Ben Kendrick
Host of the Screen Rant Underground Podcast, Ben Kendrick is a graduate of the New School’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, with an emphasis in fiction. Currently, he's nearing completion on his novel: How I Saw Myself on America’s Most Wanted and serves as an editor-at-large for the literary magazine LIT. Ben has been passionate about movies ever since standing in line for a midnight showing of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when he was eight. As a result of his background in creative writing, Ben is drawn to films that make story and character a priority; however, that never stops him from enjoying a range of Hollywood offerings - from blockbuster action flicks to campy so-bad-they're-good B-movies. He's also an avid gamer and is a regular contributor at Screen Rant's sister site, Game Rant. Follow Ben on Twitter @benkendrick or visit his personal website for info on his fiction work as well as other ways to get in touch.
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by Ben Kendrick | Feb 8, 2012 | 5 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 24: ‘Chronicle’
In episode 24 of the Screen Rant Underground podcast we chat about our favorite Super Bowl movie trailers, more ‘Avengers’ villain speculation, and casting ‘Green Arrow,’ as well as review writer/director Josh Trank’s found-footage superhero film, ‘Chronicle.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Feb 3, 2012 | 87 Comments
‘Chronicle’ Review
Does the blend of found-footage and superhero genres make ‘Chronicle’ an exciting and entertaining experience? Read our review to find out.
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by Ben Kendrick | Feb 1, 2012 | 10 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 23: ‘The Grey’
In episode 23 of the Screen Rant Underground podcast we chat about Matthew Vaughn returning to direct ‘X-Men: First Class 2,’ a Dwight Schrute ‘Office’ spin-off series, and the 84th Academy Award nominees, as well as review writer/director Joe Carnahan’s ‘The Grey’ starring Liam Neeson.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 27, 2012 | 75 Comments
‘Star Wars: Episode 1′ Theater Events, Giveaways, & Exclusive 3D Glasses
Lucasfilm has unveiled a series of in-theater events and exclusive giveaways to coincide with the release of ‘Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace 3D’. Who will you choose: Anakin Skywalker or Darth Maul?
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 27, 2012 | 43 Comments
‘The Grey’ Review
Writer/director Joe Carnahan (‘The A-Team’) reteams with Liam Neeson for the survival thriller, ‘The Grey.’ Find out if the film is a gripping and substantive man vs. nature movie experience.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 25, 2012 | 7 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 22: ‘Haywire’
In episode 22 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about new ‘Avengers’ villain details, George Lucas stepping away from blockbuster filmmaking, ‘Sherlock (BBC)’ season 3, and review Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Haywire’ starring MMA fighter Gina Carano.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 20, 2012 | 154 Comments
‘Red Tails’ Review
Does George Lucas’ ‘Red Tails’ deliver high-flying adventure and moving WWII drama? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 19, 2012 | 65 Comments
‘Haywire’ Review
Director Steven Soderbergh recruited real-life MMA fighter Gina Carano to star in his espionage film, ‘Haywire.’ Does the pair deliver a hard-hitting action-drama? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 19, 2012 | 29 Comments
Peter Berg Thinks ‘Hancock 2′ Will Happen; Will Smith Still Interested
‘Battleship’ director Peter Berg hints that, even four years later, Will Smith and the ‘Hancock’ producers are still interested in ‘Hancock 2.’ It’s just a matter of getting everyone in the same room.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 18, 2012 | 4 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 21: ’2012 Golden Globes’
In episode 21 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about Steven Soderbergh’s male stripper movie ‘Magic Mike,’ Captain America in ‘The Avengers,’ as well as discuss the winners and losers from the 2012 Golden Globes.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 12, 2012 | 14 Comments
‘Dexter’ Season 9 Still a Possibility; Showtime Exec Offers New Story Hints
Showtime President of Entertainment, David Nevins, is back with another update on everyone’s favorite serial killer, ‘Dexter’ – offering new season 7 plot details as well as asserting that season 9 is still a possibility.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 12, 2012 | 4 Comments
‘The Devil Inside’ Director & Writer Making New ‘Found Footage’ Horror Film
‘The Devil Inside’ director and writer pair, William Brent Bell and Matthew Peterman, are readying yet another installment in the ‘found footage’ genre. Is the untitled film something new or a ‘Devil Inside’ sequel?
