Leaving Neverland
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 3, 2019
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 295 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 156 out of 295
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 295
  3. Negative: 128 out of 295

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User Reviews

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  1. Gaston_Veil
    Mar 25, 2019
    2
    If you want to know about the claims made by the accusers then look up the clips on the internet because this documentary is a waste of time.

    With 4 hours dedicated to two people making serious allegations, I was expecting a thorough and detailed examination of the claims but instead, only 15% of the documentary is actually about the alleged sexual abuse and the rest is about irrelevant    If you want to know about the claims made by the accusers then look up the clips on the internet because this documentary is a waste of time.

    With 4 hours dedicated to two people making serious allegations, I was expecting a thorough and detailed examination of the claims but instead, only 15% of the documentary is actually about the alleged sexual abuse and the rest is about irrelevant stories. The time that could have been spent, on investigating the claims made by the accusers and investigating the claims made by people defending Michael Jackson, is instead spent showing footage of Michael Jackson and presenting irrelevant stories from family members, of the accusers, who didn't appear to understand what they were interviewed about. The entire thing is a boring mess and it's easy to get confused by all the pointless stories.

    The actual stories about the alleged abuse are suspiciously detailed and nobody was bothered how the accusers could remember so many details from their childhoods after decades. Nobody questioned why there are so many recordings of phone conversations but no recordings of the damming phone conversations, which Michael Jackson supposedly did even while being under investigation. The makers of the documentary didn't bother investigating the claims, the inconsistencies and how Michael Jackson had the time for all of this. The makers were so lazy that they didn't even notice the omissions about the career failures and billion dollar lawsuits against The Jackson Estate.

    With no investigation and no evidence, the documentary is only going to cause controversy. This will probably be forgotten as another sexual abuse claim against Michael Jackson without evidence, with probable monetary motivation.    … Expand
  2. MozzerRocks
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    Poorly shot tabloid docu that just did not do it's job of establishing a reasonable doubt. To drop this following the courts declaration of innocence means it was up to the filmmaker to show us new evidence, something compelling. There is none to be found here. In the end it's sensational but also questionably believable and leaves you feeling this was almost surely about money. I do notPoorly shot tabloid docu that just did not do it's job of establishing a reasonable doubt. To drop this following the courts declaration of innocence means it was up to the filmmaker to show us new evidence, something compelling. There is none to be found here. In the end it's sensational but also questionably believable and leaves you feeling this was almost surely about money. I do not and would not participate in victim shaming and if these two gentlemen really believe in their stories they should be pursuing justice through the courts not tabloid journalism. There is no statute of limitations on child molestation. Let's the courts decide (again). Not worth watching this one sided shock doc.… Expand
  3. RidleayRomero
    Mar 13, 2019
    0
    It's almost become a recurring cycle now for people to accuse Michael Jackson of molestation. Back when the trials were still ongoing, several people already had accused him and yet the two people in this "Documentary" are not among the people that he allegedly molested. From obvious actors to possible scam artists, it's like a conga-line of lies parading around as half-truths. The factIt's almost become a recurring cycle now for people to accuse Michael Jackson of molestation. Back when the trials were still ongoing, several people already had accused him and yet the two people in this "Documentary" are not among the people that he allegedly molested. From obvious actors to possible scam artists, it's like a conga-line of lies parading around as half-truths. The fact that this docudrama (yes, I'm calling it that) was released well after the passing of Michael means that he has no way to sue the producer for defamation. Did everyone just forget about the actual trial that he had? And came out of it not guilty? Still, people will just forget about it like last time then something exposes the producer as a fraud and then we'll get another one defaming him again.… Expand
  4. DukeJon
    Mar 7, 2019
    0
    Was Michael Jackson guilty of these heinous crimes? Maybe. Maybe not. Though in a court of law in 2005 he was declared innocent of all counts, and you can bet your bottom dollar the FBI checked everything in gathering a case against him. Why should we now believe the work of two individuals, both proven liars under oath, and both standing to receive a significant financial windfall,Was Michael Jackson guilty of these heinous crimes? Maybe. Maybe not. Though in a court of law in 2005 he was declared innocent of all counts, and you can bet your bottom dollar the FBI checked everything in gathering a case against him. Why should we now believe the work of two individuals, both proven liars under oath, and both standing to receive a significant financial windfall, against a deceased celebrity who is not here to defend themselves. Not one shred of evidence in the entire film. The only grooming going on here is the grooming by the director.… Expand
  5. ECD80
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    The FBI investigated Michael Jackson for more than 10 years - tracking his whereabouts, his computers, phone calls, and released more than a three hundred page file completely vindicating him, stating there was nothing to suggest he was an abuser of children. The general public, the media and critics completely ignores these facts. Yet two admitted liars and perjurers (one of whom evenThe FBI investigated Michael Jackson for more than 10 years - tracking his whereabouts, his computers, phone calls, and released more than a three hundred page file completely vindicating him, stating there was nothing to suggest he was an abuser of children. The general public, the media and critics completely ignores these facts. Yet two admitted liars and perjurers (one of whom even refers to himself as a ‘master of deception’) can come out with a well corroborated, completely one-sided, sensationalized story, which contains literally no evidence whatsoever (and is full of inconsistencies) and it is embraced by the court of public opinion and by the media as truth!?

