Pheeke's Reviews

La La Land (2016)

7/10

11 January 2017

First and foremost, don't get me wrong, I really liked this movie, I just didn't love it as much as many other people. I went to a special event of this movie because I wanted to see it as soon as I could. I heard the most wonderful things about it. And it didn't really live up to the hype for me.

The movie is about two dreamers living in LA chasing their career dreams. Emma Stone's character Mia wants to become an actress and Ryan Goslings character Sebastian wants to open his own jazz bar. Soon they fall in love.

I have to say, the movie looks breathtaking. You can really feel that they live in LA, the spirit of the city of angels is tangible. Every part of this film is colorful and bright and sunny. Every shot is like a well composed painting. The costumes and make-up is wonderful, makes the movie feel a bit retro. At first I thought the movie was set in the 50's but it's present day. But I didn't really mind because the characters themselves are quite nostalgic.

The acting was amazing, I loved the characters. Their chemistry felt really natural. However I didn't really like their vocal talents actually. Apart from John Legend's of course. The music was fine, though not as great as I hoped it would be. Some of the songs bored me a little bit after a while. The opening song was fantastic.

The story was a bit up and down for me. I loved the first part, it also had the best songs and dance routines. The second halve of the movie lagged a bit for me. It was also somewhat predictable. The characters didn't seem to develop much further. I really relate to the theme of the movie. I myself am an aspiring artist (I'm a drawer) and I'm trying to find my way in visual development and storyboarding for movies. So I know what it's like to hope for your big break and getting the door slammed in your face. Therefore at some points I wished they focused more on that and less on the romantic plot. Not because I don't like romantic movies (I do) but because the romantic plot wasn't really something new, I have seen that movie many times. The other storyline, about young artist chasing their dreams in LA was much more refreshing. The ending didn't really do it for me, it was as if they were doubting themselves. As if they weren't sure how to end it.

So yes, like anyone will tell you, this movie is great. But don't expect too much, like I did. I thought this was going to be the best movie of the year for me, and it wasn't. If I hadn't heard about all the hype before I would have been pleasantly surprised, but as it is, it was just a good film. Go see it.

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The Dressmaker (I) (2015)

7/10

Strange but Romantic

6 December 2016

This is a bit of a weird movie, your can't tell from the cover or the trailers but it's different. It's a dark and surrealistic comedy with a mystery entangled through it.

The story is strange and special, but also funny and unpredictable. It's a bit absurd and unrealistic but it has very charming qualities.

The characters are funny, but sometimes a bit difficult to get into. I think that is because of the mystery, you don't get to know them straight away because their history is kept veiled for a while. The acting is amazing, the main characters and the side characters, they all shine. Liam Hemsworth is beautiful, but it's a little hard to believe Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth are the same age. But it doesn't really matter because they have great chemistry. The sets and costumes are breathtaking, the music ads to the environment. Australia really comes to live in the story.

This movie is really good if you wan't to see something a bit different but still very romantic.

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The Hateful Eight (2015)

7/10

Another great Quentin Tarantino flick!

6 December 2016

I really liked this movie, another great Quentin Tarantino flick! This is a great addition to his oeuvre.

The story is awesome and the dialogues are great. Sometimes it's a little too long and it starts dragging, but then there is a twist and it captures me again. there isn't a lot of action, it feels kind of like a play, all the interesting stuff is in the interaction between the characters, just like on the stage. The characters are all Tarantino like, not realistic of course, just really interesting and fun. They fascinate and keep you on your toes, you never know who is telling the truth and who isn't. Sometimes there did seem to be a bit too many characters involved, and it was hard to keep them apart in the beginning, but the movie is so long that it gives you the time to get to know everyone a bit.

A really captivating flick that keeps surprising you at every turn. Just know you are in for the long haul if you start watching this.

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Snowden (2016)

5/10

Mediocre movie for an extraordinary story

28 November 2016

Warning: Spoilers

This movie is not bad per se. I actually wasn't sure if I would give it a 5/10 or 6/10. I landed on 5/10 for one reason.

