barer, Adam Wyatt Tate, David Grove Churchill Viste
Writer: Ariela Barer, Jordan Sjol, Daniel Goldhaber
Director(s)
Daniel Goldhaber
Writer(s)
Ariela Barer, Jordan Sjol, Daniel Goldhaber
Producer(s)
Isa Mazzei, Daniel Goldhaber, Ariela Barer, Adam Wyatt Tate, David Grove Churchill Viste
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (81) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (77) | Rotten (4)
Daniel Goldhaber’s Soderbergh-ian film ignites an urgent sense of activism through a stellar ensemble cast and sophisticated direction.
April 8, 2023
Tomris Laffly
TheWrap
TOP CRITIC
One of the most original American thrillers in years, and one that draws from a deep well of movie history as it develops its characters and sets up its plot twists.
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Matt Zoller Seitz
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
How to Blow Up a Pipeline wants to pick a fight, and it does so with an appealing lack of artifice, its heart on its sleeve and its agenda in its punching fists.
April 7, 2023
Roxana Hadadi
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
How to Blow Up a Pipeline might not offer a blueprint for explosive solutions, but it could spark some ideas.
April 7, 2023
Lovia Gyarkye
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
Each member of this ratpack clan represents a distinct background ensures that what unites them is not allegiance to a singular political or spiritual ideology, but rather the notion of a shared enemy: those willing to see the planet burn for a profit.
April 6, 2023
Carlos Aguilar
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
The way that filmmaker Daniel Goldhaber pulls off what feels like a tightly wound Hollywood potboiler on what we imagine is little more than a studio caterer’s budget is, in itself, a textbook how-to example.
April 6, 2023
David Fear
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
“How to Blow Up a Pipeline” is a thought-provoking look at the extent some activists may resort when they’re pushed against the wall with limited reactionary options. A thrilling action heist drama worth seeking out.
April 9, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Rosa Parra
In Their Own League
Ostensibly structured like a thriller… how thrilling one finds the film is entirely dependent on their tolerance for a near total absence of dramatic complications.
April 8, 2023
Andrew Dignan
In Review Online
A 100 minutes of quality stress and adrenaline are guaranteed!
April 8, 2023 | Rating: 8/10
Marianna Neal
Impression Blend
Failing as an inspiring call-to-action piece, it succeeds as a grungy ensemble with great moments of tension and suspense.
April 8, 2023 | Rating: B-
Dustin Chase
Galveston Daily News
The film’s pleasures are also at times its limitations: adapting a thriller from a manifesto proves challenging, and the film’s effective tension is often sapped by didactic dialogue, weighing down an otherwise churning pace.
April 8, 2023
Payton McCarty-Simas
Film Inquiry
Overcoming some structural gimmicks, the film focuses more on building suspense than ideological lecturing or passing judgment.
April 8, 2023
Todd Jorgenson
Cinemalogue…
Plot
A crew of young environmental activists execute a daring mission to sabotage an oil pipeline in the taut and timely eco-thriller, How to Blow Up a Pipeline.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Sasha Lane is part of the ensemble cast in How to Blow Up a Pipeline.
Daniel-Goldhaber.jpg
77%
Beast (2022)
77%RT Audience Score: 77%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Want to watch Idris Elba fight a lion? The admirably lean yet ultimately disposable Beast is just the movie you’re looking for.
Whatever Beast lacks in surprises — or characters making smart decisions in a terrible situation — it more than makes up for with plenty of edge-of-your-seat action.
Production Company(ies)
RVK Studios, Universal Pictures, Will Packer Productions
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Cape Town, South Africa; South Africa
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 33m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 19, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, written by Ryan Engle, mystery, thriller, adventure, drama, horror, R rating, box office, $29.4M, reviewed by Linda Marric, Clarisse Loughrey, Kimber Myers, Wendy Ide, Wenlei Ma, Amy Nicholson, Andrea Thompson, James Luxford, Jack Bottomley, Russ Simmons, Rahul Desai, produced by Will Packer, James Lopez, Baltasar Kormákur, Universal Pictures, lion, South Africa, game reserve, wildlife biologist, survival, hunted, apex predator, blood-thirsty poachers, father, daughters, pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, action
Worldwide gross: $59,095,809
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $59,095,809
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,259
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 6,444,472
US/Canada gross: $31,846,530
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $31,846,530
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,245
US/Canada opening weekend: $11,575,855
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $11,575,855
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 905
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $36,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $36,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,008
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $19,386,000
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $3,709,809
ROI to date (est.): 7%
ROI ranking: 1,364
Sharlto Copley – Martin Battles
Iyana Halley – Meredith Daniels
Leah Jeffries – Norah Daniels
Baltasar Kormákur – Director
Ryan Engle – Screenwriter
Director(s)
Baltasar Kormákur
Writer(s)
Ryan Engle
Producer(s)
Will Packer, James Lopez, Baltasar Kormákur
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (192) | Top Critics (49) | Fresh (132) | Rotten (60)
There are some great performances here, notably from Copley, but Beast often feels too contrived and preposterously overblown.
