• GOODBYE SOLO

" This is a poignant movie with fine acting.  First timer Souleymane Sy Savane is warm and funny.  West was perfect as the man with a past.."

ALONE IN FOUR WALLS

" I found myself rooting for the boys and believing they would   take advantage of  their  second chance.  But then the credits rolled and I realized that the  recidivism  for  juveniles in Russia is much like it  is here.  Still, I hope the  boys we got to know in this film beat the odds."

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HOOKED

" Director Adrian Sitaru tries to crank up the conflict by having Ana play her hosts against each other.   Ana was definitely the most interesting thing about the movie.  I wondered about her motivation.  But I didn't think of any..."

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KANDISHA

" The best thing about this movie was learning about Moroccan culture.  But, I don't like movies where the characters behave stupidly.  I had a hard time accepting that Nyla would put herself in compromising positions.  She is supposed to be a highly respected..."

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EUGENE

"EUGENE is a thriller about a 30s something misfit, Eugene, who lacks social skills but is desperate for human connections.  First time director Jake Barsha chooses to peel back Eugene's past like leaves on an artichoke.   Each new revelation makes us a little more anxious because Eugene just gets creepier."

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THE ENGLISH SURGEON

" If I am ever faced with the prospect of brain surgery, I hope I am lucky enough to have a doctor like London's Henry Marsh.  THE ENGLISH SURGEON by Geoffrey Smith chronicles Dr. Marsh's humanitarian efforts on one of his many trips to the Ukraine since 1992 when he met Ukrainian surgeon Igor Kurilets at a lecture."

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LAST STOP 174

" LAST STOP 174 is based on an actual hostage situation in 2000 in Rio.  I think the hostage part of the film is better illustrated in the documentary BUS 174 but director Bruno Barreto tries to humanize the criminal.  As with CITY OF GOD, Braulio Mantovani's script takes another harsh look at street survival in Brazil."

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UNTITLED

" I actually thought Untitled was more of a short idea than a full length feature.  There were some laughs but also a lot of drag.  Goldberg is terrific as the delusional Adrian but it is Shelton who adds the crackle to every scene.  "

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THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST IS DEAD

" This is a beautifully shot film.  The attention to detail is reminiscent of Terrence Malick's DAYS OF HEAVEN and BADLANDS.  Parker is a revelation.  I wanted to crawl into the film and sit at her knee.   It is sweet without being sappy. Life's lessons are taught in a natural, unencumbered way. "

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