    I keep asking myself why that is? Is it because the public and media are pressured to embrace all victims and are afraid to not be in support with the #MeToo movement? Is it because Surviving R. Kelly was so dark and upsetting and successful? Could it be because Michael Jackson looked strange and acted strangely compared to typical adults? Is it because a once highly respected cable network and quite possibly the most famous woman on the planet supported this hate piece - so then it must be true! Well, here is some more interesting information mainstream media doesn’t seem to be covering - Oprah Winfrey lost 48 million with Weight Watches recently, and coincidentally signed a deal with HBO too (desperate to stay relevant much?!). HBO is struggling to compete with Netflix and Hulu. Interesting, isn’t that?

    The jurors who found Michael Jackson not guilty in his 2005 trial agreed with the FBI. Juror Paulina Coccoz said: ‘It was pretty obvious there was no molestation done, it was pretty obvious that there were ulterior motives on behalf of the family. And the mother, she orchestrated the whole thing, there wasn’t a shred of evidence”

    Just because a story is graphic and disturbing does not make it factual. Before you judge anything do your research and think for yourself. Facts do not lie, people do.

    The bottom line is...

    The #MeToo movement is very important. Generally, believing victims is crucial and helps our society evolve. And If you want to view Michael Jackson as a pedophile, you will. It is easy to do. He admitted to allowing children to sleep in his bedroom and has been accused of child molestation more than once (both cases completely discredited). He was not the guy next door, was undeniably eccentric, and most certainly did not live a conventional life. But that does not make him guilty of abusing children.

    Anyone who has bothered to look into the allegations against him - and I mean really look into them - there is more than enough evidence to demonstrate that he was a victim of extortion and of copycat false claims for the past twenty five years! Yet despite the Los Angeles Police Department stating that Jackson should be presumed to be innocent, despite a jury finding him not guilty on every single charge against him, despite the LAPD and Family Services twice investigating and clearing him of wrongdoing, despite the FBI conducting a thorough investigation in which no evidence of wrongdoing was found, and despite the cash grab lawsuits of his posthumous accusers being tossed out of court (one of those being Wade Robson’s case from 2013) this crap still makes headlines and believers.

