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Movie List

Recommended viewing for those occasions when there’s time to burn.

Preparing individual movie reviews for all the titles we have in mind is too great a stretch. So we’ve adopted a pass/fail approach and list only those we like.

Assembling this list proved a monumental effort with the current total standing at far greater than we first anticipated, which makes scrolling through rather cumbersome. So we started classifying each title to enable filtering.

In building our classification system, we noted that some films broke beyond mere box office success and achieved landmark status. Displaying technical brilliance in film-making or writing, leading to memorable moments and beloved quotes. So we marked these films as “classics”.

In diametric opposition to the classics, films that reviewers critically panned but proved total hoots to us, we dubbed “absurd”. We felt these two distinguished film types deserved a category: notable.

Movies we’ve rejected typically deal with teen angst, like the Marvel Spider-Man movies. Also pure horror films rarely make the list. Supernatural antagonists often defy nature in ways that afford them disproportionate advantage over their mortal victims. It in turn necessitates stupid decision making by the protagonists, guiding themselves into harm’s way. We groan, grumble, roll our eyes and spare ourselves the disgust. Hard pass!

The List

We prefer ordering alphabetically by title, with the exception of franchise films. It made more sense to group them so we applied prefixes using franchise names. Like the Bourne and Bond movies. Batman, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, DC and so on.