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 11, 2012 | 6 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 20: ‘The Devil Inside’
In episode 20 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about Benedict Cumberbatch cast in ‘Star Trek 2,’ Jeremy Renner’s character in the ‘Bourne Legacy,’ as well as review ‘The Devil Inside’ – the latest entry in the ‘found footage’ horror genre.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 6, 2012 | 49 Comments
‘The Devil Inside’ Review
Does the documentary-style scary film ‘The Devil Inside’ offer a fresh and terrifying experience in the over-stuffed ‘found footage’ genre? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Jan 4, 2012 | 9 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 19: ‘Sherlock Holmes 2′ & ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’
In episode 19 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the movies and TV shows we watched over the holiday break as well as review both ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ and David Fincher’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 30, 2011 | 17 Comments
‘We Bought a Zoo’ Review
Director Cameron Crowe (Vanilla Sky) returns with the ‘inspired by a true story’ comedy-drama, ‘We Bought a Zoo’ starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. But is it worth buying a movie ticket? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 29, 2011 | 37 Comments
‘The Avengers’ Russian Trailer Assembles with New Footage
Continuing our globetrotting preview coverage for Marvel’s ‘The Avengers,’ check out the new Russian trailer – which features new footage from the film.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 23, 2011 | 43 Comments
‘War Horse’ Review
Is Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’ another beautiful and moving period drama from the critically-acclaimed director? Or just a dismal and disjointed onscreen tour of World War I? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 21, 2011 | 13 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 18: ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’
In episode 18 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the Golden Globe nominations and The Dark Knight Rises prologue, as well as review Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol directed by Brad Bird and starring Tom Cruise.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 21, 2011 | 87 Comments
‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ Review
Is David Fincher’s take on Stieg Larsson’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ novel a profound and entertaining film or should the critically acclaimed filmmaker have bowed to the original Swedish version. Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 16, 2011 | 50 Comments
‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ Review
Does director Brad Bird’s ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ offer a fresh and exciting adventure for Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise)? Or is the film just another uneccessary sequel? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 14, 2011 | 3 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 17: ‘The Sitter’
In episode 17 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about ‘Thor 2′ director troubles and the ‘G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation’ trailer, as well as review David Gordon Green’s latest comedy, ‘The Sitter’ starring Jonah Hill and Sam Rockwell.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 9, 2011 | 67 Comments
‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Teaser Poster Promises ‘The Untold Story’
Columbia Pictures has unveiled the official teaser poster for Marc Webb’s superhero reboot, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ promising to provide moviegoers with ‘The Untold Story’ of the heroic webslinger.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 9, 2011 | 34 Comments
‘Battleship’ Trailer 2 & Poster Tease Aliens & Large-Scale Destruction
Director Peter Berg has unveiled the ‘Battleship’ trailer 2 – featuring a sneak peek look at the invading alien forces as well as a glimpse at the film’s massive scope and large-scale destruction.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 9, 2011 | 6 Comments
‘The Sitter’ Review
Jonah Hill returns with another over-the-top comedy, but does ‘The Sitter’ make good use of its odd-ball pairing or just rely on lame, kids-doing-bad-things gags? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 7, 2011 | 22 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 16: ‘Summer Movie Leftovers’
In episode 16 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about ‘Star Trek 2′ villain troubles, Fox campaigns for Andy Serkis Oscar, the end of Showtime’s ‘Dexter,’ as well as revisit a few of our favorite, and least favorite, summer film releases.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 2, 2011 | 42 Comments
‘Dexter’ Finale Story Arc Begins This Year; Series to End with Season 8
Showtime president, David Nevins, is putting speculation about the future of ‘Dexter’ to rest – claiming, after a two season story arc that begins this year, season 8 will likely conclude with the series finale.