    Well, the court of public opinion and media and critics agendas may sadly be what defines this saga and a large part of his legacy, and that is depressing. The wave of critics and news outlets supporting this character assassination piece and the ignorant people sharing hateful nonsense is upsetting to me. Michael Jackson was actually a great humanitarian, and sure he was a deeply haunted individual with issues, but a sexual attraction to children was not one of those issues. Leaving Neverland is nothing more than slander and personal agendas for self gain. MJ deserves more than this. RIP    … Expand
  6. CriticoDubioso
    Mar 19, 2019
    0
    Innocent or guilty, there's something fishy going on. This is not an actual documentry with verified facts, in fact it's quite fudging the facts and completely flipped a previous story. The Michael Jackson scandal is an interesting one, as Brett Barnes now demanded to be removed from the doco "Leaving Neverland" saying it created false impressions about him. Others who would of beenInnocent or guilty, there's something fishy going on. This is not an actual documentry with verified facts, in fact it's quite fudging the facts and completely flipped a previous story. The Michael Jackson scandal is an interesting one, as Brett Barnes now demanded to be removed from the doco "Leaving Neverland" saying it created false impressions about him. Others who would of been mostly affected also left out. Wade Robson also said he was innocent back when he was 11, okay could of been a scared kid fearing jail too. But then again when he was 22, huh his career still going good. Now just suddenly flips his entire story just after falling off the radar. Plus then there's this back from 1999: The Plot to destroy Michael Jackson - which clearly shows a kid off the streets used to try frame MJ who confessed but that pattern still continues for some. I guess you can't get charged for slandering someone when they are dead? I would suggest taking this movie with a grain of salt and looking up some of the facts yourself before jumping to bias conclusions.… Expand
  7. Ravivenk
    Mar 10, 2019
    0
    I would normally give a show like this a 7 or 8 (well produced, convincing, but can drag at times and needs to be about 45 mins shorter) but the fanboys have me irritated and I'll do give it a 10 just to help balance the score against their blind devotion.
  8. Gods_Son23
    Aug 8, 2020
    0
    Such a one-sided hit piece with people who should be in prison having said the opposite under oath . The leftist media do not believe in due process. The dead not being able to be defamed under current law needs to be change. "The idiots who've bombarded this comments section with zeros are more blind to Michael Jackson than Trump supporters"... You sound like someone who believesSuch a one-sided hit piece with people who should be in prison having said the opposite under oath . The leftist media do not believe in due process. The dead not being able to be defamed under current law needs to be change. "The idiots who've bombarded this comments section with zeros are more blind to Michael Jackson than Trump supporters"... You sound like someone who believes everything they read. A mainstream media follower.… Expand
  9. PrinceP20
    Mar 6, 2019
    0
    When people choose to swing their story to the media system, it's not easy to believe them. When we want to tell the truth, we do not need to make a documentary with dramatic music in the background, shocking speech with a sad voice and wet eyes and acting faces. They are clearly trying to make us believe their story by manipulating public opinion. The media loves sensationalism. But IWhen people choose to swing their story to the media system, it's not easy to believe them. When we want to tell the truth, we do not need to make a documentary with dramatic music in the background, shocking speech with a sad voice and wet eyes and acting faces. They are clearly trying to make us believe their story by manipulating public opinion. The media loves sensationalism. But I think the most important thing is to really ask what gives these two guys credibility? Nothing really. Their story is wobbly. And anyone with a critical mind would have a hard time believing them. Michael Jackson does not have the right to have the presumption of innocence? He never had it in this media circus, because no one really seeks for the truth. You prefer mournful entertainment rather than real justice, for the simple reason that for you, Michael Jackson is no longer even a human being.… Expand
  10. JT1967
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Horrible. There is not one inch of evidence anything they said in this movie is true. For that this is more than disgusting that it even exist. It is basically a 4 hour tabloid gossip special.
  11. Affe
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Only reason this movie has got good reviews from so called critics is that they are afraid to give anything that is related to the me too movement a bad review. Like, it does not matter to them how bad or ridiculous cringe something is. They do not have the balls. Leaving Neverland had not a single redeeming quality about it. It is quite simple a propaganda piece. The Michael JacksonOnly reason this movie has got good reviews from so called critics is that they are afraid to give anything that is related to the me too movement a bad review. Like, it does not matter to them how bad or ridiculous cringe something is. They do not have the balls. Leaving Neverland had not a single redeeming quality about it. It is quite simple a propaganda piece. The Michael Jackson estate made 400 million last year. More than any other celebrity dead or alive. 20% of that money went to charity. the rest to his children and mother(as in his will)

