The Imposter (2012)
88%RT Audience Score: 78%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 BAFTA Award
13 wins & 34 nominations total
Despite its true-crime trappings, The Imposter is an utterly gripping and sometimes heartbreaking documentary thriller cleverly told with narrative flair
The Imposter is like a real-life version of Catch Me If You Can, but with even more twists and turns. Director Bart Layton does an amazing job of telling the story of a man who successfully impersonated a missing teenager, and the family who believed him. It’s so crazy, you’ll start to wonder if you’re being conned too. But the most fascinating part? Why did the family believe him in the first place? This documentary will have you on the edge of your seat, and questioning everything you thought you knew about identity.
Production Company(ies)
Brandywine Productions,
Distributor
Indomina
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
San Antonio, Texas, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language
Year of Release
2012
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 35m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 13, 2012 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 22, 2013
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
starring Adam O’Brian, Anna Ruben, Cathy Dresbach, Alan Teichman, Ivan Villanueva, Maria Jesus Hoyos, directed by Bart Layton, written by Bart Layton, produced by Dimitri Doganis, documentary, true crime, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Brad Newsome, Tom Charity, Rick Groen, Linda Barnard, Rene Rodriguez, J.R Jones, Graeme Tuckett, Katie Smith-Wong, C.J Prince, Amie Simon, MPAA rating R, Frederic Bourdin, Nicholas Barclay, con artist, Texas family, missing relative, psychological thriller, narrative flair, private investigator, family secrets, true identity, mistaken identity, deception, emotional turmoil, human trafficking, wish fulfillment, unreliable narrator, dramatic re-enactments, interviews, suspenseful, twist-filled, tragic, fascinating, unbelievable
Worldwide gross: $3,001,877
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,870,093
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,242
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 422,039
US/Canada gross: $898,317
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,158,132
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,153
US/Canada opening weekend: $22,379
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $28,852
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,377
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
Anna Ruben – Carey Gibson
Cathy Dresbach – Nancy Fisher
Alan Teichman – Charlie Parker
Ivan Villanueva – Social Worker
Maria Jesus Hoyos – Judge
Director(s)
Bart Layton
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Dimitri Doganis
Film Festivals
Sundance, South by Southwest, Tribeca
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 BAFTA Award
13 wins & 34 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (117) | Top Critics (46) | Fresh (111) | Rotten (6)
Director Bart Layton pieces together a story you wouldn’t believe if it wasn’t true.
September 19, 2018
Brad Newsome
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
More than anything it’s Layton’s storytelling acumen that impresses – the movie unfolds like a psychological thriller, and in the second half effects a chilling twist on its own inherent implausibility.
August 30, 2017
Tom Charity
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
In the annals of forged identity flicks, this is a towering Everest, dwarfing the deceivers in the likes of Catch Me If You Can and F for Fake.
October 12, 2012 | Rating: 3/4
Rick Groen
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
This is edge-of-your-seat stuff and the difficulty is in the telling of the tale. To give any of this film away is a crime. You simply have to see it for yourself.
October 11, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4
Linda Barnard
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
The most fascinating aspect of the movie is why the missing boy’s family believed the imposter’s story.
September 13, 2012 | Rating: 3/4
Rene Rodriguez
Miami Herald
TOP CRITIC
You may begin to wonder if you aren’t being conned by the movie yourself.
August 31, 2012
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The Imposter is skilfully assembled film, as gripping as it is chilling and more memorable than most thrillers.
September 27, 2021
Graeme Tuckett
Stuff.co.nz
Intermingling with archive home videos from Nicholas to reenactments on key events, Layton weaves an intriguing tale of emotional turmoil and deceit.
December 9, 2019 | Rating: 4.5/5
Katie Smith-Wong
Musings of Guitargalchina
On the surface The Imposter is one hell of a story, but it raises more questions than answers.
July 3, 2019 | Rating: 6.8/10
C.J. Prince
Way Too Indie
Bourdin’s vulnerability and desperation at wanting to be loved, to belong to anyone, anywhere, is so heartbreaking, you can almost forgive him for lying.
March 4, 2019
Amie Simon
Three Imaginary Girls
The plot and unravelling of this criminal Rich Little keeps you glued to the screen. But even more interesting than the star trickster are the family members who want to believe in his story.
August 30, 2018
Pat Padua
DCist
Layton’s The Imposter is not only one of the very best documentaries of 2012, but is arguably a contender for best feature – full-stop.
August 23, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Joseph Walsh
CineVue…
Plot
In 1994, a thirteen year old boy disappeared from San Antonio, Texas. Three and a half years later, he is found alive and well thousands of miles away in Europe. He tells a story of kidnap and torture when he returns. While his family is excited to bring him home, all is not as it seem.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The Imposter features interviews with Frederic Bourdin, the con artist who posed as the missing Nicholas Barclay.
Bart-Layton.jpg
88%
The Island President (2012)
88%RT Audience Score: 77%
Awards & Nominations: NA
An eye-opening and appealing documentary about an earnest politician up against the closed door drama of climate change
The Island President” is a documentary that will make you want to stand up and fight for what you believe in, just like the charismatic and determined man it portrays. With breathtaking visuals and a fitting soundtrack, this film communicates the urgent need for action on climate change. Nasheed’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and it’s impossible not to wish for more leaders like him. If you’re looking for a documentary that will leave you feeling motivated and empowered, “The Island President” is the perfect choice.
Production Company(ies)
Kurosawa Production Co., Sammy Toho Company,
Distributor
Samuel Goldwyn Company
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Copenhagen, Denmark
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for thematic elements, some violent content and smoking
Year of Release
2012
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 41m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2012 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 25, 2017
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, climate change, Mohamed Nasheed, president, Maldive Islands, global warming, sea level rise, environmental refugees, renewable energy, carbon emissions, Copenhagen Climate Summit, Bonni Cohen, Richard Berge, Jon Shenk, PG, English, Samuel Goldwyn Company, $75.2K, reviewed by Radheyan Simonpillai, Peter Howell, Louise Gray, John Hartl, Tom Long, Ann Hornaday, Jordan M Smith, Mattie Lucas, Naila Scargill, Kelly Jane Torrance, Nathan Southern, Rob Thomas, starring Mohamed Nasheed, directed by Jon Shenk, written by Jon Shenk, produced by Bonni Cohen, Richard Berge, executive produced by Jon Else, cinematography by Jon Shenk
Worldwide gross: $80,996
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $104,422
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,020
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 11,387
US/Canada gross: $76,398
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $98,494
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,668
US/Canada opening weekend: $13,998
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $18,047
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,547
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
Jon Shenk – Director, Cinematographer
Jon Else – Executive Producer
Bonni Cohen – Producer
Richard Berge – Producer
Director(s)
Jon Shenk
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Bonni Cohen, Richard Berge
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (49) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (48) | Rotten (1)
A fascinating look at an extraordinary personality.