And that is the story and pacing. This is an amazing story to work with, I believe this story could have been made into a very tense and exhilarating movie. Not just the fact that bringing out these documents was dangerous but also the fact that you are watching someone doing this for the American people and their right to know. I wouldn't say that this movie fumbled the story completely. But I firmly believe this movie was three quarters of an hour too long. This movie would have been 10 time more exciting and 10 times more interesting if it had been shorter. At certain times I was just losing my interest, and that is unforgivable in a movie like this. This topic actually interests me deeply, yet the movie couldn't always keep my attention. Sometimes it glossed over certain parts and went deeply into things that arn't at all that interesting. The pacing was off, and that really screwed with the storyline and the interest of the viewer.

Everything else about this movie was fine, but not extraordinary. The acting was good, I like Joseph Gordon Levitt. I wished Shailene Woodly had a more interesting role, but it was oke. The visuals were standard overall, with sometimes a little interesting twist, but not often enough to be noticeable. But with this kind of story the visuals arn't that important.

So yes, i'd say mediocre movie. Would have been better is the pacing wasn't that off and if it had been a lot shorter. I'd say watch Citizen Four instead. But it is also not a terrible watch. You wont be angry if you've seen it.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

8/10

A great movie set in the Wizarding World

18 November 2016

Warning: Spoilers

This movie was really great. But it is not a Harry Potter movieso you should adjust your expectations if you think it is a Harry Potter movie.

It's not a Harry Potter movie for the following reasons: Fist and foremost Harry isn't in it, it's that simple. The main characters are adults, that makes a big difference. The setting isn't a boarding school, and believe it or not, the setting of a school makes a movie almost a different genre. This is set in New York, you can't go more different than a boarding school. This isn't British (which I kind of miss). And last, but not least, the music is very different. It isn't as theatrical as in Harry Potter. I kind of wished they had used more theatrical music, it would have made it more magical. This movie misses some of the magic the Potter movies have. But you know what, that doesn't make it bad at all. It's just different. It's not a Harry Potter movie, but it is a 'Wizarding World' movie.

I like the Wizarding World of Britain more than the Wizarding world of America. In this movie we learn about their different rules, which is interesting. But I don't like America's wizarding rules as much. If I was an American wizard, I would move to Europe. So I do hope the other movies will be back in Britain or Europe.

I am a huge fan of Rowlings books. I love the world and the characters. One of the characters that have always interested me was Grindlewald. I always wished Rowling shared more of Grindlewald in her books. I think Grindlewald is a more interesting bad guy than Voldemort. He is less 'pure evil' and more of a multidimensional villain. So I was very excited when I learned that these movies had something to do with Grindlewald. But I didn't expect however that he would play such a big role in the first movie, I thought he was reserved for the next moviesbut this was a very positive surprise, that makes me excited for the next movies.

The acting was great. Johnny Depp as Grindlewald could still go either way in the next movies. I hope he doesn't make it too much of a silly character with make-up onwhich he tends to do lately. But I still remember he used to be a great actor, so maybe he'll be good? Colin Farrell is always great in a side role (he can't carry a movie however). He plays the villain great. However the thing with his hair made me know he was an accomplice of Grindlewald immediately, but I didn't think he was Grindlewald. It's a bit weird that Grindlewald would change he appearance completely except his hair. But that is a minor detail.

The story was pretty strong. A friend of mine thought it was too slow in the beginning, but I like that. It gives you time to get to know the characters. The romance between the two main characters was forced. This is one of my few downsides. There was no chemistry between them and I felt it was a bit out of the blue. And we didn't need another romance. The other romance between two side characters however was a very nice surprise and very sweet. It's an unusual pairing but they have nice chemistry. It's a great idea. We see the guy as a bit unattractive looks-wise. But because she is can read minds she sees him for the great guy he is. that subplot was a nice addition. I liked the humor throughout the movies. The characters and animals all had their fun or serious parts. They were all well flushed out characters.

