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Mike Ward

@shouldiseeit.bsky.social
2.7K followers 346 following 9.6K posts

founder/board member of Seattle Film Critics Society | movie reviewer | music collector | pop culture junkie | believes it costs nothing to be kind | he/him

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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It’s amazing that in 2026, televised award shows can’t balance audio correctly for the viewer at home. #VMAs
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
HEART OF THE BEAST is a survivalist tale set in the Alaskan wilderness where Brad Pitt and his retired combat dog and best companion, Odin, navigate a 60-mile trek to safety after surviving a plane crash. Odin is incredible. Pitt's good as well. Now playing near you. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Heart of the Beast Review (2026)
Brad Pitt battles the Alaskan wilderness in David Ayer’s Heart of the Beast, but Uber the German Shepherd ultimately steals the movie.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
While attention pivots to other animated family films now streaming or in theaters, let's also make space for SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE BEAST OF MOSSY BOTTOM - unmitigated joy from the opening frame to the last. You won't be disappointed. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom Review (2026)
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom delivers 80 minutes of joyful, inventive stop-motion comedy in Aardman’s charming monster-movie adventure.
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Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Maybe the most important political story of our time. People just want the bullshit to stop.
gizmodo.com
71% of Americans Say They're Completely Exhausted
A CDC report shows that people are not feeling relaxed and restful in the United States.
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Seattle Film Critics @seattlecritics.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
We’re celebrating Seattle baseball on the big screen tonight at Northwest Film Forum with a special screening of The History of the Seattle Mariners! 🎟️ 4:30pm tonight at Northwest Film Forum ⚾️ Screening + Mariners giveaway nwfilmforum.org/films/sfcs-1...
nwfilmforum.org
SFCS at 10: The History of The Seattle Mariners - Northwest Film Forum
Jon Bois and Alex Rubenstein's monumental film is possibly one of the best sports documentaries made this century.
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gamera obscura @ohrobin.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The return to physical media is a radical act. A book in your hand or a record on the turntable belong to a world beyond subscriptions, licenses, and corporate permission, and they can be lent, inherited, annotated, repaired, and loved. They remain when the platform fails and the servers die.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
"Whatever political arguments surround 'American Doctor,' Poh Si Teng keeps returning our attention to three simple things: a doctor, a patient, and the obligation to try to save a life." AMERICAN DOCTOR, one of 2026's best docs expands into more theaters this weekend. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-American Doctor (2026) Review
American Doctor follows three American physicians providing humanitarian aid in Gaza in Poh Si Teng’s powerful, unflinching documentary about medicine, war, and the obligation to bear witness.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
"The thing that made 'Too Many Cooks' such a clever concept was Kelly’s ability to find new, inventive ways to spin variations on the same joke. Over the course of 95 minutes, (BUDDY) falls victim to (that same) repetition." Now playing in theaters. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Buddy (2026) Review
Buddy delivers catchy songs, bloody mayhem, and a terrific Keegan-Michael Key, but Casper Kelly’s twisted children’s TV parody struggles to sustain its gimmick.
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Seattle Film Critics @seattlecritics.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Join us in welcoming our new members for 2026! Learn about our new members and our 2026 Award calendar through the Press Release at seattlefilmcritics.com/2026/08/25/s...