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by Ben Kendrick | Dec 2, 2011 | 24 Comments
‘Shame’ Review
Is director Steve McQueen’s sex-addict character drama ‘Shame’ a profound look at one man’s internal struggle? Or a thin excuse for exploitative filmmaking? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 30, 2011 | No Comments
SR Underground Ep. 15: ‘The Muppets’
In episode 15 of the Screen Rant Underground as we chat about J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek 2′ in 3D, an update on the ‘Mass Effect’ film, what’s next for ‘The Walking Dead,’ as well as review Jason Segel and James Bobin’s take on the classic movie and TV icons, ‘The Muppets.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 23, 2011 | 16 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 14: ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′
In episode 14 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about new official plot details from ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ Prof. Xavier in the ‘X-Men: First Class’ sequel, Showtime’s ‘Dexter’ season 7/8 renewal as well as review the ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 23, 2011 | 46 Comments
‘The Muppets’ Review
Has Jason Segel succeeded in creating a classic Muppet film for a new generation or is ‘The Muppets’ just another attempt to cash-in on 1980′s nostalgia? Read our review to find out.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 18, 2011 | 118 Comments
Showtime Renews ‘Dexter’ for Seasons 7 & 8; Possible Series Finale
Showtime has officially announced that everyone’s favorite serial killer, Dexter Morgan, will be back for another 24 episodes – as ‘Dexter’ has been renewed for seasons 7 and 8.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 18, 2011 | 73 Comments
‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ Spoilers Discussion
Want to talk about ‘’The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ without worrying about spoiling the movie for others? This is the place.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 18, 2011 | 99 Comments
‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ Review
Is ‘Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ an enjoyable experience for Twi-hards and non-fans, alike? Or does this first half of the ‘Twilight Saga’ finale offer too little to be a standalone film? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 17, 2011 | 15 Comments
Shooting on Guillermo del Toro’s Monster Movie ‘Pacific Rim’ Underway
In a recent interview, Guillermo del Toro indicated that shooting on his mega-monster film, ‘Pacific Rim’ was about to start – meaning that work on the highly-anticipated genre film is officially underway.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 16, 2011 | 12 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 13: ‘Immortals’
In episode 13 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the new ‘Hunger Games’ trailer, the ‘Man of Steel’ connections to DC’s ‘The New 52,’ and Billy Crystal hosting the Oscars as well as review Tarsem Singh’s swords-and-sandals film, ‘Immortals.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 15, 2011 | 4 Comments
‘BioShock’ Update: Creator Says He Doesn’t ‘Need’ A Movie Adaptation
‘BioShock’ game creator Kevin Levine provides updates on the feature film adaptation – and asserts that they’ll only make the film if fans and non-fans can appreciate it.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 14, 2011 | 16 Comments
Concept Artwork Reveals Bradley Cooper’s ‘The Crow’ Character Design
Newly revealed concept artwork for the next film installment in ‘The Crow’ franchise shows Bradley Cooper as the iconic main character – had he not already left the project.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 11, 2011 | 37 Comments
‘Immortals’ Review
Does director Tarsem Singh’s ‘Immortals’ succeed in delivering a compelling story and impressive visuals? Or is the film mostly 3D style over narrative substance? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 11, 2011 | 30 Comments
‘J. Edgar’ Review
Is Clint Eastwood’s historical biopic about FBI director J. Edgar Hoover an intelligent and evocative film? Or is it a jumbled mess of hollow moments and stiff character drama? Read our review of ‘J. Edgar’ to find out.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 9, 2011 | 5 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 12: ‘Tower Heist’
In episode 12 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the ‘Star Trek 2′ villain casting rumors and the live-action ‘Akira’ adaptation as well as review Brett Ratner’s comedy-action film, ‘Tower Heist’ starring Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller and Casey Affleck.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 4, 2011 | 18 Comments
‘A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas’ Review
Is a bit of holiday cheer and plenty of tongue-in-cheek 3D gags enough to make ‘A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas’ a worthwhile entry in the slacker comedy franchise? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Nov 2, 2011 | 9 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 11: ‘In Time’
In episode 11 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the impending ‘Dumb and Dumber’ as well as ‘Beetlejuice’ sequels, duke it out in our Box Office Battle, and review Andrew Niccol’s latest sci-fi film, ‘In Time.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 28, 2011 | 16 Comments
‘The Rum Diary’ Review