    This is the Adam Sandler of documentaries. Its that bad.    … Expand
  12. Junglistflex
    May 31, 2019
    0
    People will do ludicrous things for money. Here in the UK a man accused multiple MP's (Politicians) of child rape, torture and even murder. He was lying for compensation and is now on trail looking at a long time in prison. We'll never know for sure with Jacko, even though every sinew of me is saying yes.
  13. TalulaGrey
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    It's so easy to attack a dead man but impossible to go after the living, breathing pedophiles isn't it? It is obvious that hollyweird and cohorts have an agenda and that is to allow those same living, breathing pedophiles to escape justice. They have no shame. This is a disgusting campaign to go after someone that cannot defend himself. Nice try but every one knows who the real pos criminals are.
  14. espereunmomento
    Aug 1, 2019
    0
    Bad acting, and yes, they're actors. Zero evidence, just words. They're trying to destroy MJ's legacy, or at least steal some. I feel sorry for the true cases that are being ignored.
  15. wales7388
    Mar 11, 2019
    0
    ABSOLUTELY VILE FULL OF LIES and it jsuts goes to show how these two rats easily wanted a paycheck to ruin a legend's career that has so much evidence that obviously cleared him from these ridiculous allegations to a point where he's not even alive to testify
  16. PedroH5523
    Mar 8, 2019
    0
    Pure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fakePure garbage, it's pure lies, pure trash, I will never believe in this lies, facts don't lie, people do, Michael suffered A LOT with the trial and the accusations, it's unbelievable that someone suffered so much and have helped so many people had done such disgusting things, Michael was and STILL innocent, this mockumentary is trying to get money over Michael Jackson's painful and fake accusations, using fake and graphic testimonies from two so-called victims, don't believe in this lies!!!… Expand
  17. kayhamed
    Jan 14, 2020
    0
    It's impossible to judge what those victims have experienced as kids, but in my point of view it's also impossible to forget all great things Michael Jackson has done to music and to the world. that's what makes this one-sided documentary garbage.
  18. Doowop666
    Mar 14, 2019
    0
    The movie pulls on the heart strings but as we know, so did Jussie Smollett, for a short while. I call it a movie instead of a documentary, because it's a partial take on the subject thru the lens of two accusers, who are established liars who have changed their stories more times many times throughout the years.

    When one reflects on some of the claims made side-by-side with the    The movie pulls on the heart strings but as we know, so did Jussie Smollett, for a short while. I call it a movie instead of a documentary, because it's a partial take on the subject thru the lens of two accusers, who are established liars who have changed their stories more times many times throughout the years.

    When one reflects on some of the claims made side-by-side with the evidence, the tale woven by the two accusers appears far less compelling. Dozens of raids, FBI investigations over a decade, and multiple courts cases found MJ not guilty. Fortunately courts rely on more than just teary eyes and allegations.

    The movie has the insidious feel of a project made to create controversy and dollars. It's the #metoo movement come full circle where accusations can be made even after the accused has been exonerated, and they're taken at face value. But it's worse, because in this case, it's a dead man that is being accused.

    The two young men seemed genuinely hurt that MJ abandoned them in favor of new kids for tour props and gimmicks, and that their taste of the high life with MJ was only temporary. They supported MJ into adult hood and have only come out after his death, coincidentally seeking $1 billion in a lawsuit. The timing of this propaganda film is clearly an attempt to bolster their public profile.

    Some of the stories told are almost too fantastic to take seriously. Molestation in a hotel room while the family is in another room down the hall - behavior that could blow up Jackson's tour. They want us to believe MJ was calculating and simultaneously embarrassingly sloppy. Yet no shred of evidence for any of this has ever been found.

