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Flight 2012
Flight is like two films welded together. The first - interesting one - is a flight crash investigation. The other - far less interesting one - is an exploration of addiction and damaged people being drawn to one another. This is the part that makes the film boring and ponderous. The factor that makes the film offensive is its tonally uneven attitude to drink and drugs, personified in John Goodman's utterly ridiculous dealer sidekick.
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Seven Psychopaths 2012
Take a moment to think about In Bruges and the talent that's in this follow-up. Then try telling me that this film isn't a terrible disappointment. Pretentious and devoid of either laughs or clever lines, it's only saved from zero star-dom by the ever excellent Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken. Otherwise, it's RUBBISH.
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Django Unchained 2012
I wouldn't say that this is a 'return to form' for Tarantino, as I absolutely loved Inglourious Basterds. This is a better film though, sporting some incredible performances - especially a brilliant 'return to form' for Samuel L. Jackson - and some spectacular violence. The running time is a bit long though.
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The Perfect Storm 2000
A solid drama with a great cast. I find it a little more moving with each viewing.
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Mystic River 2003
An excellent film, though perhaps one of the most morally dubious films ever? I found the conclusion very troubling.
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Broken City 2013
Talented cast make very 'meh' drama/thriller. For the first hour, the film suggests several interesting avenues, but sadly doesn't go down any of them. A big waste.
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Zero Dark Thirty 2012
Two parts very talky procedural (which, thankfully, I like) and one part absolutely gripping finale - despite the fact you know how it all turns out!
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The Queen of Versailles 2012
Fascinating documentary about the fragility of the American Dream that's funny and, at times, moving. Skillfully done in the fact that - despite the greed of the 'characters' - you can't quite bring yourself to dislike them.
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End of Watch 2012
It's the type of film I've seen done before (Training Day, Street Kings etc) but the interactions between the leads adds some depth. The camcorder footage conceit is utterly pointless though.
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