https://screenrant.com A complete list of movie reviews and ratings from the Screen Rant film critics and industry experts - helping movie lovers decide which films to watch for over 15 years. Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:00:27 GMT en-US hourly 60 Most mental illnesses are often misunderstood by the general public, with stereotypes and harmful misconceptions popping up in media more often than not. The new film Exposure, written and directed by Peter Cannon and soon making its debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival, aims to present a nuanced take on obsessive compulsive disorder, told through the lens of a twisty thriller. In many ways, it succeeds in presenting OCD without judgment and telling a genuinely compelling story that raises some fascinating moral questions. Though it's not always an easy watch, as Exposure's main characters often say, discomfort is sort of the point here.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:00:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/exposure-review/ Divinity has the energy of a bad acid trip, but man does it look good. Writer-director Eddie Alcazar (Perfect) has a very particular vision that blends classic sci-fi motifs with his new perspective on the genre. The film's visual style is stunning and gives it a wholly original look. Though there is too much going on in the script at times, the sheer ambition is a marvel to behold. Performance-wise, Alcazar has brought together a great cast and puts them in an environment they embody perfectly. The world-building and black-and-white film stock in Divinity is enough to get any fan of truly weird movies excited.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:40:44 GMT https://screenrant.com/divinity-review/ Foe adds a unique layer to the failing marriage narrative. Directed by Garth Davis from a screenplay he co-wrote with Iain Reid, who authored the novel the film is based on, Foe takes into account the consequences of climate change and AI to deliver an intimate story that isn’t par for the course when the aforementioned are involved. You won’t find a stereotypical futuristic city, or openly robotic entities in the story. Rather, the film offers an intriguing, thought-provoking take on marriage. It’s a slow burn and sometimes confusing film with an emotionally gutting twist that, if you’re willing to go along for the mysterious, somewhat strange ride, is worth it in the end.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 19:31:35 GMT https://screenrant.com/foe-review/ Maestro begins with a quote from its real-life subject, Leonard Bernstein: "A work of art does not answer questions, it provokes them; and its essential meaning is in the tension between the contradictory answers." As a mission statement, I struggled to reconcile it with the film that followed. With 2018's A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper showed himself to be a filmmaker of striking emotional clarity, and this quality carried over to his second feature — I did not feel like I was being left with questions. Only after thinking about it for some time did I realize Cooper's epigraph does not describe his movie, but his Bernstein. This is not a biopic of an artist so much as a human artwork, capturing the many questions he provokes and the contradictory answers that define him. Seeing it in this light has helped me appreciate the project as a whole more than I did at the time, when it spoke to me only in pieces.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:07:24 GMT https://screenrant.com/maestro-review/ The serial killer is to David Fincher what the gangster is to Martin Scorsese — not the sole preoccupation of their work, but a major one, and an avatar for their chief thematic interests. Each time they return to that milieu, it is with a piercing gaze, cutting through self-aggrandizement and cultural mythos to capture the smallness of the (typically) men who wear these labels to feel big. I believe The Killer, ostensibly about the more often romanticized hit man figure, is best read in this light. This is Fincher finally making the serial killer his protagonist and embarking on a feature-length process of disillusion, until any sense of grandeur is eroded. It's a journey as much defined by tedium as tension, but to paraphrase the assassin, if you can't handle a little boredom, this might not be the film for you.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 21:00:39 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-killer-review/ The anime film Blue Giant is a jazzy tribute to aspiring young musicians, offering a glimpse into the world of music in a stunningly visual way. Starring relatable characters with a solid bond of friendship, Blue Giant hits a lot of the right notes to get an interesting story while keeping the music center stage.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:30:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/blue-giant-review-visually-stunning-anime-masterpiece/ The essential project of Ava DuVernay's Origin is a challenging one. Its source material, Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, is a non-fiction book that compares America's treatment of people of color, Nazi Germany's treatment of Jews, and India's treatment of Dalits (formerly called untouchables) to show that much of what we ascribe to racism is better understood as a caste system. This film aims to explore that idea through a work of fiction, depicting Wilkerson's research process and her life at the time. I have not read Caste, and so cannot comment on how well Origin adapts it, but the tension between fiction and non-fiction is a major part of the viewer's experience regardless. What works for me and what doesn't have left me torn, and though I ultimately do recommend this movie, it's entirely possible that what I'm actually recommending is Wilkerson's book.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 17:15:57 GMT https://screenrant.com/origin-review/ Totally Killer gets clever by mixing slasher horror and time travel. A horror comedy can be hard to nail, but Totally Killer, directed by Nahnatchka Khan from a screenplay by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo, is fun and engaging. While it’s trying to do too much in terms of its plot, and doesn’t fully live up to its potential in terms of its slasher moments, the film has a great cast, and there are enough heartfelt moments and intrigue to keep the momentum going.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 17:08:33 GMT https://screenrant.com/totally-killer-review/ In 2019, the Pet Sematary remake was released. Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer and written by Jeff Buhler, the remake revisited the Creed family with a few minor tweaks that ultimately did not stray too far away from the original plot of the 1989 film. The consensus was that while the film had an updated look, the resurrected story offered very little. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, a direct prequel to the novel and the 2019 film, follows young Jud Crandall as he discovers the cemetery where the dead don’t stay dead 50 years before meeting the Creeds.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 20:41:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/pet-sematary-bloodlines-review/ “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used against you in a court of law…” Under the fifth amendment of the US Constitution, Miranda Rights protect people from self-incrimination. We hear them often in crime shows and films, but the story behind their creation is a shocking one. Director Michelle Danner brings to life this true story based on the 1966 Supreme Court decision that changed America forever. In Miranda’s Victim, Abigail Breslin stars as a victim of one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. George Kolber and Richard Lasser developed the story and J. Craig Stiles penned the screenplay of this well-acted, shocking story of events that would change crime reporting and our justice system forever.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:35:26 GMT https://screenrant.com/mirandas-victim-review/ I'd be surprised if it was intended this way, but I can't help but see Hit Man as Richard Linklater's response to today's state-of-the-movies discussions. It addresses at least three of the major talking points: the dirth of feature-length comedies; the vacuum of young movie stars; and the absence of sex in mainstream cinema. Its acquisition by Netflix after lighting up festivals has been met with dismay from the critical community, because it could've tackled a fourth: the lack of non-franchise, non-family targeted options in theaters. No matter - I believe this film will find success however it releases. Hit Man is funny, engrossing, sexy, and thoughtful. As well as it plays to a packed audience, I have no doubt it'll deliver as the pick for movie night at home, though I would at least recommend getting together a few people you'd enjoy laughing with before queuing it up.