TITLEYEARFEATURETYPENOTABLEGENRETHEMESSETTINGCHARACTEREVENT
16 Blocks2006live actionfiction---cat_n_mousecamaraderiemoderncop---
21 Jumps Street2012live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiemoderncop---
22 Jump Street2014live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiemoderncop---
A Few Good Men1992live actionfictionclassicdramaconflictmodernlawyerconspiracy
A Knight's Tale2001live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_watermedievalunderdog---
A League of Their Own1992live actionfiction---comedycamaraderieperiod---sports
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter2011live actionfiction---actionrevengefantasysuperherovampire
Accountant, The2016live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernassassin---
Alien1979live actionfictionclassichorrorsurvivalsci fi---monster
Aliens1986live actionfictionclassicsuspensesurvivalsci fisoldiermonster
American Made2017live actionbiopic---dramafish_out_of_watermodern------
Angels and Demons2009live actionfiction---mysteryconflictmodern---terrorism
Apollo 131995live actionhistorical---suspensesurvivalmodern---disaster
Argo2012live actionhistorical---dramasurvivalmodernspypolitics
Armageddon1998live actionfiction---actionsurvivalmodern---disaster
Arrival2017live actionfiction---mysterydiscoverysci fi---monster
Back to the Future1985live actionfictionclassiccomedycamaraderiesci fiunderdogtime_travel
Back to the Future II1989live actionfictionclassiccomedycamaraderiesci fiunderdogtime_travel
Back to the Future III1990live actionfictionclassiccomedycamaraderiesci fiunderdogtime_travel
Bad Boys1995live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiemoderncop---
Bad Boys II2003live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiemoderncop---
Bad Neighbours2014live actionfiction---comedyconflictmodern------
Batman1989live actionfiction---actionrevengemodernsuperhero---
Batman 5, Batman Begins2005live actionfiction---adventurediscoverymodernsuperhero---
Batman 6, The Dark Knight2008live actionfiction---cat_n_mouseconflictmodernsuperheroterrorism
Batman 7, The Dark Knight Rises2012live actionfiction---dramaconflictmodernsuperheroterrorism
Batman: Assault on Arkham2014animationfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperheroprison
Beverly Hills Cop1984live actionfictionclassiccomedycamaraderiemoderncop---
Big Hero 62014animationfiction---dramacamaraderiesci fisuperhero---
Big Trouble in Little China1986live actionfictionabsurdcomedyfish_out_of_waterfantasyunderdogsupernatural
Black Hawk Down2001live actionhistorical---actionsurvivalmodernsoldierwar
Blades of Glory2007live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiemodern---sports
Bond 21, Casino Royale2006live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernspy---
Bond 22, Quantum of Solace2008live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernspy---
Bond 23, Skyfall2012live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernspy---
Bourne 1, The Bourne Identity2002live actionfiction---cat_n_mousesurvivalmodernspy---
Bourne 2, The Bourne Supremacy2004live actionfiction---cat_n_mouserevengemodernspy---
Bourne 3, The Bourne Ultimatum2007live actionfiction---cat_n_mousediscoverymodernspy---
Brewster's Millions1985live actionfictionabsurdcomedyfish_out_of_watermodernunderdog---
Bridge of Spies2015live actionfiction---dramafish_out_of_watermodernlawyerpolitics
Bridget Jones' Diary2001live actionfiction---comedyromancemodern------
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason2004live actionfiction---comedyromancemodern------
Canton God Father1989live actionfiction---martial_artfish_out_of_waterperiodunderdog---
Casper1995live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiemodern---supernatural
Cast Away2000live actionfiction---dramasurvivalmodern---disaster
Catch Me If You Can2002live actionfiction---dramafall_from_gracemodernconman---
Clear and Present Danger1994live actionfiction---suspenseconflictmodernspypolitics
Cliffhanger1993live actionfiction---actionsurvivalmodern------
Coming to America1988live actionfiction---comedyfish_out_of_watermodern------
Commando1986live actionfiction---actionrevengemodernsoldier---
Con Air1997live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernsoldier---
Conan the Barbarian1982live actionfiction---actionrevengefantasy------
Crimson Tide1995live actionfictionclassicsuspenseconflictmodernsoldier---
Crow, The1994live actionfiction---actionrevengemodernvigilantesupernatural
Days of Thunder1990live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernunderdogsports
DC 1, Man of Steel2013live actionfiction---actiondiscoverysci fisuperherodisaster
DC 3, Wonder Woman2017live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernsuperherowar
Deja Vu2006live actionfiction---mysterydiscoverysci ficoptime_travel
Devil Wears Prada, The2006live actionfiction---comedyfish_out_of_watermodernunderdog---
Die Hard1988live actionfictionclassiccat_n_mousesurvivalmoderncopterrorism
Disneynature: Born in China2017live actiondocumentary---dramadiscoverymodern------
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story2004live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiemodernunderdogsports
Dredd2013live actionfiction---actionsurvivalsci fivigilante---
Dunkirk2017live actionhistorical---suspensesurvivalperiodsoldierwar
Edge of Tomorrow2014live actionfiction---suspensediscoverysci fisoldiermonster
Equalizer, The2014live actionfiction---cat_n_mouseconflictmodernvigilante---
Eraser1996live actionfiction---cat_n_mouseconflictmoderncop---
Escape from Alcatraz1979live actionhistoricalclassicdramasurvivalmodern---prison
Escape from LA1996live actionfictionabsurdactionsurvivaldystopiansoldierprison
Escape from New York1981live actionfiction---actionsurvivaldystopiansoldierprison
