Matt Passantino

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  • in Reviews

    Film Review: ‘Boogie’ Dribbles in Familiar Territory

    Boogie is the feature debut for writer-director Eddie Huang, who previously worked on the show Fresh Off the Boat. His first film plays like one of those debuts that are perfectly harmless and a solid-enough calling card, without delivering a showstopping movie. The culturally specific story at the heart of Boogie offers some nuance to […] More

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    Film Review: After A lot of Noise, ‘Chaos Walking’ Hits Screens

    Chaos Walking’s chaotic journey to the big screen is finally over. The new dystopian thriller, directed by Doug Liman, was shot in 2017, but required reshoots, which caused release delays. Typically, though sometimes undeservedly, that’s a sign of trouble. It was finally set to release, but the pandemic caused the movie – like most others […] More

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    Film Review: Horror Flick Takes Yet Another ‘Wrong Turn’

    Sometimes the most random series of movies continue on-and-on past their expiration date, without much evidence as to why they should. Mike P. Nelson’s new incarnation of Wrong Turn is the latest horror movie to stretch its name beyond necessity. Alan B. McElroy, who wrote the original Wrong Turn in 2003, returns as the writer […] More

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    in Reviews

    Film Review: Take a Funny Trip with ‘Barb and Star’

    Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is either the perfect movie for right now, or not. It really all depends on where you are at in this ongoing period of isolation. If you’re a glass half-full kind of person, the wonderfully silly and funny piece of escapism will transport you to the sunny […] More

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    Film Review: ‘Music’ Has No Rhythm

    Music – perhaps you heard of it? Well, actually, probably not. Last week, the Golden Globes released their nominations for this year’s awards cycle, and they left many scratching their heads, more than usual. When the nominations where announced and Kate Hudson’s name was read in the Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical category, […] More

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    Film Review: ‘Saint Maud’ is Finally Here, Answering Your Prayers

    If you’ve paid attention to Twitter – particularly the chaotic faction known as Film Twitter – at any point last year, there were loud calls for A24 to release writer-director Rose Glass’ feature debut Saint Maud. Film Twitter, much to its chagrin, has to wait until July (hopefully) for A24’s other desperately sought-after title The […] More

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    in Reviews

    Film Review: ‘Palmer’ is a Bland Drama, Despite Good Intentions

    Sometimes good intentions and proper execution fail to work concurrently in movies, as is the case with the well-meaning but bland Palmer. It’s unfortunate because the movie’s message and heart are in the right place, but it’s presented in a been-there, done-that Movie of the Week package, which doesn’t allow a viewer to emotionally grasp […] More

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    Film Review: Cooper Raiff Invites You to Enter ‘Shithouse’

    We certainly have no shortage of coming-of-age movies or college party movies. It seems to be popular terrain to explore for filmmakers because there’s some satisfaction in recalling the past, no matter how painful and awkward it may be. For viewers, it can be the very same. As we watch characters navigate new ventures like […] More

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    in Emmys

    Emmy Analysis: Outstanding Comedy Series

    There hasn’t been much variety to the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy category in almost a decade. Starting in 2007, Tina Fey’s 30 Rock won the top comedy prize three years in a row, followed by a five-year streak by Modern Family. HBO’s Veep put an end to the Modern Family reign, taking the trophy in […] More