seattlefilmcritics.com
SFCS welcomes new members; announces 2026 Awards Calendar - Seattle Film Critics Society
The Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS), the Seattle-based critics group - released their 2026-27 membership roster today, announcing the acceptance of five new members, bringing the organization to…
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Recently had a chance to catch up to the charming family fantasy, THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy play parents who disconnect from technology and buy a farm, while their kids find a magical faraway tree, and a whole lot more. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-The Magic Faraway Tree (2026) Review
Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy lead The Magic Faraway Tree, a charming and visually imaginative family fantasy with a thoughtful message about childhood, connection, and putting down our screens.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Always love a good PDD flare up when my mind starts working overtime to remind me how I perceive myself. Just out here trying to do the best I can y’all. Hope everyone is well.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Documenting one life-changing summer for a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain, TONY is full of terrific performances, carries a fun retro vibe, and has a caustic tone about it that feels somewhat refreshing and insightful. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Tony (2026) Review
Dominic Sessa delivers a terrific performance as a young Anthony Bourdain in Tony, Matt Johnson's unconventional and compelling biopic.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
And that's a wrap for the 2026 Vashon Island Film Festival. Our Day 4 journal looks at one of the best docs of the year, EVERYBODY TO KENMURE STREET, a look at LABRADOR - AUTOPSY OF SILENCE, and BRING ME THE BEAUTIES, Episode 1 of an intriguing new HBO Max docu-series. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Vashon Island Film Festival 2026 - Day 4
The final day of the Vashon Island Film Festival is here with two documentaries and an acclaimed Canadian film drawing huge raves on the festival circuit.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
"Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is clearly not for everyone. However, there is such inventiveness on display here that you have to step back and be thankful that (Jane) Schoenbrun has the trust and autonomy to tell stories ... impossible to dismiss or ignore." @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (2026) Review
Jane Schoenbrun returns with Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, a bloody, funny and provocative slasher film starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
As Saturday arrives, Day Three offers four features, including one outstanding locally-made acclaimed documentary about burial innovation, a documentary examining the rise of cryptocurrency, a two-time Swiss Film Awards winner, and a noir-adjacent crime caper. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Vashon Island Film Festival 2026 - Day Three
Day Three of the 2026 Vashon Island Film Festival features a fascinating look at burial innovation, a noir-inspired crime caper, an incisive look at the world of cryptocurrency, and a Swedish film whi...
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Day Two of the Vashon Island Film Festival gives us a stunning documentary, a really great family dramedy needing distribution, a Sundance winner from Greece, and a homecoming for a Vashon Island-shot feature. Check out thoughts on Day Two and see more movies! @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Should I See It - Vashon Island Film Festival Day Two Journal
Day Two of the 2026 Vashon Island Film Festival is here with a powerful drama, a stunning documentary, a Greek import, and a Vashon Island-made production coming home.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
And no disrespect to those hard working puppers saving Dino Island, but this is the dinosaur movie of the weekend. And I'll say it: Best dinosaur movie since maybe Jurassic Park. #SaidWhatISaid I had a ball with THE END OF OAK STREET. See this with an audience. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-The End of Oak Street (2026) Review
The End of Oak Street mixes family drama, sci-fi horror and vicious dinosaur action into one of the summer's biggest and most entertaining surprises.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Okay people. What is it with this Ryder kid? I need the puppies to stage an insurrection and take over PAW Patrol once and for all. PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIE is now playing everywhere at a theater near you. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (2026) Review
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie sends Marshall, Ryder and the pups to an island filled with dinosaurs in a fast-paced adventure aimed squarely at young fans.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The 5th Annual Vashon Island Film Festival takes place August 13-16, and Should I See It will be there virtually! Click through to see thoughts on TONY, DAD GENES, and RADIOHEART ... ahead of tomorrow's opening day! Tickets: www.vashonislandfilmfestival.com/tickets. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Vashon Island Film Festival 2026 - Day One Journal
The fifth annual Vashon Island Film Festival opens August 13, and Should I See It has previews and reviews of this year's feature films to help you plan an unforgettable weekend at the movies.
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anniempeterson.bsky.social @anniempeterson.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
A note on Royce White, the former NBA player who says he's entering the WNBA draft, a judge ruled he abused his wife and teenage son in an April court order and determined he could not have contact with either of them for 50 years. Great way to "protect women's sports" transphobes.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
When you make a typo in a post and just sigh out loud and decline to fix it.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Charming, but with a little bit of a bite to it, COOKIE QUEENS is a charming but thoughtful look at the competitive world of Girl Scout cookie selling season. Now in theaters, in limited release. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Cookie Queens (2026) Review
Cookie Queens follows four young Girl Scouts through the competitive annual cookie-selling season, revealing ambition, family pressure and unexpected costs.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
ONE NIGHT ONLY, a new rom-com which envisions a world where sex is permitted only if you are married, except for a 12-hour window, once a year, where single people can go wild. Entertaining, and completely absent of any basic logic. Monica Barbaro is a star though. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-One Night Only (2026) Review
Monica Barbaro shines in One Night Only, a funny dystopian rom-com whose fascinating premise ultimately raises more questions than it answers.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Though uneven in places, SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY is a showcase for Tom Holland’s growth into the role of Peter Parker and hints at a new direction for his superhero journey. Now playing, everywhere all the time, at theaters near you. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) Review
Tom Holland delivers his most mature Spider-Man yet in Brand New Day, a visually spectacular MCU adventure balancing emotional depth with thrilling action.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
What if you made an action/revenge movie, set in the 1970s, with Alan Ritchson and ... hear me out ... used NO dialogue! Welcome to MOTOR CITY, a movie that relies on musical cues and facial expressions almost exclusively to tell its story. Um ... it doesn't work. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Motor City (2026) Review
Alan Ritchson stars in Motor City, a nearly dialogue-free revenge thriller with style to spare, but its ambitious gimmick ultimately leaves the story emotionally hollow.
