Mystify: Michael Hutchence (2020)
96%RT Audience Score: 94%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 7 nominations
Engrossing for casual listeners as well as hardcore fans, Mystify: Michael Hutchence sheds a poignant light on a life and career cut short by tragedy.
If you’re a fan of INXS or just love a good rockumentary, Mystify: Michael Hutchence is a must-watch. This flick will have you hooked from start to finish, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual listener. It’s a real tear-jerker, though, so make sure you have some tissues handy. The film does a great job of showing the highs and lows of Hutchence’s life and career, and it’s a real shame that he was taken from us so soon. But even if you’re not familiar with his music, you’ll still find yourself drawn in by the story of this charismatic and talented frontman. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be mystified.
Production Company(ies)
Ghost Pictures, Passion Pictures,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2019
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Jan 21, 2020
Genre(s)
Documentary/Biography
Keyword(s)
Mystify, Michael Hutchence, documentary, biography, music, Richard Lowenstein, directed by Richard Lowenstein, John Battsek, Andrew de Groot, produced by John Battsek, Andrew de Groot, written by Richard Lowenstein, Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Bono, Lesley Lewis, Lian Lunson, Kathy Lette, starring Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Bono, Lesley Lewis, Lian Lunson, Kathy Lette, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Annie Zaleski, Amy Nicholson, Ed Potton, Wendy Ide, Linda Marric, Trevor Johnston, Greg Wetherall, Stephen A Russell, Carla Hay, Chad Byrnes, Benjamin H Smith, Rob Thomas, MPAA rating, archival footage, private home movies, interviews, INXS, singer, tragedy, poignant light, life, career, casual listeners, hardcore fans, three-dimensional, nuanced view, personality, missing piece, puzzle, heartbreak, self-destruction, talent, fame, fortune, misunderstood showmen
Worldwide gross: $1,082,456
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,250,729
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,544
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 136,394
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
Helena Christensen – Self
Bono – Self
Lesley Lewis – Self
Lian Lunson – Self
Kathy Lette – Self
Richard Lowenstein – Director, Writer
John Battsek – Producer
Andrew de Groot – Producer
Director(s)
Richard Lowenstein
Writer(s)
Richard Lowenstein
Producer(s)
John Battsek, Andrew de Groot
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 7 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (41)
Mystify avoids sensationalizing Hutchence’s life and instead illuminates a more three-dimensional, nuanced view of Hutchence’s personality.
January 22, 2020
Annie Zaleski
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
I was frustrated by this doc in that there was so much amazing footage and yet, for me, I couldn’t get much of a sense of who Michael Hutchence was on a deep level.
January 4, 2020
Amy Nicholson
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
[A] strikingly original portrait of an enigmatic man.
October 20, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Ed Potton
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Enlightening and affecting, providing a missing piece in the puzzle of a life prematurely ended.
October 20, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Beyond some unnecessary wild speculations, Mystify does a decent job in offering up a clear narrative arc which is more than enough to keep us hooked till the very end.
October 18, 2019 | Rating: 3/5
Linda Marric
HeyUGuys
TOP CRITIC
Another ruminative contemplation of talent, fame and fortune providing no inoculation against heartbreak and self-destruction.
October 17, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Trevor Johnston
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
A touching tribute to one of music’s most misunderstood showmen…
June 23, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Greg Wetherall
NME
ustralia’s sweetheart Kylie Minogue bares herself like never before, physically and emotionally, in Mystify: Michael Hutchence, the heartbreaking new documentary about the late INXS frontman.
August 16, 2020 | Rating: 4.5/5
Stephen A. Russell
The New Daily (Australia)
Mystify is the first documentary about Michael Hutchence that was made for the big screen. It’s the best way to experience this stellar film, which does justice to a larger-than-life talent that was taken away too soon.
July 12, 2020
Carla Hay
Culture Mix
Although it’s a bit of a mishmash of grainy videos and media footage, the journey is always engaging. Unlike a lot of music biographies that tell you how to feel, Mystify gives its audience the space and wherewithal to put the pieces together.
June 26, 2020 | Rating: A-
Chad Byrnes
L.A. Weekly
Affectionate, tender and takes his entire life into account, not just those fleeting years when he was on top of the pop charts.
April 3, 2020
Benjamin H. Smith
Decider
Lowenstein’s film poignantly represents the fullness of Hutchence’s life, the brilliance and the pain. It’ll send viewers away with both a heavy heart and “What You Need” buzzing in their heads.
January 10, 2020 | Rating: 3/4
Rob Thomas
Capital Times (Madison, WI)…
Plot
A documentary feature about the troubled heart and soul of Michael Hutchence, lead singer and songwriter of INXS.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Kylie Minogue appears as herself in the documentary.
Richard-Lowenstein.jpg
96%
Free Solo (2018)
96%RT Audience Score: 93%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
30 wins & 55 nominations total
Free Solo depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason – and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal.
If you’re looking for a movie that will make your palms sweat and your heart race, Free Solo is the one for you. This flick showcases some seriously insane athletic stunts that will leave you wondering how the heck anyone could even attempt them. But what’s really cool about this movie is that it’s not just about the physical feats – it’s also about the emotional drive behind them. Even if you’re not a rock climber yourself, you’ll be able to relate to the passion and determination that drives these athletes to push themselves to the limit. So if you’re ready for a wild ride, grab some popcorn and settle in for Free Solo. Just don’t forget to breathe.
