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Manuel Sao Bento

Portuguese critic based in Sweden with a tremendous passion for cinema, television, and the art of filmmaking. Strives to offer an unbiased perspective and has stopped watching trailers since 2017. Rotten Tomatoes approved. Outlets: FandomWire, Talking Films, Firstshowing, InSession Film, That Shelf, Filmhounds Magazine. Proud member of associations such as OFCS (Online Film Critics Society), IFSC (International Film Society Critics), and OFTA (Online Film & Television Association).

The Phoenician Scheme

‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Review: for fans and skeptics alike, a more accessible entry point into Wes Anderson’s world

by Manuel Sao Bento

The Phoenician Scheme is yet another clear example of Wes Anderson's singular vision, with the filmmaker continuing to provide space for every department to shine.

The Accountant 2

‘The Accountant 2’ Review: Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal shine in a surprisingly superior sequel

by Manuel Sao Bento

The Accountant 2 turns out to be a surprisingly superior sequel to the original, driven by the smart bet on the fraternal relationship between Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal.

Cleaner

‘Cleaner’ Review: Daisy Ridley Shines in a Die Hard-Inspired Thriller

by Manuel Sao Bento

Cleaner is a functional action-thriller that meets the genre's basic requirements without ever truly standing out.

The Gorge

‘The Gorge’ Review: A Well-Crafted Genre Blend with Strong Performances

by Manuel Sao Bento

The Gorge may not be a revolution in this genre blend, but it stands out for its stylish execution, imaginative creature design, and the engaging chemistry between its leads.

Blitz

‘Blitz’ Review: Beautifully Crafted, Emotionally Hollow

by Manuel Sao Bento

While Blitz doesn't entirely disappoint, it lacks the emotional depth and originality needed to stand out in an already saturated genre.

Gladiator II

‘Gladiator II’ Review: A Legacy Sequel that Triumphs through Spectacle and Emotion

by Manuel Sao Bento

Gladiator II may not achieve the groundbreaking impact of the original film, but it remains an impressive cinematic experience, transporting audiences into an epic filled with emotional and visual grandeur.

Venom: The Last Dance

‘Venom: The Last Dance’ Review: A Messy, Bloated, Surprisingly Emotional Farewell

by Manuel Sao Bento

Venom: The Last Dance is structurally clumsy, introducing new characters halfway through its runtime and, as a result, making the story overly packed and frustratingly sluggish.

The Apprentice

‘The Apprentice’ Review: Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong Shine in a Provocative, Bold Donald Trump Biopic

by Manuel Sao Bento

The Apprentice is a biopic that challenges us to reflect on the choices we make every day and just how far we're willing to go to achieve our dreams.

Saturday Night

‘Saturday Night’ Review: Capturing the Chaos and Magic of SNL’s First Broadcast

by Manuel Sao Bento

Saturday Night successfully captures the frenetic energy and spontaneous magic of the behind-the-scenes world of SNL, transporting us to the heart of the organized chaos of a live broadcast.

Joker: Folie à Deux

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Review: An Ambitious Musical Failure

by Manuel Sao Bento

Joker: Folie à Deux holds immense technical and artistic merit, but it fails to replicate the success and impact of the original.

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Movie Reviews

Calorie

Calorie

Secret of a Mountain Serpent

Secret of a Mountain Serpent

The Family Man

Family Man: Season 3

Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good

Sisu 2

Sisu: Road to Revenge

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t

The Running Man

The Running Man

Predator: Badlands

Predator: Badlands

Mr. Scorsese

Mr. Scorsese

No Other Choice

No Other Choice

Blue Moon

Blue Moon

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

A House of Dynamite

A House of Dynamite

Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Bugonia

Bugonia

Anemone

Anemone

Roofman

Roofman

Jay Kelly

Jay Kelly

Sentimental Value

Sentimental Value

Ballad of a Small Player

Ballad of a Small Player

Recent Posts

01
Calorie

‘Calorie’ Review: A Gentle, Felt Study of a Family Learning to Mend

02
Secret of a Mountain Serpent

‘Secret of a Mountain Serpent’ Review: A Poetic Fable of Longing

03
The Family Man

‘The Family Man’ Season 3 Review: Another Season of Uneasy Pursuits

04
Wicked: For Good

‘Wicked: For Good’ Review: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera Cement Their Place in Oz’s Unbreakable Heart

05
Sisu 2

‘Sisu: Road to Revenge’ Review: Jalmari Helander Unleashes Hell With Bigger Stakesand More Balls to the Wall Action Set Pieces

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