June 15, 2012 | Rating: 3/5
Radheyan Simonpillai
NOW Toronto
TOP CRITIC
The Island President is an important portrait of a determined man standing fast in a place where the ground is literally shifting beneath his feet.
June 14, 2012 | Rating: 2.5/4
Peter Howell
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
If you are in a fight, you want this man on your side. He is charismatic, brave and most of all entirely believes in what he is what he is doing. I’m not sure he know the meaning of the word compromise.
June 1, 2012
Louise Gray
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Climate-change documentaries are almost always disturbing, but “The Island President” communicates a special urgency.
May 3, 2012 | Rating: 3/4
John Hartl
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
Nasheed is indeed inspirational, a cool-headed but passionate and courageous guy. You end up wishing a lot more leaders were like this guy.
April 26, 2012 | Rating: B+
Tom Long
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
Shenk expertly weaves Nasheed’s extraordinary personal story together with the Maldives’ breathtaking natural beauty and a Capra-esque tale of dogged idealism and political courage to create wonderfully vivid cinematic portraiture.
April 20, 2012 | Rating: 3/4
Ann Hornaday
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Pairing these striking visuals with a fitting soundtrack…The Island President makes for a polished piece of documentary work that paints its subject as a stifled martyr.
February 9, 2020
Jordan M. Smith
IONCINEMA.com
A smart and engaging portrait of a man for whom this issue hits closer to home than anyone, illustrating a tremendous issue that is now too big, and no longer able, to be ignored.
August 6, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Mattie Lucas
From the Front Row
The Hilton LightStay Sustainability Award, part of a programme in association with the Sundance Institute, is given to films that heighten sustainability awareness. And they could not have picked a better candidate than The Island President.
February 28, 2019
Naila Scargill
Trebuchet
Yet the documentary is at its most engrossing when it moves away from the big picture and focuses not on Mother Nature [but] a few of the people she affects — especially the title character.
January 4, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner
One only hopes that the documentary will help advance Nasheed’s mission and inspire others to join arms out of shared ecological concern.
January 7, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4
Nathan Southern
TV Guide
The haunting “How to Disappear Completely” plays over the closing credits. If Nasheed isn’t able to wake up the world to his country’s plight, in a few decades, that could be the new Maldives national anthem.
June 8, 2012 | Rating: 3/4
Rob Thomas
Capital Times (Madison, WI)…
Plot
After bringing democracy to his country, President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, the lowest-lying country in the world, takes up the fight to keep his homeland from disappearing under the sea.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t have anything goofy or funny to say about The Island President, but they do mention that Mohamed Nasheed, the president of the Maldives, is an “extraordinary personality” and “charismatic, brave, and most of all entirely believes in what he is doing.”
Jon-Shenk.jpg
88%
Sing Your Song (2012)
88%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: 5 wins & 2 nominations
Sing Your Song takes an absorbing — if decidedly non-critical — look at an incredible show business career and admirable public life
Sing Your Song is a documentary that tells the story of Harry Belafonte’s life and his contributions to the civil rights movement. While some critics found it to be a bit heavy-handed, I found it to be a fabulous and fascinating look at a man who has always had the courage of his convictions. With Belafonte narrating his own story, it feels like a personal memoir that takes you on a journey through his life and the times that were, and hopefully still are, a-changin’. Plus, who doesn’t love a good archival footage montage? Sing Your Song is definitely worth a watch.
Production Company(ies)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
Distributor
S2BN Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2012
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 43m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 13, 2012 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 29, 2012
Genre(s)
Documentary/Biography
Keyword(s)
starring Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Marge Champion, Julian Bond, George Schlatter, Diahann Carroll, directed by Susanne Rostock, written by Susanne Rostock, Gina Belafonte, Jim Brown, Michael Cohl, William Eigen, Julius R Nasso, documentary, biography, music, box office gross $47.7K, S2BN Films, MPAA rating N/A, reviewed by Hank Stuever, Verne Gay, Ed Bark, Matthew Gilbert, David Wiegand, Linda Stasi, Sophia Satchell Baeza, Graham Young, Philip French, Allan Hunter, Shaun Munro, Rich Cline, produced by Gina Belafonte, Jim Brown, Michael Cohl, William Eigen, Julius R Nasso
Worldwide gross: $65,310
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $84,199
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,041
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 9,182
US/Canada gross: $47,718
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $61,519
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,730
US/Canada opening weekend: $13,459
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $17,352
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,562
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
Sidney Poitier – self
Marge Champion – self
Julian Bond – self
George Schlatter – self
Diahann Carroll – self
Gina Belafonte – producer
Jim Brown – producer
Michael Cohl – producer
William Eigen – producer
Julius R. Nasso – producer
Susanne Rostock – director
Director(s)
Susanne Rostock
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Gina Belafonte, Jim Brown, Michael Cohl, William Eigen, Julius R. Nasso
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
5 wins & 2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (40) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (2)
Sing Your Song is broad and complete, but like most biographical documentaries of legendary performers that we’ve seen of late, it is also hagiographic.
August 30, 2012
Hank Stuever
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
By far the best parts are the first two-thirds, with the star taking center stage in history as it unfolds.
August 30, 2012 | Rating: B
Verne Gay
Newsday
TOP CRITIC
Abundant archival footage is in part a saving grace.
August 30, 2012 | Rating: B
Ed Bark
Uncle Barky
TOP CRITIC
Sing Your Song is beautifully directed by Susanne Rostock to be as much about the man as it is about his times.
August 30, 2012
Matthew Gilbert
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
The portrait of Belafonte that emerges from the film is also the portrait of the times of his life, the times of the nation’s life in the past 60 years.
August 30, 2012 | Rating: 4/4
David Wiegand
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
With excerpts of early clips of his first roles, to current interviews with him, the movie details a life of tremendous creativity and courage.
August 30, 2012 | Rating: 4/4
Linda Stasi
New York Post
TOP CRITIC
This is a fabulous documentary about a man and the times that were, and hopefully still are, a-changin’.
January 8, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Sophia Satchell Baeza
CineVue
With Belafonte narrating his own story, Sing Your Song increasingly feels more like a personal memoir than objective insight.
