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The best TV shows of 2023
2023 was the year we said goodbye to “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Ted Lasso,” “Succession” and “Reservation Dogs.”
But it was also the year we said hello to a string of streaming series, work from international producers and “second” seasons that suggested everything is right in a world rocked by strikes.
Because networks weren’t getting new material from writers and actors, they looked outside of U.S. borders and found series in Europe, Asia and Canada. (The CW had so many north-of-the-border series the “C” could have been a hat tip to Canada.)
By the time the fall television season rolled around, viewers were stuck with a lot of celebrity game shows and talk shows featuring (gasp!) authors and musicians.
Read more from critic Bruce Miller:
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Movie review: 'Maestro' is a work of art
“Maestro” is a lot like composer Leonard Bernstein’s life – eclectic, disjointed, conflicted, loving.
More of a photo album than a biography, Bradley Cooper’s film hits key points without context. In the end, you should be able to come to some kind of conclusion about the relationship he shared with wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), an actress and early-day influencer.
The famed musician (as he preferred to call himself) is on a fast track to success when we first meet him. He’s called to pinch hit for a conductor who’s ill. That begins the journey that includes several Broadway shows, a successful series of CBS specials and acclaim as one of the country’s key advocates for classical music.
Read the full review here:
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DVD review: Meg Ryan's 'What Happens Later' is... not the best
In case you’re keeping score, it was only a month ago that “What Happens Later” was in theaters.
Now on DVD, it’s a prime example of “cut your losses.” In short, it’s dreadful.
In the new Hallmark-like rom-com, Meg Ryan and David Duchovny are former lovers who meet accidentally in a regional airport when a storm moves in. She’s headed to Boston; he’s bound for Austin. They have that “say what?” kind of encounter, then spend the rest of what seems like eternity unloading about the past.
Read the full review from critic Bruce Miller:
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Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankenstein”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Lisa Frankenstein” is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: “The Greatest Night in Pop”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, it’s darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isn’t as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. It’s just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it can’t replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,” the prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it can’t help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define “winning.” Unfortunately, the story is so scattered it’s hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldn’t be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, “The Holdovers” is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something you’d find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesn’t fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moon” is true cinema. It’s art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
