Jeff's Reviews | Thoughts on every movie I've ever seen.

recent product reviews

Kon-Tiki (2012)

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2016

A paint-by-numbers film about a few guys in a raft for three months. This is a boring story. The fact that fictional liberties were taken to make things more exciting is evidence that maybe this not the greatest story for a movie. Why was this trip so important? The archaeological…

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The Normal Heart (2014)

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2016

This is not just a showcase of gay people doing gay things. There is a good story here, made with heart and class. It’s too bad this didn’t get a theatrical release. It deserved one. Great casting, even better acting. Ruffalo and Bomer are fantastic. Where were the Oscars? What’s…

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An Honest Liar (2014)

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2016

A great documentary about a fascinating man and his noble principles. Well-made and interesting throughout.

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Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2016

Gibson is drawn to Jesus-like characters who stick to their convictions and sacrifice everything for a greater good. These are passionate stories that he tells, stories that are usually great for movies. Good, authentically American characters played by a mostly Australian cast. Garfield is amazingly authentic, nailing it in a…

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The Sociopath (2016)

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2016

A decent collection of Trump-related footage, but most of it is superficial media coverage, and much of it seems to have been recorded from a TV screen and is strangely cropped. The droning music in the background is manipulative and unnecessary. Let the subject matter speak for itself. Available here:…

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Piper (2016)

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2016

True to Pixar form, the animation, characters, emotions, expressions, and timing are all fantastic. But the revelation here is that he learns a new way to find food? Cute, but some of the other Pixar shorts are better.

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Captain Fantastic (2016)

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2016

Like The Mosquito Coast, a genius shuns modern civilization to create a utopia for his family in the forest. Nice mood, and the characters and acting are great, but it meanders a bit.

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Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2016

Inspired by Abrams, but this one’s not as good and not as smart. Spock’s dialogue is basic, McCoy’s quips are forced. Pegg’s Scotty doesn’t have a single good line, even more surprising when you consider that he wrote the screenplay. Effects are dizzyingly good, with silly smooth camera movements through…

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Life Itself (2014)

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2016

A candid and depressing look at one of the most beloved figures in film history, and such a personal, heartfelt project from Roger, Chaz, and James. That Roger was self-aware of the film’s production makes it that much more meaningful. I know he valued this. Cleanly crafted and well-organized. How…

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