Life Itself (2014)
93%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 4 nominations
Rich in detail and warmly affectionate, Life Itself offers a joyful yet poignant tribute to a critical cinematic legacy.
Life Itself is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the life of Roger Ebert. It’s like a love letter to the late film critic, showcasing his passion for movies and his impact on the industry. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of Ebert, you’ll still find yourself invested in his story and moved by his legacy. Plus, it’s always fun to see clips of classic movies and hear Ebert’s witty commentary. Two thumbs up for Life Itself!
Production Company(ies)
Film Nation Entertainment, Nostromo Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment,
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language including sexual references, some violent images and brief drug use
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 0m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 4, 2014 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 17, 2015
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, Roger Ebert, film critic, alcoholism, rivalry, Gene Siskel, Steve James, Zak Piper, Garrett Basch, Magnolia Pictures, R rating, English, box office, budget, reviewed by Jason Bailey, David Stratton, Alissa Wilkinson, Bruce Kirkland, Jake Coyle, Ann Hornaday, Michael J Casey, Richard Crouse, Richard Propes, Allen Almachar, Mattie Lucas, Rachel Wagner, audience score, critic score, Let Him Go, Jodorowsky’s Dune, Best of Enemies, The Rider, Gleason, Thor: Love and Thunder, Marvel Movies, Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Terminal List, H.P Lovecraft’s Witch House, 11th Hour Cleaning, Sh*t Saves the World, Stay Prayed Up, Final Caller, Girl in the Picture, Hello, Goodbye, Everything in Between, Confessions from the Hart, The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus, The Sea Beast, Moon, 66 Questions, Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel, The Road to Galena, Incantation, Dangerous Liaisons, Jewel, Warriors on the Field, Fair Play
Worldwide gross: $7,997,774
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $9,411,571
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,979
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,026,344
US/Canada gross: $4,102,648
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $4,827,889
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,820
US/Canada opening weekend: $2,123,463
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $2,498,836
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,181
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $10,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $11,767,738
Production budget ranking: 1,604
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $6,336,927
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$8,693,094
ROI to date (est.): -48%
ROI ranking: 1,679
Ava DuVernay – self
Steve James – Director
Zak Piper – Producer
Steve James – Producer
Garrett Basch – Producer
Director(s)
Steve James
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Zak Piper, Steve James, Garrett Basch
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 4 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (203) | Top Critics (68) | Fresh (198) | Rotten (5)
No film in the festival is as critic-friendly; watching it, I finally understood how football players must feel about ‘Brian’s Song’.
June 18, 2016
Jason Bailey
Flavorwire
TOP CRITIC
This is a sometimes painful but always inspiring tribute to one of the great members of our profession.
January 5, 2015 | Rating: 4/5
David Stratton
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
Movies help us think about who we are and how we live together. And as a movie, Life Itself is a heartfelt, clear-eyed tribute to a master.
January 5, 2015 | Rating: 3/4
Alissa Wilkinson
Christianity Today
TOP CRITIC
With Ebert’s blessing and encouragement, Life Itself is a warts-and-all look at how the son of an Illinois electrician and housewife became a prolific writer who spent 46 years as the film critic at the Chicago Sun Times.
January 5, 2015 | Rating: 3.5/5
Bruce Kirkland
Toronto Sun
TOP CRITIC
What comes through most in Life Itself, a film named after Ebert’s 2011 memoir, is his great, open-minded vigor.
January 5, 2015
Jake Coyle
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
If you aren’t moved by Life Itself, you ought to have your heart examined.
January 5, 2015 | Rating: 3/4
Ann Hornaday
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Two thumbs up.
June 14, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Michael J. Casey
Boulder Weekly
Never shies away from the difficult parts of the story. Moments of frustration and pain are included but ultimately the doc is a wake for the late film critic. Stories are shared, secrets are told and a life is celebrated.
February 1, 2021 | Rating: 4.5/5
Richard Crouse
Richard Crouse
Life Itself is a reminder, I suppose, that when the human spirit lives on we never really lose our voice.
September 14, 2020 | Rating: 4.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
A heartfelt exploration of a man who opened film up for the world.
July 20, 2020 | Rating: A
Allen Almachar
The MacGuffin
Life Itself is not a film of mourning, it is a film of celebration. It is not a lionization, it is an exploration. But most importantly I think it is a film that Roger would be proud of.
July 5, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/4
Mattie Lucas
The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)
I loved this movie… partly because I loved Roger.
June 28, 2019
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)…
Plot
As a young New York couple goes from college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, the unexpected twists of their journey create reverberations that echo over continents and through lifetimes in Life Itself. Director and writer Dan Fogelman (“This Is Us”) examines the perils and rewards of everyday life in a multi-generational saga featuring an international ensemble including Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Olivia Cooke, Sergio Peris- Mencheta, Laia Costa, Alex Monner and Mandy Patinkin. Set in New York City and Carmona, Spain, Life Itself celebrates the human condition and all of its complications with humor, poignancy and love.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Life Itself is a documentary about film critic Roger Ebert, directed by Steve James and produced by Zak Piper, Steve James, and Garrett Basch.
Steve-James.jpg
93%
Three Identical Strangers (2018)
93%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys
11 wins & 59 nominations total
Surreal and surprising, Three Identical Strangers effectively questions the nature of reality and identity.
If you’re looking for a documentary that will make you question everything you thought you knew about nature vs. nurture, then Three Identical Strangers is the film for you. This movie tells the unbelievable true story of triplets who were separated at birth and reunited years later, only to discover that their lives had been manipulated by a sinister scientific experiment. It’s a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and you won’t be able to stop talking about it with your friends afterwards. Just be prepared to have your mind blown!
Production Company(ies)
Eisei Gekijo Hakuhodo Nippon Shuppan Hanbai K. K.