Production Company(ies)
Little Monster Films, Itinerant Films, Parkes MacDonald Image Nation
Distributor
National Geographic Documentary Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Morocco
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 40m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 28, 2018 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 12, 2019
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
Free Solo, documentary, English, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, produced by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes, Shannon Dill, starring Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Sanni McCandless, Jimmy Chin, Mikey Schaefer, Cheyne Lempe, reviewed by Andrea Gronvall, Melanie McFarland, John Doyle, Rafer Guzman, Perri Nemiroff, Peter Rainer, Josh Parham, Nicholas Oon, Robin Holabird, Yasmin Omar, Jeffrey Zhang, Dennis Harvey, PG-13, box office gross $17.5M, National Geographic Documentary Films, climbing, Yosemite National Park, El Capitan, mountaineering, risk-taking, passion, achievement, athlete, determination, relationship, death, documentary crew, cameramen, rock climbing, adventure, thrill-seeking, human spirit, tension, sound editing, cinematography, sound directing, U.S parks, wilderness, head-spinning views, safety, stunning visuals, Chicago Reader, Salon.com, Globe and Mail, Newsday, Perri Nemiroff (YouTube), Christian Science Monitor, Next Best Picture, Maximum Hype (YouTube), Robin Holabird, Town & Country (UK), Strange Harbors
Worldwide gross: $29,390,279
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $34,585,709
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,501
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 3,771,615
US/Canada gross: $17,541,090
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $20,641,894
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,401
US/Canada opening weekend: $294,288
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $346,310
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,493
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
Tommy Caldwell – Self
Sanni McCandless – Self
Jimmy Chin – Self
Mikey Schaefer – Self
Cheyne Lempe – Self
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi – Director, Producer
Jimmy Chin – Director, Producer
Evan Hayes – Producer
Shannon Dill – Producer
Director(s)
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes, Shannon Dill
Film Festivals
Telluride, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
30 wins & 55 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Documentary Feature Winners, Oscar Winners
All Critics (158) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (154) | Rotten (4)
This awe-inspiring National Geographic documentary is as much a celebration of U.S. parks and wilderness as it is a record of one of the most audacious feats in the history of mountaineering.
March 3, 2020
Andrea Gronvall
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The visuals are stunning, offering head-spinning views with the comfort of total safety.
March 5, 2019
Melanie McFarland
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
Free Solo…is a jaw-dropper, both in what is documented and its visual impact.
March 4, 2019
John Doyle
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
A visually dizzying but also thought-provoking film about one man’s pinnacle of achievement.
February 26, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5
Rafer Guzman
Newsday
TOP CRITIC
I just got so swept up in it all. I love hearing what others are so passionate about. Completely taken by Alex’s story.
February 8, 2019 | Rating: 4.5/5
Perri Nemiroff
Perri Nemiroff (YouTube)
TOP CRITIC
Impressive… But the question for me remains: Why on earth would anybody do this?
February 8, 2019 | Rating: B+
Peter Rainer
Christian Science Monitor
TOP CRITIC
Directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi provide an incredible amount of tension in every step that is taken and every crevasse that is reached for.
May 29, 2022 | Rating: 8/10
Josh Parham
Next Best Picture
This film is a cinematographic achievement, but also an achievement in sound editing and directing, and an achievement of the human spirit.
September 4, 2021 | Rating: 7.5/10
Nicholas Oon
Maximum Hype (YouTube)
A candid portrait of a phenomenal athlete, the project highlights Yosemite Valley’s stunning beauty…
August 10, 2021
Robin Holabird
Robin Holabird
Equal parts anxiety-inducing and affecting, Free Solo is a fascinating examination of an intrepid athlete’s determination to achieve his lifelong ambition.
June 25, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Yasmin Omar
Town & Country (UK)
Nail-biting and terrifying, [Alex] Honnold’s ascent to the top of El Capitan is some of the most propulsive and suspenseful sports footage ever documented.
January 29, 2021 | Rating: A-
Jeffrey Zhang
Strange Harbors
…you begin to wonder when we’ll get to the actual climb. But when we finally do, those 15 minutes or so of footage are as phenomenal as anything you’ll see this year…
October 21, 2020
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills…
Plot
Alex Honnold attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb El Capitan.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Free Solo features Alex Honnold, a professional rock climber known for his free solo ascents of big walls.
Elizabeth-Chai-Vasarhelyi.jpg
96%
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
96%RT Audience Score: 93%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
82 wins & 57 nominations total
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is like a superhero smoothie that blends together a bunch of different flavors to create one deliciously fun adventure. The animation is so cool, it’s like watching a comic book come to life. And the story? It’s got heart, humor, and enough superhero action to make your head spin (in a good way). Seriously, this movie is a blast. Whether you’re a die-hard Spider-Man fan or just looking for a good time at the movies, Into the Spider-Verse is the perfect pick. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be wowed.
Production Company(ies)
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment,
Distributor
Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Atmos Dolby Surround 7.112-Track Digital Sound Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 57m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 2018 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 19, 2019
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, PG, Action/Adventure, Animation, Superhero, Miles Morales, Peter B Parker, Gwen Stacey, Uncle Aaron, The Prowler, Jefferson Davis, Aunt May, Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, directed by, Phil Lord, Rodney Rothman, written by, Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Christina Steinberg, produced by, $190.2M, box office, reviewed by, Ben Sachs, tt stern-enzi, Lawrence Ware, Roxana Hadadi, Stephen Romei, David Sims, Brian Eggert, Yasser Medina, Kip Mooney, Rick Marshall, Alex Bentley, Jim Rohner, critic names, PG rating, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, SDDS, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS, aspect ratio, Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, starring
Worldwide gross: $375,540,831
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $441,926,595
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 343
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 48,192,649
US/Canada gross: $190,241,310
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $223,870,981
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 303
US/Canada opening weekend: $35,363,376
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $41,614,693
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 293
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $90,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $105,909,638
Production budget ranking: 379
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $57,032,340
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $278,984,616
ROI to date (est.): 171%
ROI ranking: 706
Jake Johnson – Peter B. Parker – Voice
Hailee Steinfeld – Gwen Stacey – Voice
Mahershala Ali – Uncle Aaron, The Prowler – Voice
Brian Tyree Henry – Jefferson Davis – Voice
Lily Tomlin – Aunt May – Voice
Director(s)
Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Writer(s)
Phil Lord, Rodney Rothman
Producer(s)
Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Christina Steinberg
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
82 wins & 57 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Animated Feature Film Winners, Oscar Winners
All Critics (393) | Top Critics (67) | Fresh (382) | Rotten (11)
Actually captures the sensation of getting absorbed in a comic book.
February 21, 2020
Ben Sachs
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
A great story from top to bottom.
March 5, 2019
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
“This film manages the delicate feat of embracing its source material while also satirizing it.”
February 18, 2019
Lawrence Ware
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is immediately immersive, a colorful and adventurous cinematic experience that invites viewers along for the ride.