Escape Plan2014live actionfiction---actionsurvivalmodern---prison
Executive Decision1996live actionfiction---suspenseconflictmodernsoldierterrorism
Fast and Furious 52011live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Fast and Furious 62013live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Fast and Furious 72015live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Fast and Furious 8, Fate of the Furious2017live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Finding Dory2016animationfiction---adventurefamilymodern------
Firm, The1993live actionfictionclassiccat_n_mousesurvivalmodernlawyer---
Flight of the Navigator1985live actionfictionclassicadventurecamaraderiesci fi---time_travel
Forrest Gump1994live actionfictionclassicdramafish_out_of_watermodern------
Fugitive, The1993live actionfictionclassiccat_n_mousesurvivalmodern------
Galaxy Quest1999live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiesci fi------
Ghostbusters1984live actionfictionclassiccomedycamaraderiemodern---supernatural
Godfather , The1972live actionfictionclassicdramaconflictmodernmobster---
Godfather Part II, The1974live actionfictionclassicdramaconflictmodernmobster---
Godzilla1998live actionfiction---actiondiscoverymodern---monster
Gone in Sixty Seconds2000live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Gravity2013live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalsci fi---disaster
Groundhog Day1993live actionfictionclassiccomedydiscoverymodern---supernatural
Harry Potter 1, and the Philosopher's Stone2001live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 2, and the Chamber of Secrets2002live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 3, and the Prisoner of Azkaban2004live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 4, and the Goblet of Fire2005live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 5, and the Order of the Phoenix2007live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 6, and the Half-Blood Prince2009live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 7, and the Deathly Hallows Part I2010live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Harry Potter 7, and the Deathly Hallows Part II2011live actionfiction---dramacamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Hateful Eight, The2015live actionfiction---black_comedyconflictwestern------
Heat1995live actionfiction---ensembleconflictmoderncopheist
Hidden Figures2016live actionhistorical---dramafish_out_of_watermodernunderdog---
How to Train Your Dragon2010animationfiction---comedycamaraderiefantasy------
How to Train Your Dragon 22014animationfiction---comedycamaraderiefantasy------
Hulk2003live actionfiction---actiondiscoverymodernsuperheromonster
I, Robot2004live actionfiction---actionconflictsci ficop---
Inception2010live actionfiction---suspensediscoverysci fithiefheist
Incredibles, The2004animationfiction---comedyfamilymodernsuperhero---
Independence Day1996live actionfiction---actionsurvivalsci fisoldiermonster
Indiana Jones 1, and the Raiders of the Lost Ark1981live actionfictionclassicadventurediscoveryperiod------
Indiana Jones 2, and the Temple of Doom1984live actionfictionclassicadventurediscoveryperiod------
Indiana Jones 3, and the Last Crusade1989live actionfictionclassicadventurediscoveryperiod------
Inside Out2015animationfiction---dramafamilymodern------
Instant Family2019live actionfiction---comedyfamilymodern------
Interview with the Vampire1994live actionfictionclassicdramadiscoveryperiod---vampire
Iron Giant, The2000animationfiction---dramacamaraderiesci fi------
Iron Monkey1993live action asianfiction---martial_artconflictperiodvigilante---
It's a Wonderful Life1947live actionfictionclassicdramafamilyperiod---supernatural
Jack Reacher2013live actionfiction---mysteryconflictmodernsoldier---
Jack Ryan 1, Hunt for Red October, The1990live actionfictionclassicsuspenseconflictmodernspy---
Jack Ryan 3, Clear and Present Danger1994live actionfictionclassicsuspenseconflictmodernspy---
Jack Ryan 4, Sum of All Fears, The2002live actionfiction---suspenseconflictmodernspy---
Jason and the Argonauts1963live actionfiction---adventurediscoveryfantasy------
Jaws1975live actionfictionclassichorrorcamaraderiemodern---monster
Jerry Maguire1997live actionfictionclassicdramaromancemodern---sports
John Wick2014live actionfiction---actionrevengemodernassassin---
John Wick 2, Chapter 22017live actionfiction---actionrevengemodernassassin---
John Wick 3, Parabellum2019live actionfiction---actionsurvivalmodernassassin---
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle2017live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiemodern---supernatural
Jumper2008live actionfiction---actionsurvivalsci fi---supernatural
Jurassic Park1993live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalsci fi---monster
Just Go With It2011live actionfiction---comedyromancemodern------
Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox, The2013animationfiction---actionconflictsci fisuperherowar
Justice League: Gods and Monsters2015animationfiction---actionconflictsci fisuperherowar
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis2015animationfiction---actionconflictsci fisuperherowar
Karate Kid, The1984live actionfictionclassicdramadiscoverymodernunderdogsports
Kick Boxer1989live actionfiction---martial_artrevengemodernunderdogsports
Kill Bill: Volume I2003live actionfiction---black_comedyrevengemodernassassin---
Kill Bill: Volume II2004live actionfiction---black_comedyrevengemodernassassin---
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword2017live actionfiction---adventureconflictmedieval---supernatural
King's Speech2009live actionhistorical---dramadiscoveryperiod------
