Movies Graded

Director: Sidney Lumet Stars: Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch Runtime: 121 minutes Synopsis:   A television network cynically exploits a deranged former anchor's ravings and revelations about the news media for its own profit. Performances: 10/10 Screenplay: 10/10 Costume/Makeup: 8/10 Editing: 9/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Verdict: "The World is a Business, Mr. Beale." These words, uttered in Sidney Lumet's Oscar-winning "Network" by Ned Beaty's character during a chilling scene that will stick with me for a very long time, just prove how relevant the topic tackled in the movie is today, more than 40 years after the film's initial release. About corporate greed and media manipulation, the movie does an incredible job at showing the unbelievably inhumane measures taken by big companies in order to increase their ratings and make bigger profits. This is a shocking movie from start to finish that contains perhaps some o...

Director: Juan José Campanella Stars: Ricardo Darin, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago Runtime: 129 minutes Synopsis:   A retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior - both of which still haunt him decades later. Performances: 9/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Costumes/Makeup: 7/10 Editing: 8/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack:  10/10 Verdict: Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Academy Awards, "The Secret in Their Eyes", also known as "El Secreto de sus Ojos" in its home country of Argentina, is a masterful thriller worthy of all its recognition. Directed by Juan José Campanella, who also co-wrote the script with Eduardo Sacheri, the author of the novel it was based on, the movie follows a trio of counselors set on solving a murder case that has been haunting them for years. Led by an exceptional Ricardo Da...

Director: Robert Budreau Stars: Ethan Hawke, Mark Strong, Noomi Rapace Runtime: 92 minutes Synopsis:   Based on the absurd but true 1973 bank heist and hostage crisis in Stockholm that was documented in the New Yorker as the origins of the 'Stockholm Syndrome'. Performances: 10/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Costumes/Makeup: 9/10 Editing: 8/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack:  8/10 Verdict: Everybody's familiar with the Stockholm Syndrom, which is the name of the syndrome which sees hostages developing feelings for their captors. But not everyone knows the story behind the events that gave it its name. This movie tells that story and let me tell you, it's surprisingly as fascinating as it's hilarious and entertaining. Directed by Robert Budreau, the film focuses on a hostage crisis in Stockholm that took place in 1973 where a self-proclaimed outlaw, played by Ethan Hawke, starts developing a bond with one of his hostages, played by Noomi Ra...

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth Runtime: 181 minutes Synopsis:   After the devastating events of  Avengers: Infinity War  (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe. Verdict: The epic conclusion of a saga that spanned 11 years and 22 movies, "Endgame", and similarly to "Return of the Jedi", "Return of the King", or "The Deathly Hallows", is much more than just a movie, it's an event that will define an entire generation. And while there is certainly a lot to admire about it, I can't help but feel a little underwhelmed by the ambitious three-hour long finale. The follow-up to the incredible "Infinity War" has all the elements of a blockbuster and juggles them in a very smooth way that kept me entertained for most of its runti...

Director: Michael Chaves Stars: Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz, Patricia Velasquez Runtime: 93 minutes Synopsis:   Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Performances: 6/10 Screenplay: 3/10 Special Effects: 6/10 Costumes/Makeup: 6/10 Editing: 3/10 Cinematography: 4/10 Score/Soundtrack:  3/10 Entertainment Factor: 2/10 Verdict: Inspired by a well known Mexican folktale about the ghost of a weeping woman cursed by the guilt of drowning her children, I was excited for the newest entry in The Conjuring Universe (I still don't understand the reason behind that inclusion) for two reasons: The inspiration and Linda Cardellini, who I always enjoy seeing in movies. And while the actress, most famous for her breakthrough role in the canceled-too-soon TV show "Freaks and Geeks", didn't disappoint in the lead role, e...

Director: Hal Ashby Stars: Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles Runtime: 91 minutes Synopsis:   Young, rich, and obsessed with death, Harold finds himself changed forever when he meets lively septuagenarian Maude at a funeral. Performances: 10/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Editing: 8/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack:  10/10 Verdict: A classic in every sense of the word, "Harold and Maude" is perhaps one of the very few movies out there that perfectly nails the blend of comedy, drama, and romance. About a death-obsessed young boy's admiration for a much older, eccentric woman, the film benefits from having perhaps one of the best opening scenes in cinema history. A scene that serves as a marvelous introduction to Harold's complex character that also perfectly set up the narrative's comedic tone as well as its dramatic one. A tone elevated throughout the film by the exceptionally layered and hilarious performances by Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort,...

Director: Claire Denis Stars: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, André Benjamin Runtime: 113 minutes Synopsis:   A father and his daughter struggle to survive in deep space where they live in isolation. Performances: 9/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Special Effects: 9/10 Costumes/Makeup: 8/10 Editing: 7/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack:  8/10 Verdict: Ever asked yourself what a low-budget, artistic version of "Interstellar" would look like? No? Well, "High Life" answers that question regardless. Trying to explain the film's extremely deep and complicated premise without giving away anything is a near impossible task. On the surface, it follows a group of prisoners sentenced to a dangerous space voyage to a nearby black hole. But legendary French director Claire Denis' intentions with "High Life" were of much more philosophical nature, touching on themes such as the human condition, loneliness, sexuality, and desire, all ...