February 7, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Roxana Hadadi
Chesapeake Family Magazine
TOP CRITIC
This juxtaposition of old-fashioned graphics and modern CGI effects is quite effective in bringing together the almost-real and the animated.
December 21, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5
Stephen Romei
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
The latest entry in a fully saturated genre that somehow, through sheer creative gumption, does something new.
December 21, 2018
David Sims
The Atlantic
TOP CRITIC
It manages to be more than the easy cash-grab it could have been by supplying audiences with something uncommon, both within the superhero genre and in the medium of animation.
March 4, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Generally speaking, it’s an acceptable animated product of arachnid superheroes, but it doesn’t seem as great as it’s being marketed to me. [Full review in Spanish]
December 12, 2021 | Rating: 6/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
It’s the best animated film of the year, and one of the best movies of the year period.
August 20, 2021 | Rating: A-
Kip Mooney
College Movie Review
Into the Spider-Verse isn’t just the best of the character’s origin films, it’s right up there among the best Spider-Man movies ever made.
July 13, 2021
Rick Marshall
Digital Trends
You may not think that you need to give your time to yet another Spider-Man movie, but you would be wrong. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse expands the character into fantastic different directions and could be the start of something completely new.
April 29, 2021
Alex Bentley
CultureMap
It’s an absolutely delightful watch and one of the finest examples of the excitement and joy of which cinema is capable.
April 16, 2021
Jim Rohner
Battleship Pretension…
Plot
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man Universe, with a groundbreaking visual style that’s the first of its kind. “Spider-Man(TM): Into the Spider-Verse” introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Lily Tomlin voices Aunt May in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Bob-Persichetti.jpg
96%
Minding the Gap (2018)
96%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
59 wins & 54 nominations total
Minding the Gap draws on more than a decade of documentary footage to assemble a poignant picture of young American lives that resonates far beyond its onscreen subjects.
Yo, have you seen Minding the Gap? It’s like a documentary that’s been in the making for over a decade, and it’s got some serious feels. The movie follows the lives of some young Americans and it’s so relatable, it’ll hit you right in the heartstrings.
The way the filmmakers put together all this footage is pretty impressive. They’ve managed to create a picture that goes beyond just the people on screen. It’s like they’ve captured a slice of life that we can all relate to, no matter where we come from.
Honestly, this movie is a must-watch. It’s got everything – drama, humor, and some seriously good skateboarding. Plus, it’s a great reminder that we’re all just trying to figure out this thing called life.
Production Company(ies)
ITVS International, Kartemquin Films, P.O.V., American Documentary
Distributor
Hulu
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Hulu), Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Rockford, Illinois, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 33m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 2018 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 17, 2018
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, Bing Liu, directed by Bing Liu, written by Bing Liu, Diane Moy Quon, producer, Sally Jo Fifer, Steve James, genre, Rust Belt, young men, friendship, adult responsibilities, volatile families, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Ben Sachs, Hanna Flint, Charlotte O’Sullivan, Wendy Ide, Mark Kermode, Kevin Maher, Leigh Paatsch, Josh Parham, Cory Woodroof, Taylor Baker, Fletcher Powell, Matt Brunson, Minding the Gap, MPAA rating, Hulu, starring Bing Liu, Diane Moy Quon, Sally Jo Fifer, Steve James
Worldwide gross: $90,328
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $106,296
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,019
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 11,592
US/Canada gross: $11,998
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,119
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,810
US/Canada opening weekend: $6,812
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $8,016
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,745
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
Diane Moy Quon – Producer
Sally Jo Fifer – Executive Producer
Steve James – Executive Producer
Director(s)
Bing Liu
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Bing Liu, Diane Moy Quon
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
59 wins & 54 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (126) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (126)
Though it runs just 93 minutes, this cinema-verite documentary by Bing Liu manages to feel like an epic.
March 24, 2020
Ben Sachs
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
It will warm your heart but possibly break it a little too.
April 2, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Hanna Flint
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
This is a movie about what people are prepared to swallow when they’re thirsty for love.
March 24, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Charlotte O’Sullivan
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
Liu documents his friends’ fitful steps towards adulthood. He explores the way that violence can write itself into the DNA of a community, recurring in subsequent generations.
March 23, 2019 | Rating: 5/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Powerful. Very insightful because it’s so intimate.
March 22, 2019
Mark Kermode
Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
TOP CRITIC
It is impossibly gripping, terribly personal, but always compassionate.
March 22, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Kevin Maher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
What emerges is a uniquely eloquent, thought-provoking and authentic portrait of what it is like to grow up and a face a future that issues few promises. Tough, yet tender stuff.
June 2, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
The examination of these lives is one that holds a great discussion about the relationships with troubled friends and how one may pursue something better for himself while the other does not.
May 29, 2022 | Rating: 10/10
Josh Parham
Next Best Picture
What power the documentary has to make your heart hurt and celebrate all at once for strangers on a screen.
February 11, 2022
Cory Woodroof
615 Film
Episode 14: Doc Talk
September 1, 2021 | Rating: 88/100
Taylor Baker
Drink in the Movies
Minding the Gap is difficult, urgent, and vital.
February 9, 2021
Fletcher Powell
KMUW – Wichita Public Radio
Don’t miss this one.
January 29, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy…
Plot
Minding the Gap follows three young men as they navigate their way through adulthood and unexpected revelations threaten their decade-long friendship.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
NA
Bing-Liu.jpg
96%
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
96%RT Audience Score: 94%
Awards & Nominations: 54 wins & 34 nominations
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? takes a fittingly patient and honest look at the life and legacy of a television pioneer whose work has enriched generations.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming documentary that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, then Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is the perfect pick. This film takes a deep dive into the life and legacy of a TV legend who’s touched the lives of countless kids and adults alike.
And let me tell you, this movie is anything but boring. It’s patient and honest, just like your therapist, and it’ll leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. You’ll get to see how this pioneer of children’s television brought joy and education to generations of viewers, and you’ll be reminded of the power of kindness and empathy.