Distributor
Neon, CNN Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
La Jolla, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some mature thematic material
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 36m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 29, 2018 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 2, 2018
Genre(s)
Documentary/Biography
Keyword(s)
documentary, biography, drama, separated at birth, triplets, adoption, reunion, secret, reality, identity, surreal, surprising, nature vs nurture, global sensation, radical repercussions, PG-13, English, Tim Wardle, directed by, Grace Hughes-Hallett, written by, Becky Read, produced by, Neon, CNN Films, box office, gross USA, $12.3M, critic reviews, reviewed by, Tomatometer, audience score, Robert Shafran, David Kellman, Lawrence Wright, Will Ennis, Scotty Murray, Silvi Alzetta-Reali, cast and crew, Claudia Puig, David Sexton, Suzi Feay, Ryan Gilbey, Mark Kermode, Kevin Maher, Daniel Howat, Brian Eggert, Taylor Baker, Hosea Rupprecht, Nathan Mattise, Carlos M, Philip P, Alec B, John C, horror movies, RT podcasts, Netflix series, MCU movies, TV premiere dates, worst horror movies, verified purchase, Fresh Kernels, Tomatometer, feedback, critic submission, licensing, advertise, careers, newsletter, Fandango
Worldwide gross: $13,448,497
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $15,825,838
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,798
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,725,828
US/Canada gross: $12,320,845
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,498,847
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,505
US/Canada opening weekend: $171,503
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $201,820
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,663
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
David Kellman – Self
Lawrence Wright – Self
Will Ennis – Self
Scotty Murray – Self
Silvi Alzetta-Reali – Self
Tim Wardle – Director
Grace Hughes-Hallett – Producer, Writer
Becky Read – Producer
Director(s)
Tim Wardle
Writer(s)
Grace Hughes-Hallett
Producer(s)
Grace Hughes-Hallett, Becky Read
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys
11 wins & 59 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (188) | Top Critics (57) | Fresh (181) | Rotten (7)
The cliché “stranger than fiction” is probably used a little too freely, but this really is that.
December 14, 2019
Claudia Puig
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
It combines interviews, archive footage and dramatic reconstructions to take us as close in to the story as possible, not coming to any conclusions. You won’t be able to look away.
February 28, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
David Sexton
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
This haunting documentary uncovers as much of the truth as is possible.
February 22, 2019 | Rating: 5/5
Suzi Feay
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
Dramatises the nature vs nurture argument in a murky and intriguing way. If only its stylistic mannerisms didn’t threaten to obscure the storytelling.
January 26, 2019
Ryan Gilbey
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
It was a story that was really well told… very engrossing.
December 4, 2018
Mark Kermode
Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
TOP CRITIC
It never loses sight of the three scarred subjects at the core of the tale, and of the sense of profound injustice inflicted on blameless children. Unmissable.
December 3, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Kevin Maher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
This documentary manages to reveal surprise after surprise throughout the film, keeping the audience reeled in while posing important questions about how we become the people we are.
May 19, 2022 | Rating: 7/10
Daniel Howat
Next Best Picture
As many great documentaries do, Three Identical Strangers begins with a kernel of an idea and develops into something else, growing and expanding as it goes along, until the title feels almost inadequate.
March 11, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
…be skeptical of any project where sweeping claims are made about nature vs. nurture.
August 22, 2021 | Rating: 35/100
Taylor Baker
Drink in the Movies
As a person of faith watching this film, especially with an adopted brother of my own with his own amazing story, I was moved by the love the brothers in each other after so many years apart
August 13, 2021
Hosea Rupprecht
Pauline Center for Media Studies
Three Identical Strangers is best experienced blind, but be sure to have a few colleagues (or commenters) to discuss it with soon after.
July 28, 2021
Nathan Mattise
Ars Technica
It would be unfair to expect this movie to have a lot of answers.
February 18, 2021
Fletcher Powell
KMUW – Wichita Public Radio…
Plot
New York, 1980: three complete strangers accidentally discover that they are identical triplets, separated at birth. The 19-year-olds’ joyous reunion catapults them to international fame, but it also unlocks an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes beyond their own lives – and could transform our understanding of human nature forever.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
NA
Tim-Wardle.jpg
93%
Paddington 2 (2018)
93%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: 14 wins & 50 nominations total
Paddington 2 honors its star’s rich legacy with a sweet-natured sequel whose adorable visuals are matched by a story perfectly balanced between heartwarming family fare and purely enjoyable all-ages adventure.
Paddington 2 is the kind of movie that makes you want to hug a bear. And not just any bear, but a polite, well-mannered, and downright adorable bear. This sequel is even better than the first, with a heartwarming story that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the warm fuzzies. The cast is fantastic, the visuals are stunning, and the message of acceptance and kindness is more important now than ever. So grab some marmalade sandwiches and settle in for a delightful ride with Paddington and his friends. You won’t regret it!
Production Company(ies)
Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Dublin, Ireland
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some action and mild rude humor
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Atmos Auro 11.1 SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 43m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2018 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 24, 2018
Genre(s)
Comedy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, directed by Paul King, written by Paul King, Simon Farnaby, comedy, adventure, PG rating, box office gross $38.4M, produced by David Heyman, reviewed by Karen Han, Michael Sragow, Ben Sachs, Roxana Hadadi, Chris Stuckmann, Katie Walsh, Dennis Harvey, Justin Brown, Brandon Collins, Cate Young, Eddie Harrison, Nick Levine, Paddington, pop-up book, thief, family, community, marmalade, Aunt Lucy, birthday, Knuckles McGinty, Mrs Bird, Warner Bros Pictures, Dolby Atmos, Scope (2.35:1), 2017, 1h 43m, English (United Kingdom), sweet-natured, heartwarming, all-ages adventure, perfect, sequel, charming, delightful, magical, Hugh Grant’s terrific villain, beautiful production design, kids and adults, Mission-Impossible-worthy, top horror movies, RT Podcasts, most anticipated movies, best Netflix series, renewed & cancelled TV shows 2022, worst horror movies of all time, Fandango
Worldwide gross: $227,994,792
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $268,298,288
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 552
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 29,258,265
US/Canada gross: $40,907,738
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $48,139,153
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,086
US/Canada opening weekend: $11,001,961
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $12,946,819
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 860
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $40,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $47,070,950
Production budget ranking: 838
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $25,347,707
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $195,879,631
ROI to date (est.): 270%
ROI ranking: 502
Hugh Grant – Phoenix Buchanan
Sally Hawkins – Mary Brown
Hugh Bonneville – Henry Brown
Brendan Gleeson – Knuckles McGinty
Julie Walters – Mrs. Bird
Director(s)
Paul King
Writer(s)
Paul King, Simon Farnaby
Producer(s)
David Heyman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
14 wins & 50 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (250) | Top Critics (65) | Fresh (248) | Rotten (2)
The thing about the Paddington movies is that they are perfect.