Visually this movie is great, the cgi animals were done well. I like the New York setting. But it's not Hogwarts. The visual element aren't as good as in the Potter movies. but it is still done well.

This movie was a pleasure to watch! I would recommend it to anyone. Kids and adults will love it, just like with the Harry Potter movies. Don't expect this to be a Harry Potter movie however It's not, but you are in for another enjoyable trip to the Wizarding World.

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A Royal Night Out (2015)

9/10

Royally Fun

11 May 2016

Warning: Spoilers

I didn't expect to love this movie as much as I did. i didn't hear anyone talk about it so it wasn't really on my radar. I gave it a shot and was surprised by just how much I loved it. This is a well made and acted movie, there are a lot of reasons to love it. But my personal interests also influence how much I like it. I love movies about royalties, I love movies set in this time period, and I also love it when movies span over just one day or night. So yeahthis movie was made for me. Definitely one of my favorite movies of the year.

It's official, the war is won by the Allied. The whole of Britain is celebrating. Exceptionally Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret are allowed to go out and join the party. It evolves into a whirlwind of a night for the Princesses with excitement, danger, romance and a lot of un-allowed fun.

I basically loved everything about this movie. The story is light and fun, but not dumb. The fact that the people, time and setting is real enhances the story. The events are said to be based on a true story, but i'm not sure how much of it is real. But that doesn't really matter to me. The story was fast-paced, especially for a movie set in just one day/night. I loved that upbeat kinda feeling it reminded me of going out and partying all night, moving from one place to the next out on the town, it fit perfectly.

The soundtrack enhanced the upbeat pace. With fun celebration type music that fit the time and place perfectly. It was very important for this movie to work that we feel the time-period and the happy victory of the day. This whole atmosphere was built fantastically through the music, the sets and the costume design.

The acting was amazing. We see some older established actors like Rupert Everett and Emily Watson. But also some very exciting up and coming actors like Sarah Gadon and Bel Powley. The dynamic between the actors was good. The 'love interest' was played by Jack Reynor, not only is the guy incredibly handsome, he and Sarah Gadon had great chemistry. I loved the bitter-sweet ending to their amazing night together. This was one of those movies where you want to follow the characters around, you actually like them and it's just fun to see their amazing night.

This movie was great. I encourage everyone to watch it! I took a while before giving it a rating. I waited to see if the movie would stick with me. After a while I was still thinking about this movie and it still gave me good feelings when thinking about it. So I thought the 9/10 was very well deserved! Seriously, not enough people are talking about this flick. It deserves many more viewers and fans. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie, I bet you're gonna love it!

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Jupiter Ascending (2015)

3/10

Awkward and cringe-worthy.

11 May 2016

whoa this is a bad one! This movie is awkward and dumb, the characters are stiff with cringe- worthy dialogue.

In Jupiter Ascending a young bathroom attendant named Jupiter Jones discovers she is the heiress of and old of intergalactic nobel family. She must find a way to protect earth from a horrible faith.

The worst thing about this film is probably the dialogue. It was not just written horribly but also delivered badly. Mila Kunis as the main character is just a flat board. I never believe she is a down-on-her-luck bathroom attendant, she looks too vibrant. And after everything that happens to her she never shows more emotion than a lift of the eyebrow. Usually Channing Tatum is the best thing in a bad movie, because he often gives his all. Not here. Nothing in this movie makes sense, the story is stitched together badly and no one seems to act logical.

Visually this movie is oké. Although it's not really original either, it looks exactly the same way many sci-fi movies look lately. The only thing I really liked is the costume design.

So yeah, this is not good. I would say don't watch it.

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Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

5/10

It's kinda vanilla.

11 May 2016

This movie wasn't at all as bad as people make it out to be. It's kinda vanilla, not very kinky.

Fifty Shades of Grey is about a young literature student named Anastasia Steele. She meets a handsome billionaire for an interview called Christian Grey. They start a romance that is complicated by his sexual desires.

