Ayla Ruby 
Though Mr. Monk is older and grayer, he still has something to say in Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie. Although it’s billed as a comedy, the movie is surprisingly touching with a message about finding meaning and value in our lives. The film, which premiered on Peacock in December, is …
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom releases in theaters this weekend its journey isn’t smooth sailing. Instead, it’s a choppy ride that washes ashore to a jungle land as a frustratingly shallow disappointment. It’s a clumsy end to the DCEU and movie that scratches the surface of greatness, teasing with flashes of …
Forget roses and grand gestures, Last Call for Istanbul simmers with a forbidden love that’s as intoxicating as Turkish coffee on a rooftop overlooking the Bosphorus, or in this case, New York City. Beren Saat and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ deliver a slow-burn romance punctuated by moments as thrilling as a whirlwind taxi …
Reacher Season 2 returns to screens everywhere this week on Prime Video. Alan Ritchson is back as Jack Reacher, a pure force of nature, and he’s not messing around when it comes to people he cares about being threatened. Reacher season 2 delivers blunt force action and a layered brawny mystery worthy of the iconic Lee …
Examining the actions of ordinary individuals in extreme situations is a well-worn trope in film. 2018: Everyone is a Hero, a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language survival drama film by director Jude Anthany Joseph, subverts this trope with compelling storytelling that captures human stories and explores human resilience, community, and sacrifice. I went into …
How the Gringo Stole Christmas is a new Christmas comedy starring George Lopez and directed by Angel Gracia. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and seriously a joy to watch. The movie is about a young woman, Claudia (Emily Tosta), who brings her very American boyfriend, Leif (Jack Kilmer), home for her Mexican father’s (George Lopez) traditional Christmas. It’s got The George Lopez …
Netflix’s latest holiday movie, Best. Christmas. Ever!, is a festive and fun holiday flick. The film sparkles with heartwarming moments that reflect genuine emotion. Despite some candy cane-sized plot holes, Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood’s endearing performances and Best Christmas Evers’s lively pace keep the yuletide spirit alive and keep us believing in St. Nick and St. …
In the realm of Christmas comedies where heartfelt wishes and magical transformations abound, Genie falls short of granting its own wish to be a memorable and rewatchable holiday flick. Despite its star-studded cast as shiny as Aladdin’s lamp, including the comedic prowess of Melissa McCarthy and the charm of Paapa Essiedu, and the combined expertise …
Dashing Through the Snow is a heartwarming and cute, family-friendly movie that’s a great addition to family movie night in the Christmas season. With strong themes of family, meaningful diverse representation, and a smart premise tied to familiar Christmas tropes, Dashing Through the Snow is a rare win for the whole family. …
A must-watch for anyone who has ever picked up a controller or sat in front of a computer screen, Half-Life: 25th Anniversary Documentary, directed by Secret Tape’s Danny O’Dwyer, takes you on a journey through the history of one of the most influential video games of all time, Half-Life. Produced in high definition and featuring …
Lila Schmitz is a talented filmmaker and director behind the Irish music documentary The Job of Songs. The story centers around the musicians in Doolin in County Clare, Ireland. It’s a beautiful and layered look at this small community of musicians, their traditions, and the humanity that infuses them. We chatted …
A new sci-fi beacon has ignited amongst the stars in the vast expanse of the streaming cosmos. Beacon 23, based on five novels by Hugh Howey, premiered this past weekend with two episodes on MGM+. Set amidst deep space where dark matter is a serious threat, the original series revolves around the enigmatic …
Looking for a Christmas rom-com that’s as heartwarming as a mug of hot cocoa on a chilly winter’s night? Look no further than EXmas, a delightful blend of holiday cheer, cheeky banter, and a dash of charm. Just as love and laughter intertwine like tinsel on a Christmas tree, Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell sparkle …
Scavengers Reign, now streaming in full on MAX, helps solidify that we’re living in the best timeline for grown-up animation. It’s beautiful and bizarre, alien and fantastical, and oh-so-human at the same time. The show follows survivors from the Demeter, a spaceship shipwrecked in space, as they navigate the treacherous …
Marvel’s latest flick, The Marvels, is a bright blast of action-packed big-screen fun. Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris have a fun and infectious chemistry that makes The Marvels impossible to look away from. Nia DaCosta’s Marvel debut is a visual victory packed with punch and spectacle. The story races along at a lightning pace, …
Mark your calendars, acting Starfleet cadets and families alike! The long-awaited animated series Star Trek: Prodigy is finally set to beam onto Netflix on December 25th, making it the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. The big announcement came today during Netflix’s Geeked Week. Season 2 of Prodigy will air on the …
The Dirty South is a neo-western crime thriller that will knock your boots off. It’s a Southern-fried, action-packed ride that’s dripping with tension and has an authentic and sweet tea-infused soundtrack with rock at the core. Set in Louisiana, The Dirty South features Willa Holland, Shane West, and Dermot Mulroney. It’s got crime, a ticking clock, …
Yesterday was a busy day for Marvel Studios, as it dropped the Echo trailer and premiered the show at a Choctaw Day Celebration. There, the studio announced a new “banner” called Marvel Spotlight, with Echo as its first entry. Rumors about the Echo trailer had been swirling for days, but the Marvel …
Welcome to the very first episode of The Lost Remote, the podcast where Manika D. and Ayla Ruby (and sometimes others!) discuss their favorite television shows that are no longer on the air. It’s spooky season, and we decided to kick off the show with a TV show from the CW that’s very near and dear …
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a predictable yet colorful, charming coming-of-age story with a positive message for both kids and parents. The story is beautifully animated with a visually enchanting world. Its fast pace makes up for its waltz through well-trodden story tropes. [Editor’s note: This review has some mild spoilers …