Movie reviews of The Massie Twins

He film is essentially a playbook for what to expect in this soberingly believable situation, though its entertainment value intermittently tends to dip below its educational elements – yet in a world after the rise of Covid-19, Contagion probably ought to be required viewing. Review

The characters are engrossing and the situations amusing, steadily building as if a sudden shift in tone or action could spontaneously transform the plot; intentions and motivations are kept ambiguous, putting the viewer at a certain unease, even as activities turn out to be sweet, comical, or surprisingly ordinary. Review

Adding to that are some hysterical scenes of bungled election tactics, though these tend to get countered by the numerous, only slightly satirized nods to real-life, bleak truths about municipal contests – elements that stay relevant even as modernization and technology have reshaped the little particulars about the various processes. Review

With the intention of renovated realism, the film comparably struggles, unable to avoid unintentional humor in the bizarreness of transformations and the stalking of prey – despite the various, graphic amendments. At its best, it reminds of An American Werewolf in London or The Thing, though it never goes far enough with the practical effects and makeup to be a competent monster movie. Review

With the editing style, voiceover commentary, and the allure of drug-fueled riches, Blow draws many parallels to Goodfellas. The themes are quite similar – along with the tone, the span of time, and the glamorization of crime. The cast, however, isn’t as powerful, and the direction isn’t as engrossing; certain periods feel repetitive and the roles aren’t as sympathetic or unpredictable. Review

Like in most horror films, humans can be just as abominable as the supernatural enemies, especially when mob mentalities infect rational individuals. But the heroism, the stunts, the action, the harrowing scenarios, and the relentless zombie violence are likely to be the most memorable elements. Review

But the storyline is trivial at best, especially when, about two-thirds into the picture, it feels as if a new film has begun. It’s basically a serial, stylish as it may be, with multiple, disparate adventures stitched together – perhaps not unexpected, considering that the source material is a comic strip. Review

Garbo is by far the best part of this picture, managing to carry the bulk of it despite its many shortcomings. Review

The film’s frank sexuality and the widespread controversy surrounding it is sure to outshine the production as a whole – or as a work of art. Review

With enchanting music by Eastwood regular Lennie Niehaus, and an unhurried, simple, convincing screenplay, The Bridges of Madison County is that rare picture full of warmth and emotion without depicting anything larger-than-life or out-of-this-world. Review

There’s potential here, but it’s considerably squandered. Review

When the beast inevitably climbs onto dry land to wreak havoc on New York City itself, it’s a riotous good time. Review

Even though there are some unexpected leaps in the plot, the emotional genuineness wins out – and the closing shot is superb. Review

Even when sizable blunders burst into unimaginable proportions, it’s difficult to be mad at these personas; they’re funny when they bicker and charming when they reconnect. Review

Them! was one of the first of the giant insect movies, spawning plenty of copycats – and it’s easily one of the best. Review

Sadly, it’s one of the blander of these fantasy forays, perhaps due in part to the minimum of action and monsters. Review

It’s a satisfying, rambunctious, cinematic end to a troubling predicament. Review

The actors are engrossing enough that pacing issues can’t rob the film of modest entertainment value. Review

It’s obvious that the pacing is slightly off, but an undeniable entertainment value can’t seem to elude this collection of hopelessly bumbling, colossally stupid crooks. Review

Although the series of feuds – and makings and un-makings of romantic entanglements – are regularly amusing, they tend to carry on a touch too long. By... Review

There are a couple of effective, artistic moments but the film’s failure to be either exceptionally romantic or outrageously gross leaves it in an unfulfilling middle ground. It’s just mostly average. Review

Bertolucci’s overarching message – and the purpose of the story – is almost entirely lost to the youthful, callow, anarchic, pervasive sex and nudity. Review

The finale is loaded with thrilling stunts. Review

Answers are kept from the audience for so long that virtually all interest wanes; even as the truth draws nearer, it’s shrouded in enough obscuration that the big reveal can’t possibly satisfy the hype. Review