They made this movie out to be very kinky and it's not. It's a bit erotic but mainly I thought it was unintentionally funny. The dialogue and delivery makes it look more like a spoof than an actual movie. I loved the scene where they discuss the contract, that was very funny (and i think it was actually meant to be) if the rest of the movie was written that cleverly this would be a fun erotic romantic-comedy. Dakota Johnson isn't awful or anything but she's given very little to work with. Her character Anastasia Steele (her name alone) is so forced and just not a real human being. Jaimie Dornan as Christian Grey has even less development, he's a bit boring. Seeing as this movie is made for a mainly female audience I didn't understand why we had to see Dakota Johnson naked so often and Grey barely, that just doesn't seem fair to us girls.

I think that if you go into this movie with a bottle of wine expecting to laugh at the cringe- worthy dialogue, you could enjoy it. Don't expect anything good, it's not good, but it's also not the worst movie out there.

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So You Said Yes (2015 TV Movie)

2/10

Predictable and annoying at times.

24 January 2016

This movie was not good. Often I forgive a lot in chick-flicks because I am enjoying them so much but this one was just boring. No effort was put in the story or the performances. It's predictable and annoying at times.

I love stories about weddings and romance, but no chemistry between the couple was to be found. The main character was one-dimensional. They tried to give her character by making her quirky, which never works. The love-interest had no development and was just there as plot point. Only the mother-in-law had a little backstory. They make her the villain for so long that at the time you have to start liking her it's too fast of a turnaround.

There is not enough in this movie to make it awful, but there is certainly nothing good here either.

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The People vs. George Lucas (2010)

7/10

A must watch for Star Wars fans!

11 December 2015

In preparation for 'Star Wars The Force Awakens' I re-watched this documentary about George Lucas and the relationship he has with the Star Wars fans.

I agree with a lot of the views the fans in this movie had (although not as passionately as most of them). I do feel the same way as most fans about the prequel movies and the changes he made past release date on the original trilogy. This documentary made me feel bad for George Lucas sometimes. It was like he created something so much bigger than himself, something he wanted to keep his own but couldn't because the fans see it as their collective property. He created a world that he couldn't keep contained by himself. In that way it's sad that he sold Star Wars and won't be involved with 'Star Wars The Force Awakens' (at least not as much, I don't know if he's an adviser or something). Clearly George Lucas had strong feelings about how the Star Wars franchise should look, even though most fans didn't agree with him. Still Star Wars, this world, was his brainchild. This documentary showed how Star Wars affected George Lucas, good and bad. I think the relationship between Lucas and the fans became so loaded, maybe a clean cut with the franchise was necessary, although it's still sad.

That said I am glad J.J. Abrams will be directing the next Star Wars movie, I think he can bring a new, fresh view to the films and he seems to understand the fans better.

I liked that the movie also showed the appreciation and gratitude the fans give George Lucas for creating this wonderful universe (An appreciation I share). George Lucas deserves all the love he gets from the Star Wars fans.

I enjoyed this documentary, and it got me hyped for the next Star Wars movie. It made me wonder what reaction that movie might get from these die-hard Star Wars fans, Hopefully a good reaction! I loved all the fan made Star Wars clips weaved through the film, that really showed the deep- seeded love the fans have for these movies. This documentary was creative and interesting, a must watch for Star Wars fans!

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Goosebumps (2015)

8/10

Surprisingly a great Watch!

10 December 2015

'Goosebumps' is a great halloween slumber party flick for kids, teens and anyone that is a fan of cheesy, fun, halloween-comedy movies. I didn't think too much about this movie and didn't expect to like it as much as I did. But this film was really a lot of fun!

The story is about Zach who, together with his mom, moves in next to R.L. Stine, the author of the Goosebumps books. After a misunderstanding revolving around R.L. Stine's daughter Hannah, Zach learns the Goosebump books monsters are realand dangerous.