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:40:34 GMT https://screenrant.com/hit-man-2023-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:00:28 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-exorcist-believer-review/ Written and directed by Jamie Childs, Jackdaw is a simple, taut thriller with enough character development and tension to keep us riveted. The cinematography has a gritty feel and the film is well-lit despite the action taking place in the dark. The story is bare bones, but that’s certainly not a knock against the film at all. Rather, Jackdaw is exactly the kind of movie we’ve been missing — straightforward, intense, and well-acted. It never needed to have multiple, or even complex, storylines to be good, and Childs delivers an intriguing, electric story without overstuffing it. With Oliver Jackson-Cohen delivering a nuanced, vulnerable yet tough performance as the film’s title character, Jackdaw is a gripping tale that is well worth the price of admission.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:20:00 GMT https://screenrant.com/jackdaw-review/ PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie upgrades its titular characters’ abilities, turning them into superheroes in an animated story that is sure to please its target audience. The sequel to PAW Patrol: The Movie, both of which are based on the 2013 series from Keith Chapman and Scott Kraft, is sweet and charming, if a bit humdrum. Its lessons are bare bones but relatable, with the kiddos easily able to take everything in without being overwhelmed, especially if they’re already familiar with the characters. The film offers some cute character interactions, humor (that don’t always land), a funny villain, and a story that is enough to have you rooting for the heroes, and Skye in particular.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:54:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/paw-patrol-the-mighty-movie-review/ Hollywood movie franchises do not typically get better the longer they go, especially when they continue for as long as the Saw franchise. The original low-budget horror movie from James Wan and Leigh Whannell proved to be a massive hit nearly 20 years ago, as Saw was responsible for launching both of their careers as directors and writers, along with giving Lionsgate a bankable franchise. The studio went back to the well countless times in the past, convoluting the timeline and creating an increasingly complicated canon in the process of fleshing out characters all tied to John Kramer's original Jigsaw mission. While 2021's Spiral marked the first installment without Tobin Bell's Jigsaw, Saw X brings him back like never before. This could have resulted in the movie being a cheap cash grab, but Saw X delivers the most personal and bloodiest entry to date, easily making it the best Saw movie sequel and ultimately proving that there is still life in this franchise.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:12:36 GMT https://screenrant.com/saw-x-review/ 2018’s Shoplifters brought the work of director Hirokazu Kore-eda to a larger audience with his Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nomination. His hotly anticipated follow-up, Monster, sees him leave the writing to screenwriter Yûji Sakamoto (We Made a Beautiful Bouquet) and focus on directing. The result is another phenomenal work of art. From cinematography to performances to the score, Monster is as relentless with its pursuit of perfect filmmaking as it is with its desire to keep the viewer at arm's length from what is really going on.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:13:57 GMT https://screenrant.com/monster-review-2023/ Smugglers has something for everyone — friendship, family, betrayal, and a kick-ass female cast. The tone of the film is hilarious and brutal and director Seung-wan Ryu (Veteran), who co-wrote the film with Cha-won Choi, Seung-wan Ryu, and Kim Jung Youn, is in full control of both. Smugglers plays like a heist film but the character development brings so much more to the table than the average caper. By the time the fight choreography begins, the film is exploding with energy. Everyone from the leads to the friend who barely gets a line is spectacular and Smugglers boasts a cast without a single weak link. Ryu and the film's co-writers have crafted a very fun adventure with high stakes and slick action scenes.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:45:32 GMT https://screenrant.com/smugglers-review/ The tension built throughout Mimang is undeniable, the character development is extremely realistic, and the filmmaking is gorgeous. The film harkens back to Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise trilogy and even 2023’s Past Lives. And the only knock against writer-director Taeyang Kim’s subtle relationship drama is that it does not live up to those movies. It’s not fair to judge the film on that basis; on the other hand, if the only flaw is not being one of the best movies in your genre, and you are a first-time filmmaker, then Kim is already off to a great start.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:57:43 GMT https://screenrant.com/mimang-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:34:58 GMT https://screenrant.com/memory-review-2023/ Not everything is as it seems in Reptile, the new Netflix movie from director Grant Singer. What looks like a fairly straightforward, if shockingly brutal, murder holds deeper secrets and plenty of twists and turns. And yet, for all of its intrigue, it can't help but feel frustratingly generic at times. There's a distinct feeling of familiarity, so there's a very good chance viewers will predict where the plot is going. That doesn't entirely hinder its watchability, but it does make for a less memorable experience. Reptile gets an extra edge thanks to its rock-solid cast and sufficiently gripping mystery, but it never coalesces into anything incredible.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:00:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/reptile-review/ Superhero movies have become the norm in Hollywood, but rarely do we get to see something a bit different when it comes to origin stories. That’s where Sri Asih: The Warrior comes in. Directed by Upi from a screenplay co-written alongside Joko Anwar, the socially conscious Indonesian action film combines mythology, MMA, and superhero tropes to bring us a mostly engaging film with slick fight sequences and intriguing, if somewhat hollow, twists that keep our attention. While the story itself is occasionally too stuffed for its own good, and drags a bit after the midway point, Sri Asih delivers clear, sharp action and an empowering story.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:02:03 GMT https://screenrant.com/sri-asih-the-warrior-review/ The homes in Cabrini-Green were demolished in 2011. A Chicago neighborhood comprised of both good and bad, what it represented more than anything was the America we made for ourselves. The residents' legacy now lives in the year's most surprising film, We Grown Now. Writer-director Minhal Baig made waves with 2018’s Hala, a teenage drama with a star-turning performance from Geraldine Viswanathan (Miracle Workers). In Baig's latest offering, Jurnee Smollett (Love Craft Country) and Law & Order alum S. Epatha Merkerson are turning in career-best work as well. But it is Baig’s vision that makes We Grown Now sing in a way that is totally incomparable. Every shot, every musical choice, everything that makes a riveting movie is on display and at its very best here.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:58:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/we-grown-now-review/ There’s Something in the Barn is genuinely funny. It’s a horror Christmas comedy that balances its ridiculous aspects and fun tone with plenty of gore and hilarity. Directed by Magnus Martens from a screenplay by Aleksander Kirkwood Brown, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Boasting an engaging cast, all of whom are in on the joke, There’s Something in the Barn is rarely excessive and always entertaining. Influenced by the 80s, the horror film isn’t afraid to get bloody, leaning into its sense of humor and happily making jokes about Norway and the US in equal measure.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:38:11 GMT https://screenrant.com/theres-something-in-the-barn-review/ Time loop movies are great. Even though we’ve seen the premise play out numerous times onscreen, most of which have been influenced by Groundhog Day, filmmakers continue using the concept in creative ways. Junta Yamaguchi’s River plays with the conceit from various angles, and the result is oftentimes sweet, hilarious, and chaotic. River knows when to speed up and when to slow down, when to infuse a brief bit of romance, and when to lean into wild sci-fi moments. It’s a film like no other that you’ll see this year, and though not everything works, River is a time loop jaunt that isn’t easy to forget, bolstered by fantastic performances and a deep sense of fun.