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Elisa Davis @elisa515.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Amazon Prime just added EEPHUS, one of the best movies about baseball (and, arguably, small-town America) ever made. Despite great reviews, it's been practically unavailable to see in theaters or streaming. Watch it! #Filmsky
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Soup!🕯️ @fraughtbroth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
In Seattle, we have a local raccoon with short spine syndrome who's been kicking it around the city, and we have all collectively named him Jimothy. Here's Jimothy. We love Jimothy.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY is a breathtaking, exhilarating, and moving story that adapts Homer's epic poem and modernizes it for an exploration of trauma, loss, and how prolonged conflict and tragedy can change a person. One of the year's best films. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-The Odyssey (2026) Review
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a visually breathtaking, emotionally resonant epic featuring a career-defining Matt Damon performance.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Just me trying to enjoy a simple dinner and get a little work done. And then I look up …
My pug, Bernie, stares intently through your soul, hoping Dad gives him a small bite.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
New comedy GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS left me reminiscing about video stores and how absurd, fearless comedies used to play in theaters. Also, Zoey Deutch needs to be a bigger star and this movie is far more smarter and clever than you may think. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass (2026) Review
Zoey Deutch shines in David Wain's offbeat comedy Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, a fearless throwback to the go-for-broke comedies of another er
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Seattle Film Critics @seattlecritics.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
To celebrate 10 years of the Seattle Film Critics Society, SFCS is hosting monthly screenings of some of our favorite movies from the past decade!
nwfilmforum.org
SFCS at 10: A Decade of Favorites - Northwest Film Forum
Seattle Film Critics Society and Northwest Film Forum present a monthly series dedicated to past winners of the SFCS Awards
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Sean Gilman @theendofcinema.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I’ll be introducing this showing of RRR at the @nwfilmforum.bsky.social next Thursday. Part of a series celebrating the tenth anniversary of the @seattlecritics.bsky.social. Will probably just use my time to hype Eega and Baahubali. nwfilmforum.org/films/sfcs-1...
nwfilmforum.org
SFCS at 10: RRR - Northwest Film Forum
An exhilarating, action-packed spectacular mythologizing two real-life freedom fighters who helped lead India’s fight for independence from the British Raj.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I’m not saying I’m at a 4th of July picnic with the person sitting next to me having just shared that he only eats “American” food and won’t touch any “foreign food” … but I might be. And now I might be ready to go. 🤦🏻‍♂️ #America250
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Sharon is watching the Mariners @sharonawrites.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I’m really going to need people who keep playing “Independence Day” by Martina McBride to read the lyrics and understand this song is not about the Fourth of July.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
The USMNT coming out for the first pitch at tonight’s Mariners/Blue Jays game is all kinds of awesome.
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Melissa Ryan @melissaryan.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"So why are people acting like Supergirl is the worst movie ever made? (One critic even said it had the “worst script I can remember.”) There’s a simple answer: misogyny." Yes. I'd add that it's almost certainly coordinated misogyny, and someone is profiting from it. ew.com/supergirl-is...
ew.com
'Supergirl' is a decent standalone movie — so why is everyone acting like it’s awful?
'Supergirl' has been in theaters for less than a week, and it seems everyone is quick to call it a failure after a disappointing opening weekend at the box office. But does it actually deserve the bac...
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Wait ... um, am I a Minions fan now?!? "With slapstick comedy, sight gags, and frenzied chaos happening all over the screen ... Pierre Coffin has crafted a film that exists as a loving, respectful tribute to cinematic history." MINIONS & MONSTERS in in theaters now. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Minions & Monsters (2026) - Review
Minions & Monsters delivers hilarious slapstick, gorgeous animation, and an unexpectedly heartfelt tribute to Hollywood's silent film era.