So if you’re in the mood for a feel-good flick that’ll make you want to hug your neighbor (or at least wave at them from a safe distance), then Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a must-see. It’s the perfect antidote to all the negativity and cynicism in the world, and it’ll leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Production Company(ies)
Tremolo Productions,
Distributor
Focus Features
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 34m
-
Language(s):English, Hebrew
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 29, 2018 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 4, 2018
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
starring, directed by, written by, documentary, English, PG-13, Fred Rogers, Morgan Neville, Caryn Capotosto, Nicholas Ma, box office, budget, reviewed by, producer, MPAA rating, legacy, children’s TV show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, television pioneer, audience score, critic reviews, audience reviews, Joanne Rogers, Bill Isler, Hedda Sharapan, Margaret Whitmer, Tom Junod, Betty Seamans, positive messaging, political events, Vietnam War, racial tensions, 9/11, specialness, self-worth, education, entertainment, kindness, empathy, childhood memories, archive footage, behind the scenes, sets, crew, Fred Rogers’ wife, prison inmates, sign-language conversations, race, equality, tolerance, serious issues, death, divorce, love, depression, documentary portrait, admiration, social importance, patient, honest, fittingly, tribute, pop culture icon, heartwarming, inspiring, candid footage, quiet, earnest brilliance, profound connections, critics consensus, slow-paced, warm, heartfelt, positivity, touching, powerful, loving testament, beautiful human being, special man, understanding children, teaching, emotional, mysterious, not to miss film
Worldwide gross: $22,844,741
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $26,883,092
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,583
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,931,635
US/Canada gross: $22,835,787
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $26,872,555
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,305
US/Canada opening weekend: $475,419
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $559,461
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,376
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
Bill Isler – Self
Hedda Sharapan – Self
Margaret Whitmer – Self
Tom Junod – Self
Betty Seamans – Self
Director(s)
Morgan Neville
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Caryn Capotosto, Nicholas Ma
Film Festivals
Sundance, South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
54 wins & 34 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (259) | Top Critics (62) | Fresh (252) | Rotten (7)
This gentle, positive treatment of Rogers coincides with the show’s values but devalues his enormous social importance.
March 24, 2020
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
This documentary by Morgan Neville reveals that he really was just what he seemed to be at first innocent sight: a kind-hearted, square but saintly man who genuinely loved and understood children in a pure, sincere way.
November 10, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Leslie Felperin
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Not beyond reproach, but a fitting tribute to a pop culture icon.
November 7, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Hannah Strong
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
The film evokes a range of emotions befitting a childhood lesson on feelings.
October 19, 2018 | Rating: A-
Kimber Myers
The Playlist
TOP CRITIC
You don’t need to have grown up with [Rogers] to be fascinated and moved by Morgan Neville’s documentary portrait, made in a spirit of admiration, which on the evidence presented here seems well-deserved.
September 14, 2018
Jake Wilson
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
Fred Rogers did walk this earth, every single morning entering through a wooden door on PBS. And while doing so, he spoke to our softer warmer core.
August 27, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/4
Robert Daniels
812filmreviews
TOP CRITIC
Without question and to use his word of “special,” special care was paid to a special subject for a must-see and purifying viewing experience.
June 26, 2022 | Rating: 5/5
Don Shanahan
Every Movie Has a Lesson
A heartwarming and truly inspiring showcase of Fred Rogers.
March 11, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Director Morgan Neville provides a great amount of candid footage that shows a quiet and earnest brilliance with how Rogers was able to create such profound connections with those around him.
February 18, 2022 | Rating: 8.5/10
Jeffrey Harris
411mania
Never have we so desperately needed a film to escape the screen. After all, this is documentary; not fiction.
February 11, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Cory Woodroof
615 Film
The film leaves us with this notion, that kindness and empathy can still be our first response.
August 21, 2021 | Rating: A-
Kip Mooney
College Movie Review
If you look around at the world around you today and you feel like there’s no hope for our society, please go see Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
August 13, 2021
Hosea Rupprecht
Pauline Center for Media Studies…
Plot
Charmingly soft-spoken and yet powerfully incisive expressing his profound ideals, Fred Rogers was a unique presence on television for generations. Through interviews of his family and colleagues, the life of this would-be pastor is explored as a man who found a more important calling to provide an oasis for children in a video sea of violent bombardment. That proved to be his landmark series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968), a show that could gently delve into important subjects no other children’s show would have dared for that time. In doing so, Rogers experienced a career where his sweet-tempered idealism charmed and influenced the world whether it be scores of children on TV or recalcitrant authorities in government. However, that beloved personality also hid Rogers’ deep self-doubts about himself and occasional misjudgments even as he proved a rock of understanding in times of tragedy for a world that did not always comprehend a man of such noble character.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The documentary features interviews with friends, family, cast members, and industry experts discussing Fred Rogers’ unique approach to educating and entertaining children.
Morgan-Neville.jpg
96%
Your Name. (Kimi No Na Wa.) (2017)
96%RT Audience Score: 94%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
95 wins & 259 nominations total
As beautifully animated as it is emotionally satisfying, Your Name adds another outstanding chapter to writer-director Makoto Shinkai’s filmography.
Your Name is like a warm hug from a long-lost friend, except that friend is a movie. The animation is so stunning, it’s like watching a painting come to life. And the story? Oh boy, get ready to feel all the feels. Makoto Shinkai really outdid himself with this one. It’s like he took all the best parts of his previous films and mashed them together into one masterpiece. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, Your Name is the one for you.
