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 …
Reading has been in my blood for as long as I can remember, and because of the movie, A Man Called Otto, I was excited to check out the book the movie is based on, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Well-written stories transport my mind to faraway lands, …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Lana Del Rey’s song “Love” speaks about growing up, getting dressed up and going out on dates, falling head over heels, and “when you’re young and in love.” It’s a relatable sentiment, but sadly, the inexperience of being that age and handling those feelings for the first time often leads to …
Five Nights at Freddy’s, the long-awaited film adaptation of the popular video game, finally hit theaters and Peacock this past weekend, nearly a decade after the game’s debut. With a big box office win, the film has exceeded expectations, but does it live up to the hype for fans of …