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:03:26 GMT https://screenrant.com/river-review/ The Creator has assumed the position of Fall 2023's big science-fiction blockbuster, taking the spot previously held by Dune: Part Two. Through no fault of its own, Gareth Edwards' follow-up to Rogue One now has very big shoes to fill and, as an original science-fiction blockbuster, it serves as a refreshing balm to the constant deluge of sequels, franchise offshoots, and reboots. The Creator is a visually stunning epic and a feat of original storytelling on a massive scale no matter which way you look at it. Its story, from a screenplay by Edwards and his Rogue One collaborator Chris Weitz, falls short of its philosophical aspirations and ends up feeling overstuffed, but it's an easy thing to forgive when an original film is made on this scale. The Creator deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible and with two heart-wrenching performances at its center, it's an emotional ride enveloped in an engrossing world that feels a bit too close to home.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:32:30 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-creator-review/ Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is one of his most likable films to date, and one of the most highly anticipated films of Fall 2023. Payne routinely writes his own films, but as with Nebraska, The Holdovers is not written by the auteur. Payne was approached to direct a pilot about a similar subject matter in the past and declined, but did stay in touch with The Holdovers screenwriter, David Hemingson (Traffic Light). Incorporating Payne's own personal experience of boarding school with Hemingson’s script, The Holdovers was born, and the director brings a sense of levity to a teenager imploding.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:16:02 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-holdovers-review/ The spy kids are back… again. Spy Kids: Armageddon is the fifth installment of the Spy Kids franchise following 2011’s Spy Kids: All the Time in the World. This time, we meet a new spy family out to save the world. Nora Torrez (Gina Rodriguez) and Terrence Tango (Zachary Levi) are currently the world’s greatest spies for the OSS, and they are the parents to Antonio "Tony" Torrez-Tango (Connor Esterson) and Patricia "Patty" Torrez-Tango (Everly Carganilla), who are unaware that their truth-preaching parents are lying to them about being spies. The whole charade comes crashing down on them when Tony accidentally helps a game developer unleash a potentially deadly computer virus through his advanced video game. Now, the kids must suit up and save the world via a virtual reality video game. And no, this is not Spy Kids: Game Over.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:47:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/spy-kids-armageddon-review/ Written and directed by Bishal Dutta, It Lives Inside is more than a horror story — it weaves the immigrant experience into its tapestry while employing Hindu mythology to drive its central narrative. The horror itself is little more than slightly unsettling, but never outright scary or chilling. Rather, it’s the metaphor and character journey that truly carry this film. Dutta does a decent job exploring the lead character’s experience as an outsider, how her classmates “other” her, and the relationships that are damaged in a bid to assimilate. But the film’s disparate elements and overarching themes don’t entirely come together by the end, leaving the story’s emotional throughline weakened as a result.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:31:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/it-lives-inside-review/ One of the joys of movie genres is that they come with an established history. Every idea or scenario has a canon that shapes our expectations, and while filmmakers are free to ignore the past, many choose to engage with it openly. Genre films become a running conversation that audiences get to be a part of, and, with our responses, even moderate. No One Will Save You is an exciting new entry in that conversation. While not flawless in execution, it's daringly creative — the kind of movie that will inevitably cause those who see it to start talking about other movies as a way of understanding it. It's as much of an in-the-moment good time as it is worthy of lingering thought and discussion, and I hope that, from its position as a Hulu exclusive, it can make the splash it deserves.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:04:32 GMT https://screenrant.com/no-one-will-save-you-review/ It was only a matter of time until Saúl Armendáriz, the man behind the famous luchador Cassandro, got the biopic treatment. Director Roger Ross Williams, who co-wrote the screenplay with David Teague, jumps into the biopic arena with Cassandro to pay tribute to the flamboyant trailblazer, with Gael García Bernal strutting towards massive awards consideration.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:25:55 GMT https://screenrant.com/cassandro-review/ You can tell a lot about an actor’s vision based on his first feature film. Most debut their work with a definitive style while others concentrate on telling a proper story. But every so often, there comes a first-time director whose work makes very little sense due to poor execution. Unfortunately, the latest to fall in this category is Chris Pine’s Poolman. The film debuted at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival to terrible reception. A plethora of walkouts occurred not even at the 30-minute mark. Why, might you ask? In summary, Poolman is an unfunny spoof of neo-noir thrillers with hazy direction, even messier storytelling, and unbearable dialogue.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:45:51 GMT https://screenrant.com/poolman-review/ Netflix's latest romantic comedy, Love at First Sight, is the film adaptation of Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. It follows Hadley Sullivan (Haley Lu Richardson), an American flying to London for her father's second wedding, and Oliver (Ben Hardy), a mathematician returning home for familial obligation. Although the film's narrator, Jameela Jamil, claims this story is not about love, it is about love and fate.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:54:06 GMT https://screenrant.com/love-at-first-sight-review/ When people reflect on the 1963 March on Washington for jobs and freedom, they think of the famous and historic "I Have a Dream" speech from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., not of Bayard Rustin, the central figure in director George C. Wolfe's biopic Rustin. The march is also credited with assisting the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. With all the important moments that came from the march, it’s hard to imagine (depending on your knowledge of buried U.S. history) how one man’s influence and direct involvement could have been erased until only ten years ago. In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Bayard Rustin with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:15:09 GMT https://screenrant.com/rustin-review/ Director Karan Boolani has helmed a picture that demands — and deserves — to be talked about with Thank You For Coming, which is celebrating its premiere at Toronto International Film Festival. The sex-positive movie was written by Radhika Anand and Prashasti Singh, and the female gaze is refreshingly present throughout the nearly two-hour runtime. Thank You For Coming comes close to being a definitive sex comedy for women, with Bhumi Pednekar's star turn offering laughs and life lessons to spare.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/thank-you-for-coming-review/ Some of the best stories are the most inspiring ones, but biopics can fail the very real people they’re based on. This is especially true if the film in question is focused more on the message than the person at its center. Directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella from a screenplay by her, Bettina Gilois, and Hernán Jiménez, A Million Miles Away is based on the true story of José Hernández, a Mexican-American son of a farmworker who dreamed of becoming an astronaut and going to space. A Million Miles Away is genuine in the way it presents its story, and the struggle Hernández endures, but it’s also so laser-focused on his space goals that it forgets to explore his inner life.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:53:32 GMT https://screenrant.com/a-million-miles-away-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:30:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/fremont-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:16:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/pain-hustlers-review/ Screenwriters in Hollywood always amaze me when they find the most obscure and peculiar stories based on true events to adapt into film. One of these recent examples is inspired by a 1999 New Yorker article written by Jonathan Harr. In it, he describes a civil trial in Jackson, Mississippi with attorney Willie Gary on behalf of Jeremiah O'Keefe against the Loewen Funeral Company over a contractual dispute. It’s a classic tale of David vs. Goliath; a small business owner vs. an industry giant; power to the people over corporate greed. Led by an exceptional Jamie Foxx, The Burial is sensational, balancing its audaciously vibrant spirit with its poignantly rich story.