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Nancy Armour @nrarmour.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The ban is heinous for what it does to transgender athletes. But if you think cisgender girls and young women won’t be caught up in the fallout, too, you are woefully ignorant
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Seattle Pride - made all the better when your son asks Mom and Dad to be there with him. Happy Pride everyone. Love who you love. Be who you are. Embrace everything that makes you … you.
Members of the GSBA walk in the 2026 Seattle Pride parade carrying giant rainbow letters spelling out the word SEATTLE and waving and cheering to the crowd.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
A lot of eyes are on SUPERGIRL this weekend. While I enjoyed a fair amount of this, I also wrote that, “For a film about discovering one’s inner strength and agency, Supergirl never quite seems comfortable trusting its own.” @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Supergirl (2026) Review
Milly Alcock delivers an engaging performance in Supergirl, a funny and visually entertaining DC adventure that introduces surprisingly mature ideas but rarely explores them with the depth they deserv...
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Five star reviews don't come often at Should I See It, but I am thrilled to extend every star to COLOR BOOK, David Fortune's stunning and extraordinary debut which opens in select theaters and premieres on Netflix today. This is truly something special. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Color Book (2026) Review
Now streaming on Netflix, Color Book is a remarkable drama about grief, parenthood, and perseverance that deserves a wide audience.
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Keith Phipps @kphipps3000.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I'm not sure there's a more bizarre collection of supporting cast members than this handful from the credits of THE EXORCIST III.
Samuel L. Jackson as Blind Dream Man
Amelia Campbell as Dream Girl
C. Everett Koop as Himself
Larry King as Himself
Patrick Ewing as Angel of Death
Teresa Wright as Penitent
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Yeah, it got me. More than once. TOY STORY 5 defies the odds. It's pretty great and now playing around the clock at every theater near you. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Toy Story 5 (2026) Review
Toy Story 5 gives Jessie the spotlight in a heartfelt adventure that explores childhood, technology, friendship, and imagination.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
With his 37th feature film, DISCLOSURE DAY, Steven Spielberg returns to exploring the possibility that we are not alone in the universe. Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor are great, but I found myself curious about the Spielberg we once had and the Spielberg we have now. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Disclosure Day (2026) - Review
Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day delivers strong performances and big ideas, but its search for answers leaves little room for mystery.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
As a movie reviewer, I often curse the day I decided to assign star ratings to my reviews. In one of those moments right now. Sigh.
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Seattle Film Critics @seattlecritics.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Calling all local film critics! Applications to become an SFCS member are open for just a couple more weeks, and we want to hear from you! Apply through June 30th!
seattlefilmcritics.com
Become an SFCS Member - Seattle Film Critics Society
The Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) continues to seek to expand and diversify our membership and we are always excited to have new Seattle-area critics join our ranks.  Qualifications To be…
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Look, I am as surprised as you are. Rebooting MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE never felt like a good idea and this overlong, messy, nostalgia-laden fantasy flick ... eventually wore me down and won me over. What can I say? Insert a shrug emoji here, I guess. I don't know. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Masters Of The Universe (2026) Review
Nicholas Galitzine leads a surprisingly entertaining Masters of the Universe reboot that overcomes a shaky start with humor, charm, strong visuals, and a scene-stealing Jared Leto.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Even at 80 minutes, one cannot help but wonder if Katie Aselton’s MAGIC HOUR, co-starring Aselton and Daveed Diggs, would not work better as a tight, efficient, powerful 30-minutes short. MAGIC HOUR continues to play theaters and may now be at a screen near you. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Magic Hour (2026) Review
Katie Aselton and Daveed Diggs deliver committed performances in Magic Hour, an intimate drama about grief and loss that struggles to sustain its central idea over a feature-length runtime.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
John Carney, writer/director of ONCE, returns with POWER BALLAD, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. Jonas plays a fading pop star who, after an all-night songwriting session with a 50-ish wedding singer played by Rudd, takes a song that was never his to record. @seattlecritics.bsky.social
shouldiseeit.net
Should I See It-Power Ballad (2026) Review
Paul Rudd delivers a winning performance in Power Ballad, a charming but slight musical drama from John Carney that never reaches the emotional highs of Once, Begin Again, or Sing Street.
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Mike Ward @shouldiseeit.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
There is something deeply unnerving that the AI tool we use for work now has us check a box to “verify you are human.”
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