Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne Become Foster Parents in Authentic and Funny ‘Instant Family’
Inspired by director/co-writer Sean Anders’ own life, the feel-good comedy “Instant Family” stars Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne…
‘Green Book’ Is a Feel Good Movie and a Reminder That America Still Has a Way to Go
“Green Book” is an emotionally charged dramedy, a heartwarming account that goes perfectly with the holiday season. It recounts the true story of Jamaican classical/jazz pianist Don Shirley’s…
The Coen Brothers Revise the Western With Darkly Funny ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’
There is something about the Old West that continues to fascinate Joel and Ethan Coen. Maybe it’s the idea of wide spaces as…
‘The Grinch’ Is a Lighter Take on a Christmas Classic
“The Grinch” takes the classic Dr. Seuss tale of a Christmas-hating grump and turns it into a surprisingly mundane animated movie. There are beautiful images to behold, full…
Claire Foy Goes Full Action Mode for ‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’
The times would seem ripe for the character of Lisbeth Salander. A bisexual rebel who uses technology to defy the system and bring down fascists and misogynists, she is one of the most…
Chris Pine Transforms Into Robert the Bruce for Historical Epic ‘Outlaw King’
Chris Pine, perhaps best known for exploring space in the “Star Trek” reboot film series, boldly goes to medieval Scotland in his latest, the Netflix original “Outlaw…
‘Overlord’ Is an Overload of Explosions and Noise
With a mix of World War II, action and horror, “Overlord” is a straightforward genre movie. If you’re looking for an understanding of D-Day, something inspirational that explores…
‘The Front Runner’ Energetically Revisits Gary Hart’s Rise and Scandalous Fall
The tale of former Colorado Senator Gary Hart has suddenly gained a new relevance. His was the story of a man who could have been president, but personal baggage brought it all down.
Rami Malek Rocks Hard as Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
“Bohemian Rhapsody” shows a lot yet says so little. The highlight of this great-looking yet hot-aired film is Rami Malek, who channels legendary…
‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ Is Heavy on the Visuals but Light on the Story
“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” begins where stories of this nature often start, with the death of a parent. The untimely passing of mother Marie (…
Tiffany Haddish Is the Best Part of Tyler Perry’s ‘Nobody’s Fool’
With Madea supposedly behind him, Tyler Perry has found inspiration in the supremely funny and talented Tiffany Haddish in his latest film, “…
‘Boy Erased’ Is a Harrowing Tale of Spiritual Abuse and Homophobia
With over 700,000 Americans having been subjected to gay conversion therapy, it’s no wonder that films depicting the experience have become a subgenre of LGBTQ dramas, with the satire “But I’m a Cheerleader”…
Joseph Kahn’s ‘Bodied’ Satirizes PC Culture Through Battle Rap
16 years after B-Rabbit (Eminem) destroyed Papa Doc (Anthony Mackie) in that infamous final rap battle in “8 Mile,” another young white man aims to follow in his…
‘Maria by Callas’ Captures the Legendary Opera Singer’s Talent, Triumph and Tragedy
Some artists are so engrossed in their craft, and the requirements that it entails, that there becomes no discernible line between public persona and personal identity. No one fits this category more than…
Gerard Butler Rejects Nationalism in Adrenaline-Fueled Military Thriller ‘Hunter Killer’
With Russia once again being being at the forefront of American politics, “Hunter Killer,” an action thriller based on “Firing Point,” a novel by Don Keith and George…
Rowan Atkinson Returns to Skewer British Spy Movies in ‘Johnny English Strikes Again’
“Johnny English Strikes Again” begins as the United Kingdom is on the edge of disaster. All of her undercover agents have been revealed online to her enemies. Her…
Luca Guadagnino’s Moody ‘Suspiria’ Remake Evokes an Ominous Tale of Witches
There are many ways of interpreting a nightmare. Director Luca Guadagnino, who last year offered waves of heartbreak with “Call Me by Your Name,” now evokes pure dread…
Susan Sarandon Gives Empathetic Performance as Mother of Kidnapped Journalist in ‘Viper Club’
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon may have become a somewhat controversial figure these past few years due her political opinions, but in the drama “Viper Club…
Michael Myers Is Back and Ready for Blood in Franchise-Worthy ‘Halloween’ Sequel
The new “Halloween” is more of an homage than a mere sequel. Forget the other seven films and the two Rob Zombie-directed remakes. This is a more adequate…
Jonah Hill’s Directorial Debut ‘Mid90s’ Tells a Poignant Tale of Wayward Youth
“Mid90s” feels like a work taken completely from memory. Actor Jonah Hill now reveals himself as an impressive director, capable of telling small…