June 29, 2012 | Rating: 4/5
Graham Young
Birmingham Mail
[Belafonte] emerges at the end as a man of bravery and probity, a formidable contributor and witness to his times.
June 10, 2012
Philip French
Observer (UK)
This is a fascinating portrait of a man who has always had the courage of his convictions.
June 8, 2012 | Rating: 4/5
Allan Hunter
Daily Express (UK)
The man has lived an incredible life, and this comprehensive doc conveys that in compelling fashion.
June 8, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/5
Shaun Munro
What Culture
While it’s fascinating, it feels a bit heavy-handed.
June 7, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/5
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall…
Plot
Sing Your Song is a documentary about the life and career of Harry Belafonte, from his rise to fame as a singer and actor to his work as a social activist.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The documentary features Harry Belafonte narrating his own story.
Susanne-Rostock.jpg
88%
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2011)
88%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: 10 wins & 14 nominations
Like the best horror/comedies, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil mines its central crazy joke for some incredible scares, laughs, and — believe it or not — heart
Tucker & Dale vs Evil is a hilarious horror-comedy that flips the script on the typical slasher flick. The lovable duo of Tudyk and Labine are a joy to watch as they navigate through a series of misunderstandings that lead to some seriously gory mishaps. The film cleverly plays with audience expectations and explodes clichés in a way that’s both witty and intelligent. Plus, it’s got enough heart to make you fall in love with Dale and root for him to come out on top. Overall, it’s a wild ride that’s sure to leave you laughing and cringing in equal measure. Sequel, please!
Production Company(ies)
Bavaria Film Twin Bros., Productions, Radiant Film GmbH,
Distributor
Magnet Releasing
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Alberta, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for bloody horror violence, language and brief nudity
Year of Release
2010
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 29m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 30, 2011 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 29, 2011
Genre(s)
Horror/Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss, Philip Granger, Brandon Jay McLaren, directed by Eli Craig, written by Eli Craig, Morgan Jurgenson, horror, comedy, R rating, box office gross $223.6K, reviewed by Sara Michelle Fetters, Ben Sachs, Brian Tallerico, Roger Ebert, Keith Staskiewicz, Christine Champ, Tucker & Dale vs Evil, Morgan Jurgenson, Albert Klychak, Magnet Releasing, English, brief nudity, bloody horror violence, language, backwoods vacation, murderous hillbillies, college students, horror/comedy, Sam Raimi, Little Movie Glossary, pulpy grotesquery, social commentary, rural-urban divide, slasher flicks, parody, sequel, Halloween movie, kill gags, slashers clichés, inbred drooling rednecks, horny college kids, twist, surprise, heart, funny moments, good kill gags
Worldwide gross: $5,224,938
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $7,102,710
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,069
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 774,559
US/Canada gross: $223,838
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $304,282
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,457
US/Canada opening weekend: $52,843
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $71,834
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,067
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
Alan Tudyk – Tucker
Katrina Bowden – Allison
Jesse Moss – Chad
Philip Granger – Sheriff
Brandon Jay McLaren – Jason
Director(s)
Eli Craig
Writer(s)
Eli Craig, Morgan Jurgenson
Producer(s)
Morgan Jurgenson, Albert Klychak
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
10 wins & 14 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (116) | Top Critics (35) | Fresh (99) | Rotten (17)
This movie is certifiably insane, that’s a given, but it’s also extremely witty, has far more intelligence than you might originally expect and has a grand time exploding clichés and playing with an audience’s expectations.
January 27, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4
Sara Michelle Fetters
MovieFreak.com
TOP CRITIC
Here’s something you don’t see every day: a genial, politically correct splatter comedy.
January 4, 2012
Ben Sachs
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Clever horror/comedy hybrid of the kind that Sam Raimi used to make and that so many have tried to produce in recent years but have fallen remarkably flat. There’s nothing flat about this clever genre flick. For the right audience, it’s pretty great.
October 7, 2011 | Rating: 4.0/5.0
Brian Tallerico
HollywoodChicago.com
TOP CRITIC
Students of the Little Movie Glossary may find it funny how carefully “Tucker and Dale” works its way through upended cliches.
October 6, 2011 | Rating: 3/4
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
At its heart, it’s really just a one-idea premise stretched out to feature length, but the lovable duo of Tudyk and Labine and an endearing layer of sweetness under all the blood make it a fully enjoyable comedy of (t)errors.
September 30, 2011 | Rating: B-
Keith Staskiewicz
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
It’s time we all toss our nine bucks into the proverbial woodchipper (don’t ask me what proverb) and spit out enough money to make Tucker & Dale and other truly deserving, truly funny indie flicks a blazing success.
September 30, 2011
Christine Champ
Film.com
TOP CRITIC
Tucker and Dale vs Evil coyly extends what could have been an exhausting single joke premise, combining pulpy grotesquery with social commentary on rural-urban divide and the animosities therein.
June 27, 2022
Luke Buckmaster
Flicks.com.au
I was cringing quite regularly throughout most of the movie because it was so graphic. But really, that’s the way a movie like this works … and this film works.
March 24, 2021
Jack Fleischer
Battleship Pretension
Flips the stereotypes of slasher flicks on end to offer a unique perspective and plenty of hilarity without sacrificing the creativity that often gets lost in such parodies.
November 30, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
It sounds really cheesy, but Labine and the script really make you fall in love with Dale and get excited to see him grow in confidence.
April 1, 2020
Ed Travis
Hollywood Jesus
In the end this was a very surprising film that was lots of fun. Had a nice bit of gore. And a ton of heart.
January 11, 2020 | Rating: B
Julian Lytle
Ignorant Bliss
Wicked, wild, funny and fun. Tucker & Dale vs Evil is a perfect blend of comedy, heart and horror. Eli Craig, where’s my sequel?
November 26, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens…
Plot
Two lovable hillbillies are headed to their “fixer-upper” vacation cabin to drink some beer, do some fishin’, and have a good time. But when they run into a group of preppy college kids who assume from their looks that they must be in-bred, chainsaw-wielding killers, Tucker & Dale’s vacation takes a bloody and hilarious turn for the worse.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny or odd comments were found in the Fresh Kernels database for Tucker & Dale vs Evil.
