Recent Reviews
These are our latest reviews of movies at theaters, at the art house, or at festivals.
Bloodshot displays all the telltale signs of a testosterone overdose.
The fashion world’s Greed stumbles off the catwalk in a clumsy, agenda-driven narrative.
Onward proves the Pixar magic is alive and well.
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The Invisible Man (2020)
**2020, Leigh Whannell
It’s really about a manipulated audience trapped in a lazy story.
It’s easy to see right through The Invisible Man’s flimsy storyline.
The Call of the Wild
***1/22020, Chris Sanders
There’s a rare sense of innocence that is so old it feels fresh again in this production.
The Call of the Wild is one worth answering.
The Call of the Wild has an interesting pedigree. Of course, it’s based on the classic Jack London novel. You know the one; originally published in 1903, many kids through the decades have either been forced to read it or “strongly encouraged” to do so. Of those kids, it’s likely a rather small percentage actually paid attention to the story. While adventure is the hook, its greatest riches lie beneath the surface. Themes of destiny and values that put humanity and nature over temporal wealth are hard to appreciate as a 10-year-old.
In Birds of Prey, wit’s flown the coop.
The Rhythm Section
***2020, Reed Morano
Blake Lively, one of the world’s most beautiful women, goes all-in as a down-and-out girl.
The Rhythm Section maintains a steady beat in this deftly told thriller.
The Gentlemen
***1/22020, Guy Ritchie
It’s a whodunnit all wrapped up in Ritchie’s unmistakable style.
Guy Ritchie makes a welcome and highly entertaining return to his comfort zone in The Gentlemen.
Dolittle
**1/22020, Stephen Gaghan
At any given moment, this fragile work feels like it could spin wildly out of control and derail.
Dolittle works fairly well as a children’s movie, but it could’ve been so much more.
1917
****2020, Sam Mendes
The devil is in the details and in 1917 Mendes wrangles a whole host of devils.
With 1917, Sam Mendes has crafted a monumental war movie that’s a salute to resolve and resilience in the face of unspeakable horrors.
Knives Out
***2019, Rian Johnson
Knives Out is the kind of movie that offers plenty of replay value.
As a modern spin on the old Agatha Christie whodunnits, Knives Out is a zippy, snappy change of pace.
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Charlie’s Angels (2019)
***2019, Elizabeth Banks
It could’ve demonstrated levels of sophistication that go beyond merely table turning.
Elizabeth Banks offers penance for many of McG’s cinematic sins with this reboot of Charlie’s Angels. But she also commits a couple of her own.
Ford v Ferrari
****2019, James Mangold
Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles chose instinct and tactile, first-hand impressions over computers.
Ford v Ferrari gets the heart racing.
Doctor Sleep
**1/22019, Mike Flanagan
Doctor Sleep should’ve served as a more holistic story of horror balanced with hope.
While Doctor Sleep musters a couple good chills, it’s a bit of a snoozer.
The Lighthouse
***1/22019, Robert Eggers
Think about how the filmmaking and presentation choices impact the material.
The Lighthouse is a fever dream of cinema that’s worth a look despite some narrative challenges.