]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:38:43 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-burial-review/ Fifteen years after his directorial debut, Michael Keaton returns to the director’s chair for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. His latest is Knox Goes Away, which sees him starring as John Knox, a contract killer diagnosed with a fast-paced form of dementia. Right as he’s set to retire, his estranged son Miles (James Marsden) rushes to his doorstep in desperate need of John’s help. For John, this is the chance for him to redeem himself after all these years. But will he be able to save the day with the police closing in on him and his dementia making every decision more challenging? This is the story of one man’s intriguing redemption journey against time.

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:52:43 GMT https://screenrant.com/knox-goes-away-review/ Taika Waititi, known for his ability to incorporate humor in even the most upsetting scenarios, returned to the Toronto International Film Festival this September to premiere his new feature. His latest is centered around the American Samoa national football team after their infamous 31-0 defeat in the 2002 World Cup qualifying match. That fact alone has generated some laughs across the soccer community, and Waititi has taken it one step further. According to the director, Next Goal Wins contains some embellishments, but its biggest mishap is missing the mark on jokes and limiting the character development for almost every person in the film. Sure, the movie includes the uplifting Cinderella story we’d all expect, but it fails its characters and culture in the process.

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:53:34 GMT https://screenrant.com/next-goal-wins-review/ The year 2020 is infamously known as the year that changed all our lives for good. Whether it was due to losing a friend or loved one or being locked up in the house for months, most of us agree that it’s the year we’re happy to forget. For Keith Gill, better known as "Roaring Kitty," his is a different story. In 2020, Gill began to publicly advocate for GameStop stock through a series of videos and on Reddit. Little did he know his efforts would lead to one of the greatest short squeezes in the history of the stock market. It’s no surprise then that his story would be adapted into a film only a few years later. Directed by Craig Gillespie, Dumb Money is a crowd-pleasing story with great performances and a script that keeps it simple.