Eli-Craig.jpg
88%
127 Hours (2010)
88%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 6 Oscars
23 wins & 150 nominations total
As gut-wrenching as it is inspirational, 127 Hours unites one of Danny Boyle’s most beautifully exuberant directorial efforts with a terrific performance from James Franco
If you’re looking for a movie that’ll make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, 127 Hours is the one for you. James Franco’s performance is so good, you’ll forget you’re watching a movie and feel like you’re stuck in that canyon with him. Just make sure you have a strong stomach, because there are some moments that might make you want to look away. But if you can handle it, you’ll be rewarded with an inspiring story of survival and a newfound appreciation for having two arms.
Production Company(ies)
HBO Documentary Films, Jigsaw Productions, Sky Atlantic
Distributor
Fox Searchlight
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Moab, Utah, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language and some disturbing violent content/bloody images
Year of Release
2011
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:SDDS Dolby Digital DTS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 33m
-
Language(s):English, Italian
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2011
Genre(s)
Biography/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring James Franco, directed by Danny Boyle, written by Simon Beaufoy, produced by Christian Colson, John Smithson, MPAA rating R, box office gross $18.3M, biography, drama, mountaineer, adventurer, trapped, boulder, amputate, arm, canyon, Utah, exploration, survival, inspiration, gut-wrenching, exuberant, terrific performance, critic reviews, audience score, Tomatometer, reviewed by Deborah Ross, Kaleem Aftab, Candice Frederick, Bill Goodykoontz, David Stratton, James McMahon, Jason Adams, Mike Massie, Richard Propes, Leigh Paatsch, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Clémence Poésy, Treat Williams, Kate Burton, Aron Ralston, Megan, Kristi, Rana, Aron’s Dad, Aron’s Mom, Fox Searchlight, SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS
Worldwide gross: $60,738,797
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $79,962,497
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,133
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 8,720,011
US/Canada gross: $18,335,230
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $24,138,291
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,349
US/Canada opening weekend: $264,851
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $348,676
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,488
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $18,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $23,696,962
Production budget ranking: 1,272
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $12,760,814
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $43,504,721
ROI to date (est.): 119%
ROI ranking: 858
Amber Tamblyn – Megan
Kate Mara – Kristi
Clémence Poésy – Rana
Treat Williams – Aron’s Dad
Kate Burton – Aron’s Mom
Director(s)
Danny Boyle
Writer(s)
Simon Beaufoy, Danny Boyle
Producer(s)
Christian Colson, Danny Boyle, John Smithson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 6 Oscars
23 wins & 150 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (237) | Top Critics (63) | Fresh (220) | Rotten (17)
This may be a great film, and an ingenious film, but only if you’ve the stomach for it.
August 30, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
Any film that relies on one actor to carry the movie demands a lot of its leading man but James Franco applies a youthful exuberance that makes him so watchable it’s all viewers could do not to blink.
May 15, 2018
Kaleem Aftab
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Franco… delivers a solid performance as the strapping climber who shows his vulnerability when he reflects back on his life–the mistakes he’s made and the moments he may miss.
September 11, 2017 | Rating: B
Candice Frederick
Reel Talk Online
TOP CRITIC
It’s an incredible performance by Franco, walking the line between what once was enthusiasm but now is manic desperation.
August 12, 2011 | Rating: 4.5/5
Bill Goodykoontz
Arizona Republic
TOP CRITIC
As a follow-up to Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours shows Danny Boyle at the top of his form — it’s not a story many filmmakers would want to tackle, and few would handle it as well.
February 10, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
That director Danny Boyle makes us feel the shock of relief as Ralston finally pulls away from his stony prison signals just how immersive a piece of first-person story-telling this is.
February 9, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Jim Schembri
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
Boyle made what we all came to experience retain a sense of horrible surprise. You know Ralston survives, you know he gets the arm off, and yet those final few minutes of the film really truly got me.
July 2, 2021
Jason Adams
My New Plaid Pants
You’ll laugh, you’ll barf, you’ll probably be a bit bored in places. But if you can make it through all this you’ll find a film that’ll probably make your heart skip a beat too.
May 25, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/5
James McMahon
NME
There are some creative visual tricks and a little ingenuity, but five days of being stuck in a canyon doesn’t translate well to a 90-minute film.
November 29, 2020 | Rating: 5/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
A good film featuring a truly great performance.
September 18, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
An inspired and inspiring cinema experience.
September 11, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
127 Hours is a classic, albeit internalized, adventure story juiced up with Boyle’s attention-deficit-disorder camera work, which renders the world a pop-music fueled, caffeinated frenzy, as hallucinatory as any drug trip.
January 22, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Charleston City Paper…
Plot
127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he can be rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers, family, and the two hikers he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises James Franco’s “terrific performance” in 127 Hours.
Danny-Boyle.jpg
88%
Tangled (2010)
88%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
10 wins & 41 nominations total
While far from Disney’s greatest film, Tangled is a visually stunning, thoroughly entertaining addition to the studio’s classic animated canon
Tangled is the perfect movie for anyone who loves a good hair day. This Disney princess musical is a classic tale of empowerment and growing up, but with a twist. Rapunzel is no damsel in distress, she’s a strong and independent woman who knows how to take charge. The 3D animation is so good, you’ll forget you’re watching a movie and feel like you’re right there in the action. And let’s not forget about the show-stopping musical numbers that will have you tapping your toes and singing along. It’s not your typical Disney movie, but it’s still a must-see for families looking for a fun night out.
Production Company(ies)
Strike Entertainment, New Amsterdam Entertainment, Metropolitan Filmexport
Distributor
Walt Disney
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Norden, Germany
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for brief mild violence
Year of Release
2010
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital SDDS DTS Dolby Surround 7.1
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 41m
-
Language(s):English, German
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 24, 2010 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 29, 2011
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, M.C Gainey, Jeffrey Tambor, directed by Nathan Greno, Byron Howard, written by Dan Fogelman, Fantasy, Adventure, PG, box office gross $200.8M, produced by Roy Conli, reviewed by Tom Charity, Richard Corliss, Derek Malcolm, Peter Bradshaw, Jake Wilson, Wendy Ide, Mike Massie, Richard Propes, Sergio Benítez, Leslie Combemale, Mattie Lucas, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Mother Gothel, Stabbington Brother, Captain of the Guard, Big Nose, Disney, Walt Disney, Dolby Digital, SDDS, DTS
Worldwide gross: $592,462,816
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $805,385,965
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 145
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 87,828,349
US/Canada gross: $200,821,936
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $272,994,632
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 228
US/Canada opening weekend: $48,767,052
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $66,293,273
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 147
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $260,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $353,440,495
Production budget ranking: 10
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $190,327,706
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $261,617,764
ROI to date (est.): 48%
ROI ranking: 1,159
Zachary Levi – Flynn Rider (Voice)
Donna Murphy – Mother Gothel (Voice)
Ron Perlman – Stabbington Brother (Voice)
M.C. Gainey – Captain of the Guard (Voice)
Jeffrey Tambor – Big Nose (Voice)
Director(s)
Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Writer(s)
Dan Fogelman
Producer(s)
Roy Conli
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
10 wins & 41 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (227) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (203) | Rotten (24)
This snappy role reversal may or may not appeal to young men, but it inspires some classic knockabout screwball comedy and an exciting, vertiginous escape sequence.
