Bobby LePire

Popular Theory is an amusing film with just enough heart to be more than a one-time watch.

Best Summer Ever wants to do so much at once that it never slows down to allow the more dramatic moments to sink in properly. But, as a showcase for the cast and crew, it works rather well. Most of the songs are good, the dancing is energetic and well-choreographed, and it has charm to spare.

I Get Knocked Down is lively and fun. It examines one of the odder songs to become a phenomenon with humor and surprising profundity. Plus, afterwards, you’ll have one helluva song stuck in your head.

Swallowed features great acting, especially from Malone, and a truly intense final act that must be seen to be believed.

Gateway isn’t the next new face of horror. But it is a visually dense fright fest with a solid cast. While it is a little long, Owens proves he has what it takes to succeed.

Brute 1976 is no X, but it is a solid if clichéd slasher. The cast is meh, with two exceptions, but the sheer amount of death and bloodshed provides a cathartic release. Then the ending happens, and the movie proves to have a shocking amount of staying power.

Thanks to a committed cast and an amusing screenplay that works more often than not. Reality Queen! proves to be a charming affair. Mix in the surprising amount of depth mined from the brilliant ending, and despite its issues, this mockumentary proves worth a watch.

The motion picture skates just above average, thanks to the well-done action and cinematography. The cast tries to overcome their underwritten parts but succeeds only some of the time. Grammer and Dauqin are very compelling, and fans of theirs will be pleased.

Interviewing prominent politic figures, business executives, teachers, and everyday citizens with big dreams, the documentary finds the humanity that unites all the globe.

Dead Ant is not quite the slam dunk it could be, based on its concept and cast. However, the faults don’t deter from the sheer fun and energy of the production. Combine that with the very game cast, led by a dynamic and lively Jake Busey, and you get a recipe for a good time.

Hero Mode might make some adult viewers roll their eyes or just groan with its misunderstanding of technology. But the screenplay offers up some genuine laughs along with a general sweetness making it great for viewers of all ages.

It is a documentary that shows the passion one entertainer has for one of the most iconic singers of all time. Davi’s drive to see it happen is what keeps the audience engaged, and the discovery of his singing voice is worth the time to watch the movie all on its own.

Halloween Party is not scary, and as a horror movie, that is a problem. But, the characters are engaging and fun, brought to life by a wonderful cast. And the directing and writing are excellent, so there’s a lot for eager audiences to take in. Just go in expecting an engaging mystery, not scares, and you’ll be fine.

The direction keeps things moving along nicely, while the cinematography makes the whole production look bigger and slicker than it would come across otherwise. Couple that with a decent script and two strong lead performances, and one gets a fine entry into the survival-thriller genre.

While Villains Inc. is overstuffed with ideas and story threads, it’s a fun and funny ride that’s worth your time. The cast, led by the ever-capable Everton, is a shining example of comedic talent. Each actor’s impeccable timing and seamless interaction with one another make for a delightful viewing experience.

The Resort takes a while to get to the good stuff, and the rhythm is interrupted every now and then. But the scares are effective, the cast does what they can with the material, and the cinematography is great. The island and the resort are captured well, and the strong reliance on setting does help smooth over some of the bumpier spots.

Voice Of Shadows takes a familiar premise and adds an original twist, creating a scary little mystery.

I loved the acting, the cinematography, and individual sequences work stunningly. The whole does not equal the sum of its parts.

Thanks to strong characters, a great cast, and one bonkers-in-the-best-way finale, the film is sure to please undiscerning fans that just want to have a bit of cool-looking fun for an evening.

Trauma Therapy: Psychosis is poorly paced, with the interview interjections feeling tacked on and forced in (they were). That’s too bad, as the rest of the film is a creepy and engaging thriller about what it takes to break someone.

Apocalypse Clown is a little too serious to work as a comedy, and a bit too comedic to work as drama. But the writers have paid attention to their narrative and have ensured that every plot strand comes together at the end. Plus, the cast, especially Palamides, is really terrific.

If you can see Run Tiger Run in its original Japanese language with subtitles, do so, as it will be an enjoyable time. If you can only see the dub, then note that there’s a lot to really like and appreciate, but the English voices are not one of those things. All in all, this is an exciting romp with good animation, only hampered by one poor element; unfortunately, that one thing is a big part of the film.

The direction is stylish, the soundtrack is excellent, and all the actors are phenomenal. Yet, the screenplay focuses on two of the most self-centered people I have seen in a long time. As such, it is difficult to truly enjoy the movie on the level it wants you to.

Levin has proven a great director with Union Bridge, sadly, the story he is telling needs work.

The biggest problem with I Will Make You Mine is that the stakes are so low, it is impossible to become entirely invested.

The leisurely directing allows the strong characters and their quirks to remain the focus throughout Deany Bean Is Dead. Coupled with Volk’s excellent lead performance and fun flourishes, the movie is never out and out hilarious, but it is an endearing, droll watch that will put you in a good mood.

Thanks to an impeccable cast and a more substantial, interesting second half, the movie is worth watching at least once.