Melanie Dishman's archive

Train wreck of an office party makes for holiday laughs

‘Office Christmas Party’

Starring: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, T.J. Miller

Directed by: Josh Gordon and Will Speck

Rated: R

 

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Fashion designer Tom Ford proves he can direct

‘Nocturnal Animals’

Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal

Directed by: Tom Ford

Rated: R

 

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Mixed review for kickoff of new J.K. Rowling franchise

Recalling that J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series became darker and darker as the sequels wore on, don’t be surprised if you find that same element in this latest, promising new world created by the famed author. Directed by David Yates (who directed the last four “Potter” movies), this is Rowling’s first screenplay, and its flaws can’t override that these “Beasts” and their collector, Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) will have a lengthy run as at least three or four more films are in the works.

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Remarkably touching alien invasion movie holds lessons for our own turbulent times

Director Denis Villeneuve heads for the stars after the drug-fueled border wars of “Sicario” early this year. Even that movie, filled with violence and an unrelenting tension, was in its own way understated, a hallmark of this director’s style. So, too, is “Arrival,” a thoughtful, almost meditative movie that is as much about the limitations of the heart as it is about the outer limits.

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With much to accomplish, director kicks off new franchise with flourish

Dr. Strange

‘Dr. Strange’

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Rated: PG-13

 

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