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Starlet 2012
Director: Sean Baker Writer: Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch Starring: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Boonee What sets a good indie apart from cheap B movie shlock is an edgy succinct script, committed and talented actors, and filmmakers making the most of every resource available, creating a consistent stream of moving, memorable shots. Starlet has everything…
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The Bling Ring 2013
Director: Sofia Coppola Writer: Sofia Coppola, Nancy Jo Sales Starring: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson Ever see a film that was made well but still irritated you? Maybe it is impossible to reserve judgement of characters in a film based on actual events. Maybe therapy could reveal some deep seated reasons why I’d…
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Night Train To Lisbon 2013
Director: Bille August Writer: Pascal Mercier, Greg Latter Starring: Jeremy Irons, Mélanie Laurent, Jack Huston At times reminiscent of films like The House Of Spirits and In the Time Of The Butterflies, Night Train To Lisbon is a trans-cultural dramatic mystery. However, for its length and dual plot lines this film remains elegant, but…
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Daglicht 2013
Director: Diederik Van Rooijen Writer: Philip Delmaar, Marion Pauw, Diederik Van Rooijen Starring: Derek de Lint, Fedja van Huêt, Angela Schijf If you like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but that’s too dark for you, Daglicht fits the bill. An intriguing story is supported by believable performances and pacing that makes you forget…
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The East 2013
Director: Zal Batmanglij Writer: Zal Batmanglij, Brit Marling Starring: Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ellen Page Wow! I did not expect to like this movie. Coming off of death by True Blood (the show, not the beverage), Alexander Skarsgård brings what George Jefferson called “it”! Brit Marling gives a wonderfully rich and layered performance as…
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Dans Paris 2006
Director: Christophe Honoré Writer: Christophe Honoré Starring: Romain Duris, Louis Garrel, Alice Butaud From the opening titles I knew this movie was going to give me everything! The marriage of style and content is simply beautiful. The implementation of music throughout the film is purposeful, enhancing the characters’ development and propelling the plot forward…
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Mud 2012
Director: Jeff Nichols Writer: Jeff Nichols Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland MUD started out as a predictable coming of age flick…or so I thought. At about 8 minutes in, I made several predictions as to what events would transpire by the end of the film. I surprised myself by being wrong by…
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Blancanieves 2012
Director: Pablo Berger Writer: Pablo Berger Starring: Maribel Verdú, Emilio Gavira, Daniel Giménez Cacho Reliable Spanish movie magic meets silent film kitsch. Blancanieves is a refreshing adaptation of Snow White. With this retelling, Director Pablo Berger consistently makes delightful choices that result in delicious detailed elements, bringing each character and their environment to life.…
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Des Filles En Noir 2010
Director: Jean-Paul Civeyrac Writer: Jean-Paul Civeyrac Starring: Elise Lhomeau, Léa Tissier, Elise Caron Two girls obsessed with a suicide pact are trying to hold onto each other while letting go of what they believe are the trappings of adult life. Although many aspects that may be the hallmark of modern French film are present,…