September 29, 2020
Karen Han
Polygon
TOP CRITIC
Is anything as improbable as a “feel-good” movie that actually leaves us feeling terrific? How about two of them in the same series?
March 2, 2018
Michael Sragow
Film Comment Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The Paddington films preach a message of acceptance that’s no less straightforward than that of The Shape of Water, encouraging viewers to share in the hero’s tolerant worldview.
February 1, 2018
Ben Sachs
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
How rare that a sequel improves upon its original, and rarer still is a perfect film. But Paddington 2 is both, encouraging gentleness, politeness, and decency.
January 26, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Roxana Hadadi
Chesapeake Family Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Paddington 2 surprised the hell out of me, and this is coming from somebody who loved the first. This is a sequel that doesn’t disappoint.
January 25, 2018 | Rating: A
Chris Stuckmann
ChrisStuckmann.com
TOP CRITIC
A dash of Wes Anderson and a sprinkle of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, swirled around with a wonderfully fluid sense of airiness and light. It’s mannered, yet carefree, colorful, and evocative.
January 25, 2018 | Rating: 4/4
Katie Walsh
Tribune News Service
TOP CRITIC
The cuddly 2017 sequel that could well be the single best feature film of the last decade no childless adult ever even thought about watching…
May 2, 2022
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills
As a man who is dead inside, I couldn’t fully buy in to the world of Paddington but I watched with my son and he did enjoy it, which is something. Just not for me.
April 29, 2022 | Rating: 2/5
Justin Brown
Medium Popcorn
This was incredibly entertaining and surprised me at every turn. All of the actors committed, the story was very sweet and I laughed several times.
April 29, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Brandon Collins
Medium Popcorn
What so sweet about this film is that it knows that it’s fantastical in its premise, but it invites us to imagine a kinder, softer more sincere world anyway.
November 6, 2021
Cate Young
Thirty, Flirty + Film
…the charm is entirely missing from the two Paddington films….
May 28, 2021 | Rating: 2/5
Eddie Harrison
film-authority.com
The result is another heartwarming and completely charming film with jokes that will tickle kids and adults alike. Bring on Paddington 3.
May 5, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Nick Levine
NME…
Plot
Paddington is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Hugh Grant plays the villain in Paddington 2 and is praised for his performance by both critics and audiences.
Paul-King.jpg
93%
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
93%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Fast, sleek, and fun, Mission: Impossible – Fallout lives up to the “impossible” part of its name by setting yet another high mark for insane set pieces in a franchise full of them.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is the kind of movie that makes you want to jump out of your seat and join in on the action. Tom Cruise may be getting older, but he’s still pulling off stunts that make you wonder if he’s secretly a superhero. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, with one heart-pumping sequence after another. And let’s not forget the incredible cinematography and special effects that make you feel like you’re right there with the characters. This movie is a must-see for anyone who loves a good action flick, and even for those who don’t, because it’s just that good.
Production Company(ies)
Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions,
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 27m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 27, 2018 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 23, 2018
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, written by Christopher McQuarrie, action, adventure, PG-13, box office, budget, reviewed by J.R Jones, Mick LaSalle, Michael Sragow, Anupama Chopra, Robert Daniels, Adam Kempenaar, Daniel Howat, Brian Eggert, Catherine Gonzales, Taylor Baker, Kip Mooney, Ethan Hunt, IMF, CIA, August Walker, John Lark, Apostles, plutonium cores, Vatican, Jerusalem, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Paramount Pictures, DTS, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Scope (2.35:1), Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise, Jake Myers, J.J Abrams
Worldwide gross: $791,115,104
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $220,159,104
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
Henry Cavill – August Walker
Ving Rhames – Luther Stickell
Simon Pegg – Benji Dunn
Rebecca Ferguson – Ilsa Faust
Sean Harris – Solomon Lane
Director – Christopher McQuarrie
Producers – Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Jake Myers, J.J. Abrams
Writer – Christopher McQuarrie
Director(s)
Christopher McQuarrie
Writer(s)
Christopher McQuarrie
Producer(s)
Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Jake Myers, J.J. Abrams
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (440) | Top Critics (97) | Fresh (428) | Rotten (12)
Ironically, the most entertaining element of all may be the star’s advancing age; Cruise, well into his 50s, scores numerous laughs as the increasingly confused CIA agent, leaping into one spectacular stunt after another and then wishing he hadn’t.
December 21, 2018
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The thought crosses the mind: Where can it go from here? The answer is pretty much everywhere. It keeps on going and going, following one exciting sequence with another and then another.
December 21, 2018
Mick LaSalle
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
I stayed to the final credit, in case there was a clever tag, but I didn’t feel cheated when there wasn’t one. I needed the time to catch my breath.
September 27, 2018
Michael Sragow
Film Comment Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is a delirious fantasy which delivers a super-sized kick.
August 27, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Anupama Chopra
Film Companion
TOP CRITIC
Mission Impossible is the greatest film franchise in cinematic history
August 26, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/4
Robert Daniels
812filmreviews
TOP CRITIC
F. Scott Fitzgerald said “action is character” — which, if true, means the Ethan Hunt we see in Fallout is the most complex movie character of all time.
