The new musical comedy from A24 and director Larry Charles called Dicks: The Musical is a spectacular success of ridiculous raunchiness and plays out like the most twisted version of The Parent Trap you can imagine. When it comes to movie genres, musicals is one of the trickiest to pull off, successfully. The art of …
As a critic, I try not to pre-judge movies before I watch them, but the truth is, I watch trailers just like everyone else, and it can be challenging to avoid forming some opinions before I see the film. I went into A Man Called Otto with low expectations. I expected it …
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 …
In 2018, the world got to know about Hirokazu Kore-eda’s directing prowess when Shoplifters was nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars. Meanwhile, in 2022, the director once again showed his impeccable skills with Broker. Since then, avid movie watchers have been waiting for the filmmaker to come forward with a …
In the realm of tabloid scandals, particularly those involving individuals claiming alien abduction to Pluto to meet Abraham Lincoln, most can be readily dismissed as unfounded tales. However, some of the more grounded scandals chronicled in such sensational publications often resemble scenarios reminiscent of a Jerry Springer show, where a …
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 …
This year continues the tradition of exceptional foreign films with a beautiful new Italian film from directors Felix Van Groeningen, and Charlotte Vandermeersch called The Eight Mountains. Each and every year, there are plenty of foreign films released that end up being among my very favorite movies of the calendar year. Incredible filmmakers from across …
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 …
A new film from Andrew Haigh called All of Us Strangers from Searchlight Pictures is headed to theaters next month. When it comes to gay and queer representation on film, you’ll find the opinions vary wildly on who should be able to represent these characters on the screen. While some advocates for the …
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. …
Alise Chaffins reviews Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving. Here’s the thing about horror comedies: they are either funny or scary, never both. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that if I’m putting on a horror comedy, it’s going to lean one way or the other. Which makes sense. Both horror and comedy rely on the …
One day, I put on a pair of shoes that were too big so I could run outside to grab the mail. I snagged my big toenail in them, and it tore clean off. So I had a visceral reaction to the premise of Christos Nikou’s recent film Fingernails, which is currently streaming …
Boring, pointless, and uninspired, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon attempts to side-step the traditional biopic pratfalls, but forgets to do anything remotely interesting or captivating. Scott and screenwriter David Scarpa decide to forgo any background information on Napoleon, and focus on his rapid ascension from ambitious soldier to Emperor of Rome. Unfortunately, the forgot …
Poor Things, the latest film by Yorgos Lanthimos is a wildly funny and stunning to behold, yet completely bonkers and unpredictable dark and twisted take on the Frankenstein monster movie genre, with much more sex than a normal monster film. Emma Stone, as Bella Baxter, is a delight with both …
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 …
The first movie review I ever wrote, the film that inspired me to begin writing reviews almost three years ago, was the directorial debut from Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman. Although I go back and read that film review now and cringe (please don’t go read it because it’s not good), it …
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, …
Most movies have “a thing.” There is an essential element or characteristic that makes a particular film greater than others. Scarcely, films excel because of their specific lack of “a thing.” Such is the case with Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers. Payne’s usual brand of worldly cynicism is on full display, but instead …
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, …