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Solid and funny ‘The Heat’ has a good balance between Bullock and McCarthy

The Heat Directed by Paul Feig Written by Katie Dippold USA, 2013 Melissa McCarthy is at a precipice in her career, at a point where audiences can embrace or reject her for her fierce, intimidating comic presence. Earlier this year, as one of the stars of Identity Thief, a grotesque and toxic Planes, Trains, and …

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‘This Is 40’ a meandering and mildly successful mid-life crisis dramedy

This is 40 Directed by Judd Apatow Written by Judd Apatow USA, 2012 Over the past decade, Judd Apatow the writer has made a calculated effort to mature himself, while Judd Apatow the producer indulges in his childish side. The films he’s directed have gotten progressively less raunchy and more introspective, as he’s explored unexpected …

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2011 Box Office: It’s Deja Vu All Over Again

Want a prediction for 2012 at the movies? It’s going to look a lot like 2011. An awful lot. It’s going to be a case of, If ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Well, actually, the creative machinery in Hollywood is broke, but, as the numbers show, not broken enough to warrant fixing. So. Next year, …

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Staff List: The 30 Best Films of 2011

With more movies in limited and general release than ever before, 2011 was a ridiculously crowded year for both casual and discerning moviegoers alike. One by-product of the glut is a refreshing lack of consensus; so many films have been championed in so many corners – while those same films get trashed in others – …

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Vaginas are not so serious: why ‘Bridesmaids’ proves women can be funny

Christopher Hitchens, philosopher, atheist and a man who can be relied upon to boldly pronounce the stuff a lot of guys think but hesitate to say, once claimed that women aren’t capable as being as funny as men. Not that some women can’t be funny, admitted Hitchens in an article for Vanity Fair (link http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/01/hitchens200701): …

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Score At The Half – Hollywood: Zero, Audience: Even Less

Hollywood needs a hit Actually, Hollywood needs a bunch of hits. Actually, Hollywood needs a bunch of big, fat, through-the-roof hits. And with the summer – and the year – half over, the time to come up with them is running out. The movie business finished 2010 with the second highest domestic box office on record:  $10.2 …

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‘Bridesmaids’ is hilarious

Bridesmaids Directed by Paul Feig Written by Kristen Wiig &Annie Mumolo 2011, USA Due to an incompatible temperament and worldview, I think it’s fair to say that Judith Butler would make a terrible Hollywood executive. But the radical feminist thinker does have one thing in common with slick-talking producers and studio suits: both think of …

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