August 24, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5
Adam Kempenaar
Filmspotting
TOP CRITIC
Even in their sixth installment, the Mission: Impossible films remain a breath of fresh air amidst the CGI-fueled superhero spectacles of the summer.
May 19, 2022 | Rating: 8/10
Daniel Howat
Next Best Picture
With Fallout, McQuarrie delivers not only the best film in the franchise after De Palma’s slick original, but one of the great films of artfully photographed and technically monumental action.
March 11, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
“It was the right amount of practical, with the slightly ‘oh, come on!’ experience, which is what I want in a movie. Cruise is better than never.”
February 12, 2022
Catherine Gonzales
Shuffle Online
…this should make for one of your Dad’s favorite movies of the decade.
August 22, 2021 | Rating: 88/100
Taylor Baker
Drink in the Movies
This is the best, most relentless, most well-executed action movie since Mad Max: Fury Road.
August 21, 2021 | Rating: A-
Kip Mooney
College Movie Review
It’s the perfect summer action movie.
June 24, 2021 | Rating: 4 / 5
Nicolás Delgadillo
Discussing Film…
Plot
Ethan Hunt and his team must race against time to prevent a group of terrorists from using stolen plutonium cores for a simultaneous nuclear attack on the Vatican, Jerusalem, and Mecca in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Tom Cruise performs his own stunts in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, including a high-altitude jump from a plane at 25,000 feet.
Christopher-McQuarrie.jpg
93%
The Guilty (Den skyldige) (2018)
93%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Sleek, well-acted, and intelligently crafted, The Guilty is a high-concept thriller that wrings maximum impact out of a handful of basic – and effective – ingredients.
The Guilty is a Danish thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat, even though it takes place in just a few drab rooms. The film’s clever use of modern communications adds to the tension, and the twists and turns will leave you guessing until the very end. Despite its limitations, The Guilty is a masterclass in suspense and proves that a sharp script is the best special effect. So make the right call and watch this movie immediately!
Production Company(ies)
Fine Line Features, Capitol Films, Channel Four Films,
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Netflix), Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language throughout.
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 25m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 19, 2018 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 5, 2019
Genre(s)
Drama/Crime
Keyword(s)
starring Jakob Cedergren, Jessica Dinnage, Omar Shargawi, Johan Olsen, Jacob Lohmann, Katinka Evers-Jahnsen, directed by Gustav Möller, written by Gustav Möller, Emil Nygaard Albertsen, drama, crime, mystery, thriller, R rating, box office gross $206.2K, reviewed by Ben Sachs, Paul Byrnes, David Stratton, Tom Long, Wendy Ide, Gus Edgar, Brian Eggert, Ruth Maramis, Taylor Baker, David Nusair, Dennis Harvey, single location, emergency call, kidnapped woman, police officer, alarm dispatcher, high-concept thriller, basic ingredients, effective, intelligently crafted, well-acted, sleek, maximum impact, strengths and weaknesses of modern communications, Danish, Magnolia Pictures, Lina Flint, Asger Holm, Iben, Rashid, Michael, Bo, Mathilde
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
Jessica Dinnage – Iben
Omar Shargawi – Rashid
Johan Olsen – Michael
Jacob Lohmann – Bo
Katinka Evers-Jahnsen – Mathilde
Director(s)
Gustav Möller
Writer(s)
Gustav Möller, Emil Nygaard Albertsen
Producer(s)
Lina Flint
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (120) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (117) | Rotten (3)
This Danish potboiler is organized around a few nimbly executed plot twists, and like many similarly designed thrillers, it leaves the audience with little to think about once all the surprises have been revealed.
April 13, 2020
Ben Sachs
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The Guilty is a clever Danish thriller that takes full advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of modern communications.
February 25, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5
Paul Byrnes
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
Despite its self-imposed limitations, the skilfully made The Guilty excels as a compelling and tense evening in the cinema.
February 22, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
David Stratton
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
“The Guilty” is a nerve-wracking exercise in tension that also manages to reveal itself in layers, leaving assumptions dashed on the floor.
January 25, 2019 | Rating: B+
Tom Long
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
A masterclass in wringing breathless tension from just a few key ingredients.
October 29, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Make the right call and watch this immediately.
October 26, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Gus Edgar
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
Despite the film taking place in a few drab rooms filled with computer monitors and coworkers out of focus in the background, it somehow manages to be uncommonly engaging.
March 2, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Films contained in a single location like this only works efficiently when you’ve got a sharp, astute script… how refreshing to see a film where the writing is the best special effects.
September 20, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Ruth Maramis
FlixChatter Film Blog
Episode 23: Vox Lux / The Guilty / Shoplifters / The Mule / Rififi
September 3, 2021 | Rating: 82/100
Taylor Baker
Drink in the Movies
…compulsively watchable…
December 2, 2020 | Rating: 3/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
There are some startling yet credible twists, and Cedergren’s performance gradually reveals complex layers in a character who at first seems anything but complicated, or sympathetic.
October 22, 2020
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills
Its simplicity sometimes dips into shallowness, but for most of its 85 minutes, The Guilty is quiet and self-assured.
July 24, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
Matt Cipolla
Film Monthly…
Plot
The film takes place over the course of a single morning in a 911 dispatch call center. Call operator Joe Baylor (Gyllenhaal) tries to save a caller in grave danger-but he soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and facing the truth is the only way out.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Jakob Cedergren delivers a terrific central performance in The Guilty.
Gustav-Möller.jpg
93%
God’s Own Country (2017)
93%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
32 wins & 40 nominations total
A quiet, moving rumination on loneliness and newfound intimacy, God’s Own Country marks an outstanding directorial debut for Francis Lee.
God’s Own Country is a film that will make you want to move to the countryside, even if it means getting dung-splattered boots. The electrifying feature debut by writer-director Francis Lee is a universal tale about giving yourself over to love, even when you seem hopelessly broken. The performances by Josh O’Connor and Alec Secareanu are aching and real, making their romance feel authentic. This is not just a movie about coming out, but a story about the challenges of living and loving. It’s a beautifully poignant slow burn that will leave you wanting more. Highly recommended!