December 8, 2014
Tom Charity
CNN.com
TOP CRITIC
This is your basic, and very enjoyable, Disney princess musical, an empowerment tale to teach bright, dreamy girls how to grow to maturity — and outgrow the adults in charge.
December 8, 2014
Richard Corliss
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
If this is what old-fashioned means, then bring it on.
December 8, 2014
Derek Malcolm
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
Rapunzel gets a very ordinary updating in this Disney picture, raiding duller moments from the Shrek movies for ideas, and sporting a laboured selection of Broadway-style showtunes.
December 8, 2014 | Rating: 2/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
While it lasts, the magic works.
December 8, 2014 | Rating: 3/5
Jake Wilson
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
Disney has a good hair day as the revamped story of Rapunzel leaps from the screen, and not just because it’s made in 3-D.
December 8, 2014 | Rating: 4/5
Wendy Ide
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
At its finest moments, this production emanates the nostalgic feel of classic 2-D animated Disney films.
November 30, 2020 | Rating: 8/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Disney comes closer to nailing the mix of entertainment and emotional resonance that has become a trademark of the Pixar films.
September 25, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
What the adaptation by Dan Fogelman offers is an updated rosary of the best that Disney had valued in past times. [Full Review in Spanish]
April 16, 2020
Sergio Benítez
Espinof
The highest compliment I can give the animators is at times I forgot I was watching a computer animated 3D movie.
July 24, 2019
Leslie Combemale
Cinema Siren
A glorious throwback, a toe-tapping, swoon-worthy fairy tale extravaganza the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time.
June 7, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Mattie Lucas
The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)
It’s not classic Disney… but it is still good enough to appease families looking for a night out at the movies.
May 8, 2019
Micheal Compton
Bowling Green Daily News…
Plot
After receiving the healing powers from a magical flower, the baby Princess Rapunzel is kidnapped from the palace in the middle of the night by Mother Gothel. Mother Gothel knows that the flower’s magical powers are now growing within the golden hair of Rapunzel, and to stay young, she must lock Rapunzel in her hidden tower. Rapunzel is now a teenager and her hair has grown to a length of 70-feet. The beautiful Rapunzel has been in the tower her entire life, and she is curious of the outside world. One day, the bandit Flynn Ryder scales the tower and is taken captive by Rapunzel. Rapunzel strikes a deal with the charming thief to act as her guide to travel to the place where the floating lights come from that she has seen every year on her birthday. Rapunzel is about to have the most exciting and magnificent journey of her life.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny comments were found in the Fresh Kernels review for Tangled.
Nathan-Greno.jpg
88%
The Town (2010)
88%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
9 wins & 46 nominations total
Tense, smartly written, and wonderfully cast, The Town proves that Ben Affleck has rediscovered his muse — and that he’s a director to be reckoned with
The Town is like a Boston cream pie – it’s got layers, it’s rich, and it’s satisfying. Ben Affleck proves he’s got the chops to direct a gritty crime drama, and the cast delivers some killer performances. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s a fun ride that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, those nun masks? Iconic.
Production Company(ies)
Toho Company,
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Bunker Hill, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use
Year of Release
2010
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital SDDS DTS
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 4m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 2010 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2010
Genre(s)
Crime/Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Chris Cooper, Pete Postlethwaite, Slaine, Owen Burke, Brian Scannell, Kerri Dunbar, Tony V., Charlestown, Boston, bank robbery, heist, crime, thriller, drama, directed by Ben Affleck, written by Peter Craig, Ben Affleck, Aaron Stockard, produced by Graham King, Basil Iwanyk, reviewed by Deborah Ross, Candice Frederick, Jim Schembri, David Stratton, Paul Byrnes, Eric Kohn, Graeme Tuckett, James McMahon, Sean Collier, Mike Massie, Dan Buffa, R-rated, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS, $92.2M box office gross, $37M budget, FBI, hostage, love, brotherhood, redemption, Boston accent, masks, gunfights, car chases, romance, tension, suspense, action-packed, character-driven, gritty, atmospheric, intense, emotional
Worldwide gross: $154,026,136
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $209,381,053
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 667
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 22,833,266
US/Canada gross: $92,186,262
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $125,316,762
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 604
US/Canada opening weekend: $23,808,032
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $32,364,318
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 408
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $37,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $50,297,301
Production budget ranking: 792
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $27,085,097
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $131,998,655
ROI to date (est.): 171%
ROI ranking: 707
Rebecca Hall – Claire Keesey
Jon Hamm – FBI S.A. Adam Frawley
Jeremy Renner – James Coughlin
Blake Lively – Krista Coughlin
Titus Welliver – Dino Ciampa
Director(s)
Ben Affleck
Writer(s)
Peter Craig, Ben Affleck, Aaron Stockard
Producer(s)
Graham King, Basil Iwanyk
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
9 wins & 46 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (235) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (216) | Rotten (19)
So this isn’t fresh, exactly, but it is tense and exciting and well performed and you do end up caring about the people you’ve been manipulated into caring about. I ask you: what more could you want from a trip to the cinema?
August 30, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
The Town is a definite must-see.
September 11, 2017 | Rating: A
Candice Frederick
Reel Talk Online
TOP CRITIC
As far as a developing directing talent goes, The Town is to Ben Affleck what Pulp Fiction was to Quentin Tarantino. It’s that good.
October 22, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Jim Schembri
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
In lesser hands, the central relationship might not have worked; but Affleck and Hall make it completely believable, adding to the texture of this classy thriller.
October 15, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
It’s better than a simple heist movie and less efficient than a really good one. Affleck has made it about character and place, at the expense of the heist, so it’s a film of mixed attractions.
October 13, 2010 | Rating: 3/5
Paul Byrnes
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
Affleck’s sophomore offering contains plenty of pay-offs and a slick narrative structure, easily solidifying his growing reputation as a director with the right stuff for a familiar good time.