]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:24:04 GMT https://screenrant.com/dumb-money-review/ Cord Jefferson, esteemed writer of some of the most popular television series episodes (Watchmen, Succession, and The Good Place), has recently turned his talents to directing. The award-winning writer turned director premiered his feature directorial debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. American Fiction is adapted from Percival Everett’s 2001 novel, Erasure, which sees a dissection of the publishing industry with respect to pigeonholing Black writers into one dimension. In the film adaptation, Jefferson brings this important issue to life through a satirical lens that will leave a lasting impression. The film stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sterling K. Brown, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, and a plethora of other renowned actors. But don’t let cameos fool you, American Fiction is packed with important commentary, clever jokes, and a story that’ll have you coming back for me.

]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:59:56 GMT https://screenrant.com/american-fiction-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:38:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/woman-of-the-hour-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Sat, 09 Sep 2023 23:01:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/a-haunting-in-venice-review/ After its premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Justine Triet’s feature, Anatomy of a Fall, took home the prestigious Palme d’Or and for good reasons. Written by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, the smart and sharp script challenges our perception of the truth while dissecting power dynamics within a failing marriage. Sandra Hüller stars as Sandra Voyter, who is on trial for the suspicious death of her late husband Samuel Maleski (Samuel Theis). With superb performances to back an incredible script that bends facts, fiction, and perception, Anatomy of a Fall is one of the best courtroom dramas ever made.

]]> Fri, 08 Sep 2023 21:06:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/anatomy-of-a-fall-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:08:57 GMT https://screenrant.com/sitting-in-bars-with-cake-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2023 23:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/my-big-fat-greek-wedding-3-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:44:26 GMT https://screenrant.com/bottoms-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:45:43 GMT https://screenrant.com/perpetrator-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:28:35 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-good-mother-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:15:37 GMT https://screenrant.com/vacation-friends-2-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:00:36 GMT https://screenrant.com/retribution-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:23:52 GMT https://screenrant.com/you-are-so-not-invited-to-my-bat-mitzvah-review/ This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-hill-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:25:34 GMT https://screenrant.com/puppy-love-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/strays-movie-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:00:04 GMT https://screenrant.com/blue-beetle-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:07:57 GMT https://screenrant.com/aporia-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:40:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-monkey-king-2023-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:56:38 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-last-voyage-of-the-demeter-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/heart-of-stone-movie-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:00:53 GMT https://screenrant.com/red-white-and-royal-blue-movie-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:00:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/jules-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the [series/movie/etc] being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:01:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/til-death-do-us-part-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:10:42 GMT https://screenrant.com/dreamin-wild-review/ Editor’s note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the [series/movie/etc] being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:10:03 GMT https://screenrant.com/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-mutant-mayhem-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the [series/movie/etc] being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:11:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/earth-mama-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the [series/movie/etc] being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Fri, 28 Jul 2023 20:04:55 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-beanie-bubble-review/ Editor's note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the [series/movie/etc] being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:34:55 GMT https://screenrant.com/happiness-for-beginners-review/ Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:01:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/sympathy-for-the-devil-review/ Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the show being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/haunted-mansion-review/ Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the movie covered here would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.

]]> Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/fear-the-night-review/ Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/oppenheimer-review/ Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the movie covered here would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.

]]> Tue, 18 Jul 2023 23:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/barbie-review/ Juel Taylor's feature film debut is a smashing success — They Cloned Tyrone is everything and then some. The bold stylistic choices work at every turn and are never overextended. John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Jamie Foxx (Baby Driver) are giving some of their most exciting performances to date, and Teyonah Parris (If Beale Street Could Talk) has that something special that brings it all together. They Cloned Tyrone is funny, well-paced, and just plain cool, and when you think that's all it is, the script digs even deeper.

