Oppenheimer Review : A Horrifyingly Brilliant Character Study

Oppenheimer is a dense and horrifyingly brilliant character study, with Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey JR delivering career-defining performances. It’s experimental, gut-wrenching, and masterfully shot and scored. Christopher Nolan cements himself as an all-time great director. When it comes to the conversation of the best director in Hollywood, few directors rival the visionary storytelling prowess…

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Barbie Review : A Deconstructionist Love Letter

Barbie is a deconstruction and love letter to the icon, with great set pieces, choreography, and style. Greta Gerwig continues to show why she’s one of the best directors working today, while Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling shine as always.  2023’s Barbie could have been many things. The character has existed in countless ways and is perceived…

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2023 Mid-Year Film Ranking

Below is my current mid-year ranking of all the new 2023 releases I’ve seen so far, with some quick thoughts on each film. As of right now, these are my current ratings and ranking for each but they are subject to change by the end of the year when heavy hitters such as Oppenheimer, Dune:…

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The Flash Review – Shades of Greatness But Uneven

The Flash is entertaining and exciting, with Ezra Miller and Sasha Calle shining brightest in the film, but the final product is more of a mixed bag of plot threads and unpolished endings. The Flash, starring Ezra Miller and directed by Andy Muschietti has a long list of things it wanted to accomplish. It is…

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The Panic in Needle Park (1971) – Addiction’s Inescapable Cycle

The Panic In Needle Park was an innovative film that features a powerful performance from early Al Pacino during his prime “Godfather” era. Young Al Pacino and his older self almost feel like two vastly different actors, each with a unique, evolving style, so it’s always nice to see more of his younger work that…

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Full Metal Jacket (1987) – Reflecting War’s Reality

Full Metal Jacket is an absolutely incredible film, helmed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create thought-provoking narratives and this film followed suit. But this felt even more unique in the sense that it feels almost like two distinct movies in one, each…

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Beau is Afraid’s Divisive Storytelling | The Farooqi Bros Podcast

Welcome to Cinema Debate’s The Farooqi Bros Podcast. Every Sunday, join The Farooqi Bros as they discuss the biggest topics of the week, fun behind the scenes insights, and more. Today’s topics: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Non-Spoiler Review. Sheraz Farooqi calls it an emotional send-off for the core cast. The Farooqi Bros review…

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – Review : An Earnest and Heartfelt Conclusion

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is heartfelt, emotionally charged, and earnest, something recent MCU films lack. James Gunn’s writing can be hit-or-miss at times but Vol.3 delivers an emotionally high-stakes story that keeps you invested and entertained throughout.  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 feels ripped out of an older phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.…

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Her (2013) – Dystopian Love

Her (2013), directed by the inventive Spike Jonze, is a deeply engaging movie that manages to captivate you with its vividly stunning cinematography. What strikes you about this film right from the start is the way it’s remarkably shot. Visually, it’s a breathtaking delight with every scene meticulously framed, creating a mesmerizing display of colors…

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Beau is Afraid Review – An Anxiety-Ridden Nightmare

Beau is Afraid is haunting, downright painful to watch, and will have you questioning your sanity. Despite that, the film is epic in scope, masterfully directed by Ari Aster and impossible to look away from. The film, written and directed by Ari Aster, centers around Beau Wasserman, the son of a wealthy businesswoman who raised him…

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Taxi Driver (1976) – Descension Into Madness

Martin Scorsese­’s Taxi Driver was a remarkable portrayal of 70’s Ne­w York, capturing its unfiltered and vivid esse­nce. Without holding back, Scorsese­ unveils the raw and gritty side of the­ city, delivering a powerful ye­t challenging experie­nce for viewers. Robert De­ Niro delivers an unforgettable­ performance as Travis Bickle, a trouble­d taxi driver. De­ Niro…

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Serpico (1973) – In the Face of Corruption

Serpico (1973) is yet another testament to Al Pacino’s acting prowess, with his grounded portrayal of Frank Serpico, an honest cop in a cesspool of corruption. Pacino’s performance ranges from restrained and nuanced to explosive, each emotional beat landing with precision. This was a role that demanded a certain level of vulnerability and moral intensity,…

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The Hunt (2012) – Innocence in Agony

The Hunt or Jagten, directed by Thomas Vinterberg, is a foreign film that masterfully defies predictability, weaving a narrative that veers off the typical narrative path and plunges into an emotionally charged story of innocence and persecution. It’s through this sense of unpredictability that the story finds its core strength, becoming an incredibly compelling examination…

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Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Review and Interview: A Stop-Motion Masterpiece

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a beautiful, layered, stop-motion masterpiece. The film is filled with incredible performances and imbued with the director’s signature style in a retelling that is both poignant and heartwarming. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio tells the classic story of the wooden boy and his father in a uniquely powerful way. It is a…

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review – Poignant and Powerful Storytelling

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a masterclass in superhero storytelling. Emotionally rich and technically brilliant, Chadwick Boseman’s legacy is honored in a film that takes audiences and characters alike on a journey about grief, loss, and recovery.

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