October 12, 2010
Eric Kohn
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
While by no means faultless, The Town is a cut above the average crime drama thanks to its emphasis on character over carnage.
March 8, 2022
Graeme Tuckett
Stuff.co.nz
A film about Boston. And crime. We know, unthinkable isn’t it…
May 20, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/5
James McMahon
NME
The performances are lively and the set pieces – particularly the masks, which are a perfect touch – are memorable.
February 8, 2021 | Rating: 8/10
Sean Collier
Pittsburgh Magazine
Even with its flashy, edgy, rambunctious, nerve-wracking finale, the successes or failures of the rather distasteful antiheroes prove utterly inconsequential and uninspiring.
November 30, 2020 | Rating: 4/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
If you mixed Michael Mann’s Heat with Good Will Hunting, you’d get this flick.
November 10, 2020
Dan Buffa
KSDK News (St. Louis)
The Town isn’t as impressive as Affleck’s directing debut, 2007’s Gone Baby Gone, but he handles the action scenes with brutal efficiency and gets terrific performances from his co-stars.
October 31, 2020
Jason Best
Movie Talk…
Plot
The Charlestown neighborhood of Boston is renowned for churning out a high number of armed robbers, generation after generation. These robbers never leave their Charlestown life on their own volition, the neighborhood where there is an unwritten code to protect that lifestyle. Such robbers include friends Doug MacRay, James Coughlin, Albert ‘Gloansy’ Magloan and Desmond Elden. Doug and James in particular treat each other like family, as the Coughlins have realistically been as such to Doug since Doug’s mother ran off and Doug’s father, Stephen MacRay, was sent to prison. James’ single mother sister, the drugged out Krista Coughlin, and Doug have a casual sexual relationship. The foursome carry out a mostly successful bank robbery, but due to circumstances take the bank manager, Claire Keesey, hostage for a short period before releasing her physically unharmed. They find out that Claire lives in Charlestown, so they want to ensure that she did not see anything that could incriminate them if they were to ever run into her. As such, Doug begins a personal relationship with her to find out what she knows and what she’s told the police and the FBI, who have taken charge of the investigation. He learns that she has kept some information from the authorities for her own protection but information that could identify James in particular. But Doug slowly falls for her, as she does for him. Ultimately, Doug dreams about leaving his Charlestown life to be with Claire anywhere but there. But Doug has to try and keep his true identity from her, and keep the fact that he is seeing her from his colleagues. But leaving is not as easy as he would like as he and the gang are tasked with a big job by a local gangster named Fergie whether Doug likes it or not. And Adam Frawley, the FBI’s lead investigator, comes into evidence that links the foursome to the bank robbery and a subsequent armored car heist, so is on their tail for evidence that will send them away dead or alive.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The Town features a star-studded cast including Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, and Jeremy Renner.
Ben-Affleck.jpg
88%
Kisses (2010)
88%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 3 nominations
Kisses, a film directed by Lance Daly, is a heartwarming tale of two Irish kids who run away from their abusive homes and embark on a journey through the streets of Dublin. The non-professional actors, Kelly O’Neill and Shane Curry, deliver outstanding performances that capture the essence of their characters’ vulnerability and resilience. Daly’s lens transforms the city into a modern-day Oz, where the kids find themselves in a world of wonder and danger. The film’s carefree and lyrical surface is juxtaposed with its cruel truths, testing the audience’s heart. Overall, Kisses is a sweet, gritty, and exciting coming-of-age drama that will leave you enchanted.
Kisses is like a modern-day fairytale, but instead of a prince and princess, we have two Irish kids running away from their problems. The movie is sweet, gritty, and exciting all at the same time. The two non-pro actors, Kelly O’Neill and Shane Curry, are outstanding and make you root for them throughout the film. It’s a coming-of-age story that will make you want to brush up on your Gaelic mumbling and take a trip to Dublin. Just don’t forget to pack your Pogues’ lyric sheets!
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Oscilloscope Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for violent action, sexual material and language
Year of Release
2010
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:SDDS DTS Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 16m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 16, 2010 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 26, 2010
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
Kisses, drama, coming-of-age, Irish, housing project, Dublin, Christmas, friendship, family, abuse, city streets, gritty, tender, Lance Daly, directed by Lance Daly, Macdara Kelleher, Tomas Eskilsson, Malte Forssell, produced by, written by Lance Daly, Kelly O’Neill, starring Kelly O’Neill, Shane Curry, starring Shane Curry, Paul Roe, Neilí Conroy, David Bendito, Elizabeth Fuh, Dolby Digital, box office, $81.3K, limited release, Oscilloscope Pictures, critic reviews, reviewed by Stephen Cole, Wesley Morris, Amy Biancolli, Peter Rainer, Ray Bennett, V.A Musetto, David Lamble, Mike Edwards, Jim Slotek, Sean P Means, Jeff Meyers, Stan Hall, genre, original language, English, runtime, 1h 16m, MPAA rating, distributor, sound mix, cast and crew, producer names, writer names, budget
Worldwide gross: $98,159,963
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $133,437,330
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 887
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 14,551,508
US/Canada gross: $47,059,963
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $63,972,679
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 962
US/Canada opening weekend: $15,837,266
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $21,528,966
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 616
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $75,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $101,953,989
Production budget ranking: 402
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $54,902,223
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$23,418,882
ROI to date (est.): -15%
ROI ranking: 1,478
Shane Curry – Dylan
Paul Roe – Dylan’s Da
Neilí Conroy – Dylan’s Ma
David Bendito – Dredger Captain
Elizabeth Fuh – Gardiner Street Girl
Director(s)
Lance Daly
Writer(s)
Lance Daly
Producer(s)
Macdara Kelleher, Lance Daly, Tomas Eskilsson, Malte Forssell
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 3 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (54) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (46) | Rotten (8)
A coming-of-age drama so Irish you’ll want to take out your Pogues’ lyric sheets beforehand to brush up on Gaelic mumbling.
November 12, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Stephen Cole
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
What the writer and director, Lance Daly, means as some kind of transporting urban adventure for them is a disenchanting slog for us.
August 5, 2010 | Rating: 2/4
Wesley Morris
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
It’s arresting.
July 29, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Amy Biancolli
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
A marginally sweet movie about two woebegone Irish kids.
July 23, 2010 | Rating: B-
Peter Rainer
Christian Science Monitor
TOP CRITIC
Rewarding tale of two kids loose on Dublin’s mean streets with outstanding performances.
