Category Archives: Newer films

The Bourne Legacy

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Mark DuPré

This semi-reboot of the Bourne trilogy with Matt Damon is a kind of “Whew, that was intense, wasn’t it!” reaction to the earlier series. The Bourne Legacy is simpler, easier, less layered and subtle, and heads in different directions. Our … Continue reading →

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Hope Rises

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Mark DuPré

Some critics used to separate “films” from “movies.” Hope Springs is a movie; it’s mainstream and entertaining, with no aspirations to art. It’s solid as a film, hysterically funny at times, and painfully uncomfortable at other times. The direction is … Continue reading →

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The Dark Knight Rises

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Mark DuPré

The last installment of the Batman trilogy may not be looked at simply as a film for a while. The slaughter on opening night will likely be associated with the film for many a viewer and non-viewer. The real violence … Continue reading →

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Brave

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Mark DuPré

Most of the talk surrounding Brave has been focused on gender and ideology. Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is a Disney heroine who doesn’t need or want a man, and doesn’t end up with one. For sociologists and ideologues, that’s … Continue reading →

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The Amazing Spider-Man

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Mark DuPré

This is your kinder, gentler Spider-Man. That’s neither a compliment nor a complaint. It’s just a quick description of the reboot. There’s nothing really new here except the emphasis. This Spider-Man film is more down-to-earth, closer to its protagonists, lighter … Continue reading →

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Moonrise Kingdom

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Mark DuPré

Wes Anderson (The Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Darjeeling Limited, The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore) is a critics darling, and many are falling all over themselves to proclaim this his best yet. It may be, but I’m not among that group, as … Continue reading →

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Prometheus

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Mark DuPré

Stunningly beautiful. Almost intriguing at times. And eventually, the prequel to Alien that we originally thought it would be. There’s a lot to like here. (Full disclosure: I didn’t live in breathless anticipation of this film, as many others did. … Continue reading →

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The Avengers

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Mark DuPré

Critics and filmmakers are going to study and pick apart The Avengers (officially Marvel’s The Avengers) for years as an example of how to make a successful franchise film, and a film with “too many” major characters. As it stands, … Continue reading →

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The Hunger Games

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Mark DuPré

I find myself in an unusual position in regard to the latest box office phenomenon. I haven’t read the books, and don’t intend to (no time and no interest, in that order). I approach it not looking for how well … Continue reading →

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Like Crazy

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Mark DuPré

Like Crazy (2011) is an indie film about young love and young lovers.  She’s an English student, he an American one. They fall in love, make one big wrong decision (among many smaller stupid ones), and then get bounced around by … Continue reading →

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