]]> Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:28:28 GMT https://screenrant.com/they-cloned-tyrone-review/ Screenwriting and directing duo Álex Pastor and David Pastor face the enormous task of crafting a story that is as engaging, thrilling, and unique as Bird Box without relying on the same themes and plotting. Bird Box Barcelona suffers from the reality that the creatures cannot truly be revealed, as the premise thrives on the characters and audiences not knowing what they are. This may lead to repetitive actions and scenarios, requiring creativity on the part of the filmmakers. However, the franchise can’t continue without feeling redundant or evolving to the next step, figuring out how to defeat these beings or developing a cure. Both of these possibilities are hinted at in Bird Box Barcelona, but they're not fully explored. The Pastors work on this by honing in on personal narratives and teasing the possibility that humans can resist and defeat these creatures. The allure of the unknown is still very much intact, but a third film may not be able to maintain the shtick.

]]> Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:30:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/bird-box-barcelona-review/ The idea that time heals old wounds is one people often bring up to provide comfort to their loved ones. The reality for some of us is that time is a luxury afforded to be able to deal with the hurt that follows. In Thaddeus O'Sullivan’s heartwarming and healing feature, The Miracle Club, a group of friends come to the ultimate realization that it takes more than time to repair old wounds. Jimmy Smallhorne, Timothy Prager, and Joshua D. Maurer pen this thoughtful script starring Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, Agnes O’Casey, and Laura Linney. The themes in The Miracle Club may be as old as time, but it beautifully celebrates the idea that friendship and compassion can be healing.

]]> Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:01:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-miracle-club/ The Lesson has one of the best opening scenes of the year, and it gets even more exquisite from there. Although the film broadcasts how the story will end, there are still plenty of twists and turns that will surprise and unsettle you. Directed by Alice Troughton from a screenplay by Alex MacKeith, The Lesson is a mystery/thriller that will leave you watching with bated breath. The story unfolds at a steady pace, and the characters, each of whom is manipulative in their own way, are exciting, the mystery lush and introspective. You’ll find you can’t get enough of this tantalizing world, with its incendiary commentary on originality, inspiration, and what makes good writing.

]]> Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:31:53 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-lesson-review/ The Out-Laws is a Happy Madison Production movie. While Adam Sandler is not present onscreen, his spirit looms large. The jokes are funny, but not wholly original or unexpected. The physical comedy is juvenile, but Adam DeVine’s commitment makes up for the cringe-worthy moments. Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin deserve so much more and have so much more to give, but the script — by Evan Turner and Ben Zazove — doesn’t give them anything to utilize their skills and star power properly. The Out-Laws is predictable and at times lazy. But as lazy as it may be, there is a decent comedic backbone that carries it to its inevitable end. Going in with low expectations is probably best because you will come out of it not feeling like you wasted 95 minutes of your day.

]]> Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:06:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-out-laws-review/ Mel Eslyn has been in the orbit of the Duplass brothers for a while now, directing episodes of Room 104 and Cinema Toast. The Duplass Brothers were right to trust Eslyn, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Duplass, because Biosphere is a fascinating study of male relationships in the face of extraordinary changes. The setting could be described as post-apocalyptic, but the production design is closer to a stage production. The collision of these worlds has been explored in films like 10 Cloverfield Lane, but Biosphere is far less kinetic and much more concerned with the dynamics of its characters. Duplass and Sterling K. Brown are fully committed; by the end of the film, it's hard to argue against either performance. At its core, the film is a sci-fi two-hander, but what it has in store for us is so much more than that.

]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2023 19:18:34 GMT https://screenrant.com/biosphere-review/ Nearly three decades and seven movies later, the Mission: Impossible series has, improbably, aged like a fine wine. Each film has outdone the last — Brian DePalma's sexy and intriguing opener gave way to John Woo's bombastic and electrifying M:I-2. J.J. Abrams' Mission: Impossible 3 gave the franchise its greatest villain and laid the foundation for an emotional Ethan Hunt story that is threaded through the Christopher McQuarrie era that began after Brad Bird's Ghost Protocol. McQuarrie, who went on to direct one of the greatest action movies of all time six movies and 22 years into the franchise, has helped Ethan Hunt outlast two James Bonds, three Batmen, and the entire DCEU. Now, all of this is culminating in what has been touted as an event with a capital E. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is the first in a two-part story that will conclude in 2024 and after numerous setbacks, including COVID-related shutdowns, release date delays, and a leaked on-set rant, it is here in all its glory.

]]> Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-1-review/ Raunchy comedies are back, and they’re making a big splash. Following Jennifer Lawrence’s No Hard Feelings is Joy Ride, a genuinely funny and heartfelt film about friendship, identity, and not needing to be perfect. Directed by Adele Lim from a screenplay by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, Joy Ride is the kind of film that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Bolstered by a fantastic ensemble cast, the road trip comedy isn’t afraid to get dirty, but it never forgets its heart in the process.