The movie starts rather slow and takes its time to set up the story and meet the characters. Usually kids films seem in a rush to get to the action parts. I like that we see the relationship Zach has with his mom and i enjoyed the banter between them. In general the characters were amazing and the casting was excellent. Jack Black was good as the sometimes intimidating R.L. Stine. I like seeing him in a less goofball role, although R.L. Stine also has his funny moments. 'Goosebumps' is not scary at all, at least not for adults. But that doesn't mean the monsters aren't creative and interesting. They seem very big and their design is exceptional.

'Goosebumps' is a fun movie especially to see around halloween. It's a little spooky and scary without any harm, it definitely won't give you any nightmares. It reminds me of the halloween movies I saw as a kid like 'Hocus Pocus'. Surprisingly a great Watch!

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Cinderella (I) (2015)

9/10

A timeless fairytale with a great deal of Disney magic

8 December 2015

I absolutely loved this movie! It is pure Disney fairytale magic.

I wasn't a fan of the previous Disney live-action remake Malificent. I thought Malificent did a disservice to the original story of sleeping beauty, changing so much but replacing it with a story that wasn't as good as the original.

This movie stuck very close to the original Disney animated story, making it an instant classic. However they changed the story just enough to make it more relatable and believable for an audience today. I was amazed at how the very small changes impacted the story and how you view the characters. It makes the characters actions more understandable and gives them more backstory. I actually thought there was a lot of character development for a straightforward fairytale.

This film was very romantic story-wise and visually, with elaborate dresses and sets. It all feels very classical and theatrical.

Lily James was great as Cinderella. It is good that they cast a relatively unknown actress, this way you don't get distracted from the character by a familiar face. Cate Blanchett has the role of evil stepmother down, even giving her a relatable side, without making he less threatening. Richard madden is cast as the prince. I love that they gave him much more character and backstory than in the animated version. The relationship with his father was very touching and gave him a vulnerable side, making him much more interesting. Richard Madden also has the undeniable royal good looks, making him a perfect fit for the role as charming prince.

I enjoyed this movie immensely. Its timeless and fairytale-esque with a great deal of Disney magic. Any Disney fan will love this and it makes me excited for more live-action Disney classic remakes.

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Barely Lethal (2015)

8/10

A feel-good movie that is very charming and entertaining

8 December 2015

People don't seem to like this movie and i'm not sure why. yes it's formulaic, yes it's cliché, but I still think it's fun! What can i say, i'm a sucker for girly teen movies.

This film is very predictable, but I like that it's a mix between a high school movie and an action/spy movie. there is not a lot of character development but I still liked the characters and I understood their motives. Samuel L. Jackson's was hilarious as Hardman and Hailee Steinfeld was well cast as the main character Megan Walsh.

For me there where laugh-out-loud moments, I think the movie had a great sense of humour that made it upbeat and witty.

This movie was charming and a ton of fun. I certainly see why people would think its dumb or even stupid because of its formulaic nature, but i liked it. A feel-good movie that is very charming and entertaining.

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Brand: A Second Coming (2015)

6/10

Comedy and drama with a clever political message.

8 December 2015

Quite an interesting documentary, that is, if you think Russell Brand is interesting. I do think he is an interesting person and i liked the documentary. it showed Russell brand's good and bad sides, it wasn't one-sided. It did feel a little long for a biographical documentary, but never boring because of that.

The documentary mixes behind the scenes clips of Russell's life, clips of his stand-up comedy act and interesting conversations on his political engagement. Russell Brand also opens up about his dark drug past.

Altogether the documentary is a great mix between comedy and drama with a clever political message. Great for Russell Brand fans and anyone who wants to know more about him.

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After the Ball (2015)

3/10

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone!

8 December 2015

This is pretty bad! Usually i'm a sucker for the fairytale re-tellings, but not this one. It starts off as a Cinderella retelling but then seems to drop that storyline halfway and goes the goofy disguise route that isn't believable at all. I don't need my movies to be realistic, but if a movie is as bad as this one it really can't get away with it.

