Lights Camera Jackson

Movie Reviews, Entertainment News and Views from Lights Camera Jackson

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‘Cake’ Review

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“Cake” is quite a departure in the career of star Jennifer Aniston. First of all, it’s a drama. Most of the films Aniston has done have been over-the-top, romantic comedies. And before that, of course, she became a star on the TV sitcom “Friends”. Next, “Cake” deals with difficult subjects: pain, suicide and death. And […]
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‘The Interview’ Review

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After seeing 2014’s most controversial and talked-about movie (that almost wasn’t a 2014 movie), the R-rated Seth Rogen/James Franco comedy “The Interview”, it’s clear North Korea’s concerns about the film’s concept and content are justified. It’s uncertain if high-ranking officials or Kim Jong-un have actually seen the film, or if their outrage was simply triggered […]
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‘The Gambler’ Review

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“The Gambler” is a remake of the 1974 James Caan film. 40 years later, Mark Wahlberg, who holds similar A-list status as Caan did back then, takes on the title role of literature professor by day; high-stakes gambler (and loser) by night. Whether he’s starring in a quality movie (such as last year’s “Lone Survivor”) […]
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‘Into the Woods’ Review

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If you dare go “Into the Woods”, there’s a lot you will find: A star-studded ensemble cast as fairy tale characters who have been raised to rhyme. A story entangled in intrigue, hope, joy and sadness. And more than 20 high-powered, often in-your-face, full throttle, Stephen Sondheim musical productions. Unfortunately, only a handful truly work. […]
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‘Unbroken’ Review

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“Unbroken” tells the true story of Olympian and WWII veteran Louis Zamperini, who survived a plane crash that put him and two fellow soldiers adrift at sea for 47 days, and then two years in the brutal conditions of Japanese prison camps. All of this was chronicled in author Laura Hillenbrand’s 2010 best-selling book of […]
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‘Big Eyes’ Review

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Tim Burton’s movies are typically set in fantastical worlds, with wacky characters (usually at least one is played by Johnny Depp), a unique story, and tons of makeup, costumes, and bold colors. Many are calling “Big Eyes”, Burton’s latest, the most “normal” movie he’s ever made. And after seeing this dramedy biopic, based on a […]
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‘Selma’ Review

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David Oyelowo gives a career propelling and defiant performance as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in director Ava DuVernay’s “Selma”. From the opening scene, in which King is attempting to tie an ascot with the help of his struggling but supportive wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) prior to accepting the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, to the […]
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‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ Review

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The adventures of Bilbo Baggins have come to a close with the final installment (or as the poster reads, “The Defining Chapter”) of director Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” prequel trilogy. It’s a series that many believe (though not Warner Bros. execs) should have been condensed into just one film, since J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The […]
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‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’ Review

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“Night at the Museum” was released during the crowded holiday season of 2006. I avoided seeing it right away because I just wasn’t excited about the premise from the trailers and commercials. But once I did check it out, about halfway through I realized I was watching something special. 2009’s copycat sequel, “Battle of the […]
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‘Annie’ Review

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In the opening scene of this modern update of the “Annie” story, a brainiac girl is doing a class presentation. She’s white, with red hair, and her name is Annie. When she finishes, the teacher asks the other Annie in the class (our young heroine, played by “Beasts of the Southern Wild” Oscar nominee Quvenzhane […]
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