movies

RANKED: Johnny Depp

/ Chris Luckett / Leave a comment
Photo: Chris Pizzello/Associated Press

Photo: Chris Pizzello/Associated Press

Chris Luckett

It’s hip to trash Johnny Depp these days. His megastar status ended years ago (and his indie underdog status over a decade ago), leaving him either playing parodies of earlier hit characters or chasing paycheque movies for Disney. Clouded by bad memories of The Tourist and Mortedcai, though — to say nothing of his troubles over the last week — many nowadays forget all the impressive work Depp’s done in his 32-year film career.

Benny & Joon. Sleepy Hollow. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Platoon. Donnie Brasco. Edward Scissorhands. Finding Neverland. A Nightmare on Elm Street. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Ed Wood. Every one is a beloved title, and still only scratch the surface of Depp’s chameleonic abilities. Continue reading →

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RANKED: Ben Affleck

/ Chris Luckett / Leave a comment
Photo: Warner Bros.

Photo: Warner Bros.

Chris Luckett

Ben Affleck has had a more tumultuous career than most. From the indie career he self-started with Matt Damon to his paycheque blockbusters of the early ‘00s, from the drought brought by post-Bennifer fatigue to his resurgence through adding “Director” to his job titles, Affleck’s seen his share of incredible highs and lows. And much like those extremes in his life — you could argue largely because of them, in fact — Affleck been in some impressive masterpieces and some rank bombs.  Continue reading →

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SPECIAL: The Worst Movies of 2015

/ Chris Luckett / Leave a comment
Photo: Image Entertainment

Photo: Image Entertainment

Chris Luckett

As with every year, the day before the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences celebrates the best films 2015 had to offer, the Razzie Awards will mock the year’s very worst cinematic turkeys. In much the same way, what better way to precede The Apple Box’s upcoming Best Movies of 2015 feature than looking back at the year’s very worst? Continue reading →

The Last Lustrum: The Best Movies of 2010-2014

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Photo: Columbia Pictures

Photo: Columbia Pictures

Chris Luckett

As we head into Oscar season, most movie talk will revolve around the best movies of 2015 — which is all well and good in an abstract sense. But for many who don’t live in a metropolitan city or can’t get out to the theatre that often, hearing about which indie hits and festival darlings critics are hailing as masterpieces is as useful as reading about an art show opening in Luxembourg.

For those who won’t be able to see sure-to-be-talked-about-endlessly awards contenders like The Danish Girl or Spotlight, perhaps now’s the time to forget about the six-to-eight months it will take before they become accessible for rent or digital download. When better to take a look back at masterpieces of the last few years you may not have gotten around to seeing?

Continue reading →

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RANKED: Pixar

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Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Chris Luckett

Before Marvel Studios became the reigning king of releasing hit after hit, the master was Pixar. In the ‘00s, it seemed anything they touched was guaranteed to be brilliant. They may have lost the alchemical formula in recent years, but even the worst Pixar movies are still most watchable than many other modern animated movies. Continue reading →

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The Best Movies of 2014 (So Far)

/ Chris Luckett
Photo: Warner Bros.

Photo: Warner Bros.

Chris Luckett

On New Year’s Eve last year, I resolved to try and see every wide release that came out in 2014. (“Wide release,” these days, means a minimum of 600 screens.) It’s resulted in me seeing many more movies by this point in time than I usually do. Last year, I didn’t see my 50th movie until the first week of October. This year, with another month to go until October, I’ve already seen 84 movies from 2014. Continue reading →

SPECIAL: 2013, Ranked from Worst to Almost-Best

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Artwork: Universal Pictures

Artwork: Universal Pictures

Chris Luckett

In a week, I’ll be revealing my Best Movies of 2013. In the meantime, I can certainly say what isn’t on the best-of list. Below is every movie I saw last year, ranked from the very worst of the zero-stars to the very best of the four stars. (Bonus: Any of the red, underlined titles are clickable links to their corresponding reviews.)