Articles By: Sam Fragoso

“Fast Five” is a Mindless Blast

Who would have thought that the fifth installment of this extravagantly over-the-top franchise would actually be worth a look? Not me. Yet, Fast Five manages to be a high-octane action thriller that is entertaining to a pulp and possibly the best of the bunch so far.

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Biopic “Soul Surfer” Nearly Drowns in Saccharine

Soul Surfer brings to life the truly inspiring true story of Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), a teenage surfer who notoriously fought her way back to competitive surfing after losing her left arm during a vicious shark attack. It’s a great story but is it a great movie?

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It’s a “Win Win” Situation for Paul Giamatti

Let’s face it: we live in an era that produces films not by standards of quality, but quantity. 2011 is no exception. We have 22 sequels and superhero pictures set to release this year. So when a subtle and delightful film like Win Win comes around, it gives you hope in Hollywood, and reminds you of the greatness of the film medium.

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“The Conspirator” is Guilty Until Proven Innocent

In Robert Redford’s The Conspirator, our justice system did not abide by the Constitution that our forefathers documented. Instead Mary Surratt was guilty, until proven innocent and she paid for it. Read Sam’s review of this movie starring James McAvoy and Robin Wright.

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“Your Highness” is Lowly, Juvenile and Senseless

Films like Your Highness need a lesson in comedy. Swearing profusely to produce laughs doesn’t work. No one enjoys watching spontaneous, empty cursing that has no real content. Read Sam’s review of this strangely unfunny comedy.

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Saoirse Ronan Kicks Ass in Slick Thriller “Hanna”

Remember her name because Irish actress Saoirse Ronan is taking the world by storm. With already an Oscar nomination for her haunting work in Joe Wright’s Atonement, she is quickly proving that she is a big star on the rise. Read Sam’s review of the action-thriller Hanna.

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“Tron: Legacy”: Where’s My Tron Toy With My Happy Meal?

Twenty-eight years ago Steven Lisberger’s Tron was a technological game changer. But now the year is 2010, and the cult classic has finally received its sequel. The only problem is Tron: Legacy is not so much a breakthrough in technology, as it is an exercise of Disney propaganda.

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“Source Code” Is a Taut, Enigmatic Sci-Fi Thriller

Duncan Jones’ Source Code, despite some glaring faults and mishaps in plot structure, is an entertaining and smart bit of escapism, infused with a loving, often tender sentimentality that will make many swoon.

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Doubleheader Review: Never Let Me Go (2010)

Kathy, Ruth and Tommy spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they grow into young adults, they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them. Read Castor’s and Sam’s reviews.

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“Sucker Punch” Stands For Nothing and Falls for Everything

The time has come. We have already seen some quite terrible movies this year but Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch is the first, real, genuine failure. A sinking ship, a car falling off the bridge, a paycheck earned for the stars and money wasted for the spectators.

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