LETTER C

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Capote

Clean And Sober

Cars

Clockstoppers

Cashback

Code 46

Catch Me If You Can

Comedian

Changing Lanes

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Charade

Confidence

Cherish

Count of Monte Cristo, The

Chicago

Crossroads

Chicken Run

Croupier

China Syndrome, The

Movie Title

Chronicles of Narnia, The

Movie Title

City of God

Movie Title

City of Lost Children, The

Movie Title

Movie Title

Movie Title

Movie Title

Movie Title

#  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  UV  W  XYZ

Capote  (2005)      

8.5 /10

Yes, Phillip Seymour Hoffman really is as brilliant as everyone says, but what truly makes this biopic of famous eccentric author excel is insight into his thought and writing process. Multi-layered relationship between Capote and convicted murderer Percy Smith is backbone of story, and pays off strongly thanks to deliberately structured interactions (final confession is surprisingly jarring). Well photographed with particularly noteworthy use of extreme wide shots that at times resemble framed artwork.  [English, 114min, R]

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Cars  (2006)      

3 /10

Imagine a future where automobiles develop artificial intelligence, annihilate all human beings, and absorb our history and culture as their own. That's the unseen prologue to CarsPixar's first disappointment, and a joyless, boring, overlong, insultingly superficial one at that. Owen Wilson fizzles as NASCAR star car while Larry the Cable Guy gets better mileage out of his loveable redneck pickup. So infuriatingly contrived and illogical (even flies are tiny cars!) that any enjoyment is lost in the fumes.  [English, 116min, G]

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Cashback  (2006)      

7 /10

Sean Ellis cleverly expands his Academy Award nominated short into a witty, inviting fantasy rom-com. Following a bad breakup (shown as funny slomo verbal assault), college art student Ben Willis develops a chronic case of insomnia, along with the ability to stop time – ala Zach Morris. Using this power, he ponders split second life choices and, in film's sexy centerpiece, the nude female form. Ellis exhibits great stylistic instincts throughout, but his ambitions overreach a bit in snow fall climax.  [English, 102min, R]  7/09

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Catch Me If You Can  (2002)      

8 /10

After years of historic recreations and challenging sci-fi dramas, Spielberg returns to trademark family fare with highly entertaining, if surprise free, results. DiCapro, very much the star, balances confidence of deception and fear of youth as famous 1960's con-boy Frank Abagnale. Hanks makes a light turn, aiding cat ‘n’ mouse relationship that is emotional core of story. Real surprise is Christopher Walken's truly moving performance.  [English, 141min, PG-13]

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Changing Lanes  (2002)      

8 /10

Refreshing product from the Hollywood movie machine: instead of a standard revenge story, this drama focuses on character emotions and life style differences during a "worst case scenario." Affleck puts forth one of his best efforts and Jackson is reliable as usual.  [English, 99min, R]

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Charade  (1963)      

8 /10

Cary Grant (as a con-artist) and Audrey Hepburn (as an unknowingly wealthy widow) have that special old school chemistry in this entertaining romantic comedy thriller. Sarcastic banter and growing attraction between the two results in a number of memorable scenes. Walter Matthau stands out as dry, yet very funny CIA agent. Has problems in middle when danger is portrayed less seriously, making tone too light, before raising stakes for final stretch.  [English, 113min, NR]

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Cherish  (2002)      

4 /10

A massive stylistic identity crisis obsessed with not being a 'normal' romantic comedy; instead just plain weird. First 10 minutes has the right feel, then movie changes tone never looking back, leaving audience in dust.  [English, 99min, R]

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Chicago  (2002)      

8 /10

Largely entertaining return to traditionally based Hollywood musical, full of visually captivating dance choreography, elaborate stage sets, and surprising turns by marquee cast. Zellweger, no doubt impressive if not very likable, is star of story, but it’s Richard Gere who steals spotlight along with supporting cast, leaving Catherine Zetta-Jones shortchanged on screen time. Musical numbers are effectively integrated as character’s inner-monologues.  [English, 113min, R]

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Chicken Run  (2000)      

8 /10

Nick Park doesn't disappoint with his first feature-length claymation film. Clever humor, fun movie references, and thrilling visual sequences aid a plot that actually improves as it progresses.  [English, 84min, G]

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The China Syndrome  (1979)      

8 /10

Book-ended by two exceptionally tense scenes, this unsettling look at a potential nuclear meltdown stings with documentary-like rawness. Acting by leads is outstanding, especially Lemmon, who embodies fear with unnerving authenticity as whistle blowing plant worker. Despite minor strains in credibility, a penetrating look at hazards of nuclear power, red tape of news reporting, and "money-over-safety" mantra of big corporations.   [English, 122min, PG]