Kingsman: The Secret Service2015live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_watermodernspyterrorism
Kung Fu Panda2008animationfiction---comedyfish_out_of_waterfantasyunderdog---
Kung Fu Panda 22011animationfiction---comedydiscoveryfantasy------
LA Confidential1997live actionfiction---mysteryconflictperiodcopconspiracy
Lethal Weapon1987live actionfictionclassicactioncamaraderiemoderncop---
Lethal Weapon 21989live actionfictionclassicactioncamaraderiemoderncop---
Lethal Weapon 31992live actionfictionclassicactioncamaraderiemoderncop---
Liar Liar1997live actionfiction---comedyfamilymodernlawyersupernatural
Lincoln Lawyer2011live actionfiction---mysteryconflictmodernlawyerconspiracy
Lord of the Rings 1, The Fellowship of the Ring2001live actionfictionclassicadventurecamaraderiefantasy------
Lord of the Rings 2, The Two Towers2002live actionfictionclassicadventureconflictfantasy------
Lord of the Rings 3: The Return of the King2003live actionfictionclassicadventureconflictfantasy------
Love Actually2003live actionfiction---ensembleromancemodern------
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior1981live actionfiction---actionsurvivaldystopian------
Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome1985live actionfictionclassicactionsurvivaldystopian------
Mad Max 4: Fury Road2015live actionfictionclassicactionsurvivaldystopian------
Maleficent2014live actionfiction---dramaconflictfantasy---supernatural
Man from UNCLE, The2015live actionfiction---comedyconflictperiodspyterrorism
Martian, The2015live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalsci fi---disaster
Marvel 01, Iron Man2008live actionfiction---actiondiscoverymodernsuperherocaptivity
Marvel 02, Incredible Hulk, The2008live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperheromonster
Marvel 03, Iron Man 22010live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperhero---
Marvel 04, Thor2011live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_watersci fisuperherosupernatural
Marvel 05, Captain America: The First Avenger2011live actionfiction---actionconflictperiodsuperherowar
Marvel 06, Avengers 1, The2012live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperherowar
Marvel 07, Iron Man 32013live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperheroterrorism
Marvel 09, Captain America: The Winter Soldier2014live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperheroconspiracy
Marvel 10, Guardians of the Galaxy2014live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiesci fisuperhero---
Marvel 11, Avengers 2, Age of Ultron2015live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperheromonster
Marvel 12, Ant-Man2015live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperhero---
Marvel 13, Captain America: Civil War2016live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperherowar
Marvel 14, Doctor Strange2016live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_watermodernsuperherosupernatural
Marvel 15, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 22017live actionfiction---actionconflictsci fisuperherodisaster
Marvel 17, Thor: Ragnarok2017live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_watersci fisuperhero---
Marvel 19, Avengers 3, Infinity War2018live actionfiction---actionconflictsci fisuperherowar
Marvel 20, Ant-Man and the Wasp2018live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperhero---
Marvel 22, Avengers 4, Endgame2019live actionfiction---actionconflictsci fisuperherowar
Mask of Zorro, The1998live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_waterperiodvigilante---
Mask, The1994live actionfictionclassiccomedyfish_out_of_watermodernunderdogsupernatural
Maverick1994live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiewesternconman---
Minority Report2002live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalsci ficopconspiracy
Miss Sloane2016live actionfiction---black_comedyconflictmodernlawyerpolitics
Mission Impossible1996live actionfictionclassicactionconflictmodernspyheist
Mission Impossible 4, Ghost Protocol2011live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernspyterrorism
Mission Impossible 5, Rogue Nation2015live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernspyterrorism
Mission Impossible 6, Fallout2018live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodernspyterrorism
Moana2016animationfiction---adventurediscoveryfantasyunderdogsupernatural
Molly's Game2017live actionbiopic---dramaconflictmodern------
Money Pit, The1986live actionfiction---comedyfish_out_of_watermodern------
Mr and Mrs Smith2005live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernassassin---
Mummy , The1999live actionfiction---adventuresurvivalperiod---monster
Mummy Returns, The2001live actionfiction---adventuresurvivalperiod---monster
National Treasure2004live actionfiction---adventurediscoverymodern------
National Treasure: Book of Secrets2007live actionfiction---adventurediscoverymodern------
Negotiator, The1998live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalmoderncopconspiracy
Nice Guys, The2016live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiemoderncopconspiracy
No Country for Old Men2007live actionfiction---cat_n_mousesurvivalmodernassassin---
Ocean's 112001live actionfiction---ensemblecamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Ocean's 122004live actionfiction---ensemblecamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Ocean's 132007live actionfiction---ensemblecamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Other Guys, The2011live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiemoderncopconspiracy
Passengers2016live actionfiction---dramaromancesci fiunderdogdisaster