Is ‘The Rum Diary,’ starring Johnny Depp in an adaptation of the Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, a quirky, fun ride – or too disjointed to work as a film? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 28, 2011 | 10 Comments
‘Puss in Boots’ Review
Is Shrek sidekick ‘Puss in Boots’ capable of headlining his own feature film? Or is DreamWorks’ latest animated flick a hollow last-ditch franchise cash-grab? Read our review to find out.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 26, 2011 | 22 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 10: ‘Paranormal Activity 3′
In episode 10 of the Screen Rant Underground we tackle movie theater etiquette, discuss whether ‘Avatar 2′ can live up to the original, as well as review ‘Paranormal Activity 3,’ the latest installment in the found-footage ‘Paranormal Activity’ horror series.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 21, 2011 | 4 Comments
‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ Review
Does ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ – from freshman director Sean Durkin and starring Elizabeth Olsen – live up to the film festival hype? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 21, 2011 | 107 Comments
‘Paranormal Activity 3′ Review
The ‘Paranormal’ found footage formula returns for ‘Paranormal Activity 3,’ this time with the ‘Catfish’ directors at the helm. Is the the third time still a charm – even when it comes to jump-scare horror franchises? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 19, 2011 | 15 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 9: ‘The Thing’
In episode 9 of the Screen Rant Underground we tackle ‘Walking Dead’ premiere backlash, discuss the NYCC ‘Avengers’ footage, and contemplate the Hulk’s love life as well as review ‘The Thing’ prequel starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 19, 2011 | 6 Comments
New Posters: ‘Sherlock Holmes 2,’ ‘Tower Heist,’ ‘The Grey,’ & ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’
Check out the new theatrical character banners for the upcoming Ben Stiller comedy ‘Tower Heist,’ as well as one sheet posters for ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,’ the Liam Neeson Oscar-bait drama, ‘The Grey,’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 14, 2011 | 12 Comments
‘Footloose’ Review
Is the ‘Footloose’ remake from director Craig Brewer (‘Black Snake Moan’) a worthy re-imagining of the iconic ’80s drama, or just another attempt by Hollywood to cash-in on nostalgia? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 13, 2011 | 42 Comments
‘Star Wars: Episode 1′ 3D Trailer Debuting with ‘The Three Musketeers’
The ‘Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace 3D’ trailer is coming soon to a galaxy far far away… or a theater near you, debuting ahead of 3D screenings of Paul W.S. Anderson’s ‘The Three Musketeers.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 12, 2011 | 7 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 8: ‘Real Steel’
In episode 8 of the Screen Rant Underground we tackle Netflix’s Qwikster do-over, contemplate a ‘Knightfall’ for ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ reminisce about ‘The Simpsons’ legacy, and duke it out over Hugh Jackman’s robot-fighting blockbuster, ‘Real Steel.’
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 7, 2011 | 7 Comments
‘Machine Gun Preacher’ Review
Is the ‘based on a true story’ adaptation of a reformed drug addict turned protector of Sudanese orphans as exciting as the life that inspired it – or does ‘Machine Gun Preacher’ get bogged down in the details? Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 7, 2011 | 53 Comments
‘Real Steel’ Spoilers Discussion
Want to talk about ‘Real Steel’ without worrying about spoiling the movie for others? This is the place.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 7, 2011 | 39 Comments
‘Real Steel’ Review
Is ‘Real Steel’ a first round knock-out film experience – or a boring, drawn out string of weak punches? Read our review to find out.
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by Ben Kendrick | Oct 5, 2011 | 6 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 7: ’50/50′
In episode 7 of the Screen Rant Underground we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review the cancer dramedy ’50/50,’ directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen. Guest: SR writer, Mike Eisenberg.
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by Ben Kendrick | Sep 30, 2011 | 12 Comments
’50/50′ Review
Is ’50/50′ the cancer dramedy from director Jonathan Levine, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen, a humorous but thoughtful character drama or a film that fails to make good on a challenging premise. Read our review.
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by Ben Kendrick | Sep 28, 2011 | 2 Comments
SR Underground Ep. 6: ‘Moneyball’
In episode 6 of the Screen Rant Underground we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review the true-life sports story, ‘Moneyball,’ directed by Bennett Miller, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. Guest: SR news writer, Sandy Schaefer.
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by Ben Kendrick | Sep 23, 2011 | 51 Comments
‘Abduction’ Review
Is ‘Abduction,’ the dramatic thriller from director John Singleton, and starring Taylor Lautner, an exciting action offering or a brainless and underwhelming movie that takes itself too seriously? Read our review.
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