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All film posts on Movies All Around
A family drama told through a series of video calls as relatives gather virtually during lockdown to say goodbye to a loved one, Family Squares is an inventive film that makes effective use of its limitations to tell a surprisingly complex story. The Covid lockdowns were brutal. My husband and I came from a perspective…
A coming-of-age story about a young girl learning about life and loss, My Girl is a nostalgic film, with a standout performance from Anna Chlumsky and a story that stands the test of time. I remember watching My Girl in the movie theater when it was first released. I don’t know who I went with,…
A romantic comedy about a young woman who works to reunite an older woman with her long-lost love while traveling through Italy, Letters To Juliet is a sweet and predictable film that gets better the longer you watch. I have seen the cover of this movie a few times over the last 16 years, and…
Based on a true story of a man sentenced to death row for the arson killing of his three small children, Trial By Fire shines a bright light on a broken justice system in the United States. When I think of films based on true stories, many of the ones that first come to mind…
Based on a true story about a young man searching for the home he lost as a child, Lion is a deeply moving film, with fantastic performances and an unforgettable ending. There are some movies that stay with you after you’ve watched them. In the same way that your heart grows in the ability to…
A surreal dark comedy about a man who begins appearing in strangers’ dreams, Dream Scenario is strange and well-acted, though it ultimately feels more interesting than involving. I have always loved the movie Peggy Sue Got Married. Kathleen Turner is great in the film, and there’s something warm and nostalgic about it, even though I…
A romantic comedy about a woman finding her own path as she navigates the expectations of her lively Greek family, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a warm, hilarious film with a fantastic ensemble and a quotable script. In 2002, I was in graduate school. My classes were all in the evening, so daytime was…
A light teen rom-com about a high school girl learning to accept herself, Tall Girl is a cute, heartfelt film with likable actors and a gently enjoyable story. It might seem strange, but particularly as we grow up, many girls have a complex about their height. When I was younger, I was convinced that if…
A heartfelt dramedy about a widow working at an aquarium who forms an unusual connection with an observant octopus, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a warm film with a strong cast, beautiful marine life, and gentle, storybook-like charm. I read this book shortly after it was released in 2022, and I loved it. It takes you…
A romantic comedy about a novelist at a writing retreat, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a tonally uneven film with a few fun moments, but far more that leave it feeling flat and forgettable. I first learned about this film while watching the trailers at a Screen Unseen at AMC Theaters. I was immediately…
A surprisingly engaging sequel that takes on current issues in the high-pressure world of fashion journalism, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a stylish follow-up with sharp performances and catty exchanges that captures the same appeal as the original. There tends to be a cardinal rule when it comes to movies – if a sequel…
A fantasy adventure about a young girl afraid of the real monsters under her bed, Dust Bunny is a beautifully designed film, with charming performances and an imaginative, storybook-like feel. Mads Mikkelsen has slowly added himself to my list of favorite actors. I first noticed him years ago, but it was when I watched Arctic…