Production Company(ies)
Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment,
Distributor
Orion Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Films
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Laycock, Keighley, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2017
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 44m
-
Language(s):English, Romanian, Bulgarian
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 25, 2017 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2018
Genre(s)
Drama/Romance
Keyword(s)
God’s Own Country, drama, romance, LGBTQ+, 2017, 1h 44m, directed by Francis Lee, written by Francis Lee, produced by Manon Ardisson and Jack Tarling, starring Josh O’Connor as Johnny Saxby, Alec Secareanu as Gheorghe Ionescu, Gemma Jones as Deidre Saxby, Ian Hart as Martin Saxby, Patsy Ferran as Robyn, Melanie Kilburn as Gloria, box office gross USA $281.5K, Tomatometer 98%, audience score 87%, reviewed by J.R Jones, Richard Whittaker, Cary Darling, Isaac Feldberg, Michael O’Sullivan, David Lewis, Ben Turner, Olly Richards, Stefan Pape, Dennis Harvey, Stephen A Russell, Amanda Jane Stern, drama about a young farmer numbing his frustrations with drinking and casual sex until a Romanian migrant worker sets him on a new path, Orion Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Films, flat aspect ratio (1.85:1), rent/buy from $2.99, subscription
Worldwide gross: $2,559,939
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,087,891
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,310
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 336,738
US/Canada gross: $335,609
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $404,824
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,381
US/Canada opening weekend: $17,768
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $21,432
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,493
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
Alec Secareanu – Gheorghe Ionescu
Gemma Jones – Deidre Saxby
Ian Hart – Martin Saxby
Patsy Ferran – Robyn
Melanie Kilburn – Gloria
Director(s)
Francis Lee
Writer(s)
Francis Lee
Producer(s)
Manon Ardisson, Jack Tarling
Film Festivals
Sundance, Berlin
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
32 wins & 40 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (130) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (127) | Rotten (3)
Writer-director Francis Lee creates a more credible rural milieu, anchored in the grubby details of raising livestock and the furious emotional repression of his male characters.
April 17, 2020
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Earnest, honest, accurate, and unrelenting, this is the true romance of the countryside, dung-splattered boots and all.
December 28, 2017 | Rating: 3.5/5
Richard Whittaker
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Director/writer Francis Lee’s electrifying feature debut is a working-class, fun-house mirror version of “Call Me By Your Name’s” upper-class pretensions and is equally, if not more, rewarding because of it.
November 30, 2017 | Rating: 4.5/5
Cary Darling
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
But O’Connor and Secareanu give such aching performances that their romance feels real.
November 15, 2017 | Rating: 3.5/4
Isaac Feldberg
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
The film by writer-director Francis Lee, who grew up on a Yorkshire farm before turning to acting – and, later, filmmaking – is sweet, even if Johnny is not.
November 9, 2017 | Rating: 2.5/4
Michael O’Sullivan
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
This is not a movie about coming out and the collateral damage that ensues. It’s a universal tale about giving yourself over to love, even when you seem hopelessly broken.
November 9, 2017 | Rating: 4/4
David Lewis
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
As LGBT+ films go, this is the cream of the crop. And as British films go, this is undoubtedly one of the strongest of the year.
September 2, 2021 | Rating: 5/5
Ben Turner
The Pink Lens
Lee steers away from obvious story beats we think are coming and never allows himself an easy emotion. In his world, living is hard and loving is harder, but, says this wonderful film, the challenge is worth facing.
April 23, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Olly Richards
NME
Tender romantic drama has graphic sex, drinking, language.
December 2, 2020 | Rating: 5/5
Stefan Pape
Common Sense Media
God’s Own Country [is] the celluloid gay love story of the year.
October 19, 2020
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills
One of the finest films about love in many years, hot on the heels of Oscar-winning Moonlight, God’s Own Country feels like the film we need right now in the midst of Australia’s marriage equality debate.
August 19, 2020 | Rating: 5/5
Stephen A. Russell
The New Daily (Australia)
This movie is a beautifully poignant slow burn with a stellar cast. I highly recommend you watch God’s Own Country.
May 19, 2020
Amanda Jane Stern
Film Inquiry…
Plot
A young farmer numbs his frustrations with drinking and casual sex until a Romanian migrant worker sets him on a new path in God’s Own Country.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film God’s Own Country features a stellar cast, including Josh O’Connor, Alec Secareanu, Gemma Jones, Ian Hart, and Patsy Ferran.
Francis-Lee.jpg
93%
The Breadwinner (2017)
93%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
22 wins & 56 nominations total
The Breadwinner’s stunning visuals are matched by a story that dares to confront sobering real-life issues with uncommon — and richly rewarding — honesty.
The Breadwinner is a beautifully animated film that tells the story of a young girl’s struggle for survival in a war-torn country. It’s a heart-wrenching tale that will leave you feeling inspired and moved. The animation is stunning, and the story is both intense and inspiring. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves great animation and powerful storytelling. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be transported to a world of magic, wonder, and heartache.