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The Chronicles of Narnia  (2005)      

3 /10

Only thing chronicled in this film is a constant insult to the intelligence of audience, unless one is blinded by childhood love for source material. Directed with ambition of a TV movie, written with junkyard full of cliché, clunky dialogue, and featuring stiff, forgettable child performances, this “family fantasy film” fails miserably in shadow LOTR has cast on genre (never mind the hammy religious allegory). Tilda Swinton as White Witch and choice animal SFX are only positive.   [English, 140min, PG]

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City of God  (2002)      

8.5 /10

Hard hitting gangster epic told with Goodfellas style flair maximizes it’s South American setting, though distinct style at times overwhelms substance. Aspiring photographer trying to escape titular city provides fly-on-wall narration, detailing brutal violence in jump-around chronology. Intertwined character stories are effectively unified by Shakespearian themes, ending on twisted note of hope. Lil Dice makes for wickedly memorable “bad seed.”   [Portuguese, 130min, R]

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The City of Lost Children  (1995)      

7 /10

Spectacular visuals (including an amazingly creative chain reaction sequence) thanks to the wild imagination of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, but hindered by simplistic, unfocused plot. Brazil without the substance or emotion.  [French, 112min, R]

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Clean And Sober  (1988)      

6 /10

Between his famous roles in Beetle Juice and Batman, Michael Keaton made a strong dramatic turn as a trying-to-recover alcoholic. Decent supporting cast, but dreary storyline in second half becomes tiresome.   [English, 124min, R]

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Clockstoppers  (2002)

5 /10

What really should have been stopped was this movie in pre-production. Premise would work much better as an adult action movie; hot girl in this just teases the potential of frozen-time sex scenes. First kids movie with "Matrix-effects" as main attraction.  [English, 94min, PG-13]

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Code 46  (2003   

5 /10

Social drama examining class division in Gattaca-esk genetically engineered society gets points for authentically grounded depiction of future world without over reliance on gimmicky gadgets. Unfortunately, Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton (normally impressive) are swallowed up by bland, uneventful storyline, unnecessarily complicated legal minutia, and emotional detachment from central characters. Interesting use of POV camera angles and Spanish/English hybrid language.  [English, 92min, R]

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Comedian  (2002)   

6.5 /10

What does it really take to be a comedian? That question is somewhat answered by following Jerry Seinfeld around the country as he develops a new act, facing strong insecurities, depression, and even rude audience members. Also featured is cocky newcomer Orny Adams, in addition to cameos from familiar faces. Some good moments of pre-stage suspense and the occasional hilarious joke, but insight into the world of comedy plateaus too early.  [English, 82min, R]

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Confessions of a Dangerous Mind  (2002)      

8.5 /10

Clooney thankfully avoids blatantly imitating Soderbergh, instead taking an "inspired-by" approach for a visually unique, highly entertaining biopic. Sam Rockwell delivers an all-out star performance as TV-trash father Chuck Barris, carrying story through it’s diverse emotional territory. Kaufman’s humorous, semi-surreal treatment of source material allows outrageous aspects of CIA spy story to cleverly coexist with standard "fall from success" timeline.  [English, 113min, R]

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Confidence  (2003)      

6.5 /10

Heist yarn manages to inject fresh energy into first half thanks to slick editing and a highly entertaining Hoffman who puts twisted A.D.D. spin on age-old mob boss (worth admission alone). After crime scheme logistics are worked out, story enters derivative territory, not helped by far-too-serious Burns and band of off putting crooks. Obligatory surprise ridden climax leaves minor plot holes and feeling of missed opportunity for something special.  [English, 97min, R]

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The Count of Monte Cristo  (2002)      

6 /10

Jim Caviezel proves he can lead a film, Pearce makes a good turn as a slimy one note villain, yet I need a revenge story like this about as bad as I need another courtroom drama.  [English, 131min, PG-13]

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Crossroads  (2002)      

1.5 /10

This movie proved three things: 1) Britney can NOT act; period, 2) Hollywood has FAR worse screenplays than I ever imagined, and 3) Dan Aykroyd  needs Ghostbusters 3 for any chance of a career comeback.  [English, 93min, PG-13]

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Croupier  (1998)      

7 /10

Back before anyone knew who the hell he  was, Clive Owen commandingly played a writer-with-a-past turned Casino dealer in a small, clever British drama. Voice over lead narrative feels lazy at first, until author's novel begins overlapping with real life and his point of view begins distorting reality. Most fascinating aspect is behind-the-counter view of croupier work, built around lightening quick hands and an equally fast mind. Third act story revelations add a boosting twist.  [English, 94min, NR]

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