August 30, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Linda Marric
The Jewish Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Audiences will turn up because a trailer promised to show them one of our most charismatic A-listers in a boxing match with a roided-out kitty cat… In that sense, it’s impossible to argue that Beast doesn’t live up to its promise.
August 29, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Clarisse Loughrey
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
‘Beast’ delivers on its simple premise, offering an effective survival thriller; nothing more, nothing less.
August 29, 2022 | Rating: B
Kimber Myers
Crooked Marquee
TOP CRITIC
It’s partly this hint of emotional complexity, plus Elba’s robust redemption arc, from failed father to lion-punching saviour, that sets this picture a notch above the average creature attack flick.
August 28, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Beast is a film that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to overcomplicate things – it’s a chase film and what you get is a suspenseful chase. Job done.
August 28, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Wenlei Ma
News.com.au
TOP CRITIC
The camera work here is really beautiful and the style fits this film very well.
August 26, 2022
Amy Nicholson
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
It doesn’t go anywhere that hasn’t been mapped out before, but pulp has rarely been done so thrillingly.
September 15, 2022
Andrea Thompson
Boss Level Gamer
Beast is solid entertainment that roars its way through a short running time. With the right audience it could be the surprise hit of the year, and prove Elba is a star with or without 007’s tuxedo.
September 15, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
James Luxford
City AM
Beast brings animal attacks films back to the cinema schedule with gruesome efficiency and thematic bite. You might call it Jaws with paws… and plenty of claws! Brilliant.
September 13, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Jack Bottomley
Starburst
While formulaic, “Beast” benefits from a strong cast and convincing special effects.
September 10, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Russ Simmons
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Baltasar Kormakur’s Beast uses raw emotion to drive the conflict between man and nature.
September 9, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Rahul Desai
News9 Live (India)
An adrenaline-infused exercise in immersive filmmaking that entertains without leaving a mark.
September 9, 2022
Nestor Bentancor
Nestor Cine Desde Hollywood…
Plot
Dr. Nate Samuels, a recently widowed husband, returns to South Africa where he first met his wife on a long-planned trip with their daughters to a game reserve. But what begins as a journey of healing turns into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion and a survivor of blood-thirsty poachers begins stalking them.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
In a few places as the walkie-talkies are used it’s is seen that continuity errors appear where the characters are talking but not pressing the radios transmit button, or listening when the button is pressed in. In both cases the conversation would have had to have been repeated to make the sense it did.
This may have been a minor error by the actor or the radio audio being dubbed in afterwards slightly out of sequence.
Baltasar-Kormákur.jpg
77%
The Gray Man (2022)
77%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Gray Man has the star-studded outline of an entertaining action thriller, but it’s filled in with lukewarm leftovers from far better films.
Add this one to your queue with confidence, action fans: The Gray Man has a great cast, exciting set pieces, and a solid story.
Production Company(ies)
AGBO, Columbia Pictures, Denver & Delilah Films, Netflix, New Regency, Roth Kirschenbaum Films
Distributor
Netflix
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Netflix), Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Los Angeles, California, United States; Long Beach, California, United States; Prague, Czech Republic; France
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Atmos, Dolby, Dolby Surround 7.1
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 9m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 15, 2022 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 22, 2022
Genre(s)
Action/Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
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.): $200,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $200,000,000
Production budget ranking: 110
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $107,700,000
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Chris Evans – Lloyd Hansen
Ana de
Director(s)
Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writer(s)
Joe Russo, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Producer(s)
Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Castaldi
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (246) | Top Critics (65) | Fresh (112) | Rotten (134)
The most glam dad-enjoys-while-folding-laundry movie ever.
August 4, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Adam Kempenaar
Filmspotting
TOP CRITIC
A blast… The film works because Brad Pitt is a really funny and engaging guy.
August 2, 2022 | Rating: A
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
A $200,000,000 snooze fest.