Production Company(ies)
Frenesy Film Company, La Cinéfacture RT Features,
Distributor
Funimation
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Crema, Cremona, Lombardy, Italy
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for sexual content, nudity and some language
Year of Release
2018
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 46m
-
Language(s):English, Italian, French, German, Hebrew
-
Country of origin:Japan
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 7, 2017 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 31, 2018
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Michael Sinterniklaas, Stephanie Sheh, Laura Post, Glynis Ellis, Kyle Hebert, Cassandra Lee Morris, directed by Makoto Shinkai, written by Makoto Shinkai, Fantasy, Romance, Anime, PG rating, box office performance, budget, reviewed by James Berardinelli, Kristen Yoonsoo Kim, Keith Phipps, Emily St James, Bob Mondello, Matthew Lickona, Alix Turner, Princess Weekes, James Croot, CJ Sheu, Steven Prokopy, Noritaka Kawaguchi, Genki Kawamura, Funimation, Dolby Digital, body-swap, teenage, quest, meet, magically, swap, bodies, smoking, brief language, suggestive content, thematic elements, Japanese, Taki Tachibana, Mitsuha Miyamizu, Miki Okudera, Hitoha Miyamizu, Katsuhiko Teshigawara, Sayaka Natori
Worldwide gross: $41,888,660
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $49,293,476
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,340
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 5,375,515
US/Canada gross: $18,095,701
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $21,294,546
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,390
US/Canada opening weekend: $412,932
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $485,928
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,413
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): 4000000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $4,707,095
Production budget ranking: 1,920
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,534,771
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $42,051,610
ROI to date (est.): 581%
ROI ranking: 220
Stephanie Sheh – Mitsuha Miyamizu – Voice
Laura Post – Miki Okudera – Voice
Glynis Ellis – Hitoha Miyamizu – Voice
Kyle Hebert – Katsuhiko Teshigawara – Voice
Cassandra Lee Morris – Sayaka Natori – Voice
Director(s)
Makoto Shinkai
Writer(s)
Makoto Shinkai
Producer(s)
Noritaka Kawaguchi, Genki Kawamura
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
95 wins & 259 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (116) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (114) | Rotten (2)
Plot hiccups aside, it’s a visually impressive experience with endearing characters and a unique story.
October 2, 2018 | Rating: 3/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
Beautifully animated (we’re talking Studio Ghibli standards here), Your Name captures that sensation of waking up from a dream you wish lasted longer, or misplacing a name that’s still warm on your tongue, but has just departed.
May 1, 2017
Kristen Yoonsoo Kim
Brooklyn Magazine
TOP CRITIC
By the time Your Name reaches its moving finale, the Next Big Thing tag doesn’t seem quite enough for Shinkai. He’s arrived already.
April 11, 2017
Keith Phipps
Uproxx
TOP CRITIC
By the time Your Name reaches its final half-hour or so, the film has moved so far beyond its initial premise that if you think back to the beginning, you’ll be astonished by how far it’s come.
April 10, 2017 | Rating: 5/5
Emily St. James
Vox
TOP CRITIC
It’s both gorgeous enough and emotionally engaging enough to be worth seeking out.
April 7, 2017 | Rating: 9/10
Bob Mondello
NPR
TOP CRITIC
Throughout, there is the nagging sense that the whole thing will unravel if any one thread gets tugged too hard, but when both the heart and the sky are on fire, why lean in and go squinting at flaws?
April 7, 2017 | Rating: 2/5
Matthew Lickona
San Diego Reader
TOP CRITIC
Japanese animated fantasy; humorous, romantic, captivating and utterly beautiful.
January 29, 2021 | Rating: 4.5/5
Alix Turner
Ready Steady Cut
Your Name is a beautiful movie, and if you haven’t yet checked it out and want a movie about love with a lot of humor and fantastical elements, I would highly recommend it.
November 17, 2020
Princess Weekes
The Mary Sue
Impressive cinematic touches, from time-lapse sequences to stunning match shots, with the crisp and nuanced animation adding to the compelling nature of the story.
November 3, 2020 | Rating: 4.5/5
James Croot
Stuff.co.nz
So come for the first act, stay for the dynamic camera.
June 30, 2020
CJ Sheu
Critics at Large
To say this film involves bending time doesn’t even really begin to describe it, but it all makes sense in this universe, and it’s a bold and beautiful wonder to behold.
May 5, 2020
Steven Prokopy
Third Coast Review
Your Name is a genuine delight of a movie, an emotional adventure that crosses multiple genres. Shinaki seamlessly blends romance with science fiction to incredible effect.
January 27, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Charlotte Harrison
VultureHound…
Plot
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, the new film by Luca Guadagnino, is a sensual and transcendent tale of first love, based on the acclaimed novel by André Aciman. It’s the summer of 1983 in the north of Italy, and Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious 17-year-old young man, spends his days in his family’s 17th-century villa transcribing and playing classical music, reading, and flirting with his friend Marzia (Esther Garrel). Elio enjoys a close relationship with his father (Michael Stuhlbarg), an eminent professor specializing in Greco-Roman culture, and his mother Annella (Amira Casar), a translator, who favor him with the fruits of high culture in a setting that overflows with natural delights. While Elio’s sophistication and intellectual gifts suggest he is already a fully-fledged adult, there is much that yet remains innocent and unformed about him, particularly about matters of the heart. One day, Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old American college graduate student working on his doctorate, arrives as the annual summer intern tasked with helping Elio’s father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of the setting, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast includes Michael Sinterniklaas, Stephanie Sheh, Laura Post, Glynis Ellis, Kyle Hebert, and Cassandra Lee Morris.
Makoto-Shinkai.jpg
96%
Spotlight (2015)
96%RT Audience Score: 93%
Awards & Nominations: Won 2 Oscars
124 wins & 143 nominations total
Spotlight gracefully handles the lurid details of its fact-based story while resisting the temptation to lionize its heroes, resulting in a drama that honors the audience as well as its real-life subjects.
Spotlight is one heck of a movie! It’s based on a true story, but it’s not your typical hero-worshipping flick. Nope, it’s way better than that. The movie is all about a group of journalists who are trying to uncover some seriously messed up stuff. And boy, do they do it with style!
The best part about Spotlight is that it doesn’t shy away from the gritty details. It’s not afraid to show you the ugly side of things, but it does it in a way that’s both respectful and entertaining. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time, wondering what’s going to happen next.
And let’s talk about the characters for a minute. These guys are seriously cool. They’re not your typical Hollywood heroes, but they’re still totally badass. They’re smart, they’re determined, and they’re not afraid to take on the big guys. You’ll be rooting for them the whole time.
Overall, Spotlight is a must-see movie. It’s got drama, suspense, and some seriously awesome characters. Plus, it’s based on a true story, so you know it’s legit. Don’t miss out on this one!