Production Company(ies)
Am Psycho Productions, Lions Gate Films, Muse Productions,
Distributor
GKIDS
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
N: Rated PG-13 for thematic material including some violent images
Year of Release
2017
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 34m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2017 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 17, 2018
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
The Breadwinner, PG-13, drama, 1h 34m, directed by Nora Twomey, written by Anita Doron and Deborah Ellis, produced by Angelina Jolie, Anthony Leo, Tomm Moore, Andrew Rosen, Paul Young, starring Saara Chaudry, Laara Sadiq, Shaista Latif, Ali Badshah, Noorin Gulamgaus, Kawa Ada, box office gross $302.9K, reviewed by Donald Clarke, Mark Kermode, Charlotte O’Sullivan, Philip De Semlyen, Ed Potton, Robbie Collin, Matt Brunson, Richard Crouse, Leigh Monson, John Lui, Katie Smith-Wong, PG-13 rating, Afghanistan, Taliban rule, wrongful arrest, family, gender roles, survival, fantasy stories, animation, Oscar nomination, real-life issues, honesty, sobering, stunning visuals, epic quest, bravery, laughter, humour, children, violence, thematic material, distributor GKIDS
Worldwide gross: $2,790,214
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,365,657
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,285
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 367,029
US/Canada gross: $313,215
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $377,811
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,401
US/Canada opening weekend: $17,395
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $20,982
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,499
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
Laara Sadiq – Fattema (Voice)
Shaista Latif – Soraya (Voice)
Ali Badshah – Nurullah (Voice)
Noorin Gulamgaus – Idrees, Sulayman (Voice)
Kawa Ada – Razaq (Voice)
Director(s)
Nora Twomey
Writer(s)
Anita Doron, Deborah Ellis
Producer(s)
Angelina Jolie, Anthony Leo, Tomm Moore, Andrew Rosen, Paul Young
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
22 wins & 56 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (105) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (100) | Rotten (5)
A fantastical myth, woven through the propulsive main story, serves as a distraction to the characters in their most distressed moments. Story as lesson. Story as history. Also, story as entertainment. Story as escape.
June 2, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Donald Clarke
Irish Times
TOP CRITIC
Along with the eerie beauty of the animation there is a salving streak of humour that softens this tale’s sharper edges, reminding us that – for children – laughter and bravery walk hand in hand.
May 27, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Mark Kermode
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
This beautiful and continually surprising film makes us think about what children can and can’t bear.
May 25, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Charlotte O’Sullivan
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
This is a day-to-day survival story that stirs the heart and fires the imagination.
May 25, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Philip De Semlyen
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Not the most obvious subjects for a family animation, but The Breadwinner tackles them all with devastating economy.
May 24, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Ed Potton
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The Breadwinner is thrillingly alive with the delicacy, artistry and wit of human touch.
May 24, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Robbie Collin
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Unlike the dismal box office hit The Boss Baby, here’s a toon flick that fully deserved its Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.
August 31, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
Beautifully animated, it’s intense, inspiring and further proof that good storytelling is good storytelling regardless of milieu.
February 3, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/5
Richard Crouse
Richard Crouse
A remarkably solid film about perseverance and hardship in a society dominated by those who insist that might makes right.
October 2, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
Leigh Monson
Substream Magazine
While there is more than a moment of bleak humour – in scenes showing that when one is arguing with the armed religious right, the worst thing one can do is win – much of the story plays out as a tense survival story.
June 8, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
John Lui
The Straits Times (Singapore)
Overall, The Breadwinner is a strong debut for Twomey and a beautifully animated adaptation of Ellis’ novel.
November 12, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Katie Smith-Wong
Flick Feast
Its effective animation, and its solid script are the icing on the cake. [Full Review in Spanish]
July 18, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Mikel Zorrilla
Espinof…
Plot
In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in 2001, an 11-year-old girl named Parvana disguises herself as a boy to support her family after her father is wrongfully arrested, and embarks on a dangerous quest to find him and reunite her family in The Breadwinner.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Saara Chaudry voices the main character, Parvana, in The Breadwinner.
Nora-Twomey.jpg
93%
The Big Sick (2017)
93%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
18 wins & 100 nominations total
Funny, heartfelt, and intelligent, The Big Sick uses its appealing leads and cross-cultural themes to prove the standard romcom formula still has some fresh angles left to explore.
The Big Sick” is the perfect rom-com for anyone who’s ever fallen in love, or just fallen for a good laugh. With unexpected surprises and a mix of humor, drama, and romance, this movie is an utter delight that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, it’s got a message that’s more important now than ever: cultures may be different, but they can coexist peacefully. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with “The Big Sick.
Production Company(ies)
Apatow Productions, Film Nation Entertainment, Story Ink
Distributor
Amazon Studios, Lionsgate Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language including some sexual references
Year of Release
2017
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 0m
-
Language(s):English, Urdu
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 14, 2017 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 19, 2017
Genre(s)
Comedy/Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff, directed by Michael Showalter, written by Emily V Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani, comedy, romance, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Elissa Suh, Donald Clarke, Jake Wilson, Naman Ramachandran, Wenlei Ma, Mark Kermode, Brian Eggert, David Gonzalez, Drew Dietsch, Matt Brunson, Olly Richards, Richard Crouse, produced by Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, MPAA rating R, Pakistani, American, Muslim, illness, coma, cross-cultural, relationships, cultural differences, racism, heartfelt, intelligent, fresh angles, appealing leads, traditional, Muslim parents, concerned mother, father
Worldwide gross: $56,411,585
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $68,045,689
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,204
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 7,420,468
US/Canada gross: $42,873,127
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $51,715,112
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,056
US/Canada opening weekend: $421,577
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $508,521
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,399
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $6,031,180
Production budget ranking: 1,843
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $3,247,791
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $58,766,718
ROI to date (est.): 633%
ROI ranking: 197
Zoe Kazan – Emily
Holly Hunter – Beth
Ray Romano – Terry
Anupam Kher – Azmat
Zenobia Shroff – Sharmeen
Director(s)
Michael Showalter
Writer(s)
Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani
Producer(s)
Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel
Film Festivals
Sundance, South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
18 wins & 100 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (306) | Top Critics (76) | Fresh (301) | Rotten (5)
…a universality that should prove broad enough for even the most close-minded of viewers…
March 12, 2020
Elissa Suh
StageBuddy.com
TOP CRITIC
What sets the film apart is an oddness that could only have sprung from real life. That and sincerity, compassion, humanity.
August 7, 2017 | Rating: 4/5
Donald Clarke
Irish Times
TOP CRITIC
After a slow start, the film gradually accumulates funny and surprising details, many of them surely drawn directly from life.