July 30, 2022 | Rating: 2/5
Larushka Ivan-Zadeh
metro.co.uk
TOP CRITIC
All that effort and all that money should have paid for a better screenplay.
July 26, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Robert Levin
Newsday
TOP CRITIC
Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling and Dhanush fight for your attention. The plot is clichéd, but the Russo brothers deliver a film packed with action, charismatic actors and beautiful locations.
July 23, 2022
Anupama Chopra
Film Companion
TOP CRITIC
It is a big, noisy, explosive adrenaline rush — a live-action spin on that old “MAD” magazine comic, “Spy vs. Spy” — and about as deep.
July 22, 2022
Gary M. Kramer
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
The Gray Man strips the best qualities of everyone involved — there’s a lack of personality to the filmmaking, and it’s big for the sake of being big — leaving behind a tasteless pudding that reeks of a cashgrab.
August 10, 2022
Akhil Arora
Gadgets360
What ensues is overly busy, dumb and riddled with cringingly glib dialogue.
August 10, 2022 | Rating: C
Al Alexander
The Patriot Ledger
Here we go again with another substandard Netflix action film that seems to take pride in its display of stunning mediocrity.
August 9, 2022
Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots
For me this is like time past, but like the good kind.
August 8, 2022
Achara Kirk
GET Jaby
I really enjoyed that… I thought it was a lot of fun.
August 8, 2022
Jaby Koay
GET Jaby
The Gray Man is a worthy entertaining flick with enthralling action pieces, nice European cities and two handsome toughies that sustain their handsomeness ever after beating each other up across the globe.
August 5, 2022 | Rating: 7/10
Alejandro Turdo
Hoy Sale Cine…
Plot
When the CIA’s most skilled mercenary—whose true identity is known to none—accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head, setting off a global manhunt by international assassins. Based on the novel by Mark Greaney.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
When leaving Bangkok, Six takes a tuk tuk for Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is located 683 km north of Bangkok. There is no way he could cover this distance in such a short time to the extraction point in an overnight ride.
Anthony-Russo.jpg
77%
Coded Bias (2020)
77%RT Audience Score: 54%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 6 nominations
Clear, concise, and comprehensive, Coded Bias offers a chilling look at largely unseen side effects of modern society’s algorithmic underpinnings
Coded Bias is like a superhero movie, but instead of fighting villains with capes, it’s fighting against the biases in artificial intelligence. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand how technology can perpetuate discrimination and how we can fight against it. With everyday heroes and badass female data scientists leading the charge, Coded Bias is a call to action that will leave you feeling empowered to make a change. Plus, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Production Company(ies)
Horizon Pictures,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Netflix)
Filming Location(s)
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
MPAA / Certificate
TV-MA
Year of Release
2020
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom, China
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Apr 5, 2021
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, racial bias, facial recognition algorithms, technology, AI, discrimination, civil liberties, data scientists, grassroots organizations, Shalini Kantayya, Joy Buolamwini, directed by Shalini Kantayya, written by Shalini Kantayya, produced by x, reviewed by Nell Minow, Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer, Amy Nicholson, genre, box office performance, budget, MPAA rating, Steve Acevedo, Alexandra Gilwit, cast & crew, English, runtime, subscription, streaming, Tomatometer, audience score, critic reviews, audience reviews, Coded Bias, movie, TV, actors, Thor: Love and Thunder, Marvel Movies in Order, Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Sea Beast, Black Bird, 18 1/2, H.P Lovecraft’s Witch House, Stay Prayed Up, 11th Hour Cleaning, Sh*t Saves the World, Final Caller, Girl in the Picture, Hello, Goodbye, Everything in Between, Confessions from the Hart, The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus, Moon, 66 Questions, Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel, Incantation, The Road to Galena, Dangerous Liaisons, Jewel, Warriors on the Field, Fair Play
Worldwide gross: $10,236
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $11,681
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,140
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,274
US/Canada gross: $10,236
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $11,681
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,816
US/Canada opening weekend: $10,236
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $11,681
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,672
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
Shalini Kantayya – Director, Screenwriter, Film Editing
Steve Acevedo – Cinematographer
Alexandra Gilwit – Film Editing
Director(s)
Shalini Kantayya
Writer(s)
Shalini Kantayya
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Sundance, South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 6 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (51) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (51)
Coded Bias is a powerful reminder that for computers as well as humans, representation matters.
December 2, 2021
Nell Minow
AWFJ Women on Film
TOP CRITIC
A wake-up call and a call to action.