]]> Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:01:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/joy-ride-review/ After what felt like ages of uncertainty and heartbreak, those who remained steadfast in their support for Nimona finally feel triumphant. Harsh circumstances made it so that a revelatory animated feature about a shape-shifting hero and two gay knights became a causality of intolerance and moral policing, but against all odds, Nimona has found new life. Disney never saw the value of Nimona and promptly forced production to close after acquiring Blue Sky Studios through the acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Instead of having a film under their banner that affirmed queer identities, had a heartfelt and fulfilling gay romance, and a genderfluid hero, they scrapped it in favor of half-assed attempts at representation and participation trophies. Annapurna and Netflix saw the value, heard the passionate cries from fans of ND Stevenson's graphic novel, and sprung into action.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:52:52 GMT https://screenrant.com/nimona-review/ Being a teenager is hard. Countless movies and television shows have been dedicated to that fact. DreamWorks' latest animated features posits the same thing, but with a unique twist: Being a teenager is hard, but being a teenage kraken is harder. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken mixes the fantastical with the realistic in portraying its titular heroine's journey of self-discovery and growth. Coming in at a very slim hour and a half, Kirk DeMicco's movie (co-directed by Faryn Pearl) is sometimes too speedy for its own good, and anyone who has seen a single trailer will already know its biggest plot twist. Despite all that, though, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is saved by a stunning voice cast and its sweet depiction of family, especially when it comes to its central mother-daughter duo.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/ruby-gillman-teenage-kraken-review/ Netflix's latest horror movie, Run Rabbit Run, an acquisition out of Sundance, has all the hallmarks of the genre fare seen in recent years. A grieving mother, a young (and unsettling) child, and generational trauma. There's a discomfiting score punctuated by warbling strings that crawl under your skin. The atmosphere is moody. The normally sun-drenched Australian countryside is shrouded in clouds and dipped in grays and browns. Unfortunately, Run Rabbit Run is less than the sum of its parts, and even an excellent turn from Sarah Snook can't elevate the movie beyond its basest instincts.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:03:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/run-rabbit-run-review/ Perhaps one of the biggest question marks during this summer's movie season is James Mangold's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It's the latest installment in a beloved franchise, though its predecessor, 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is seen by many as a blemish on the series' reputation. Additionally, Dial of Destiny is the first in the franchise to not be directed by Steven Spielberg, and with those two factors combined, it's led to uncertainty over whether the newest movie can restore some glory to the property. With star Harrison Ford adamant that this is his last one as the iconic archeologist, the stakes are high. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny doesn't quite match the highs that came before it, but with Ford's assured performance at its center, it's still an entertaining and nostalgic ride.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-destiny-review/ Directed by Matt Smukler from a screenplay by Jana Savage, Wildflower attempts to be a heartfelt dramedy and a coming-of-age story about a teenager who cares for her disabled parents and struggles under the pressure of doing that alongside balancing her personal life. On the surface, Wildflower succeeds, but digging deeper into its message reveals a more disheartening and disingenuous film. Despite a fantastic cast, Wildflower doesn’t live up to its potential, and uses its disabled characters as vehicles to drive the main character’s story, which will leave a bitter taste in your mouth after all is said and done.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:51:47 GMT https://screenrant.com/wildflower-review/ It’s important to note right away that Numa Perrier’s The Perfect Find isn’t anything we haven’t scene before. In fact, it’s all the rom-com tropes we love (or hate) combined with a high-fashion setting, which also happens to celebrate old-time cinema. Adapted from the book of the same name by Tia Williams, Leigh Davenport’s script sees a down-and-out, middle-aged woman pick up and stitch together the broken pieces of her life. Her complicated new journey opens up an interesting conversation about women starting over when the world around you tells us it’s too late. Though The Perfect Find struggles with the romance aspects, its commentary on finding love late in life is a pure delight.

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:38:35 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-perfect-find-review/ Since her career began in 2008, Jennifer Lawrence has starred in roughly 25 films. That none of them is an out-and-out comedy may come as a surprise to some. David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook is as close as Lawrence has gotten, but that film is laced with a melancholic tenderness that netted the actress her first Academy Award. Now, after stepping back from the spotlight and shifting away from franchise filmmaking, Lawrence is back and better than ever. Her latest film, No Hard Feelings, is a dual coming-of-age story hidden inside a raunchy comedy that, despite its faults, is both sweet and hysterical, with a chaotic performance from Lawrence that shows the actress can do just about anything.

]]> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:13:54 GMT https://screenrant.com/no-hard-feelings-review/ Written, directed, and produced by Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum Chelsea Peretti, First Time Female Director offers a glimpse into one woman’s opportunity to advance in her career with as little support as possible. Peretti also stars in her feature debut as Sam, a playwright who takes over the director role after her male counterpart gets fired for inappropriate behavior. With Sam having to prove herself at the theater, along with being subjected to the opinions and hesitations of her cast, her debut at the theater becomes more challenging than she originally thought. A mix of satire and mockumentary, First Time Female Director had the material to succeed, but the irksome humor overshadows its important messaging.

