Author Archives: Mark DuPré

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About Mark DuPré

Retired (associate) pastor at a Christian church. Retired film professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. Husband for nearly 50 years to the lovely and talented Diane. Father to three children and father-in-law to three more amazing people. I continue some ministry duties even though retired from the pastoral staff position. Right now I'm co-writing a book, co-writing a serious musical drama, and am half-way through writing (on my own a month-long devotional.

Manchester by the Sea

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Mark DuPré

Manchester by the Sea is a deeply moving, occasionally wrenching, and extraordinary film. It’s a unique mixture of realism and formalism, in combinations one doesn’t usually find. It also features some of the best acting of the year, including a … Continue reading →

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Hacksaw Ridge

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Mark DuPré

Hacksaw Ridge, Mel Gibson’s film about the bravery of World War II medic Desmond Doss during the Battle of Okinawa, is an extraordinary film and a massive Rorschach test. This is Gibson’s return to directing after his monumental success with … Continue reading →

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Allied

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Mark DuPré

Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, The Polar Express, Cast Away) has created an unusual semi-old-fashioned war and romance film in Allied. Unfortunately, most of its early press had to do with its stars—Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard—and their non-existent romance that then … Continue reading →

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Arrival

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Mark DuPré

When I experienced Arrival, I couldn’t help but think of the last line of “The Hollow Men” by T.S. Eliot: “Not with a bang but a whimper.” While the plot—worldwide alien visitation and the struggle to communicate—sounds like many another … Continue reading →

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The Accountant

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Mark DuPré

There’s a good film in here somewhere. As it stands now, it’s a good-looking, generally well-acted, occasionally very confusing jumble. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, probably best known for Miracle, The Accountant is the story of an autistic accountant with ninja … Continue reading →

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Sully

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Mark DuPré

After J. Edgar and Jersey Boys, I had thought that Clint Eastwood was, to be blunt, getting too old and was losing his touch. Then came American Sniper, which had the force and energy of a 30-year-old behind it. Now … Continue reading →

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Hell or High Water

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Mark DuPré

What do you get when you combine No Country for Old Men, the newer True Grit, The Last Picture Show, Bonnie and Clyde, Lone Star and High Sierra? It may well be something like Hell or High Water, a film … Continue reading →

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Florence Foster Jenkins

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Mark DuPré

Before I begin the analysis, it’s time for a full disclosure. No, I don’t know anyone associated with the film, and I have no vested financial interest in it. But I look at films like this differently from most other … Continue reading →

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Jason Bourne

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Mark DuPré

In terms of a summer action film, this is an enjoyable repeat. It’s got director Paul Greengrass’s patented non-stop camera technique, and it features America’s most likeable heroes, the cinematic Bourne and the real-life Matt Damon. It’s a pleasurable and … Continue reading →

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding II

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Mark DuPré

The original My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a monstrous hit in 2002. It had a fresh take on an everyday story, and was funny, a little edgy and safe. It was lovingly infused with the experiences and perspectives of … Continue reading →

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