November 21, 2020
Claudia Puig
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
It’s really good. An eye-opener.
November 21, 2020
Peter Rainer
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
You really walk away with the sense “Oh, this is just everywhere, and we have to stop and talk about it right now before it gets out of hand.”
November 21, 2020
Amy Nicholson
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Coded Bias is not interested in wallowing in despair for the future, like many tech-infused documentaries like to do. Kantayya wants to inform and inspire change.
November 20, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
Jenny Nulf
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
“Coded Bias” takes something huge and scary and breaks it down into small, easily understood morality tales, featuring everyday heroes fighting to save our future.
November 20, 2020
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Far from a Luddite’s complaint, director Shalini Kantayya’s Coded Bias brings in expert AI and tech voices, to warn the public how widespread use of this technology, by business and government, can actually reinforce discrimination.
December 2, 2021
Cate Marquis
AWFJ Women on Film
We might all be in need of and very keen on watching escapist comedies during the ongoing pandemic social restrictions, but this compelling documentary is an important and timely film.
December 2, 2021
Jennifer Merin
AWFJ Women on Film
[A] chilling message is at the heart of Coded Bias, Shalini Kantayya’s extremely timely documentary about the power of AI and facial recognition technology…
December 2, 2021
Betsy Bozdech
AWFJ Women on Film
This fascinating, insightful and timely documentary takes a deep dive into the artificial intelligence revolution, and examines how software like facial recognition and algorithmic learning is proving to be, like the world around it, systemically biased.
December 2, 2021
Nikki Baughan
AWFJ Women on Film
We can do better… but only if we understand what is happening, and what is at stake. This film does an excellent job of doing that.
December 2, 2021
MaryAnn Johanson
AWFJ Women on Film
Coded Bias is an eye-opening and important film that calls attention to a movement of resistance led by badass female data scientists and grassroots organizations examining an important civil liberties matter.
December 2, 2021 | Rating: B+
John Fink
The Film Stage…
Plot
Coded Bias is a documentary that explores the discovery of racial bias in facial recognition algorithms and the potential consequences of algorithmic underpinnings in modern society.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Coded Bias.
Shalini-Kantayya.jpg
77%
Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
77%RT Audience Score: 62%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 2 Oscars
37 wins & 64 nominations total
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm proves Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedic creation remains a sharp tool for exposing the most misguided — or utterly repugnant — corners of American culture
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm is a wild ride that will have you laughing, cringing, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. Sacha Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova deliver hilarious performances that will leave you wondering how they managed to pull off some of the stunts they did. While it may not be as shocking as the first Borat film, it still manages to pack a political punch and provide some much-needed laughs in these trying times. Overall, it’s a very nice addition to the Borat franchise and a must-watch for fans of Cohen’s unique brand of humor.
Production Company(ies)
Warner Bros., Hawk Films, Peregrine
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for pervasive strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, and language
Year of Release
2020
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.78 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Oct 23, 2020
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Sacha Baron Cohen, Maria Bakalova, directed by Jason Woliner, written by Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman, Lee Kern, comedy, R rating, box office performance, budget, reviewed by David Sims, Robbie Collin, Clarisse Loughrey, Stephen Romei, Eric Vilas-Boas, Mark Kermode, David Gonzalez, Nicolás Delgadillo, Mark Beaumont, Paul Attard, Hayden Welch, John Lui, Anthony Hines, Monica Levinson, MPAA rating, American culture, political satire, sitcom jokes, Sandra Jessica Parker Sagdiyev, Premier Nazarbayev, Dr Yamak, Nursultan Tulyakbay, graphic nudity, strong crude and sexual content, language, 1h 36m, released from prison, Kazakh funnyman, 15-year-old daughter, sharp tool, exposing, misguided, utterly repugnant, corners, producer, subscription, streaming, audience score, critic reviews, photos, cast and crew
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.): 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
Maria Bakalova – Sandra Jessica Parker Sagdiyev
Dani Popescu – Premier Nazarbayev
Manuel Vieru – Dr. Yamak
Miroslav Tolj – Nursultan Tulyakbay
Jason Woliner – Director
Sacha Baron Cohen – Producer
Anthony Hines – Producer
Monica Levinson – Producer
Sacha Baron Cohen – Writer
Anthony Hines – Writer
Dan Swimer – Writer
Peter Baynham – Writer
Erica Rivinoja – Writer
Dan Mazer – Writer
Jena Friedman – Writer
Lee Kern – Writer
Director(s)
Jason Woliner
Writer(s)
Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman, Lee Kern
Producer(s)
Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Monica Levinson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 2 Oscars
37 wins & 64 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (304) | Top Critics (59) | Fresh (259) | Rotten (45)
Cohen seems to understand that the film’s shock value is automatically lower because of how deadened audiences have grown to political satire, so he relies more heavily on sitcom jokes to compensate and largely succeeds.