Visually it's boring and colourless, which is strange for a movie set in the colourful fashion industry. I like movies set in the fashion industry, it's an interesting world. But the fact that the main character works in fashion didn't seem to play any part in the film, they didn't use that fact at all, thats a missed opportunity.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone!

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Accidental Love (2015)

1/10

Left a bad taste in my mouth.

8 December 2015

Wow this is a bad one! I haven't seen too many of David O. Russells movies but the ones I've seen I liked, so I was surprised at how bad this movie was.

I know finding a movie funny or not is a very personal thing. Everyone has a different sense of humour, we don't all laugh at the same things. So all I can say is that I personally didn't laugh a single time during this film. The acting was also off. It was as if the characters had to be kooky and weird in a funny way, but it looked as if the acting was kooky and weird. The characters where neither lovable, understandable or interesting.

The whole movie was unintentionally weird and strange, not funny or interesting. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

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Ant-Man (2015)

6/10

Smaller than other Marvel movies.

8 December 2015

You'd think this movie would be really weird but Marvel pulls it off! 'Ant-Man' ironically feels smaller than the other Marvel films, which i like. I enjoyed Paul Rudd as the main character Scott Lang. The other characters where well cast, but Evangeline Lily as Hope van Dyne was underused. I think her character could have played a much bigger role in the film.

I liked the humour throughout the movie, to be honest this kind of movie shouldn't take itself too serious, and it didn't. The movie felt self-aware about it's silly parts. The action in the final act was done really well and was original.

'Ant-Man' was pretty funny and enjoyable, with some of the most original action scenes to come from Marvel studios.

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Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

6/10

Enjoyable and fun, but not really life-changing or original.

8 December 2015

I liked this movie better than the first Avengers film. The topic of singularity makes the story more interesting than the first one. The action was very fast and well done, it kept the movie upbeat and thrilling. Yet the action still overshadows the story way too much, there isn't enough time left for any character development (but still more character development than in the first movie). After all the Marvel movies i've watched i still don't feel like I really know the characters as well as I should. Out of all the Avengers i think i enjoy Thor the most, because Chris Hemsworth looks like a God, he looks royal, best casting ever.

I thought 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' was enjoyable and fun, but not really life-changing or original. Maybe i'm just not enough of an action fan to be in love with the Avengers movies.

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The Age of Adaline (2015)

9/10

Truly a great romantic movie.

7 December 2015

I absolutely adored 'The Age Of Adaline'. I don't understand why it didn't seem to get a lot of buzz when it came out. Blake Lively is mesmerising as Adaline and Michiel Huisman is handsome as Ellis Jones. Although Ellis Jones could have done with a little more character development.

I loved how 'The Age Of Adaline' made me think about passing time and lives regrets. Especially Adaline's relationship with her daughter Flemming made me think how views of life and experience can differ. Blake Lively really made me believe she was eternally young, her wardrobe, hairstyle and posture reflected the grace and wisdom of a woman who has seen the world change. She had something timeless, like the brilliant vintage dresses she wore.

This movie might be geared more towards women, with the hairstyles, makeup and dresses of the different time periods Adaline lives in. I actually appreciate that this movie embraces a female audience. I don't understand, as a woman who likes cinema, why 'chick-flick' is a derogatory term. What's wrong with a movie that's geared towards woman? But still I don't actually think that this movie is a typical 'chick-flick'. I think many men will also appreciate this movie for it's originality and visual beauty.

This movie is visually gorgeous. It almost looks like a photo-shoot for a glossy fashion magazine, this fits the tone and style of the film. The beautiful colours are a breath of fresh air since the recent trend of grey tones in Hollywood movies.

So as you've probably guessed from this review, I absolutely adored this movie. The story was believable even through it's fantastical elements. Visually it was breathtaking and the acting was great. This movie was original and well developed. Truly a great romantic movie that i'll surely rewatch.

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