FilmFlashes.com Blog

A feel good film that energizes audiences with the stamina and vigor of the most famous race horse in history and his exemplary owner, Penny Chenery (played by classic favorite, Diane Lane).

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A well crafted dramatization of the origins of Facebook that may not flatter the developers (Jesse Eisenberg playing Mark Zuckerberg and Armie Hammer playing the Winklevoss twins), but provides chow for chatter about the state of social networking.

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Audiences might have gained a better appreciation of regal routines with a bit more detail and historical perspective.  However the majestic costuming, noble venues, and striking characters (notably Emily Blunt as Victoria and Rupert Friend as Albert) allowed audiences to get a flavor for the period.

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Israeli writer/director, Ari Folman explores the psychological impact of Israeli participation in the first Lebanese war through original, repetitive animated drawings.

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Liev Schreiber and Daniel Craig are a dynamic duo, playing the oldest Bielski brothers, Zus and Tuvia , who despite their philosophical differences worked together to save close to 1200 Jews from extermination by providing save harbor in the forest outside of Poland. Director, co-writer Edward Zwick presents power packed realism, interspersed [...]

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Sweeping cinematography and scintilating chemisty between mega stars, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman created the potential for a great pre-WWII, Aussi adventure.  However Baz Luhrmann’s unfocused presentation of cattle herds, Abornigines mystique, and rancher’s greed never draws audiences in, let alone keeps you engrossed for the lengthy (close to 3 hours) epic.

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Lavish costuming is the focus of this historical rendition of the marriages, mistresses, and machinations of 18th century English Royalty. Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire (Keira Knightley) gains popularity and political clout despite her husband’s (Ralph Fiennes) malice and open affair with her friend (Hayley Atwell). A brief brush up on English [...]

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This Israeli film dramatizes the social and psychological issues that accompanied the influx of thousands of Ethiopian Jews escaping famine and devastation in the 1980’s. Characterization and aging are at times inconsistent, but director/writer Radu Mihaileanu deserves credit for tackling so many themes in the course of one film.
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Russian filmmaker, Sergei Bodrov utilizes authentic locations, and a healthy smattering of Mongolian actors in this epic film of Genghis Khan’s rise to power. Young Temudjin (Odnyam Odsuren) and his (adult) first lady Borte (Khulan Chuluun) stand out in their authenticity as well as Japanese leading man Tadanobu Asano as adult Temudjin and Chinese [...]

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Sibling rivalry escalates when both Boleyn girls (Scarlett Johansson & Natalie Portman) have their eyes on King Henry (Eric Bana). While the historical perspecitive is minimized, center stage is taken by the brilliant costuming and character studies; manipulative father (Mark Rylance) powerless mother (Kristen Scott Thomas), plotting uncle (David Morrissey). More than enough [...]

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Protestant rule of England, Spain’s invasion, the plot of Mary, Queen of Scots are all secondary to Elizabeth’s (Cate Blanchette) costuming and desires for Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen).
Please share your opinion regarding Film Flashes movie review of Elizabeth: The Golden Age .

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