July 19, 2010
Ray Bennett
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
Terrific non-pro actors Kelly O’Neill (Kylie) and Shane Curry (Dylan) are the backbone of the film, directed by Lance Daly, who says as a kid he thought of running away.
July 19, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
V.A. Musetto
New York Post
TOP CRITIC
This dark Irish fable about a couple of teens desperately fleeing abusive homes will enchant with its carefree, lyrical surface, while testing your heart with its cruel truths…
June 18, 2020
David Lamble
Bay Area Reporter
It’s exciting, sweet, gritty and generally just a joy to watch.
March 1, 2011 | Rating: 3.5/5
Mike Edwards
What Culture
There are undoubtedly more dark days ahead for Kylie and Dylan, but in Kisses, we see the beginning of character forged by circumstance.
November 12, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/5
Jim Slotek
Jam! Movies
In writer-director Lance Daly’s lens, downtown Dublin is like a modern-day Oz — and the movie even starts by showing the kids’ dreary home life in black-and-white, slowly moving to full color.
October 9, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Sean P. Means
Salt Lake Tribune
Sincere and vulnerable, aching with youthful insight
September 20, 2010 | Rating: B+
Jeff Meyers
Metro Times (Detroit, MI)
Cute but foul-mouthed, tough but vulnerable and obviously crazy about each other in a reticent way, these kids are a wonderful presence, giving the most contrived scenes genuine emotion and a veneer of realness.
August 13, 2010 | Rating: B-
Stan Hall
Oregonian…
Plot
Spencer Aimes is just your average, undercover, government-hired super-assassin accustomed to a life of exotic European locales, flashy sports cars and even flashier women. But when he meets Jen Kornfeldt, a beautiful, fun-loving computer tech recovering from a bad break-up, he finds true love…and happily trades international intrigue for domestic bliss. Three years later, Spencer and Jen are still enjoying a picture-perfect marriage – that is, until the morning after Spencer’s 30th birthday. That’s when Spencer and Jen learn he’s the target of a multi-million dollar hit. Even worse, the hired killers have been stalking the happy couple for years, and could be anyone: friends, neighbors, the grocery store clerk, even that crabby old guy shuffling across the street. Now Spencer and Jen are on the run for their lives. As their suburban paradise turns into a paranoid game of dodge-the-bullet, they must find out who wants Spencer dead and why, all the while trying to save their marriage, manage his in-laws, keep up neighborly appearances … and just plain survive.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features impressive work from non-professional actors Kelly O’Neill and Shane Curry.
Lance-Daly.jpg
88%
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
88%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 2 Oscars
32 wins & 63 nominations total
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightfully funny feast for the eyes with multi-generational appeal — and it shows Wes Anderson has a knack for animation
Fantastic Mr. Fox is Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animated film that tells the story of a fox who steals food from three farmers. While some critics found the story to be a mess and the script to be banal, others praised the film’s attention to detail and Anderson’s unique style. Personally, I thought the movie was a fantastic adventure that was both visually stunning and hilarious. The voice acting by Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Jason Schwarztman was spot-on, and the animation was a thing of wonder. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves a good heist movie, or just wants to see a fox outsmart some farmers.
Production Company(ies)
Eye Steel Film Téléfilm Canada Rogers Group of Fund,s
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Three Mills Studios, Three Mill Lane, Bow, London, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for action, smoking and slang humor
Year of Release
2009
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTSS DDS Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 28m
-
Language(s):English, French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 25, 2009 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 23, 2010
Genre(s)
Comedy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Wallace Wolodarsky, Eric Chase Anderson, directed by Wes Anderson, written by Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, Comedy, Adventure, PG, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Deborah Ross, Jason Bailey, Richard Brody, Ryan Gilbey, Peter Rainer, Alissa Wilkinson, Guillem Martinez Oya, James Croot, Sophie Charara, Mike Massie, Jordan M Smith, Richard Propes, produced by Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Allison Abbate, Jeremy Dawson, MPAA rating, stop-motion animation, animal instincts, farmers, underground, multi-generational appeal, promise, raids, marriage, figurines, Boggis, Bunce, Bean, natural craftiness, opposition, subterranean yearning, smart caper, delightful treat, interesting animation, quirky fun, dry humor, top horror movies, MCU movies, Netflix series, TV premiere dates, worst horror movies, renewed & cancelled TV shows
Worldwide gross: $46,474,181
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $64,232,464
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,224
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 7,004,631
US/Canada gross: $21,002,919
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $29,028,360
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,285
US/Canada opening weekend: $265,900
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $367,503
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,480
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $40,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $55,284,429
Production budget ranking: 725
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $29,770,665
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$20,822,630
ROI to date (est.): -24%
ROI ranking: 1,529
Meryl Streep – Mrs. Fox (Voice)
Jason Schwartzman – Ash (Voice)
Bill Murray – Badger (Voice)
Wallace Wolodarsky – Kylie (Voice)
Eric Chase Anderson – Kristofferson (Voice)
Director(s)
Wes Anderson
Writer(s)
Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach
Producer(s)
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Allison Abbate, Jeremy Dawson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 2 Oscars
32 wins & 63 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (245) | Top Critics (72) | Fresh (227) | Rotten (18)
The animation is beautiful, the attention to detail is a thing of wonder… but the story is a mess, the script is banal and, as visually stunning as it all is, it just doesn’t seem to have any kind of soul.
August 30, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ may be the purest distillation of Anderson’s specific, inimitable style.
June 18, 2016
Jason Bailey
Flavorwire
TOP CRITIC
Visually, the movie is a wonder, with its profusion of detail and exquisitely focussed “performances” by the figurines, whom Anderson frames in images as precisely composed as those in his live-action work.
March 11, 2014
Richard Brody
New Yorker
TOP CRITIC
If Fantastic Mr Fox feels like Anderson’s freshest film since Rushmore, that can only be due to the animation. Beneath those tactile textures, there’s nothing you could strictly call fantastic.
March 11, 2014
Ryan Gilbey
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
Sometimes too clever by half, the film, replete with in-jokes, may in some ways work better for adults. Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Jason Schwarztman also provide adept voice work.
March 11, 2014 | Rating: B+
Peter Rainer
Christian Science Monitor
TOP CRITIC
With its lush autumnal palette and hijinks worthy of Max Fisher or Dignan, the result is a film that only Wes Anderson could have made.
March 11, 2014 | Rating: 8.3/10
Alissa Wilkinson
Paste Magazine
TOP CRITIC
A fantastic tale about our inner nature and how we create or not community.