Production Company(ies)
Participant First Look Media, Anonymous Content
Distributor
Open Road
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
333 Bay Street, Bay-Adelaide Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for some language including sexual references
Year of Release
2015
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 8m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 20, 2015 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 23, 2016
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James, directed by Tom McCarthy, written by Josh Singer, produced by Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagon Faust, drama, R rating, box office gross $45.0M, reviewed by Zach Schonfeld, Michael Phillips, Sara Michelle Fetters, Noel Murray, Max Weiss, Jason Bailey, Josh Parham, Brian Eggert, Michael J Casey, Kip Mooney, Alex Bentley, Olly Richards, investigation, journalism, Boston Globe, sexual abuse, Catholic Church, Marty Baron, Walter “Robby” Robinson, Michael Rezendes, Sacha Pfeiffer, Matt Carroll, true story, cover-up, victims, documents, sensitive, fact-based, heroes, corrupt institution, authenticity, ensemble cast, haunting, horror, thriller, power of the press, concentration, rewarding, satisfying, smart, engaging, flawless direction, stellar cast, unevenly paced, deep dive, horrors, subject matter
Worldwide gross: $98,690,254
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $123,191,921
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 922
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 13,434,233
US/Canada gross: $45,055,776
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $56,241,699
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,021
US/Canada opening weekend: $295,009
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $368,250
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,478
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $20,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $24,965,367
Production budget ranking: 1,250
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $13,443,850
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $84,782,704
ROI to date (est.): 221%
ROI ranking: 588
Michael Keaton – Walter “Robby” Robinson
Rachel McAdams – Sacha Pfeiffer
Liev Schreiber – Marty Baron
John Slattery – Ben Bradlee Jr.
Brian d’Arcy James – Matt Carroll
Director(s)
Tom McCarthy
Writer(s)
Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy
Producer(s)
Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagon Faust
Film Festivals
Venice, Telluride, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
Won 2 Oscars
124 wins & 143 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Picture Winners, Oscar Best Writing Winners, Oscar Nominees, Oscar Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Winners, Oscar Winners
All Critics (378) | Top Critics (87) | Fresh (366) | Rotten (12)
Spotlight manages the seemingly impossible task of wooing journalists with authenticity while still elevating reporters to hero status, as they battle a formidable and corrupt institution with righteous determination.
February 28, 2018
Zach Schonfeld
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
Ruffalo gets top billing in the movie, and he brings some wonderfully lived-in behavioral details to his performance — the quick, terrier-like movements of the head and the bitten-off sentences.
February 26, 2017 | Rating: 4/4
Michael Phillips
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Spotlight giving center stage to unsung warriors for truth who understood telling the story right, without embellishment, without melodramatic editorial excess, was the greatest victory of them all.
August 22, 2016 | Rating: 4/4
Sara Michelle Fetters
MovieFreak.com
TOP CRITIC
Ultimately, the story these journalists chased was about how institutional power degrades when it gets taken for granted.
August 4, 2016
Noel Murray
Nashville Scene
TOP CRITIC
Spotlight is acted and directed with great urgency — and a little bit of necessary dread.
June 10, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/4
Max Weiss
Baltimore Magazine
TOP CRITIC
What’s perhaps most impressive about ‘Spotlight’ is how they’re all complicated people, given the opportunity to gun it, to hesitate, to reach, and to claw.
May 3, 2016
Jason Bailey
Flavorwire
TOP CRITIC
The excellent ensemble of actors holds up a story that is straight-forward but effective in its dedication to the painstaking research needed to uncover such an important story.
May 27, 2022 | Rating: 9/10
Josh Parham
Next Best Picture
McCarthy’s sobering drama affects on multiple levels, from personal to spiritual.
April 25, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Little pieces expose an entire world.
August 16, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Michael J. Casey
Michael J. Cinema
Perfectly paced and structured like a thriller.
August 10, 2021 | Rating: A-
Kip Mooney
Central Track
The power the media has to affect change and expose corruption is one that should never be taken for granted. It takes a special movie like Spotlight to bring this back into focus.
July 30, 2021
Alex Bentley
CultureMap
No tights or capes, but this is a film about superheroes.
June 8, 2021
Olly Richards
NME…
Plot
When the Boston Globe’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Michael Keaton stars as editor Walter “Robby” Robinson in Spotlight.
Tom-McCarthy.jpg
96%
Song Of The Sea (2014)
96%RT Audience Score: 92%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
11 wins & 26 nominations total
Song of the Sea boasts narrative depth commensurate with its visual beauty, adding up to an animated saga overflowing with family-friendly riches.
If you’re looking for a movie that’s got it all – stunning visuals, a heartwarming story, and enough family-friendly goodness to make even the grumpiest of grumps crack a smile – then Song of the Sea is the flick for you. Seriously, this animated masterpiece is like a big ol’ treasure chest of awesomeness, filled to the brim with all the good stuff that makes a movie great. From the breathtaking animation to the touching storyline, this movie is a true gem. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of Song of the Sea.
Production Company(ies)
Backup Media, Big Farm Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Cartoon Saloon, The Maltings, Tilbury Place, James’ Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny County, Ireland
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some mild peril, language and pipe smoking images
Year of Release
2015
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English, Irish, Gaelic
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Mar 17, 2015
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, David Rawle, Pat Shortt, Jon Kenny, Lisa Hannigan, directed by Tomm Moore, written by Will Collins, fantasy, adventure, PG rating, box office gross of $850.0K, reviewed by Alex Dudok de Wit, Mark Kermode, Donald Clarke, David Jenkins, Charlotte O’Sullivan, Geoffrey Macnab, Michael J Casey, MaryAnn Johanson, Grant Watson, Chris McCoy, Katie Smith-Wong, Mattie Lucas, Irish folklore, selkie, Celtic goddess, family-friendly, animation, visual beauty, narrative depth, enchanting, moving, heart-on-sleeve, melodramatic, dark subject matter, playful, magical, traditional Celtic design, outstanding work, well-animated, well-designed, well-told
Worldwide gross: $4,190,884
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $5,231,348
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,162
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 570,485
US/Canada gross: $857,522
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,070,418
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,170
US/Canada opening weekend: $21,910
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $27,350
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,395
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): 5300000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $6,615,822
Production budget ranking: 1,820
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $3,562,620
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$4,947,095
ROI to date (est.): -49%
ROI ranking: 1,683
Fionnula Flanagan – Grandmother, Macha – Voice
David Rawle – Ben – Voice
Pat Shortt – Voice
Jon Kenny – Voice
Lisa Hannigan – Voice
Director(s)
Tomm Moore
Writer(s)
Will Collins
Producer(s)
Tomm Moore, Ross Murray, Paul Young, Stéphan Roelants, Serge Ume, Isabelle Truc, Clément Calvet, Jeremie Fajner, Frederik Villumsen, Claus Toksvig Kjaer
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
11 wins & 26 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (97) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (96) | Rotten (1)
This is a bold and unusual film, which takes material that will be unfamiliar to most viewers and interprets it with more inventiveness than they will be used to.