]]> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:36:35 GMT https://screenrant.com/first-time-female-director-review/ School shootings continue to happen. It’s tragic, heartbreaking, and it often feels rather hopeless watching as things unfold, and the cycle of violence repeats. Far from being a film that capitalizes on the shock value of such a devastating event, The Graduates is an understated story that focuses on the aftermath — healing, mourning, and attempting to move forward are at the center of this character-driven narrative. Writer-director Hannah Peterson quietly and tenderly explores the complicated feelings at the center as grief and a sense of loss, and being lost, punctuate every scene. If there was ever a film to watch about mourning and learning to adjust to a new normal, it’s Peterson’s poignant masterpiece.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 20:14:48 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-graduates-review/ Director and screenwriter Roxine Helberg premiered her feature debut, Cold Copy, at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. Tracee Ellis Ross stars as Diane Heger, the cutthroat news reporter with an impressive track record of getting the truth from public figures. When an ambitious journalism student, Mia Scott (Bel Powley), desperately competes for her attention, it raises a lot of questions about friendly competition, ethics, and truth in reporting. Truth be told, Helberg’s debut contains a lot of the right sentiments, but never gives a proper message through her characters. Disappointingly, Cold Copy, while entertaining in delivery, struggles to say something meaningful about the media and the ugly truth behind journalism and narrative.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:03:43 GMT https://screenrant.com/cold-copy-review/ Being stuck in a hopeless situation, and a location that has no other human in sight for miles, can make someone desperate enough to take extreme action. Catching Dust, written and directed by Stuart Gatt, hinges on this premise. While it plays into certain expectations regarding characters and their relationships, the film is a desert drama brimming with tension that’s wound so tight it could snap at any moment. It plays its cards right for the most part, building suspense and creating intriguing character dynamics, even though its focus gets too caught up in the climactic ending more than anything else.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:19:08 GMT https://screenrant.com/catching-dust-review/ When it comes to small space settings in film, developing an engrossing story takes a bit more effort. Other Tribeca offerings, like You’ll Never Find Me, do this remarkably well. I.S.S. is certainly committed to its premise and excels at building tension; it’s an example of the ways in which suspense and conflict can be developed in the story and between characters. And while the plot is suspenseful and unsettling because it’s something that could happen, the film underwhelms when it comes to its dynamics and individual arcs, each character lacking a depth that would have elevated an otherwise solid thriller.

]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2023 16:23:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/iss-review/ Adapting Downtown Owl, the novel by Chuck Klosterman, co-directors Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater, who also wrote the screenplay, deliver a messy, aimless film. It has moments of intrigue that are quickly extinguished by the film’s attempts at doing too much. The film’s depiction of small town life in the early 80s is grim, but if it had centered on the ways in which its characters feel stuck it might have made up for everything else. The adaptation is a missed opportunity made up of scattered pieces with no clear vision.

]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2023 14:54:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/downtown-owl-review/ Maggie Moore(s) aims to please with a mixture of mystery, buddy cop humor and a sprinkle of romance. While most of the comedy never lands and is often half-baked, the film, directed by John Slattery from a screenplay by Paul Bernbaum, has a winning cast and a serviceable true crime premise that will at least keep you interested the whole way through, even if the ending rushes to tie up loose ends.

]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2023 14:32:42 GMT https://screenrant.com/maggie-moores-review/ Horror is such a versatile genre, and when it finds its sweet spot, it can be electrifying, emotional, and chilling in equal measure. You’ll Never Find Me is all of these things and more, and its ending will evoke such a visceral reaction of shock and awe. Directed by Josiah Allen and Indianna Bell (who also wrote the screenplay), You’ll Never Find Me is an intimate story, one that is carried by an intense ongoing exchange between two characters that will rattle your nerves and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:59:59 GMT https://screenrant.com/youll-never-find-me-review/ Written and directed by Olivia West Lloyd, Somewhere Quiet deals with the aftermath of a Final Girl’s survival. Sure, she may have lived through a traumatic event, but Lloyd’s film examines how that may have affected her. Could someone go back to a normal life after such a horrific experience? How did the experience shape them, and how does it impact their relationship with others? Somewhere Quiet attempts to answer some of these questions, though not in a way you might expect. Bolstered by a moving performance by Jennifer Kim, the film is a slow-burn, character-driven thriller that brings us to question what is real and what is imagined.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:27:11 GMT https://screenrant.com/somewhere-quiet-review/ Have you ever felt the need to yell at the screen while a character in a horror film decides to investigate some strange noise they’ve heard? Or how about after identifying that there’s a killer around, a group of friends decides to split up to increase their chances of survival? These tropes have consistently been used in the genre, but director Tim Story is here to kiss them goodbye in his latest horror comedy/satire The Blackening. Written by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins and based on the digital short film, this hilarious feature deconstructs the genre through a Black cultural lens while unpacking what “Blackness” in America truly means.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:45:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-blackening-review/ Fans of the beloved actor Michael Shannon, who most recently reprised his role as Zod in The Flash movie, understand him as a performer with a strong onscreen presence and even better emotional conviction. After a career of over 30 years, Shannon turns his talents towards directing. A long-time lover of stage plays, it’s not entirely shocking that his debut would be an adaptation of one. In his first feature film, he explores grief, guilt, and blame after a school shooting plagues a small town with turbulent sorrow. Eric LaRue is a devastating and emotionally gripping story enhanced by Shannon’s longtime experience with stage plays and Judy Greer’s perfect performance.

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 20:25:56 GMT https://screenrant.com/eric-larue-review/