February 13, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Guillem Martinez Oya
Cinematismo
Bemusing or beguiling, depending on your previous exposure to Wes Anderson, however there is no doubting that this is a bravura piece of film-making and, well, truly fantastic entertainment for the whole family.
July 16, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
James Croot
Stuff.co.nz
It’s clear that Wes’ beautiful brain goes in fresh directions when it comes to animation versus live action.
April 28, 2021
Sophie Charara
NME
A marvelous marriage of Wes Anderson’s trademark wry humor and a visually striking stop-motion animation style reminiscent of Jan Svankmajer.
November 28, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
A work of pure animated joy that smacks of Andersonian stylings but doesn’t seem to strain under the weight of its own subterranean yearning to be wild, alive, passionate and still compassionate.
November 12, 2020 | Rating: 4.5/5
Jordan M. Smith
IONCINEMA.com
Anderson adds a bit of an existential twist onto the story.
September 7, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com…
Plot
This is the story of Mr. Fox (George Clooney) and his wild ways of hen heckling, turkey taking, and cider sipping, nocturnal, instinctive adventures. He has to put his wild days behind him and do what fathers do best: be responsible. He is too rebellious. He is too wild. He is going to try “just one more raid” on the three nastiest, meanest farmers that are Walter Boggis (Robin Hurlstone), Nathan Bunce (Hugo Guinness), and Franklin Bean (Sir Michael Gambon). It is a tale of crossing the line of family responsibilities and midnight adventure and the friendships and awakenings of this country life that is inhabited by Fantastic Mr. Fox and his friends.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The voice cast for Fantastic Mr. Fox includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray.
Wes-Anderson.jpg
88%
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)
88%RT Audience Score: 81%
Awards & Nominations: Won 2 Oscars
113 wins & 103 nominations total
Precious is a grim yet ultimately triumphant film about abuse and inner-city life, largely bolstered by exceptional performances from its cast
If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, Precious is not it. But if you’re looking for a movie that will make you feel all the emotions, then this is the one for you. With incredible performances from Gabourey Sidibe and Mo’Nique, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as you watch Precious navigate through some of the toughest circumstances imaginable. And if you’re a Mariah Carey fan, you won’t want to miss her in a supporting role that will leave you speechless. So grab some tissues and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions with Precious.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
New York City, New York, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language
Year of Release
2009
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 49m
-
Language(s):English, Italian
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 6, 2009 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 9, 2010
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, directed by Lee Daniels, written by Geoffrey Fletcher, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Jenna Marotta, Deborah Ross, Ed Koch, Candice Frederick, Rafer Guzman, Jason Bailey, Kevin Heard, Mike Massie, Jason Best, Richard Propes, Leigh Paatsch, based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, Lionsgate Films, R-rated, child abuse, sexual assault, alternative school, teacher, poverty, illiteracy, abuse, pregnancy, incest, overweight, bullying, self-determination, redemption, compassion, powerful performances, Gabourey Sidibe as Claireece “Precious” Jones, Mo’Nique as Mary, Paula Patton as Ms Rain, Lenny Kravitz as Nurse John, Mariah Carey as Ms Weiss, Sherri Shepherd as Cornrows, Grace Hightower as a cameo, produced by Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
Worldwide gross: $63,649,529
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $87,970,697
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,078
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 9,593,315
US/Canada gross: $47,566,524
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $65,742,203
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 954
US/Canada opening weekend: $1,872,458
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $2,587,944
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,175
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $10,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $13,821,107
Production budget ranking: 1,540
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $7,442,666
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $66,706,923
ROI to date (est.): 314%
ROI ranking: 445
Mo’Nique – Mary
Paula Patton – Ms. Rain
Lenny Kravitz – Nurse John
Mariah Carey – Ms. Weiss
Sherri Shepherd – Cornrows
Director(s)
Lee Daniels
Writer(s)
Geoffrey Fletcher
Producer(s)
Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
Film Festivals
Berlin
Awards & Nominations
Won 2 Oscars
113 wins & 103 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Writing Winners, Oscar Nominees, Oscar Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published Winners, Oscar Winners
All Critics (239) | Top Critics (70) | Fresh (219) | Rotten (20)
When discussing comedians who became dramatic actors, Oscar winners Robin Williams and Jamie Foxx come to mind, as do Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. But none had a more extreme transformation than Mo’Nique for Precious.
March 31, 2020
Jenna Marotta
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
This is either a good film with quite a few flaws, or a flawed film which is also quite good, but that’s all right. None of us is perfect, after all.
August 30, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
The performances of Sidibe and Mo’Nique are extraordinary and spellbinding.
January 17, 2018
Ed Koch
The Atlantic
TOP CRITIC
… Precious is a true story of survival and hope and not to be missed.
September 12, 2017 | Rating: A
Candice Frederick
Reel Talk Online
TOP CRITIC
The remarkable Sidibe is one of several daring casting choices by director Lee Daniels.
April 4, 2011 | Rating: 3.5/4
Rafer Guzman
Newsday
TOP CRITIC
It is a classical tragedy in the Greek sense, and runs its characters (and viewers) through a wringer of pity and terror on the way to its devastating catharsis.
April 4, 2011
Jason Bailey
DVDTalk.com
TOP CRITIC
As she embarks on a journey for redemption, respect and self-affirming validation, we as an audience can only hold on to our seats, watching her take the bumps and bruises that lay in her path.
January 25, 2022
Kevin Heard
Call and Post (Cleveland)
Boasts several of the most outstanding performances of the year, along with a relentlessly taxing plot and disquietingly unforgettable imagery.
November 29, 2020 | Rating: 10/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe shows that we don’t need the fantasy sequences to reveal what Precious is feeling, conveying her character’s lifetime of hurt with blazing intensity.
November 27, 2020
Jason Best
Movie Talk
Do yourself a favor and take a chance on Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones.
September 20, 2020 | Rating: 4.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
A strong female cast led by Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique and singer Mariah Carey add both grace and gravity to unbelievably trying circumstances.
July 22, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
For its portrait of a complex young woman caught in horrific circumstances, Lee Daniels’ story – embellished by some incredible performances – is truly exceptional.
January 23, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Charleston City Paper…
Plot
In 1987 Harlem, 16-year-old Claireece Jones, who goes by her middle name, Precious, is illiterate, overweight, and pregnant
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Mo’Nique’s performance as Mary, Precious’ abusive mother, is described as “machismo, cruel, heartless, vain, and abusive” and “one of the best performances in Mo’Nique’s career and probably the most realistic.”
Lee-Daniels.jpg