August 4, 2017 | Rating: 3/5
Jake Wilson
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
The film’s message – that cultures are different but can coexist peacefully – is a welcome one in these riven times.
August 1, 2017
Naman Ramachandran
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
This is the kind of rom-com anyone can get behind – even the manliest of Vin Diesel-watching men – because there’s nothing more universal than falling in love.
August 1, 2017 | Rating: 4.5/5
Wenlei Ma
News.com.au
TOP CRITIC
A comedy with heart and soul to spare.
July 30, 2017 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Kermode
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The Big Sick feels authentic yet familiar, endearing and consistently funny – a curious mix that provides a real-life example of how Nanjiani and Gordon’s life together imitates art.
March 23, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
The Big Sick falls under one of my favorite criteria in film watching unexpected surprises.
February 18, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
David Gonzalez
Reel Talk Inc.
An utter delight that mines the right kinds of humor, drama, and romance out of such a personal story.
December 29, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Drew Dietsch
FANDOM
Generously laced with wit and wisdom.
October 6, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
There’s a lot of blackness there from which to find humour and ‘The Big Sick’ mines enormous amounts.
April 22, 2021 | Rating: 5/5
Olly Richards
NME
A crowd-pleaser that still feels personal and intimate.
March 1, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Richard Crouse
Richard Crouse…
Plot
Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani), in the middle of becoming a budding stand-up comedian, meets Emily (Zoe Kazan). Meanwhile, a sudden illness sets in forcing Emily to be put into a medically-induced coma. Kumail must navigate being a comedian, dealing with tragic illness, and placating his family’s desire to let them fix him up with a spouse, while contemplating and figuring out who he really is and what he truly believes.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Holly Hunter puts forth a more ferocious performance as a mother incensed with protecting her child and struggling to make the best decisions to save her child.
Michael-Showalter.jpg
93%
Moana (2016)
93%RT Audience Score: 89%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 2 Oscars
21 wins & 90 nominations total
With a title character as three-dimensional as its lush animation and a story that adds fresh depth to Disney’s time-tested formula, Moana is truly a family-friendly adventure for the ages.
Moana is the perfect movie for anyone who loves a good adventure story with a strong female lead. The animation is absolutely stunning, and the soundtrack is so catchy that you’ll be singing the songs for days. Plus, who doesn’t love a giant, arrogant crab named Tamatoa? Overall, Moana is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be transported to a beautiful, magical world full of heart and soul.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Walt Disney
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Polynesia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements
Year of Release
2016
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Atmos Dolby Surround 7.1 Dolby Digital 12-Track Digital Sound SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 53m
-
Language(s):English, French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 23, 2016 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 7, 2017
Genre(s)
Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, directed by John Musker, Ron Clements, written by Jared Bush, Adventure, PG, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Mey Rude, Kristen Lopez, Stephen Romei, Marc Savlov, Wenlei Ma, Charlotte O’Sullivan, Brian Eggert, Rosa Parra, Hosea Rupprecht, Matt Brunson, Richard Crouse, Jordy Sirkin, Maui, Moana, Gramma Tala, Chief Tui, Tamatoa, Sina, Walt Disney, Dolby Digital, Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Atmos, Osnat Shurer, female empowerment, Pacific Island culture, chosen one trope, catchy music, stunning visuals, family-friendly adventure
Worldwide gross: $643,668,897
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $793,320,991
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 147
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 86,512,649
US/Canada gross: $248,757,044
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $306,592,699
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 182
US/Canada opening weekend: $56,631,401
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $69,798,120
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 138
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $150,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $184,874,785
Production budget ranking: 138
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $99,555,071
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $508,891,135
ROI to date (est.): 179%
ROI ranking: 686
Auli’i Cravalho – Moana – Voice
Rachel House – Gramma Tala – Voice
Temuera Morrison – Chief Tui – Voice
Jemaine Clement – Tamatoa – Voice
Nicole Scherzinger – Sina – Voice
Director(s)
John Musker, Ron Clements
Writer(s)
Jared Bush
Producer(s)
Osnat Shurer
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 2 Oscars
21 wins & 90 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (285) | Top Critics (74) | Fresh (272) | Rotten (13)
It’s a deeply moving and beautiful film that celebrates it’s main character, her culture and her self-empowerment… but she could have been a lot more meaningful and authentic if she reflected and honored a specific Pacific Island culture.
August 18, 2021
Mey Rude
Autostraddle
TOP CRITIC
One of the Mouse House’s most sumptuous looking films from an animation standpoint.
November 20, 2017 | Rating: 3/5
Kristen Lopez
Spectrum Culture
TOP CRITIC
I have a soft spot for the gigantic, arrogant, avaricious crab named Tamatoa.
January 6, 2017 | Rating: 3.5/5
Stephen Romei
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
Who knew the Rock could belt out giddy showstoppers like an old Broadway ham?
December 30, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/5
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Perhaps the most encouraging part of Moana’s feminism is its subtlety. It presents female agency as nothing out of the ordinary – it doesn’t comment on it, there is no patriarchy she’s fighting back against and there’s no love story.
December 22, 2016 | Rating: 4/5
Wenlei Ma
News.com.au
TOP CRITIC
In the next election, can I just vote Disney?
December 4, 2016 | Rating: 4/5
Charlotte O’Sullivan
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
Moana proves so visually stunning that all other qualities recede, and the audience beams afterward in awe of its sheer beauty.
April 5, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Memorable characters, an empowering message and a catchy soundtrack combine to make this incredible movie. Beautiful use of animation.
April 4, 2022 | Rating: 5/5
Rosa Parra
Latinx Lens
Finally, Disney gives us a princess that truly breaks the mold.
August 26, 2021
Hosea Rupprecht
Pauline Center for Media Studies
Better than Finding Dory but not quite reaching the level of Zootopia, the latest Disney animated effort of 2016 adheres pretty much to the formula we’ve come to expect in recent years from the storied studio.
August 17, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
Best of all, you have a new style princess, one who looks to the future while paying homage to the past.