July 16, 2015
Alex Dudok de Wit
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
This superb Irish animation from the director of 2009’s The Secret of Kells is a treat; an enchanting and very moving “family film”.
July 12, 2015 | Rating: 5/5
Mark Kermode
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
It seems unlikely that a more beautiful film will be released this year.
July 12, 2015 | Rating: 4/5
Donald Clarke
Irish Times
TOP CRITIC
It’s heart-on-sleeve stuff, teetering on the melodramatic, though it never pulls punches in terms of accepting that life involves us accepting and processing a heavy torrent of horror and depression.
July 10, 2015 | Rating: 4/5
David Jenkins
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
The beauty of Moore’s animation is astounding – intricate, cheeky and, especially where nature is concerned, as evocative as a painting by Paul Klee or Henri Rousseau.
July 10, 2015 | Rating: 4/5
Charlotte O’Sullivan
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
Moore is dealing with dark subject matter in playful and, at times, quite magical way.
July 9, 2015
Geoffrey Macnab
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Based on Irish folklore and soaked with mythic iconography, “Song of the Sea” confronts loss and sorrow head-on.
December 13, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Michael J. Casey
Boulder Weekly
Prettily animated family adventure infused with Irish folklore and traditional Celtic design makes for a change of pace from slick Hollywood cartoons.
October 25, 2020
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher
This is an outstanding work: well animated, well designed, well told.
September 10, 2020 | Rating: 9/10
Grant Watson
Fiction Machine
Song Of The Sea is visually lush, but it’s story is never too cluttered or busy. It doesn’t depend on manic sugar rush energy to keep its intended audience of kids attention, but rather seeks to draw them into a fascinating, unique world.
January 9, 2020
Chris McCoy
Memphis Flyer
Song of the Sea is a stunning, magical piece of animation and an entertaining return for Tomm Moore and Cartoon Saloon.
November 20, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Katie Smith-Wong
Flick Feast
A breath of fresh air, as rare and as beautiful as the Selkies it depicts.
August 7, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Mattie Lucas
From the Front Row…
Plot
An Irish boy discovers that his mute sister is a selkie who must find her voice and free supernatural creatures from the spell of a Celtic goddess in Song of the Sea.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Brendan Gleeson voices the character of Conor in Song of the Sea.
Tomm-Moore.jpg
96%
The Crash Reel (2013)
96%RT Audience Score: 94%
Awards & Nominations: 13 wins & 8 nominations
Smart, compassionate, and moving, The Crash Reel uses the familiar sport-doc formula to subvert expectations and ask challenging questions about ambition and achievement.
The Crash Reel is one heck of a documentary! It’s got heart, it’s got soul, and it’s got some serious moves. This film takes the classic sports documentary formula and flips it on its head, leaving you with some serious food for thought about what it means to be ambitious and successful. It’s smart, it’s compassionate, and it’s downright moving. If you’re looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then The Crash Reel is definitely worth checking out.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Phase 4 Films
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2013
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 49m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 13, 2013 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 4, 2014
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, Kevin Pearce, snowboarding, brain injury, family, rehab, sport, ambition, achievement, Lucy Walker, Julian Cautherley, Phase 4 Films, Shaun White, Mason Aguirre, Dr Daniel Amen, Sarah Burke, Rory Bushfield, critic reviews, Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Kate Muir, Geoffrey Macnab, Ian Buckwalter, Liz Beardsworth, Adam Nayman, Robin Clifford, Laura Clifford, Chris Hewitt, Brent Simon, audience reviews, Antonius B, Wu C, genre, English, box office performance, budget, MPAA rating, produced by, directed by, written by
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
Shaun White – Self
Mason Aguirre – Self
Dr. Daniel Amen – Self
Sarah Burke – Self
Rory Bushfield – Self
Lucy Walker – Director, Producer
Julian Cautherley – Producer
Director(s)
Lucy Walker
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Julian Cautherley, Lucy Walker
Film Festivals
Berlin
Awards & Nominations
13 wins & 8 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (46) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (44) | Rotten (2)
The only problem is that, with so much fascinating material to cover, The Crash Reel skips over half of it.
September 6, 2017 | Rating: 3/5
Larushka Ivan-Zadeh
metro.co.uk
TOP CRITIC
Jawdropping and jawbreaking stunts performed by professional snowboarders open Lucy Walker’s latest documentary, but it is the aftermath of accidents that form the powerfully disturbing core of the film.
December 22, 2013 | Rating: 4/5
Kate Muir
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Lucy Walker’s documentary is exhilarating and grim viewing.
December 22, 2013 | Rating: 4/5
Geoffrey Macnab
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Few documentaries manage to show character arcs as full as the one Walker captures here.
December 22, 2013 | Rating: 8/10
Ian Buckwalter
NPR
TOP CRITIC
Another memorable piece of storytelling from the Oscar-winning director.
December 22, 2013
Liz Beardsworth
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The hook of The Crash Reel is that it’s about the rivalry between two famous American snowboarders, but in reality, Lucy Walker’s slickly produced documentary is about one man’s ongoing battle with himself — on and off the slopes.
December 22, 2013 | Rating: 3/4
Adam Nayman
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
Walker’s most fine-tuned character-driven documentary yet.
May 30, 2014 | Rating: 4/5
Christopher Campbell
Nonfics
The Crash Reel is an affecting reminder of how suddenly circumstances can turn on us. But it’s also an inspiring look at how we can deal with even the most hobbling bad luck.
February 5, 2014 | Rating: B
Dan Schindel
Movie Mezzanine
Lucy Walker makes a multi-faceted documentary that deals with the demands on Olympic-level athletes to excel at their chosen sport.