    It's incredible that after all the lurid tales of masturbation and oral sex that neither of these men could draw MJ's penis (which is apparently uniquely blotched) nor could they tell authorities whether MJ was circumcised or not. The obvious reason is that they never saw MJ's genitals so there is no way they could know these things.

    It's doubtful that even under modest scrutiny that this movie and its participants will age well. It's littered with lies (claims that have been debunked) and contradictions that are too egregious to be believable - defending MJ after Chandler's father's accusation came to light among the most glaring.

    Tarnishing a famous dead man for 15 minutes of fame, to court controversy dollars, and extend the hope of winning bogus lawsuits is shameful.    … Expand
  19. Tymunia
    Apr 20, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dirty liars. This is a trash. Please leave Micheal alone. Rest in peace MJ. Someday people will know the truth. MJ is innocent and he is always a good person.… Expand
  20. Dsros96
    Mar 16, 2019
    0
    Full of lies, using a dead man's name for clout. Now that he can't defend himself. He was already proven innocent. HBO should stick to Dragons & Kings because everything else is just trash.
  21. shivj80
    Mar 7, 2019
    0
    The fact that there are actually people believing this one-sided hit piece is hilarious in and of itself, but it's also boring as hell and badly acted. #MJinnocent
  22. NonnasDangerous
    Mar 13, 2019
    0
    DISGUSTING! The fact that they are making up false lies with no evidence in order to gain some cash from a dead man. The law doesn't protect dead people from defamation, so they can just get away scot-free with what they are saying. THEY SHOULD BE LOCKED UP THEY ARE DISGUSTING!
  23. AdrianLorio
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This is everything but a documentary. It omits facts or evidence. While it shows stories that they claim happened with out having any evidence to support any of it, just words. Here is some facts the movie avoids. Clearly because bad news sells and the director had a clear agenda and biased. Which is why he interviews the two accusers and no one else. No one from the other side. That isThis is everything but a documentary. It omits facts or evidence. While it shows stories that they claim happened with out having any evidence to support any of it, just words. Here is some facts the movie avoids. Clearly because bad news sells and the director had a clear agenda and biased. Which is why he interviews the two accusers and no one else. No one from the other side. That is what we call propaganda and the actual definition of fake news. Ok. There are three cases against Michael Jackson. 93, 03 and 2013. The father who accused him in 93 is literally on tape talking about framing and blackmailing Michael Jackson with false allegations(not in the movie.. wonder why). The family who went to trial in 05 have a long history of falsely accusing others and companies for a living(there is no mention of that. Again, wonder why?) Everyone who went to trial called it a mess and a circus. They said that it should never even go to trial. It was as stated by the jurors so obvious that no molestation that ever occurred. Now these two men in the film sued the Jackson estate for huge sum of money in 2013/14 together, under the same lawyer. They where caught lying in there own lawsuit and there case was thrown-ed out. The judge did not find these two credible. The judge stated that the amount of contradictions and lies made made both of them lose credibility. Now they are appealing the lawsuit for money yet again. Thinking probably that this movie will help by having the public with them. Both of them owe the Michael Jackson estate thousands of dollars btw. Again not showned in this so called "documentary". For all the reasons I stated and believe me, there is more. This movie is a failure and a disgrace. Shame.… Expand
  24. karltanner
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    Badly acted, bad scrip. bad filming, score, sound, color. Everything about it is made in an amateur beginner way. Those two where far from believable "actors". I am gonna call them actors because it felt like they where reading of a script. 90 hours of footage was recorded and this is the best they got? I wonder how many times they filmed one scene. Ne emotion, not one tear was shreddedBadly acted, bad scrip. bad filming, score, sound, color. Everything about it is made in an amateur beginner way. Those two where far from believable "actors". I am gonna call them actors because it felt like they where reading of a script. 90 hours of footage was recorded and this is the best they got? I wonder how many times they filmed one scene. Ne emotion, not one tear was shredded during the entire film. One scene he holds something he claims belongs to Michael Jackson. With out proof of course. While holding it... i dont know why he would still have that. He barely flinches. Makes no reaction. Acting school aint that expensive is it? In summary, i just wasted four hours of my life watching two people talk, just talk. Thank you so much HBO… Expand