Pirates of the Caribbean 1, The Curse of the Black Pearl2003live actionfiction---adventurecamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Pirates of the Caribbean 2, Dead Man's Chest2006live actionfiction---adventurecamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Pirates of the Caribbean 3, At World's End2007live actionfiction---adventurecamaraderiefantasy---supernatural
Police Story 22013live action asianfiction---martial_artconflictmoderncopterrorism
Predator1987live actionfictionclassicactionsurvivalsci fisoldiermonster
Prince of Persia2010live actionfiction---adventureconflictperiod---supernatural
Project A1983live action asianfiction---martial_artconflictperiodsoldier---
Project A Part 21987live action asianfiction---martial_artconflictperiodsoldier---
Pulp Fiction1994live actionfictionclassicblack_comedyconflictmodern------
Ref, The1994live actionfiction---comedyconflictmodernthiefcaptivity
Rise of the Planet of the Apes2011live actionfiction---actionconflictmodern------
Robin Hood2010live actionfiction---actionconflictmedievalthiefwar
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves1991live actionfiction---actionconflictmedievalthiefwar
Rock, The1996live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsoldierprison
Rocketeer, The1991live actionfiction---actionconflictperiodsuperhero---
RocknRolla2008live actionfiction---black_comedyconflictmodernmobster---
Rush Hour1998live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiemoderncop---
Rush Hour 22002live actionfiction---comedycamaraderiemoderncopconspiracy
Schindler's List1994live actionbiopic---dramasurvivalperiod---war
Scrooged1988live actionfiction---comedyfish_out_of_watermodern---supernatural
Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The2013live actionfiction---dramafish_out_of_watermodernunderdog---
Shawshank Redemption, The1995live actionfictionclassicdramacamaraderieperiod---prison
Sherlock Holmes2011live actionfiction---mysterycamaraderieperiod---conspiracy
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows2012live actionfiction---mysterycamaraderieperiod---conspiracy
Sleepless in Seattle1993live actionfictionclassiccomedyromancemodern------
Snatch2000live actionfiction---black_comedyconflictmodernmobster---
Sneakers1992live actionfictionclassicsuspensecamaraderiemodernthiefheist
Sorcerer's Apprentice, The2010live actionfiction---actionfish_out_of_watermodern---supernatural
Speed1994live actionfictionclassicsuspensesurvivalmoderncopterrorism
Split2017live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalmodern---supernatural
Spy2015live actionfiction---comedyfish_out_of_watermodernspy---
Star Trek2009live actionfiction---adventurecamaraderiesci fi------
Star Trek Into Darkness2013live actionfiction---adventureconflictsci fi---terrorism
Star Wars 1, A New Hope1977live actionfictionclassicadventureconflictsci fi---war
Star Wars 2, The Empire Strikes Back1980live actionfictionclassicadventureconflictsci fi---war
Star Wars 3, Return of the Jedi1983live actionfictionclassicadventureconflictsci fi---war
Sully2016live actionbiopic---dramasurvivalmodern---disaster
Superman Returns2006live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperhero---
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse2010animationfiction---actionfamilysci fisuperhero---
Taken2008live actionfictionclassicsuspenserevengemodernvigilante---
Tangled2010animationfiction---comedyromancefantasy------
Tarzan1999animationfiction---adventurediscoveryperiod------
Terminal, The2004live actionfiction---comedyfish_out_of_watermodern------
This is the End2013live actionfictionabsurdensemblecamaraderiemodern---supernatural
Top Gun1986live actionfictionclassicactionconflictmodernsoldierwar
Toy Story 21999animationfiction---comedyfamilymodern------
Trading Places1984live actionfictionabsurdcomedyfish_out_of_watermodern---conspiracy
Train to Busan2016live action asianfiction---actionsurvivalmodern---zombie
Tropic Thunder2008live actionfictionabsurdensemblefish_out_of_watermodern------
Truman Show, The1998live actionfictionclassicdramadiscoverymodernunderdogcaptivity
Twister1996live actionfiction---actioncamaraderiemodern---disaster
Two Hands1999live actionfiction---black_comedyconflictmodernmobster---
Unbreakable2000live actionfiction---suspensediscoverymodernsuperhero---
Unforgiven1993live actionfiction---dramarevengewestern------
Unstoppable2011live actionfiction---suspensecamaraderiemodern---disaster
Wanted2008live actionfiction---actionrevengemodernassassin---
Waterworld1995live actionfiction---actionsurvivaldystopian------
Wedding Crashers2005live actionfiction---comedyromancemodern------
Wheels on Meals1984live action asianfiction---martial_artconflictmodern------
Wild Wild West1999live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiewestern---terrorism
Wolf of Wall Street, The2014live actionbiopic---dramafall_from_gracemodern------
World War Z2013live actionfiction---suspensesurvivalmodernsoldierzombie
Wreck It Ralph2012animationfiction---comedycamaraderiefantasyunderdog---
X-Men: Days of Future Past2014live actionfiction---actionconflictmodernsuperherotime_travel
You Don't Mess with the Zohan2008live actionfictionabsurdcomedyfish_out_of_watermodernsoldier---
Your Highness2011live actionfictionabsurdcomedycamaraderiefantasy------
You've Got Mail1998live actionfiction---comedyromancemodern------
Zoolander2002live actionfictionabsurdcomedyfall_from_gracemodern------

Despite the seemingly comprehensive scale of this list, many titles slipped our minds. Between what we remembered, forgot, and rejected, the cumulative film viewing total represents an appreciable fraction of our lives. That’s excluding repeated viewings … and all the television shows.

Sobering thought, yet what else would we have done? 😉

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