December 4, 2020
David Sims
The Atlantic
TOP CRITIC
It’s the opposite of what a Borat film should feel like: business as usual.
November 18, 2020 | Rating: 2/5
Robbie Collin
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The risks that Baron Cohen took here – both artistic and personal – are admirable. And the pay-off is worth a lifetime of being subjected to the words “very nice!”
November 12, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Clarisse Loughrey
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Bakalova is terrific in her first film made outside Bulgaria…[she] adds some much-needed emotional depth to what is otherwise a movie that isn’t as funny or as revealing as it thinks it is.
November 10, 2020 | Rating: 2.5/5
Stephen Romei
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
Underneath it all it’s got an empathy and an urgency the first Borat seemed to lack, thanks to its focus and the family at its center. That’s very nice.
November 6, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4
Eric Vilas-Boas
Observer
TOP CRITIC
It has a particular political punch…Not as funny as it should have been, but there are some very good moments in it.
October 30, 2020
Mark Kermode
Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
TOP CRITIC
There is no denying Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm is one of the best and most entertaining films of the year.
February 18, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
David Gonzalez
Reel Talk Inc.
Proof that Cohen still has an ability to shock and provoke even the most hardened and cynical of viewers.
June 26, 2021 | Rating: 4 / 5
Nicolás Delgadillo
Discussing Film
Such dedication to his comedy prompts as much amazement as hilarity; even when left to his own devices Baron Cohen wastes no time…
June 15, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Beaumont
NME
Cohen and director Jason Woliner … have deluded themselves into believing they’re releasing a piece that’s important in the fight against fascism.
June 5, 2021
Paul Attard
In Review Online
Borat 2 takes the format that has been so engrained into comedy within the past few years and really embraces the notion that reality is stranger than fiction, with outrageous humor and sharp improvisation.
May 18, 2021
Hayden Welch
Film Inquiry
Bakalova is a revelation, turning what might have been a cartoon into a fully realised character in a performance that has earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.
May 12, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
John Lui
The Straits Times (Singapore)…
Plot
Fourteen long years after the culture shock he experienced in Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006), Kazakh reporter, Borat Sagdiyev, has been called to Premier Nursultan Nazarbayev’s office for a life-or-death task. To redeem himself and salvage the reputation of the glorious nation of Kazakhstan, Borat must now return to President Donald Trump’s America to deliver an exceptional gift to Vice President Mike Pence. Instead, Borat’s newfound fifteen-year-old daughter, Tutar, enters the picture, forcing a change of plans. As now-famous Borat takes a deep dive into U.S. politics, in the meantime, the father and daughter learn a thing or two about feminism, racism, and an insidious, lethal virus called COVID-19. Will Borat, Kazakhstan’s fourth-best journalist, carry out his mission?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Bakalova’s performance in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm has earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.
