tributary stu

Movie micro-reviews and other stuff. A tributary to the big screen.

Because watching movies is cheaper than therapy.
Reviews & visual quotes — (almost) daily on all the socials.

  • Movies of the Week #52 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #52 (2024)

    This week’s movies explore atypical expressions of humor, love, and loss, weaving through the melancholic edges of human experience. From the muted, stoic realism of Tuesday, After Christmas to the offbeat observations in White Reindeer, the holiday spirit feels more like a mirror of emotional complexity than a celebration. Comedy finds introspection in Fern Brady:… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #51 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #51 (2024)

    This week’s movies span emotional intimacy, existential humor, and fantastical explorations. From Petite Maman’s enchanting portrayal of childhood and motherhood in a tightly woven 72-minute marvel to stand-up specials by Rose Matafeo and Ronny Chieng that delve into identity and cultural humor, we find depth in varied forms. Die Alone offers a visually engaging yet… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #50 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #50 (2024)

    This week’s movies explore themes of identity, connection, and the passage of time, whether through personal resilience, moral complexity, or familial bonds. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story crafts a heartfelt tribute to a man who endured tragedy with hope, while Angels with Dirty Faces delivers a timeless tale of diverging paths and redemption. The chilling… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #49 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #49 (2024)

    This week’s movies cover nostalgic holiday charm, moral dilemmas, game development lore, cultural comedy, and romcom clichés. Home Alone shines as a timeless Christmas tale with impeccable casting and iconic mischief, while Juror #2 tackles justice and moral relativism, albeit conservatively. The Half-Life 2 Documentary delves into creative struggles and industry shifts, offering richer context… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #48 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #48 (2024)

    “You Can Call Me Bill” celebrates William Shatner, while “Conclave” shifts from contemplation to cheap shock, despite Ralph Fiennes’ strong performance. “The Grinch” is deemed mediocre with unnecessary elements, “Terrifier 2” improves upon its predecessor but suffers from length, and the original “Terrifier” disappoints. Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #47 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #47 (2024)

    The review covers several films, including “Pieces of April,” a heartfelt Thanksgiving story; a documentary on Faye Dunaway that explores her impact on female roles; the gory horror “Terrifier 3”; the time travel drama “Omni Loop” focusing on family versus career; and the lighthearted “Hot Frosty,” featuring a magical snowman. Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #46 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #46 (2024)

    Anora (2024) explores Ani, a sex worker whose life changes after meeting Vania, a wealthy oligarch’s son. Their relationship crumbles under parental disapproval, highlighting classist perceptions. The Social Network (2010) has evolved from initial appeal to a dated view on wealth. Seth Meyers’ stand-up lacks depth, while Fly Me to the Moon (2024) presents an… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #45 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #45 (2024)

    The review discusses various films, highlighting their themes and effectiveness. “Donnie Darko” resonates with generational cycles and timelessness. “Smile 2” offers a chilling narrative on trauma intertwined with reality. “The Apprentice” provides an entertaining yet shallow portrayal of Trump. “My Old Ass” showcases beautiful visuals but weak storytelling. “Bully. Coward. Victim” presents Cohn’s life in… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #44 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #44 (2024)

    The “Twilight” series, despite its cultural impact, is critiqued for its lack of compelling storytelling and depth. Each installment reveals weak plots, awkward character dynamics, and underwhelming conflicts. The series is marked by a mix of decent performances and stylistic choices, yet ultimately reflects a disjointed narrative burdened by poor source material. Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #43 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #43 (2024)

    Stranger Eyes, Thelma, Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder, Clara, and The Intern are reviewed films exploring themes of isolation, aging, and societal pressures. While Stranger Eyes and Thelma offer engaging narratives, Clara’s heavy existentialism lacks emotional resonance. Overall, these varied portrayals provide insight into parenthood and generational challenges, blending humor with poignant observations. Read more

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  • Clara: Social Issues and Character Struggles | Review

    Clara: Social Issues and Character Struggles | Review

    It feels like there’s an avalanche of Romanian movies descending over us during this year, with productions catering to all tastes – the dubious (Buzz House), the mainstream (Anul nou care nu a fost) and the art-house (Trei kilometri până la capătul lumii). Clara would probably fit in the latter. It is a distinctly European… Read more

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  • Movies of the Week #42 (2024)

    Movies of the Week #42 (2024)

    The reviews discuss various films, highlighting “Say Anything” as a unique romance focusing on a girl’s relationship with her father, complemented by John Cusack’s character. Other films like “Tarzan,” “We Bought a Zoo,” “Ghost,” and “Rampage” receive mixed criticisms, emphasizing formulaic storytelling or lack of depth while mentioning some charming elements. Read more

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