February 3, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Richard Crouse
Richard Crouse
With everything you expect of Disney, Moana has the magic to instantly solidify itself as a Disney classic.
January 2, 2021
Jordy Sirkin
Jordy Reviews It…
Plot
Moana Waialiki is a sea voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a chief in a long line of navigators. When her island’s fishermen can’t catch any fish and the crops fail, she learns that the demigod Maui caused the blight by stealing the heart of the goddess, Te Fiti. The only way to heal the island is to persuade Maui to return Te Fiti’s heart, so Moana sets off on an epic journey across the Pacific. The film is based on stories from Polynesian mythology.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Dwayne Johnson voices the character Maui in Moana.
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93%
The Work (2017)
93%RT Audience Score: 86%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Work takes a gut-wrenching look at lives all too often written off as lost causes, persuasively arguing that growth and change can be waiting where we least expect it.
The Work” is a documentary that will make you feel like you’re watching a group therapy session, but with hardened criminals. It’s like “The Breakfast Club” but with murderers and kidnappers. The film is intense and emotional, and you’ll find yourself rooting for these men to find redemption. It’s a reminder that everyone has a story, and sometimes all it takes is a little vulnerability to change your life. Plus, watching these tough guys cry is surprisingly cathartic.
Production Company(ies)
Warner Bros.,
Distributor
The Orchard
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-PG
Year of Release
2017
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Stereo
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Aspect ratio:1.33 : 1
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Runtime:1h 27m
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Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 25, 2017 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2017
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, Folsom Prison, group therapy, convicts, past, growth, change, Jairus McLeary, Gethin Aldous, Alice Henty, Eon McLeary, Miles McLeary, Angela Sostre, directed by Jairus McLeary, directed by Gethin Aldous, produced by Jairus McLeary, produced by Alice Henty, produced by Eon McLeary, produced by Miles McLeary, produced by Angela Sostre, written by Jairus McLeary, written by Gethin Aldous, genre, box office, budget, reviewed by Raphael Abraham, reviewed by Simran Hans, reviewed by A.A Dowd, reviewed by Marc Savlov, reviewed by Jeannette Catsoulis, reviewed by Robert Abele, reviewed by Kip Mooney, reviewed by Phil Guie, reviewed by Tomas Trussow, reviewed by Jared Mobarak, reviewed by Manuela Lazic, starring unknown actors, MPAA rating, rehabilitation, inmates, darkness, emotional, tough, loud, inspiring, shocking, dynamic, exorcisms, culture, violence, destructive, unburdening, clarity, hurt, searching souls, uplifting, powerful, cheering, soul-searching, gut-wrenching, lost causes, unexpected, aperture, ego-stripping, repetitive, tense, gritty, collective unburdening, face-to-face, darkness, tough-looking guys, pouring their soul out, quell, risk worth taking, immersive, proven, loud, emotional
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
Gethin Aldous – Director, Executive Producer
Rob Allbee – Executive Producer
James McLeary – Executive Producer
Alice Henty – Producer
Eon McLeary – Producer
Miles McLeary – Producer
Angela Sostre – Producer
Director(s)
Jairus McLeary, Gethin Aldous
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Jairus McLeary, Alice Henty, Eon McLeary, Miles McLeary, Angela Sostre
Film Festivals
South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (58) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (58)
Never has a 4,000-year-old aphorism seemed more devastatingly of the moment. But the results are inspiring: it seems The Work works.
December 29, 2017 | Rating: 4/5
Raphael Abraham
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
Sceptics may enter Folsom with suspicion, but these are extraordinary scenes, so shocking and dynamic they might be mistaken for exorcisms.
December 29, 2017 | Rating: 5/5
Simran Hans
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
More than just an advertisement for the process depicted, The Work carries a profound, implicit point about a culture that encourages men to bottle up what they feel, then condemns them after those emotions express themselves in violent, destructive ways.
December 14, 2017
A.A. Dowd
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
True, these hardest of the hard men are killers, kidnappers, and gangbangers, but watching them collapsing into shrieking and sobbing piles of fear, shame, and regret humanizes them, startlingly so.
November 9, 2017 | Rating: 3.5/5
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Opening an aperture into a process so ego-stripping that it feels unseemly to witness, “The Work” is enlightening yet also punishing.
October 26, 2017
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
A simple, tense, gritty auditing of a collective unburdening that obviously brings some needed clarity, and the promise of rehabilitation, to some hurt, searching souls.
October 25, 2017
Robert Abele
TheWrap
TOP CRITIC
Stretched out to nearly an hour and a half, its intensity is diluted and it can feel a little repetitive.
August 28, 2021 | Rating: B-
Kip Mooney
College Movie Review
The men look inward in the most powerful scenes and come face-to-face with the darkness they find. However, it’s the moments afterwards, when they… show love and appreciation that are unexpectedly powerful and uplifting.
May 22, 2019 | Rating: 5/5
Phil Guie
Film-Forward.com
I’m glad something so gruelingly powerful came out of that four-day session. Just the sight of seeing these tough-looking guys cheering someone on for pouring their soul out was very touching to me.
November 10, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5
Tomas Trussow
The Lonely Film Critic
[These inmates] know the darkness that exists within them and that they can help quell it in each other while preventing it from consuming outsiders who’ve yet to act upon it.
October 10, 2018 | Rating: 9/10
Jared Mobarak
Jaredmobarak.com
The daring approach of McLeary and Aldous’ filmmaking, completely immersive without trying to be invisible or to influence the chain of events, is … proven to have been a risk worth taking.
March 21, 2018
Manuela Lazic
Cinema Scope
A tough, loud, emotional thing to experience.
February 9, 2018
Christopher Campbell
Thrillist…
Plot
A television remake of William Gibson’s classic play about Annie Sullivan’s efforts to draw Helen Keller from her world of darkness, blindness, deafness and silence.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast and crew of The Work are primarily made up of first-time filmmakers and former convicts who participated in the therapy sessions depicted in the documentary.
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