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77%
Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
77%RT Audience Score: 86%
Awards & Nominations: 3 Oscars
21 wins & 55 nominations
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker suffers from a frustrating lack of imagination, but concludes this beloved saga with fan-focused devotion.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is like a rollercoaster ride that takes you through every twist and turn imaginable. It’s a wild ride that tries to do a lot, and sometimes it feels like it’s rushing through everything just to get to the end. But despite its flaws, it’s still a fun and entertaining movie that will leave you feeling satisfied. Sure, it may not be perfect, but it’s still Star Wars, and that’s enough to make any fan happy. So buckle up, grab some popcorn, and get ready for one last adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
Production Company(ies)
Bad Robot, Disney+, Keep Your Head, Lucasfilm Limited, The Walt Disney Studios
Distributor
Walt Disney
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Disney+), Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
London, England, United Kingdom
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2019
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Dolby, Dolby Surround 7.1
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Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
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Runtime:2h 22m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 20, 2019 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 20, 2019
Genre(s)
Sci-fi/Adventure
Keyword(s)
Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker, PG-13, Sci-fi, Adventure, 2h 22m, J.J Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Chris Terrio, $515.2M, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, reviewed by Christy Lemire, Mark Kermode, Angie Han, Roxana Hadadi, Stephen Romei, Shubhra Gupta, directed by J.J Abrams, written by Chris Terrio and J.J Abrams, produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J Abrams, Michelle Rejwan, Walt Disney, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS, Scope (2.35:1), Star Wars Saga, Finn, Poe, Resistance, First Order, Kylo Ren, Emperor Palpatine, Sith world Exogol, Supreme Leader Snoke, Return of the Jedi, fan-focused devotion, box office hit, space adventure, special effects, action scenes, Ian McDiarmid, Carrie Fisher, visual effects, score, acting, script, plot, nostalgia, original trilogy, childhood, fitting end, thrilling, melancholy, best of the last three, Ridley, Driver, fanboy groups, risks, Disney’s influence, originality, set pieces, Golden Tomato Awards
Worldwide gross: $1,074,144,248
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $515,202,542
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend: $177,383,864
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $219,354,698
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 11
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $275,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $340,067,809
Production budget ranking: 10
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $183,126,515
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker
Adam Driver – Kylo Ren
Daisy Ridley – Rey
John Boyega – Finn
Oscar Isaac – Poe Dameron
Director – J.J. Abrams
Producers – Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, Michelle Rejwan
Writers – Chris Terrio, J.J. Abrams
Director(s)
J.J. Abrams
Writer(s)
Chris Terrio, J.J. Abrams
Producer(s)
Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, Michelle Rejwan
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 Oscars
21 wins & 55 nominations
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (521) | Top Critics (88) | Fresh (270) | Rotten (251)
It is trying to accomplish a lot, because it has to tie up every plotline. It has to involve every character. It has to has to take you to every planet… And so, in trying to cram in all of that, it feels very cursory and very rushed.
March 13, 2020 | Rating: 5.3/10
Christy Lemire
Breakfast All Day
TOP CRITIC
It started to feel like a greatest hits compilation…bringing out what everyone knows…handsomely-constructed and entertaining as it was, there was an element of pandering to what the perceived fans wanted…
January 13, 2020
Mark Kermode
Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
TOP CRITIC
The real Leia, the one we fell in love with, lives on inside us as she always has. She still inspires us, amuses us, moves us. And we can visit her anytime we want, at the touch of a play button.
December 27, 2019
Angie Han
Mashable
TOP CRITIC
A sizable amount of the narrative of The Rise of Skywalker is spent specifically undoing what happened in The Last Jedi, and the result is a film that lacks forward momentum.
December 27, 2019 | Rating: 2.5/5
Roxana Hadadi
Chesapeake Family Magazine
TOP CRITIC
I think The Rise of Skywalker is poorly directed, terribly filmed, clumsily edited, lamely scripted (a perennial problem, that one) and badly acted.
December 24, 2019 | Rating: 2/5
Stephen Romei
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
The reason why this film works (as opposed to the many editions which were overpowered by clanking machines) is because of the emotional connect it creates with us.
December 24, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5
Shubhra Gupta
The Indian Express
TOP CRITIC
As for me: this is where I get off the Star Wars train. I was happy enough to wrap up some unfinished childhood business, although if they’d stopped at Force Awakens that would have done the job just as well.
December 1, 2022
Vadim Rizov
Filmmaker Magazine
The story is messy, there’s enough plot to fill two movies, and some of its characters need more attention. But this is still very much a Star Wars film and will evoke many of those same old feelings of kid-like joy and excitement for those who allow it.
August 25, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Keith Garlington
Keith & the Movies
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the creators of the new Star Wars Trilogy must be dedicated environmentalists, because they keep recycling the same old material over and over and over.
August 22, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/5
M.N. Miller
Ready Steady Cut
The Rise of Skywalker is a satisfying and spectacular end to the third trilogy.
August 12, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Cris Kennedy
The Canberra Times (Australia)
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren/Ben Solo is the best thing the sequel trilogy gave us. The film has way too many flaws, but my fandom couldn’t help to enjoy every minute of it. [Full review in Spanish]
July 7, 2022 | Rating: 7/10
Victor Pineyro
Seventh Art Studio
Capably made but misguided in its attempts to satiate its fanbase, The Rise of Skywalker marks some kind of end to the franchise.
February 22, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review…
Plot
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron’s journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences. The ninth film in the iconic sci-fi franchise.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
On Kef Bir, the Millennium Falcon is landed by sideways ramming it into a hill, leaving a trail of destruction, due to the landing gear being defective. The Falcon however always had vertical take-off and landing capabilities, so this harsh landing is unnecessary.
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