James Frazier

James Frazier is a freelance journalist and film critic. He has written for various newspapers and websites, including the Washington Times. James resides in the Midwest and can be reached at james@criticspeak.com.

Review: “Battleship”

Peter Berg’s “Battleship,” “based on” the board game, is the sort of film that contains the caption “Hong Kong, China,” as if to remind the viewer that the events aren’t unfolding in the rival Asian metropolis of Hong Kong, Nebraska. The caption is an indication of just how low the film’s sights are set, made

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Review: “The Dictator”

Sacha Baron Cohen is perfectly capable of going after hard targets. And that’s the biggest disappointment about “The Dictator,” which at times suggests he’s going soft. Certainly, the gags are profane, vulgar, and habitually dedicated to annihilating good taste. But the edge that drew blood in both “Borat” and “Brüno” is dulled to harmlessness. Then

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Jay Roach possibly to direct Cruise, Downey Jr. in El Presidente

Director Jay Roach is carving quite the niche for himself: making a mockery of our political system. Roach is in talks to direct El Presidente, a buddy comedy about a disgraced former President and his Secret Service agent. The comedy, written by Parks and Recreation scribe Dan Goor, sees a sleazy ex-commander-in-chief targeted for assassination

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“Parks and Recreation,” “The Office,” “Up All Night,” “Whitney” renewed by NBC

The continuing bureaucratic adventures of Leslie Knope, as well as the paper-pushing antics of Dunder Mifflin, will be continuing for another season. NBC has renewed “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” for a fifth season. Additionally, freshman sitcoms “Up All Night” and “Whitney” will be returning. While all shows were expected to receive renewals, only

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