January 31, 2014 | Rating: B+
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
Walker never preaches, she and Kos just lay out an incredible journey with a few supportive side trips to build her case against extreme sports while still celebrating the athletes who participate in them.
January 25, 2014 | Rating: A-
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews
Surprising and moving, it’s a nonfiction wonder.
January 9, 2014 | Rating: 3.5/4
Chris Hewitt
St. Paul Pioneer Press
The Crash Reel simply swells one’s heart; the Pearce family is a smart and loving one, and the lessons sprinkled throughout this amazing documentary are multitude.
December 25, 2013 | Rating: A-
Brent Simon
Shared Darkness…
Plot
Fifteen years of verite footage show the epic rivalry between half-pipe legends Shaun White and Kevin Pearce, childhood friends who become number one and two in the world leading up to the Vancouver Winter Olympics, pushing one another to ever more dangerous tricks, until Kevin crashes on a Park City half-pipe, barely surviving. As Kevin recovers from his injury, Shaun wins Gold. Now all Kevin wants to do is get on his snowboard again, even though medics and family fear this could kill him. We also celebrate Sarah Burke who crashed in Park City and died January 19, 2012.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The documentary features snowboarder Kevin Pearce and his family as he recovers from a traumatic brain injury.
Lucy-Walker.jpg
96%
A Separation (2011)
96%RT Audience Score: 92%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
89 wins & 50 nominations total
Morally complex, suspenseful, and consistently involving, A Separation captures the messiness of a dissolving relationship with keen insight and searing intensity.
A Separation is one heck of a movie! It’s got everything you could want – drama, suspense, and a whole lot of moral complexity. The way it portrays a relationship falling apart is so real and raw, it’s almost uncomfortable to watch. But you can’t look away! The intensity is off the charts. This movie really captures the messiness of a breakup, and it does it with such insight that you’ll be thinking about it for days. Trust me, you won’t regret watching A Separation.
Production Company(ies)
Asghar Farhadi Productions, Dreamlab Films, MPAAPSA Academy Film Fund,
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Tehran, Iran
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material
Year of Release
2011
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 3m
-
Language(s):Persian
-
Country of origin:Iran
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 30, 2011 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 21, 2012
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Payman Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini, Merila Zare’i, Babak Karimi, directed by Asghar Farhadi, written by Asghar Farhadi, drama, PG-13, box office gross $331.7K, reviewed by David Thomson, Jon Frosch, Stephanie Zacharek, Tom Long, Joe Williams, Lisa Kennedy, Brian Eggert, David Bax, MPAA rating, producer Asghar Farhadi, Iranian film, divorce, family drama, legal system, morality play, class conflict, truth, communication, marriage, religion, societal relevance, disintegrating relationship, messiness, suspenseful, searing intensity, morally complex, consistently involving, keen insight, critically acclaimed
Worldwide gross: $22,926,076
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $30,182,130
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,548
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 3,291,399
US/Canada gross: $7,099,055
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $9,345,891
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,631
US/Canada opening weekend: $59,481
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $78,307
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,035
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $658,249
Production budget ranking: 2,104
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $354,467
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $29,169,414
ROI to date (est.): 2,880%
ROI ranking: 36
Leila Hatami – Simin
Sareh Bayat – Razieh
Shahab Hosseini – Hodjat
Merila Zare’i – Miss Ghahraii
Babak Karimi – Interrogator
Asghar Farhadi – Director/Producer/Writer
Director(s)
Asghar Farhadi
Writer(s)
Asghar Farhadi
Producer(s)
Asghar Farhadi
Film Festivals
Berlin, Telluride
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
89 wins & 50 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Foreign Language Film of the Year Winners, Oscar Best International Feature Film Of The Year Winners, Oscar Nominees, Oscar Winners
All Critics (179) | Top Critics (61) | Fresh (178) | Rotten (1)
You cannot watch the film without feeling kinship with the characters and admitting their decency as well as their mistakes.
June 19, 2013
David Thomson
The New Republic
TOP CRITIC
Dynamically shot and paced like a thriller, the film has the density and moral prickliness of a good novel.
March 7, 2012
Jon Frosch
The Atlantic
TOP CRITIC
Nothing earth-shattering happens in A Separation, but the straightforwardness of this view of a disintegrating marriage, set in the context of complicated cultural and religious mors, is dramatic by itself.
March 6, 2012 | Rating: 8.5/10
Stephanie Zacharek
Movieline
TOP CRITIC
These people seem so real they might live next door. And they probably do.
February 23, 2012 | Rating: A+
Tom Long
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
“A Separation” is a plaintive fable of the human condition that unites us.
February 17, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4
Joe Williams
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
TOP CRITIC
Very few movies capture as convincingly as A Separation does the ways in which seemingly honorable decisions can lead to interpersonal conflict — even disaster.
February 10, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4
Lisa Kennedy
Denver Post
TOP CRITIC
A Separation stimulates discussion about how the characters behave and how we feel about their choices.
February 21, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
A Separation is an educational and sympathetic inside look at the way things work in Iran…
March 22, 2021
David Bax
Battleship Pretension
A Separation provides one of the few glimpses that Americans and others in the West will have into the reality of Iranian life.
February 12, 2021
David Walsh
World Socialist Web Site
Rarely are family dramas as thematically or structurally complex as A Separation. Pair that with the fact that it is very well acted and intelligently photographed, and you have an extraordinary film.
November 18, 2020
Jordan M. Smith
IONCINEMA.com
The beauty of A Separation, and what one can only hope will help sell it to American audiences, is the universality of its themes, messages and conflicts.
September 1, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
A stressful watch but worthwhile look at 2 marriages in Iran
August 12, 2020
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)…
Plot
Nader (Payman Maadi) and Simin (Leila Hatami) argue about living abroad. Simin prefers to live abroad to provide better opportunities for their only daughter, Termeh. However, Nader refuses to go because he thinks he must stay in Iran and take care of his father (Ali-Asghar Shahbazi), who suffers from Alzheimers. However, Simin is determined to get a divorce and leave the country with her daughter.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast and crew of A Separation are all Iranian, with director Asghar Farhadi being one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the country.
Asghar-Farhadi.jpg