  25. Forzamilan
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    I went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemedI went in the theater to watch the movie thinking this would be a game changer. Considering all the promoting and hype for the movie by the media. Bare in mind. I was also suspicious considering all the interviews made by the three behind the film, which is not normal for something like this. That made it feel more and more like fiction than reality. The first 20-30 minutes seemed realistic and true. After that it went downhill. The allegations was some ridiculous. Some badly how do I say this.. it was like they where reading of a script. As if it was not there own words. Very sloppy. I expect better for HBO since they have done some fine television over the years. This felt more like a cash grab than a real documentary.
    Summary: Not what I expected, but still not surprised    … Expand
  26. Reuben1
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    The entire story is a copy past version of a fictional NAMBA pedo book in the late 90s. That Michael sued for making up stories about him, the NAMBA member who wrote that fictional book lost the lawsuit. He ran away from the US, instead of paying. It is clear that these two men used that book as a script for this film. They did not even try to hide it. Its so obvious for anyone who hasThe entire story is a copy past version of a fictional NAMBA pedo book in the late 90s. That Michael sued for making up stories about him, the NAMBA member who wrote that fictional book lost the lawsuit. He ran away from the US, instead of paying. It is clear that these two men used that book as a script for this film. They did not even try to hide it. Its so obvious for anyone who has studied the case.… Expand
  27. Johnjaysmith
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    A one sided manipulated documentary. When you think of a documentary you usually think of something based on facts. But this one had no such things. Just the words of two very unreliable people who have lied multiply times that they cant even keep up with there own lies.
  28. Ulfemanuel
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This was one of the worst Michael Jackson "documentaries" i have ever seen. And I have seen plenty. I seen lot of negative hit piece movies about him. But this still takes the cake as the worst one of them all. Not to mention everyone from the family/estate/the people mentioned in the film have written a letter threatening to fill a lawsuit for the lies in it. 1 out of 1
  29. Domeeno12
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    The film and stories said in the film was hilarious. It was hard to take anything they say seriously. I was laughing my ass of when watching this with my friend. They could at least rehearsed more to make it more believable. The directing, sound and colors are also so bad. They try the hardest to make it look as creepy and negative as possible. Using the oldest most beginner techniques inThe film and stories said in the film was hilarious. It was hard to take anything they say seriously. I was laughing my ass of when watching this with my friend. They could at least rehearsed more to make it more believable. The directing, sound and colors are also so bad. They try the hardest to make it look as creepy and negative as possible. Using the oldest most beginner techniques in the book. And I here i taught i was going to see a well made serious film. I was wrong.… Expand
  30. MoeKson
    Mar 3, 2019
    0
    This was a disturbing watch. I find it very disturbing that the person who is being accused is not here to defend himself. Is this allowed?

    I can only give this a one out of ten stars. Nothing can be said to make this attack on a dead man acceptable.
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#23 Best TV Season of 2019
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Times
    Reviewed by: Carol Midgley
    Jan 7, 2020
    80
    Reed did not over-egg the material. ... This is a strange, dark and complex story, but I believed them [Wade Robson and James Safechuck].
    Read full review
  2. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Cumming
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    For all its gripping testimony, Leaving Neverland is not a great documentary. It is too long, for one. ... None of this diminishes the power of the interviews, which show how much damage Jackson did and continues to do, 10 years after his death.
    Read full review
  3. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Tim Robey
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    The film has to pick its way through some troubling thickets of motive, and frames earlier denials as proof of the psychological damage he wrought. Setting about this side of things with necessary tact, Reed bolsters the case using only the building blocks of what these two families have to say. No authorities weigh in, no lawyers. The purity is that it begins and ends with survivor testimony, chillingly credible in its details, from Safechuck and Robson.
    Read full review
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